I made two trips south in June. There is construction on Mex 5 near Laguna Salada, lots of fresh tar and loose gravel.

The last 20 miles to Puertecitos still ROCKS. The pot holes are growing.

The road work through Mexicali to the "Garita Oriente" crossing has been completed.

There is some work being done at the turn-off to Aveneida Teran from Tecate/TJ.

The road south from Puertecitos has been graded almost to Black Mountain. What a difference!!

The weather was great over June 20th. Not much fishing news and everyone had pretty much left for the season.

Over the 27th it felt like someone had lit the oven. Temperatures in Mexicali were hovering at 120 degrees and San Felipe registered at 110 when we drove through at 2pm.

There was no gas during April or June while I was in Puertecitos.

There is a charge at the gate for non-residents who want to go to the hot pools, use the boat ramp, etc.

We celebrated June birthdays at the Cowpatty on the 28th of June. The last day for the season was the 29th. Thanks to everyone for a great season. Thanks to all of you who contributed the "real cowpattys" for decoration. However, in consideration of our guests dining experience they will be moved.

Richard will re-open in September. Watch the website for exact dates.

The Wash Tub Laundry in San Felipe will observe summer hours Jul-Sept. Closed Wed-Thurs and Sundays. Juanita is trying to bring a dry cleaning service in by fall.

A new AM/PM is open at the PEMEX by the old airport.

Be sure to check out the website for more info and photos . . .

Happy New Year!! I have not been south since November but I have reports that the road is pretty much unchanged. I have driven to Tecate and Ensenada and there is some constructions on the road from Tecate to the toll road and it can be a little confusing at night.

I'm sad to report the death of our good friend Ken Holsinger. Sincere sympathy to his family and friends, he will be missed very much.

Best wishes to Carol and Lynn Butler on their 50th wedding anniversary. A surprise party was hosted by the Marschkes'.

The Cowpatty had a fire in the trailer behind the bar . . . no one was hurt and it served as a good reminder to be careful when using candles for light.

I've been getting lots of reports of neighbors headed south in February . . . I'll be headed south myself and promise to give a timely report when I return. Be sure to check out the photos on the Cowpatty website if you haven't already.

Watch for my February Report!!!

See you in Mexico!!!

Not much to report about the road. The last 40 km from San Felipe to Puertecitos is still terrible.

I finally published the Official Cowpatty Website in September. It's been a long time coming and two computers later!! I hope to keep it fun and informational so take a look and let me know what you think! I'm just back from a meeting in Ensenada and what gorgeous weather they are having!! The drive is still one of the most scenic coastline views I've seen.

Best wishes to Bill Lynch who is recovering from his recent illness. Bill and Suzanne were scheduled to be back in Puertecitos the first week of November. Welcome back!! Our sincere condolences go out to Suzanne whose mother passed away this summer.

Happy Birthdays in September and October for Richard, Wes, Prem, Jay Krueger, Annette D and Cesar. Best wishes to all who celebrated another year of enjoying our little place in paradise.

Cinco de Cowpatty was a great place to be. There was standing room only for carne asada tacos, great side dishes and lots of fun. It was a nice opening and good opportunity to see lots of south campo's amigos and some new friends as well. Welcome Back.

Rumor control-Richard and Guillermo are not secretly making a sequel to the Grumpy Old Men movies. In spite of their differences the business is still intact and everyone is working to keep it a nice place to relax and have a cold one. We only have one life so we might as well enjoy what we have!

Reports are that the annual Halloween party was a great success as usual. Thanks to all those dedicated folks who make a lot of kids (and parents) happy each year.

Mike and Margie Jones are working hard to get ready for the Baja 1000 race-they are racing 2 cars this year. Where do they get all that energy!!!

Lots of folks are in town and there are plenty of festivities. The anticipation of the Baja 1000 race coming through town (over the top road) has everyone planning where they will watch the race. The Cowpatty is trying to get permission to remain open late for those avid race fans that like to see the racers come through in the night (like me). We expect the trophy trucks to start coming through about 4pm.

