Important for everyone to know our history

June 5, 2013 – Born José Doroteo Arango Arámbula (5 June 1878 – 20 July 1923) – better known by his pseudonym Francisco Villa or his nickname Pancho Villa – was one of the most prominent Mexican Revolutionary generals and together with Benito Juarez and Emiliano Zapata – is probably the best known personality from Mexico’s history.  As commander of the División del Norte (Division of the North), he was the veritable caudillo of the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua which, given its size, mineral wealth, and proximity to the United States of America, gave him great popularity.  Villa was also provisional Governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua in 1913 and 1914.  Although he was prevented from being accepted into the “panteón” of national heroes until some 20 years after his death, today his memory is honoured by Mexicans, Americans and many people around the world.  In addition, numerous streets and neighbourhoods in Mexico are named in his honour.

Pancho Villa & Emiliano Zapata together in Mexico City

Pancho Villa’s notoriety as a bandit and his prowess at escaping capture caught the attention of those planning the Mexican revolution.  These men understood that Villa’s skills could be used as a guerrilla fighter during the revolution.  President Porfirio Diaz, who ruled the country for 35 years (1876-1911), had created many problems for the majority of working people and those living in poverty.  Francisco Madero promised a change for those Mexican citizens and Pancho Villa joined Madero’s cause and agreed to be a leader in the revolutionary army.  From October 1910 to May 1911, Pancho Villa was a very effective revolutionary leader.  However, in May 1911, Villa resigned from command because of political differences he had with another commander, Pascual Orozco.

Pancho Villa was a superb General winning many battles

Although Villa tried to settle down to a quiet life, political unrest continued in Mexico even with Francisco Madero at the helm.  Orozco, angered by being left out of what he considered his rightful place in the new government, challenged Madero by starting a new rebellion in the spring of 1912.  Villa gathered troops and agreed to work with General Victoriano Huerta, handpicked by Madero, to oppose Orozco and put down the rebellion.  In June 1912, Huerta betrayed Villa, accusing him of stealing a horse and ordered him to be executed.  A reprieve from Madero came for Villa at the very last minute but Villa was still sent to prison.  Villa remained in prison from June 1912 to December 27, 1912, when he escaped.

Pancho Villa-Mexican Revolutionary Hero

By the time Villa escaped from prison, Huerta had switched from a Madero supporter to a Madero adversary.  On February 22, 1913, Huerta had Madero murdered and claimed the presidency for himself.  Villa then allied himself with Venustiano Carranza to fight against Huerta.  Pancho Villa was extremely successful, winning battle after battle during the next several years.  Since Pancho Villa conquered Chihuahua and other northern areas, he spent much of his time reallocating land and stabilizing the economy.  In the summer of 1914, Villa and Carranza split and subsequently became enemies.  For the next several years, Mexico continued to be embroiled in a civil war between the factions of Pancho Villa and Venustiano Carranza.

General Pancho Villa

A pivotal moment in the Mexican revolution came when the United States took sides in the battle and supported Carranza.  In turn on March 9, 1916, Villa attacked the town of Columbus, New Mexico, the first attack on American soil since the British (soon to become Canadians) in 1812.  The U.S. sent several thousand soldiers across the border to hunt for Pancho Villa including a young George Patton.  Though they spent over a year searching, they never caught him.  On May 20, 1920, Carranza was assassinated and Adolfo De la Huerta became the interim president of Mexico.  De la Huerta wanted peace in Mexico so negotiated with Villa for his retirement.  Part of the peace agreement was that Villa would receive a hacienda in Chihuahua. 

Pancho Villa was without doubt the most controversial leader that the Mexican Revolution ever produced.  A man of many contradictions, a womanizer and a teatotaller, capable of great humanity and extreme cruelty; for Pancho Villa there was only black or white in life and little room for grey. 

Pancho Villa was assassinated in retirement

Although Villa retired from revolutionary life in 1920 this was short lived as was assassinated while driving in his car on July 20, 1923.  Many believe on orders of the then President Álvaro Obregón Salido and Plutarco Elais Calles, Minister of the Interior and eventual successor to Obregón.  Many believe the United States of America were complicit in the assassination of Villa as at 45 years old many saw him as a future President of Mexico.

Interesting enough for many years successive Mexican administrations attempted to convert Villa into a nonperson or label him as a bandit, however they did not succeed.  Indeed Pancho Villa remains one of the most popular and best known leader of the Mexican Revolution!

