We left Rancho Santga Inez early and stopped at the first restaurant we saw. Abierto (open) 24 hours was apparently the name as that was the only markings I noticed out side, aside from the mandatory Tecate sign which indicates the presence of beer, and presumably food. We all had a good breakfast of huevos and chorizo with beans and tortillas.

My shadow













Afterwards we continued our mad mission across the desert, we were feeling the constraints of time and realizing we had given ourselves far to little time to enjoy Baja. We made it to Guarro Negro around noon, shopped at a poorly stocked Mercardo (there were flies everywhere swarming on spoiling meat and fruit, we must be getting into real mexico and away from the tourist traps now). I unsucsesfully attempted to get a Mextell sim card, all three stores we found were closed. We did manage to refuel gasolina and Tequilla, and were back on the road before 2pm. I think. We crossed a time zone and I'm still not sure what time it really is.

We decided to try to make it across the desert and camp on the coast at Santa Rosalia. We wound up breaking our don't drive after dark rule and didn't make it there until about 7pm. Once we found it (hard to do in the dark) we were greeted by a very friendly campground host. We made camp, found some free wood and enjoyed a great meal and fire.

The next morning we were able to get a free shower after which the campground hosts and another camper interigated us about our trip. They were very nice and offered many suggestions about Mexico and Baja. We made it back on the road by 11. Our prevous days marathon has gotten us within comfortable driving distance of La Paz, as we've decided theres no way we can get to Cabo we're back on schedule and can take it a little slower for the next couple days.

We had Lunch in Mulage, a neat little town in the hills. We then made our way to Puerto Escondido and found a spot to camp on 'Rattlesnake Beach'. Freen dispersed camping, there are several other people here that appear to be staying the whole winter. Many of them have boats and very well established camps.

Girls making dinner. Notice the bugnet on Cara's head.

Playa del Coyote, I believe.

 
I got to use 4wd with the donkey for the first time! We drove down to the end of the beach. Donkey and his new shoes worked well, the only time it was a little iffy was before I engaged 4wd.

Makeshift trash holder thingie.



We had dinner by the light of a 'beach' fire, our first official driftwood fire. It was pretty great.