The runway is OPEN at Puertecitos. Some of our pilot buddies had to bypass Puertecitos and stay in Gonzaga (oh darn) because the runway was closed. While Alfonsina is a perfect hostess we need our flying friends to be able to access the runway. Clara has assured us that the runway is open. It seems that the fees have lightened up a bit so we hope to see our aviators start making a come back to our little village. Please remember (it's been awhile) that the aircraft will often make a low pass over the runway before landing in the interest of safety-I know it's been a long time since we have had much air traffic but Baja pilots are some of the best I've flown with and make safety a priority. This practice also alerts residents to stay clear of the runway!!!

I am getting conflicting reports about gasoline so I would play it safe and assume there isn't any.

Welcome to our new neighbor to the North, Kathy. She bought Bill and Juanita Kalish's house in Colorodito and definitely has the great Baja attitude. Welcome Kathy!

Sincere condolences to the families of Fred Millard and Mike Brown who passed away recently. They will be missed.

Our hearts and thoughts are with Sara and her family as they mourn the unexpected loss of her baby.

Had a quiet crossing at 6:00 AM Friday, August 2 at Tecate. The toll road was in excellent condition to Mexicali. There is some road resurfacing between San Felipe and Mexicali. The new pavement has made it to km 34 from San Felipe to Puertecitos. It's kind of hard to see the "vados" when you are able to cruise at a higher speed, so caution is the word. The remaining 40 km are miserable as always. The military seems to be inspecting the cars a little more thoroughly. Very professional and pleasant.

Sr. Richard joined me on this trip, as well as Mari from Tecate. We had a nice time in San Felipe and got to visit with Arnoldo at the Mira Mar for a couple of hours. He said that summer has been very slow in San Felipe.

Also checked in with Juanita and Bill Kalish at the "Wash Tub". She is open this summer with Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday closed. They are looking forward to the fall season starting!

Stopped by and said hello to Denver Diane who is doing well and surviving the summer quite nicely. Always a pleasure to see Diane.

I enjoy spending a few days in Puertecitos in the dead of summer. There are very few people around and it is an amazing place of solitude and beauty. The heat was pretty intense and I must admit I had to duck under the air conditioner one night to get some sleep.

Sr. Goyo and Pancho were attending to the Conasupo. He shared the good news that Sara was married a few weeks ago. Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy marriage Sara!

Cesar is looking slim and trim . . . he and his family are doing fine.

Feliz Cumpleaños for Josefina (Benjamin's wife) who turned 40 last week. A grand fiesta with ceviche and music was enjoyed by family and friends. Congrats also to Ben for his new permit!

Anita and Alfredo are off visiting relatives to escape the heat.

Ms. Clara was in town and busy attending to various projects.

The government has provided building materials for some new houses!

Panama, as always, has a number of things going on. He did make time to get my hard drive installed so I now have my "real computer" back. Ms. Prem is enjoying summer on her point overlooking the bay--the cool breeze always seems to be there. Dona Julia (Speedys) was still able to find a few cold ones for her parched visitors.

Ms Clara has a worker patching and filling the road south from Puertecitos. It's made quite a difference!

Unfortunately, Richard had his garage broken into and a utility trailer stolen. The police took the report and info. There have been a couple other break-ins north of town.

Bahia Cristina is closed until September. Ricky and Cecilia and kids are going to take a well-deserved vacation in the mountains.

Best wishes to Modesta for a speedy recovery. She had surgery in June and everything is going well for her. Look forward to seeing her in September.

Get well wishes to Billy Lynch who is in the VA hospital in San Diego.

It must be the summer for repairs! My mom is recovering from surgery as well as a new pacemaker. She gave us a scare but pulled through just fine after two weeks in the hospital.

Marci and I spent ten days in the mountains above Ogden, Utah. She made her second tandem parachute jump and pulled her own rip cord. It was a pretty exciting!!

Hope everyone is having a really nice summer.

This report is a little late because I've been busy having fun with visitors and spending time with my daughter Shauna and her family who will be moving back to Virginia soon. I have a busy June schedule so look for the next report late July.