Feliz Cumpleaños “Pancho Villa”

Carol & Hugh Kramer

May 23, 2013 – Chili Rellenos is my all time favourite Mexican dish!  They are traditionally made using fresh Poblano chilis, but are a bit of a pain to prepare.  Our dear friends Carol & Hugh from Discover Baja Travel Club  in San Diego made this easier version for us and they are just as fabulous!

EASY CHILI RELLENOS

1 10oz can whole green chilis – 5 chilies (unfortunately you can’t buy these in Baja, so stock up in the U.S.)

3/4 lb. Monterey Jack cheese – cut into 2″ strips

2 large eggs – separated

2 Tbsp. flour

Olive Oil

Drain chilis and carefully stuff with cheese strip.  Beat egg whites till stiff.  In another bowl whisk egg yolks with flour until creamy.  Gently fold yolks into egg whites.  Dredge the chilis in some flour. Add oil to 1″ depth in medium frypan.  Heat on high for 3-4 minutes, then turn down slightly.  Dip chilis into egg mixture and fry in oil til golden brown on all sides.  Drain on paper towel.  Serve with salsa.

**you may find it hard to cover chili with batter, so cover one side and place batter side down in pan and then spoon more batter on top.  These are also good just pan fried without batter!

Colleen & Steve

May 23, 2013 – This salad is made with a package of instant noodles – any make, any flavour.  You use the noodles in their dry state, so it gives your salad a nice crunch!  This recipe was shared with us for a potluck on Tecolote Beach in Baja by Colleen and Steve from Northern California in 2012.

RAMON NOODLE SALAD

1 pkg dry noodles – any make, any flavour

1 Head Romaine lettuce – chopped small

1/2 small cabbage – chopped small

1/4 cup vinegar    2 Tbsp sugar    1/4 cup olive oil

Chop greens and place in salad bowl.  Combine dressing ingredients with the seasoning packet in noodles and pour over greens.  Add one of the following combinations, then just before serving, add crumbled dry noodles and toss.

Combinations :

1.  green onions, chopped & sunflower seeds

2.  mandarine segments or cranberries & chicken

3.  carrot-shredded, raisins & pineapple

4.  tiny shrimp & cherry tomatoes

5.  shrimp & cucumber

6.  Your own combination!!

Great Salad!

Ted & Irene

May 23, 2013 – This recipe was shared by Irene & Ted from Vancouver Island who were on one of our Baja 28 day tours in 2012.  Keep these ingredients on hand so you have a fabulous dip you can whip together in a minute!

TORTILLA CHIP DIP

1 pkg Cream Cheese – softened (plain)

1 can Chili con Carne

Grated Cheddar

Cilantro – chopped

Bag of tortilla chips or crackers

Spread cream cheese into a pie plate to cover bottom.  Pour chili con carne over cheese and spread evenly. Cover with grated cheddar.  Microwave long enough to melt cheese on top.  Sprinkle with Cilantro and serve with tortilla chips or crackers.  Share and Enjoy!

Marv & Shel

May 22, 2013- While in Loreto, we have a Fiesta Dinner which is often hosted by our friends Shelley & Marvin.  This appy was on the menu at one such dinner -  Delicious!

ASPARAGUS QUESADILLAS

Flour Tortillas – small to med size

Monterrey Jack cheese – shredded

Parmessan cheese – shredded

Asparagus Spears – blanched

Sprinkle some of each cheese over a tortilla, enough to cover.  Lay a few spears of asparagus across cheese and place another tortilla on top.  Lightly fry in olive oil til crisp and cheese is melting, flip and fry other side.  Remove onto paper towels to drain excess oil.  Cut each into 1/4 or 1/6 and serve with salsa.

**I have also made them using pepper jack cheese and sundried tomatoes – tasty!

Donna & George

May 22, 2013 – These are so yummy!  The sweetness of the date and the smokeyness of the bacon makes a great combination.

This recipe came to me from a baby shower I attended.  It is a perfect appy for Baja as you can buy fresh dates everywhere!  We were also treated to these by Donna & George from California on one of our 28 Day tours in 2013.

STUFFED DATES

Fresh dates – 2 per person?  pitted and slit down one side

Soft spreadable Cheese – plain cream cheese or flavoured, goat, blue etc.

Bacon slices or perscuitto – cut to wrap once around date

Slice down one side of date and remove pit .  Place a knob of cheese inside and close.  Wrap each in meat and place on baking sheet (covered with parchment or foil).

Bake in a 400F oven til bacon is crisp.  Turning once.  Approximately 20 minutes.

