The Bounty of Baja: Wine, Food & Local Life in the Guadalupe Valley, April 9-15, 2024

I caught a cab at 5:00am on April 9, 2024 to Portland International Airport (PDX).  I had a flight from PDX to San Francisco ((SFO) and then on to San Diego (SAN), arriving about 12:45pm.  I caught an Uber ride to the Courtyard by Marriott. 

Wednesday, April 10 - After a good night's sleep I got a fruit yogurt cup for breakfast.  I caught a Lyft to the San Diego Natural History Museum at 9:45am.  I saw the films "Shark Kingdom" and "Ocean Oasis".  I was fascinated by the Baja Exhibit.  I caught a Lyft back to the hotel at 3:00pm.  During a conversation before the meeting/dinner with Kathy M. (NY) it turned out we knew the same Geocacher - Kit.  I met Kit in May 2016 at the rim of the Grand Canyon and Kathy met Kit during a trip in Europe. It's truly a Small, Small World!  Orientation session took place at 5:00pm followed by Welcome Dinner. I watched "Survivor" and "Amazing Race" in my hotel room. I got a good night's sleep for the day ahead.

On Thursday, April 11 we ate breakfast, checked out of the hotel, and began our journey south through the most-crossed border in the world, separating the United States and Mexico at San Ysidro.  Our first stop in Mexico was La Caja Gallery.  We had lunch at Caesar's Restaurant in Tijuana, featuring the renowned Caesar Salad.  Way too much salad dressing. The drive south in the afternoon offered magnificent vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival we checked in to our oceanfront Las Rosas Hotel in Ensenada. I had Room 311 with a balcony ocean view.  We rode to the La Contra wine bar.  Lecture on wine appreciation.  We had dinner at Boules Restaurant. 

After breakfast on Friday, April 12, we spent the day learning about Guadalupe Valley in the heart of wine country.  Amid rolling hills and huge round granite boulders, wineries range from simple working and mid-sized establishments to large commercial producers, often displaying striking architecture.  We visited the Finca La Carrodilla Winery. At Las Nubes winery we had light snacks while tasting wines for lunch due to the early dinner event.  We rode on to Clos de Tres Cantos winery.  Dinner at Finca Altozano Restaurant.  Returned to the hotel.

After a quick breakfast on Saturday, April 13, I met my guide to La Buradora, Dali in front of the hotel.  La Bufadora is the largest sea geyser in North America and the second largest marine geyser in the world (the largest is located at Halona Point on the island of Oahu, Hawaii). Located in the Punta Banda Peninsula about 17 miles south of Ensenada, La Bufadora shoots water out of a partially submerged sea cavern more than 100 feet in the air. A loud roar accompanies the spray. I saw rainbows in the water sprays.  I was there at Low Tide.  High tide is the best time to visit.  Walking back to the car, venders were offering treats such as churros.  I bought a stick of cactus candy. I was able to get a ride in a wheelchair partway back to the car. 

We continued to the Santo Tomas Valley.  I said my Thanks and Goodbye to Dali.  I joined the group on a Wagon Ride through the vineyards at the Santo Tomas winery.  We had lunch at Acambaro Restaurant.   We returned to the hotel for free time.  I had planned to host a Geocaching Event at nearby Starbucks but no cacher said they Will Attend so I cancelled the Event.  We drove to a cooking class.  Dinner. 

Sunday, April 14, following breakfast we rode to the studio of De La Torre artists in the Guadalupe Valley.  We continued the exploration of Guadalope Valley.  We visited Tres Mujeres, a lovely artisan establishment run by three women, one of whom is a ceramist.  Lunch at the winery outdoor patio under the pines.  Back at hotel for a rest.  Farewell Dinner at Ophelia's Restaurant.  The group met back at the hotel for a glass of wine but I was just too exhausted.   I just wanted a hot shower and a good night's sleep!

Monday, April 15 - We departed Ensenada by motor coach at 8:00am following breakfast.  We rode to the Mexico-U.S. border.  Crossing back into San Diego we rode to the San Diego Airport arriving about 12:00 Noon.   I was dropped off quite away from United counter but was able to get a wheelchair ride.   After checking in for my 4:30pm flight. I went to the United Club Travel Lounge.  I had lunch: Caprese Italian Sandwich, Pasta, and absolutely delicious cheesecake.  I found a quiet corner with a view and rested until flight time. I arrived at PDX airport about 9:15pm (via SFO), got my luggage and took a Lyft home.