Mr. Brown joined me on this trip and was a pleasant traveling companion. His lovely bride decided to enjoy the weekend haunting the San Diego antique stores. We crossed at Tecate. My used computer parts drew some scrutiny, however, the dollar value was within the allowable limit and we passed without any problem. The toll road is in great condition and we had no problems. The road from San Felipe to Puertecitos is still slow and rough after the first 20 miles.

Stopped by to see Lolita Parsons in El Vergel to drop off my immigration paperwork. Lolita is very efficient in getting the paperwork processed for the FM-3. El Vergel was busy planning for the big Fire Department fund raiser.

Puertecitos was quiet. The weather was perfect. Lots of boating and jet skiing being enjoyed.

The Cowpatty had a thirsty beer thief drop through the roof. Where there is a will there is a way and it appears the culprit has gotten away with about 400 beers over the past year (four at a time). He or she was particular, however, and took cold ones. The delegado took the report and the perpetrator is still unidentified.

Bahia Cristina had a big Mother's Day and birthday celebration. Mother's Day is always a big celebration.

The Orosco family hosted a Mother's Day brunch with many raffle prizes given out to lucky winners.

The Evans family had their lovely niece, Karen, and her friend Jan from England as guests. They enjoyed jet skiing, a nice boat trip to see the dolphins and lots of socializing with the locals. We hope "Foxy and Sexy" return again soon!

The Deneweth's hosted a scrumptious barbeque with lots of friendly company. I still marvel at the magnificent view from their porch.

Thanks to the Eco4wd group (Harry Lewelleyn) for making the Cowpatty a stop on their San Felipe run. Their was a special fish taco dinner prepared by Chef Lino that everyone enjoyed.

Tom (from Campo Serena) and his family and friends were in town enjoying the surf and sand.

It was nice to hear that Mark Werle made it to Puertecitos. We hope he can return again soon and bring Mom along.

Best wishes to Bernie Gallant....we wish him a speedy recovery from his recent illness.

Bill and Margie report: "They have been catchin' Yellowtail, Corvina, Gold and Red Snapper, lots of Bass, and even some White Sea Bass are now being caught."

We stopped by the new "WASH TUB" in San Felipe. Juanita and Bill are doing great and providing great service. Summer hours will start around mid-June with Wednesday and Thursday being closed.

Emilio announced his restaurant was closed.

Chili lady reports that her Mom is turning 100 in July. Congratulations!!!

Signs are posted in San Felipe announcing the new 15% sales tax on everything.

Crossed at Mexicali around noon with no hold-ups. The road to San Felipe is in good condition and the checkpoint stops were mostly wave-throughs.

San Felipe was on the down-side of the spring break crowd. Lots of Mexicanos in town for vacation. Store shelves were very depleted.

The road to Puertecitos is fine up to Percebu. There are some radical pot holes along the way so be careful and go slow.

The road south from Puertecitos is rough and washboard . . . a comment from an Huerfentio resident, Bill, follows:

The road south from Puertecitos to ElHue is no worse . . . No Better . . . about 1.25 hours. Gonzaga was not any better . . . As you reported the fishing was slow . . . the annual fisherman (locals) were just arriving.

There was gasoline in Puertecitos over Spring Break but none over the 6th.

Bud Coleman was in town for a quick visit. Reports were that Jeri is recuperating in Escondido. We all wish her a speedy and complete recovery.

The Browns were in town with daughters and families for a nice vacation. It was nice to hear Bullman on the radio. Corky's kids were in town for a week and really broke the fun barrier. Always nice to see Lora, Gary and family.

Panama Jay received a nice thank you gift from some South African travelers he helped get repaired and on the road. I have him working on computers again so he may be scarce.

Congratulations to Juanita and Bill Kalish on their fantastic new laundry business in San Felipe -- The Wash Tub. It's on the south end of town behind the "Net", before you get to the El Cortez.

The town was buzzing with news that Richard (Cowpatty) was in jail. Just for rumor control I'm submitting the following:

Richard was detained in San Felipe for two nights while the California Highway Patrol, in cooperation with the Mexican government, investigated a water truck that been left in Campo Serena by Americans in Percebu. Apparently the water truck was reported stolen in the U.S.