**if using perscuitto watch carefully they don’t burn – but cheese is warmed.

** you could partially cook the bacon before wrapping dates to shorten baking time.

Marion & Bruce

May 22, 2013 – This delicious bread was served to us at our Potluck on Santispac Beach by Marion & Bruce from Nanaimo, BC.  They were on our first 45 day Tour back in 2010.

If you plan to make this on Baja, be sure to bring sharp cheddar with you, as it is almost impossible to find down there!

CHEDDAR BEER BREAD

3 cups flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

2 Tbsp sugar

2 cups grated sharp cheddar

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

3 garlic cloves – minced

12 oz can beer

Preheat oven to 350 F

Combine all ingredients (except beer) until well blended.  Mixing with a fork add Beer 1/4 at a time until all blended.  Spoon into greased & floured 4×8 loaf pan (or smaller ones) smooth down with fork.

Bake for 1 hour.  remove from pan & cool on wire rack.  Serve warm with soup or stew.

If you have any recipes (even ones not made on tour) that you would like to share, please send it to info@bajaamigos.net and I will post it in here.  Thank You and Happy Eating in your RV!!

What a great Museum

May 5, 2013 - On Sunday May 5th, the local community Museum of Natural History and Culture of Bahia de los Angeles, B.C., is celebrating its 25th year of being open to the public.

Lots of items available as great gifts!

This museum only exists because of all the volunteers and supporters that have put countless hours into building, operating and maintaining this wonderful museum and connection to past and present.  Carolina Shepard Espinoza is the founding force and Director of the Museo De Naturleza Y Cultura.  Original financing came largely from jewelry and T-shirt sales.  The city donated the land.  The town’s soccer team dug the foundation; a group of marine biology students from Glendale College in California helped with the construction; students from the university in Ensenada assembled a juvenile gray whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling.  tourist from Mexicali named Fabio and a woman visiting from Oregon did the cave painting murals.

Early man display

Seventy (70%) percent of the income in LA Bay comes from tourism, which is mostly based on natural history.  Less and less is sportfishing and this town does not get the Cabo crowd; there’s no jet-skis to rent, no nightlife for sure.  The reality is you either really like this place or you don’t. It’s definitely rough and rugged.  Eco-tourism is the foundation to the economy, most come to see the birds or the whales or the desert.  The museum has made the young folks in LA Bay to stop and think.  You must take care of your economic source, otherwise it will slowly fade and be gone forever.

The museum has a fabulous shell collection

“They key is to educate the children.  The school teachers bring them to visit the museum and for years we offer kid’s classes in the summer.  We do arts and crafts, which is kind of new for them because they don’t get that at school.  A U.S. dive shop donated snorkel equipment for thirty kids, and another donated wetsuits and fins.  So we take the kids out and try to get them interested in their surroundings.  We go out in a boat, we look at birds, we pick up trash, we hike in the desert.  We’re trying to get kids to think: what things affect other things?  But again, it’s touchy.  You can’t tell them their fathers or brothers are wrong to catch, say, turtles.  But we can make them more aware, teach them about the food chain. It’s very basic, but it’s new for here.”  …Carolina

Bahia de Los Angeles is where Lisa & I fell in love with Mexico in 1985.

Did you know?

The museo is popular with everyone

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico.  The holiday commemorates the Mexican militia’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5^th 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.  Many from outside of Mexico often confuse this day with Independence Day.

The Battle was very important for at least two reasons.  First, although considerably outnumbered, 4000 Mexican militiamen defeated a much better-equipped French army of 8,000 soldiers who had not been defeated in 50 years.  Secondly, although countries in the Americas have been attacked since May 5^th 1862, (Falkland Islands, Pearl Harbour, etc), no country in the Americas has been invaded by an army from another continent since then, except for the brief occupation of two of the Alaskan Aleutian Islands by the Japanese army during World War II.

Ranchero Living

In 1861, Mexico ceased making interest payments to its European creditors and in response; France attacked Mexico to try to force payment of this debt.  France ultimately decided to occupy Mexico and was initially successful with the invasion until the Battle of Puebla.  Although the Mexican’s were victorious over the French at Puebla, the victory only delayed the French advance on Mexico City; a year later, the French occupied Mexico.  The French occupying forces placed Maximilian I, Emperor of Mexico on the throne of Mexico in 1864.  The French, under U.S. pressure, eventually withdrew in 1866-1867.  Maximilian was deposed by President Benito Juarez and executed, five years after the Battle of Puebla.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage.  In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico.  Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well.  Several cities throughout the U.S. now hold parades and concerts during the week leading up to May 5^th so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year.

