 |
| The bus ride to Playa Belandra, one of Mexico's best beaches, passes through the desert along the coast of Baja north of La Paz. Although there's a bit of glare from the window, the view is fantastic! I forgot how much I enjoy being in the desert; having the ocean next to me is even better. This morning, before heading to Playa Belandra, about a 40-minute bus ride north of La Paz, I head to a nearby restaurant, Mucho Gusto (nice to meet you), to grab an early lunch. I chose a traditional Mole (Moh Lay, meaning sauce) dish. Emoladas are Chicken Mole enchiladas. Mole is a dark sauce with 20 to 30 different ingredients and a slightly smoky, chocolatey, nutty flavor. It is yummy.  The drive up to Playa Belandra is quite stunning. This is a beautiful part of Baja and Mexico.  Playa Belandra is situated in a shallow lagoon, giving the water a crystal clear appearance. Additionally, access to the beach is controlled, so the number of visitors is restricted. Further, it is one of the few beaches that remains underdeveloped. I was waffling between a hike today or going to the beach. I chose Belandra because it offers both. So, when I arrive, I climb up a short trail to get a better view of the lagoon. The tide is out, so the beautiful blue color gives way to a soft white sandy beach.  After enjoying the spectacular view, I hike down to the parking lot, take off my shoes, and make my way to the water. It is warm and refreshing.  |
I may way up a trail on the north side of the lagoon to explore the sister beach, Playa Shito, pictured below. In the distance is Isla Espirito Santo. There are several excursions available from La Paz. It is a great place to swim with Sea Lions while you snorkel. The marine life in this part of Mexico is incredible; it is frequently referred to as the World's Aquarium due to the diversity of species and opportunities.
Even with the tide out, the views are spectacular here.
When I returned at the end of the day, I ran into a young German who didn't have a chance to meet several days ago. Lukas stopped in La Paz before returning to La Ventana to kite surf. While eating tacos at the hostel, veggies, potatoes, and carne, I pick his brain on kite surfing here in Baja. "It is one of the most difficult places I have kite surfed in my 2 years of kite surfing. The wind is borderline too strong here," Lukas says. Then he told me he had to leave La Ventana for 4 days because he got injured while kite surfing and twisted his knee, landing an aerial trick. "I wouldn't want to learn how to kite surf here," he tells me. I also learn that renting equipment is quite reasonable. For 5 days, he could rent a board, kite, and harness for about $90 daily.
So with that news, Lukas confirms what I had already expected. I am better off spending my time and resources enjoying other activities.
Later, Emily, Alizée, and I discuss tomorrow's great weather and how it would be great to go snorkeling with a Whale Shark. La Paz is one of the few places where Whale Sharks congregate in numbers in the shallows. This is one thing that makes Baja unique this time of year. So, Emily agrees to book the excursion for the three of us; the cost is 1,100 Pesos ($58 USD).
This will be a great way to spend the day tomorrow before it gets cold! When in Mexico! A cold front is moving, and the weather is about to turn. La Paz is already windy, and it is supposed to get worse. Strong winds and 60 degrees are not something I came to experience in Baja. I've already been colder than usual here in La Paz. So Tuesday would be an excellent time to push on to Loreto, to a place that hopefully is less windy. In the meantime, I'll see what I can drum up for adventure up there. I already know further north is a great place to see and pet Grey Whales.
Comments
Post a Comment