Once it was determined that Richard had no knowledge that the truck was stolen and no complicity in the crime, he was released. End of story. Many thanks to everyone who helped out during a stressful situation. Bill especially went the extra mile.

Moral of story: Don't have anything on your property that you don't have paperwork to prove it belongs to you. Know the laws governing vehicles in Mexico. Four stolen vehicles were located in the area. Richard was the only person to be detained as well as the only American.

There is some concern that there is not enough of a variety of food being served in the Cowpatty. Although there is nothing specifically written as to what must be served at a loncheria, Licensio Palacios advised that the menu must include more than hot dogs. So a new menu has been created and you can look forward to more good stuff at the Cowpatty. (remember you must eat to get the cerveza fria!!) You can still get a cold brew at Emilios (Junta Mejor) and beer and drinks as well as food at Bahia Cristina. Unfortunately, Marias and Speedy's can't serve beer. I don't have updated information regarding the restaurant at Puertecitos but it is generally open on weekends and holidays with food, beer and wine.

The new delegado is from Ensenada. I spoke directly with his boss in Ensenada, Licencio Palacios, and look forward to meeting with the new delegado in the near future. I will report after the next trip with names, new officers, etc.. Be advised that there are citations being issued for driving on the beach, and excess speed in town.

If you have any questions I would address them specifically to the delegation.

It was reported that Chino has relocated to live in the United States. Good Luck Chino!!

Should have another report mid-May.

No waiting at the border crossing at Tecate. The toll road is in great condition to Mexicali. There is some repair work going on from Mexicali to San Felipe, but no delays. I crossed back to the US via Tecate on Sunday at 3 PM with only a 10 minute wait.

The road continues to deteriorate past El Vergel. No changes reported on the road south of Puertecitos. Semana Santa is coming, please drive safely.

Sawman and Foxita report cold breezes (10-15 mph) on the 14th of March. Fishing has been slow the past 2 to 3 weeks. Some reports of yellowtail at the islands, but nothing to shout about. Muchas gracias for the email from San Felipe!!

Bill from Huerfenito has access to 140 student desks and some teacher's desk if anyone has ideas about how to get them from point A (Newhall area) to point B (Puertecitos, South Campos,????). Email me directly if you have any ideas.

Enjoyed visiting the Osuna's at Bahia Cristina - they hosted a special celebration for Cecilia's birthday. There was live music and lots of wonderful food.

Enjoyed seeing the progress of home improvements at Russ and Maryanne's house. They had Maryanne's sister and husband and kids visiting and enjoying the temperate weather.

Sorry to hear about Jeri Coleman's recent health problems. We wish her a speedy recovery and send our prayers.

Panama Jay has again performed miracles on repairing computers. My eternal gratefulness for his amazing ability to fix anything and everything.

The Deneweth's are enjoying their new place in the desert. We look for the return to Puertecitos later this month. Congratulations!

Mari Amador (daughter of Willie and Lupe) was surprised with an engagement ring on New Year's Day. She and Jose will be married this spring. She has finished her school and is ready to start her advanced studies - hopefully in the United States!

The Cowpatty has started holding Sunday brunch. Sounds like it's been a fun time, can't wait to get there later this month!

Juanita and Bill Kalish are busy with the opening of their Laundromat in San Felipe. Will try to get more info on my next trip at the end of the month.

Here are some aerial photos (November 2000) of the Puertecitos area and several places to the south. Click on a small image to bring up a larger version of that photo.

(18K JPEG Photo) Puertecitos (24K JPEG Photo) Punta Buffeo (18K JPEG Photo) North of San Luis Gonzaga (18K JPEG Photo) San Luis Gonzaga (21K JPEG Photo) Alfonsina's / Rancho Grande (19K JPEG Photo) South of Black Mountain (22K JPEG Photo) Onyx Mine

Here are a few photos from Puertecitos and Bahia Cristina (March 2002). Click on a small image to bring up a larger version of that photo.

(16K JPEG Photo) The Cowpatty (16K JPEG Photo) Bahia Cristina (14K JPEG Photo) Campground - Bahia Cristina (12K JPEG Photo) Restaurant - Bahia Cristina

These links connect to archived reports from Patti:

2001

2000