One last photo of our group at the Bahia De Los Angeles Junction

April 10, 2013 – Here we sit at our friends Terry & Lee in Modesto, California reflecting on the last few days of the March tour as we are heading home after another very successful season, hard to believe almost 6 months has gone by already.  On Day 29 with left early from Sordo Mudo in the Valley of Guadalupe heading for Tecate and our border crossing, this last group seemed always to be early birds ready to get going.  Before you knew it everyone had filled up and we were at the border line up, 45 minutes later we were crossing into the US.  This time however they put us through the Truck Crossing Gate, not the RV entrance, not really sure why. We all made it through and assembled back in the US except Jeff & Michelle who were at the end seemed to be taking a very long time.  We learned that they were late because they literally got hung up with a gate at the exit on their slide awning, what a mess.  Unfortunately no staff at the border gave them any clear direction on how to exit the crossing and they made a tight turn which was the problem.  What a mess!

The Seward Kayak Final Resting Place, so sad.

We said our goodbyes, collected the evaluations and radios and headed off to see Mike & Wilmina at the Potrero General Store.  Michelle & Jeff followed and we were able to removed the torn and broken awning off their 5^th Wheel so they good carry on northward.  We had a short tour of the new Bar & Grill that was going to open as part of the General Store building in 2 weeks.  Mike & Wilmina have done a great we are sure this will become a very popular destination with locals and tourists alike.  Mike gave us a heads up about the wind in the pass and I decided to take Hwy 94 east all the way past Jacumba where we joined I-8 missing all the passes, with the wind behind us I thought all was good, next stop Salton City to stay with friends on our travels home.  Our experience has been that the winds normally dissipate substantially as we enter the Imperial Valley and it opens up, not today.  We made the turn off the I-8 onto S30 northward from El Centro to Westmorland, now we had cross winds and they were strong.  Traffic continued and we slowed down to 40 miles per hour happy we did not have far to go.

Dan’s Angels from LA Cetto

From Westmoreland we turned northwest on Hwy 86 to our destination, normally a 40 minute drive.  The wind got stronger, we started to see sand storms coming across the highway that totally obscured our vision and we had to pull off the hwy a couple of times.  20 miles south of Salton City a gust (later we learned it a may have been hurricane force) tore the Kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard and Yakima Racks off the van headed east to Yuma.  Without the fence I am sure we would never have seen them again.  After I stopped and got out at first glance they Kayak did not look so bad, however the cover was still on it.  On inspection it was really messed up, big holes and broken in many spots, after talking with BCAA we took lots of photos and left it where it landed.  Remarkably the SUP was in much better shape although the case was trashed the board had been damaged in a few spots, we will see if it can be repaired.  A CHP Officer stopped to see if we needed help, he assisted me in putting the SUP in the trailer.  Another claim with ICBC should cover the damage to the van, racks and supports equipment, this was a traumatic event we do not want to repeat, the good news is everyone is okay.

We have driven in a lot of wind on Baja, nothing like this ever, I will take narrow road over hurricane force gusts any day!

Jan & Vivien kayaking in LA Bay

Everyone enjoyed our time in Bahia De Los Angeles, the entrance on the highway is really a stunningly beautiful view we will never tire of.  Tony & Ursula had long since left the old government campground and we were the only RVs in the park, lots of spots to choose from, all with a view.  The gang had a great visit to the Museum that included some shopping then off to visit Herman Hill, author of “Baja’s Hidden Gold”.  Herman was in fine form, at 91 he is still sharp, he had everyone’s attention spinning his yarns about prospecting in Baja and what did those Jesuits do with all that gold?  He sold many books, signed them and did some photos, it was all good.  Later at our Happy Hour Antonio & Bety Resendiz dropped bye and talked about the work they had done with turtles in Bahia and shared some stories about the history of the village including some notable local events; everyone will remember the dead guy in the freezer and the west wind.

Maybe I could use this for our boat?

Day 27 and we left LA Bay behind and headed for Vicente Guerrero and the Baja Fiesta Restaurant.  This is the longest driving day on the tour however we have lots of stops built into this drive.  We left a little earlier then our scheduled departure at 8am arriving about 3:30 pm at our destination.  The showers were hot, some loaded up on fresh water and the WiFi was popular.  Dinner was great, Ceclia, her son’s Ivan & Abi and staff do an excellent job!  For those having steak, these were likely the best on Baja.  A number of us came for breakfast at 7am, they opened just for us; this is a real plus for sure.

