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East Cape scene Dear Friends, Our thoughts and prayers are to all of our friends and America for the terrible tragedy that overwhelmed the entire world last month. I want to thank all of our friends that one way or another has let us know their concern about Hurricane Juliette's effects in our area. I have constantly been speaking with Esaul, since Saturday (with Monday as an exception). The storm was coming too slowly and it gave us enough time to get everything ready here at the resort and also to prevent our collaborators. This gave all of us the opportunity to have everything safe. We are always prepared for this time of year in different ways to be ready for a contingency like this: We have larger amount of diesel, food sources and we are ok with water source with our well. Since roads most likely would be closed, we need to be self-sufficient for what may happen. Also we do not have all the boats in the water, and all of those in the water, have their trailers at hand to be immediately taken out, together with two tractors that help us if needed. This time, it paid off: We had electricity for our generator with enough fuel. We have been working normally in the hotel with enough energy for air-conditioned rooms and of course for the food supply. We even sent some guests by boat back to Palmilla (past San Jose) so they could get back to the airport on time. We had boat fishing on Monday and today. At this time, we have a group of 30 guests arriving to the hotel, and as the road is closed we are taking them down to La Ribera where we will lounge them to their last part of their road trip, back to our dock in front of the Hotel. Most likely the road will be open tomorrow for non-four wheelers cars, for as these were the only cars going through. Tomorrow everything should be back to almost normal (with the detours in way, it might take about 1 hour to get to the resort, instead of the 45 minutes it normally does). My mom told me that the garden is looking even more beautiful, because the rain cleaned all of the plants more than normally. Everyone was back at the resort and with a lot of work to be done, it was more about getting back everything to its normal condition, and thanks to all of our people, we were able to get back on our feet quite fast. The beach is nice and clean, the swimming pool is in perfect conditions, and the boats are back fishing. Hurricane Juliette acted like no other hurricane before, since it was stationary once it hit land. This created two-three days of a lot of rain (they say that the rain that we had in these two days, it is equal to what we normally have in 3 whole years). The rain created great trouble for highway 1, from Los Cabos to La Paz (both ways) specially; and to the airports that were close for few days, they restored the flights two days ago. The Cabo area, according to my Dad, all of the major hotels are functional, the road has been re-opened and most of San Jose has electricity by now. In Cabo San Lucas it is going a little slower, but they should be back to normal now that the sources are coming in to La Paz. Phones are working on a 30% capacity; therefore there has not been a steady communication down south. La Paz had electricity and the report shows that water is a little scarce. But the hotels are working almost 100%. Even though, our state is not used to this much rain, our philosophy toward hurricanes is, and we are thankful to God that the losses of lives were minimal, (one) and it was caused by imprudent behavior. The material damages can always be recovered, but unfortunately, not life. We are really looking forward for the month of October, we strongly believe that this month is going to be one of the best fishing months in a long time; "it should be a month to remember among months". We ask that you take in consideration a trip to the area during the remaining of the year. Due to the tragic incidents during the past month and to this natural disaster, I am almost sure most of the hotels will have rooms available. But I am more certain that your visit will help our whole community get back to its feet. Despite the terrible damages that came with this hurricane, and those of September this remains a wonderful and peaceful place and its people stand out for their warmth and friendliness. We really hope to see you soon. Sincerely, Axel Valdez Hotel Buenavista Beach Resort New East Cape Visitor Information Center will soon to be open on the main road entering Los Barriles between the Plaza Del Pueblo and Amigos ATV Rental. Not only will the VIC be a welcome addition to the tourists, but to the business community and the local residents as well. Offering different levels of participation for business owners, VIC can be their showcase to make first time visitor, repeat visitor or part-time resident aware of the services they offer. Conceived and owned by long time residents, Gary and Yvonne Graham, this new service will be available October 1, 2000. English speaking, trained employees will staff the office seven days a week from 2:00 - 6:00 P.M. The Visitor Information Center will provide a central place for tourists and residents to gather information on the services and activities that are available in the East Cape area from our courteous, knowledgeable staff who are eager to greet visitors and answer their questions. VIC is not just another typical Baja Information Center designed to sell something. VIC is designed to provide quality information to the visitor. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER; TELEPHONE 114-1-03-74; Located on Calle Principal between Plaza del Pueblo and ATV Rental. |
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Introduction:
For a spectacular photo of the East Cape from space...CLICK HERE!
CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP: Cabo Pulmo offers excellent snorkeling, especially in the morning. After a fun-filled underwater adventure, lunch at Tito's or Nancy's is the perfect way to satisfy those hunger pangs. But remember, this is manana country. Your meal may not be served with the expediency of that Denny's back home. Relax, there's no hurry. You're in paradise! R.V.'s are increasingly common along the East Cape as the government continues to regularly maintain the graded road. Even still, this is a very slow journey in an R.V., and down right impossible (and impassable!) after heavy rains. It's a good idea to ask around in San Jose Del Cabo as to the current condition of the road. Fishing - Boating, The waters off the East Cape are full of fish, however most of the organized fishing facilities are located at the very north end, in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area. Surf fishing can be productive along the many sandy beaches. Towing a small boat along the East Cape road is possible, but not common. The road can be tough enough to negotiate in a regular vehicle, and towing a boat is that much more of a challenge. For those who do bring boats, they can be launched across the sand at Cabo Pulmo. For more good information on East Cape fishing, check out EAST CAPE FISHING WEB. For a fun fishing experience, why not try a fly fishing adventure in Baja? For more information, check out the web site of the East Cape fly fishing experts, BAJA FLYCASTERS. For excellent updated information on East Cape fishing action, check out the web site of EAST CAPE SMOKEY'S REEL SCOOP. Lots of good information! Hotels - Lodging, There are very nice hotels on the East Cape, most of them are located in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area at the north end of the cape. There are also a few accommodations that are located south of the Buena Vista area . Restaurants - Bars For decades the only place to eat and drink on the East Cape was at the hotels on the north end. And the north end still holds the edge on good dining in these parts. However, with the Los Cabos crowds sneaking up from the south for a peak at paradise, a few more options are becoming available. For a fun article on keeping the pooch happy at the dinner table in Baja, check out this article from the BIG SOMBRERO web site titled DOG SOUP! Shopping Shopping is 'nada mucho' on most of the East Cape. Baja travelers headed in this direction should pick up basic supplies in San Jose del Cabo when coming in from the south, or in Buena Vista when dropping down from the north. EAST CAPE RANCHOS The lack of a decent road has kept the crowds away from the East Cape for many years, and to some extent, continues to do so today. However, as tourism continues to heat up in the Los Cabos area, more and more Baja travelers are venturing off of the beaten path to escape the crowds, and heading up towards the East Cape for a look. Many visitors are surprised to find that there are still a handful of Mexican families that continue to live out here on their ranchos much as their ancestors have for many generations. These folks lead very simple lives, have no running water or electricity, and most of what they live on still comes from the land and the sea. They are a very gracious and appreciative people. Unfortunately, it looks like their days may be numbered. At some point the East Cape road will be completely paved. When that happens, all hell is going to break loose on the East Cape development scene. It is unlikely that these warm and friendly people will survive the onslaught of future growth. If they disappear, so will a very special element of East Cape history. As you journey along the East Cape road, take note of these small ranches and their people. Smile and wave, say "Hola!". They may not be there next time you come through. Recreation,Like much of coastal Baja, many of the recreational activities on the East Cape take place on or near the water. Access to the mountains west of the coastal road is limited by a lack of access roads, so the vast majority of East Cape activities takes place between the coastal road and the Sea of Cortez. BIKES The coastal road that wraps around the East Cape is relatively flat, although there are sections where it traverses through hills and passes where some inclines will challenge the lower gears of most mountain bikes. The Sea of Cortez is visible along most of this road, and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop on the west side. Water and basic services are available in Los Frailes and Cabo Pulmo. Depending on how recently the road has been graded, it can be pretty smooth or the ultimate washboard experience DIVING Good snorkeling can be found north of Cabo Pulmo at Punta Bickel (just north of the house with the round roof), and along the cliffs at Los Frailes further south. Cabo Pulmo offers some of the best snorkeling in Baja, as well as some excellent diving opportunities! The area consists of eight fingers of coral reef, some more than a mile long, and starting just off shore. The Inner Pulmo Reefs are great for beginning and advanced snorkelers, and experienced divers will enjoy Outer Pulmo Reefs, accessible by boat. All reefs offer beautiful coral, and a multitude of fish and sealife. See 'Miscellaneous' below for more information on Cabo Pulmo. KAYAKING Because
much of the East Cape is 'tucked in' and protected from most of the swells
from the Pacific Ocean, the majority of the coastline tends to be relatively
calm, and perfect for kayaking! Scenery alternates from beautiful sandy
beaches, to occasional rocky bluffs, and the water tends to be very clear
most of the year. There are many places to put in, and just as many places
to beach the kayak for a relaxing break. Launching at Cabo Pulmo and paddling
to Los Frailes is a wonderful one day excursion, and limited supplies are
available at both locations. PUNTA ARENA Towards the north end of the East Cape, just before Punta Colorada. A good left break when a strorm swell pumps up from the south. Otherwise flat. SHIPWRECKS About 10 miles up from San Jose Del Cabo on the dirt road, a long beautiful beach. A fun right break, picks up most any south-southwest swell, almost always breaking. PUNTA GORDA A few miles up the coastal dirt road from La Playita, not far from San Jose. Not as consistent as Shipwrecks, but a fun ride when there is a definite swell in. Realestate, The East Cape real estate market is gaining momentum, starting just outside of San Jose Del Cabo, and heading north east up the cape towards Buena Vista. The further away the properties are from the paved highway, the cheaper the prices tend to be. The lay of the land in the East Cape lends development more towards single family homes, and most of what is being built is either ocean front, or between the ocean and the coastal road. Transportation: Mass transit has yet to hit the East Cape. And nobody seems to be in too big of a hurry to change that. Almost everyone visiting the area arrives via the coast dirt road, although there is another dirt road that cuts through the mountains from Highway One, 1.5 miles south of the Los Cabos airport. No taxis, no buses (except for the occasional Green Tortuga full of Dead-heads), no nada. Flying in or boating in are the only other ways to get here. Be sure to get gas in Buena Vista or La Ribera before dropping in from the north, or in San Jose del Cabo before coming up from the south. AIRSTRIPS Most of the hotels in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area have decent airstrips (See Buena Vista). South of Buena Vista, there are 3 additional places to park the bird. HARBOR The large sweeping bay in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area is a good place to drop the hook when conditions are nice, but when the wind pick up, most sailors prefer the natural harbor at Bahia Los Frailes. It is very well protected from the prevailing winds, provides more than enough draft for even the largest boats, and there are a few restaurants in the village of Cabo Pulmo to put the galley on hold for a meal or two. Bahia Los Frailes also makes a great sailing destination, coming from either Cabo on the south, or from La Paz to the north. |
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