Campo Las Encantadas 12/26/2015 part one.

[Mahigeer]

This was my second trip to Campo Las Encantadas, Baja, Mexico, by invitation of Mr. Makobob.
This trip turned out to be more of a travel venture than a fishing outing. Thus, let me get the fishing part out of the way.
I was able to fish for about (3) hours for one week of outing! And got skunked. Not keeping fish was ok, since I was not planning to bring back any fish.
I do wish though that I had more action.
My limited time on water was partly due to my own choosing, but mostly due to the foul weather we experienced.
I invite you to read this report about the outing and hope you can feel you are there with me.
We ate very well, had a great New Year’s party and consumed some adult beverages. We were cold at times, and enjoyed a warm sunshine too.
Got blown by strong wind and went through a sand storm.
What an adventure!!
Warning there are no fish pictures in this report.



Friday, Dec 25, 2015..Xmas day.
After spending the Xmas with my (23) months old grandson, I left my daughter’s house and headed to the Pechanga Casino on I-15 south.
I needed to “kill” some time until it was time to meet Bob at 5:00 AM at the Shell station in El Cajon.


Saturday, 12/26.
After topping the gas tank at the Shell station, I took a short nap until Bob and Buddha showed up. Shortly after Michael towing a (21’) trailer behind him arrived.
The convoy of three vehicles was on its way.
We left and met up with Frank at Arco in Calexico around 7:00 AM. The sun was already up and drive was mostly flat and straight. I had a little hard time keeping awake.
The border crossing was uneventful, even though I was questioned and vehicle was looked into. Frank who is from a Spanish background did some explanation
on my behalf and we were on our way. Since my FMM was already in effect, we just continued.

Bob in the head of the convoy followed by Michael, then yours truly and Frank in the rear looking out for me.

We stopped at the same place as last time in San Filipe for a meal and continued.
We encountered a fierce sand storm for a long time, until we got close to our destination.

1-When we got there this was the condition that greeted us.



2-I got stuck twice driving on soft sand even with deflated tires. A push by the crew helped me get out.

Last time I set up my tent on this pad, so I wanted to park next to it, but got stuck. Notice the new pillars for the future patio.
Later I got stuck again, and Bob pulled me out enough to drive to my final spot. I remained there the rest of the week. Picture #60.


3-The new steps were a big improvement.




4-This time I setup my new tent on this side of the “house”. It helped somewhat to be out of the wind, but not completely.



5-I took several pictures of this setup as a record of the temperature changes. 1:05 PM, 56 degrees.



6-Frank is pitching in and cleaning sand at the entrance ramp. Michael and Susie and Buddha in the back.
I setup my tent in the garage first, and then moved it to outside.



7-Meet Susie. A wolf that was a mellowest “dog” I have met.



8-Meet Niki. Rossman’s pooch. Interesting eyes.


The wind picked up and a strong sand storm started. I opted to sleep in the car. In the driver seat with no capability of reclining due to a full cargo area.
The storm was not as bad the rest of the week and I slept in my tent.




Sunday, 12/27.
9-In the morning I had this kind of condition in my tent.
It had rain fly on it, but due to the open panels on the top of the tent (even with screens), the sand storm brought in a lot of sand.



10-These pictures were taken to show the wind force and the surf condition.





We decided to check out the Gonzaga Bay and drove in Frank’s truck. This would be my first visit there in two trips.

11-There is a small airport in Gonzaga Bay. It sure beats driving for so many hours to get there.



12-We stopped to check the conditions and see the accumodations.



13-A nice place to stay if you can afford it. Here is the price schedual.



14-The motel manager (or maybe owner) speaks English.

Notice the exchange rate on the wall. “Su dolar vale”=15.00. Reservation information on the desk, above ^.


15-Nice kitchen and friendly staff.



16-Nice restaurant with a bar. There are couches to use while watching TV on the lower level.



17-Outside view of the motel.



18-Room interior. Very nice and clean.



19-This bedroom has A/C, which would have been great in October.



20-We enjoyed beverage sitting out in this patio.



21-A local artist was selling some of his work.




22-The owner of this converted Toyota Land Cruiser was kind enough to show us the vehicle. The back part was built by the owner.
It had a very reliable diesel engine.



23-We took along Susie with us.




We tried some surf fishing, but did not hook anything.
An angler who had come from Montana and was there for a while, told us about good fishing he had experienced.

The diving crew joined us for lunch at the restaurant. Some of us had delicious fish tacos with drinks which was very reasonable.


24-On the way back we stopped at a local store to make phone call to mainland. They had a landline. My cell phone did not work there.









25-Frank is preparing delicious dinner for the first night of the outing.



26-B.B.Q meat on coal fire……



27-…..then chopped finely.



28-The other ingredients to make a nice meal.





29-I tried to experience the roasting of chestnuts. You know from the song ….”chestnut roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping……”

It did not come out right. I have to try different method.