Day 28 and we are headed for the Valley of Guadalupe and the RV Park at Sordo Mudo, the campground associated with the Christian School for deaf and mute children.  Our stop includes a Wine Tour & Tasting at LA Cetto, unfortunately Pedro Domec was closed for  renovations, maybe next year?  LA Cetto was busy as this was Sunday and the last holiday of the Easter break known as Semana Santa.  With Marianna’s help we were able to get Gilberto to take our group on the tour and host the tasting.  This was definitely lots of fun!  Back at the campground Bill & Marilyn, Baja friends from Tecolote & Rancho Verde arrived and joined our final Happy Hour.  Howard from the school also dropped bye and explained to folks what they do and answered some questions about their program.

Overall we had a wonderful season on Baja this year, we met lots of new people and made many new friends, we are glad we could share Baja with all of you.

Thank you, Muchas gracias!

Did you know?

Sordo Mudo, an RV Park with great potential!

Russians have made a significant contribution to Baja California Mexico in the Valley of Guadalupe.  In early 1881, a Czar Nicholas II decree demanded military service and the Molokans (Russian for milk drinkers) resisted due to their beliefs which included pacifism.  The government responded with exile, imprisonment, torture, and forceful induction into the armed forces.  They decided to try to migrate to the United States and eventually received permission to leave Russia with many moving to California, most settling around Los Angeles.  Soon this rural group, however, found a big city environment a little difficult for raising crops and had to look elsewhere.

Herman loves the ladies at 91. Do they do windows?

In 1905 as Mexican President Porfirio Diaz agreed to sell the sect 13,000 acres of fertile land in Baja California’s Guadalupe Valley.  Hence initially 50 families of Molokans, who had originally settled in Los Angeles after emigrating from Russia, relocated Mexico and they would become the most successful Molokan colony in North America.  Eventually 105 families of Russian settlers (about 500 total) laid out their town the way they had at home, equal partitioned lots along a broad tree-covered avenue.  Their whitewashed adobe and wood Russian style homes with steep-pitched wooden (some thatched) roofs had front doors that faced away from the street.  Other ranchers had already arrived in the valley and the fledgling viniculture of the area had already begun, along with cattle ranching and other farming.  They grew a variety of cash crops including wheat, alfalfa, grapes, and tomatoes.  They also set about growing olives and raised gaggles of geese and bees for honey.

Bahia de Los Angeles is stunning at sunrise

In 1907, Molokans first introduced grapes into the valley on a large scale.  The missionaries had planted some small vineyards near the mission prior to 1907, but never really developed the full potential that the valley could offer.  Some members of the Russian community had gained experience growing grapes in Europe and put their skills and knowledge to work in creating one of the most important grape producing regions in the world.  Several important varieties of table and other grapes were grown such as: Emperor, Ribbier, Thompson (seedless), Flame, Tokay, and White Muscatel.

LA Cetto tour with Gilberto

The farming colony grew quickly with over 800 Russians in the valley by 1928 many became Mexican citizens by naturalization or by birth.  In 1938 the popular Mexican President Cardenas designated lands for the peasants of Mexico.  Guadalupe was engulfed by 3,000 Mexicans and the town was renamed Francisco Zarco.  The farming colony grew well until about 1940 when many began to move back into California to join others near the town of Bakersfield.  By 1947 there were 49 families remaining in Guadalupe Valley.  The farms flourished and the former arid and unproductive land was now converted in a very productive oasis of plenty.  Wild horses, descendants of Spanish horses, were tamed and trained as draft horses making the Molokans the first ones in Mexico to use horses instead of oxen to work their farming equipment.

Howard had lots of interest talking about the school at Sordo Mudo

Their village was originally quite isolated, reflecting their desire to withdraw from society, but in 1958, road construction in the area resulted in an influx of Mexican and other settlers; some Molokans again chose to flee encroaching urbanisation, and returned to the United States, others stayed and over time have assimilated into the culture.  In 1959 squatters began to invade the valley and took over many Molokan farms forcing the Russians to abandon almost all property and investments by 1965.  By the 1990s, only one Molokan family remained in the area. 

Mike & Susan and their new Baja Dog Mario, Congratulations!

Today a few descendants of the original Molokans families continue to grow grapes and make wine.  David and Abel Bibayoff Dalgoff own and cultivate about 80 acres of table and wine grapes in a region of Guadalupe Valley called Rancho Toros Pintos.  Alexie M. Dalgoff obtained a permit to make wine in the 1930’s and the family continues the wine growing and winemaking tradition with a nice selection of wines and quality table grapes from their beautiful vineyard.