November 24, 2013–We arrived yesterday after a short but scenic drive from Rancho Verde at km 142 on Hwy 1. After we got set up I took the group to the Glass Blown Factory, they always have such a great selection and their prices are very reasonable. Unfortunately no cruise ships were in so the artists were not at work; however this is still a good stop. After we ventured thru the streets of Cabo and toured the port entrance returning along the main drag, sure not many tourists around. We stopped in a Vagabundos Restaurant to see Peter and Joe, sad to see the old RV Park evolving into a commercial development, oh well I guess that is progress. Our final stop of the today’s excursion was the Mona Lisa and the very scenic overview of El Arco. Later Lisa and I, Dom & Diane, Peter and Geraldine got together with are friends Rick & Veronica who live in Cabo. After dinner we returned to their house they have recently finished building, what a location and design, simply gorgeous.
A week ago we were in Loreto, our trip to San Javier made even more exciting with all the road damage from the last tropical storm a month ago. They only recently completed the pavement to the gates of San Javier and since a couple of hurricanes and this latest storm; there is considerable damage once again to this poor roadway. It is still better then used to be with no pavement and folks were quite amazed at how much water was on top of the mountain, after we had lunch at Del Borracho. We also had a great time at the Giggling Dolphin, Ubaldo and his staff continue to do a wonderful job and the musicians as talented as ever.
After a short stop in Ciudad Constitucion we were off to Tecolote, everyone enjoyed the beach, warm tropical breezes, warm seas and long walks on the beach. Lots to eat at the Pot Luck and we have made many new fans of our office chairs we use on the beach (the floating ones). Joe took the tour to the nearby island and swam with the Sea lions, this is always a favourite for those that go. I did manage to get in some SUP time, although a slight breeze did make it a bit more challenging.
From Tecolote we headed south for our usual stop in El Triunfo, lunch was terrific and many of the gang got a concert at the music museum. Good to see this little town continues to develop. Out stay at Rancho Verde included a couple of evening with a campfire courtesy of Hank & Marty, we even had Smores! We also went on a short hike to Del & Donna’s place, their casita has come a long way, really a lovely spot. One day we hope to be their neighbour!
Today we are off to the beach (Santa Maria) and then Vags for dinner.
Did you know?
The west end of Cabo San Lucas Bay abounds with rock formations, but none can match the grandeur of El Arco. Known in English as The Arch, El Arco is located at Land’s End in Cabo, and this spectacular landmark is one of the iconic symbols of the area. It is often pictured on postcards and souvenirs that depict the Baja Peninsula. El Arco Cabo San Lucas is a 200-foot granite rock situated at the tip of the Land’s End peninsula. A major landmark, El Arco Mexico attracts hundreds of tourists who come to see its spectacular natural shape, which was carved by the strong ocean currents. Historically, the Arch was used as a hiding place by pirates, who would ambush and plunder merchant ships heading toward the west coast. Today, this unique landmark instead draws numerous cruises and mini boats filled with tourists looking for photo opportunities.
If you take a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas harbor to Land’s End, you will see an array towering rock formations, including the arch. The series of rugged rocks in the Pacific, which reaches Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, is known by the locals as the Finisterra. El Arco Cabo San Lucas is distinct from other rock formations, however, because of its unique arch shape. There are several formations worth seeing between the Arch and Playa del Amor, a popular honeymoon destination, including two huge rock islets. Known popularly as Los Frailes (The Friars), these rock islets look like hooded monks and are known to be a favorite hub of sea lions. Other rock formations near Land’s End in Cabo include Roca Pelicanos (Pelican Rock), a smaller rocky outcrop located off the northeast side of the cape. The base of this rocky outcrop is home to a rich array of marine life, including gorgonians (sea fans), sea urchins, beautiful coral formations, and colorful tropical fish.
The fact that El Arco is easily accessible makes it a perfect spot for adventurers and backpackers. You can take a water taxi from the city’s harbor or hire small Mexican boats called pangas to reach El Arco Cabo San Lucas. These mini boats can be rented at Playa el Medano, which is Cabo’s main beach, or from the Cabo San Lucas Marina. You may also access El Arco Mexico via the Playa del Amor (Lovers Beach). During low tide, an additional part of Lovers Beach becomes visible, allowing travelers to reach the arch by foot. According to the locals at Lovers Beach, the ocean waters reach their lowest point once every four years, providing extra-close access to El Arco Mexico. However, the Pacific side of Lovers Beach is not a safe destination for snorkeling or diving, so tourists cannot access the arch via the water from this area. It’s illegal to climb the Arch, but simply seeing this natural wonder is often a highlight of a trip to Cabo, and you can still make your El Arco excursion a memorable experience by bringing in your camera and a picnic lunch if you plan to spend some time gazing at it from the beach or a boat. From a distance El Arco Mexico might not look massive, but as you get closer, the truly impressive stature of this granite formation becomes clear.
For those ex-pats and snowbirds living in Cabo San Lucas they know firsthand the relationship of the price for accommodation and the view of El Arco. Lisa and I have taken our kayak out to the arch, very exciting with all the other boats around for sur. We get a great view from the Mona Lisa Restaurant across the bay, a regular stop on all our tours.