San Felipe – Beauty of Mexico

Our First Trip to San Felipe Mexico

When our good friends Brandi and Erin asked us to go with them to San Felipe in 2016, we were not even sure where that was!  Sure it sounded like it was in Mexico but where exactly, we had no idea.  We were excited however and jumped at the opportunity to join this crazy duo.  We had our passports and  within a few weeks we were ready to head out on a new adventure.   For those of you who don’t know it’s location, let me save you from Googling it.  San Felipe is a town on the bay side in the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf Of California in Baja California. It is approximately 190 km south of the US (118 miles). Now, on with the trip!

Getting There

When I told my daughter that we were headed to Mexico, she was not too thrilled.  She told us all sorts of stories and was worried about our safety.  We thought, how dangerous can it be?  Our friends go there all the time and they seem like responsible and logical people.  We headed out on a Friday afternoon and after crossing the border we were zipping along highways that are better than any freeway I have seen in California.  I honestly was surprised.  There was very little traffic and the roads were well kept. We stopped for a quick photo opp off the side of a road.

Reminder to Get Gas Before You Go!

We were about 2-3 hours into the trip when Brandi realized our gas light was on and we were NO WHERE near a gas station.  All I could picture was us stuck out in the middle of the desert in Mexico.  We passed a check point where Brandi was trying to ask the Mexican Federales if they knew where we could get gas but they were of no help.  We continued to crawl along and then decided to stop at a little house on the side of the road.  Brandi walked up to a little window where she proceeded to speak in broken Spanish asking if they had gas.  Before long, a young boy popped out of the back with a milk gallon filled with gasoline.  Score!

Tacos Tacos Everywhere

I never realized how many tacos I could eat until this trip.  Random taco shops lined the road every 15-20 minutes and we would pull over at each one and sample the goods.  Sure there were flies that would hang out but if you got past that, the food was amazing.  We would eat our tacos and then load back into the car and take off for the next stop.  When we arrived in San Felipe, we were ready for a cold one.  We relaxed outside and enjoyed the evening and the beauty of the sky without all the light pollution we have back at home.  It was magnificent!

All to Ourselves

We went to the end of the road the next day and enjoyed sometime under the talapas.  The white sand beach was beautiful and seemed to go on forever. There was a light breeze that carried away any stress we had in life.  It was perfect!  Coming from California, I was not used to seeing an entire beach that was vacant and all to ourselves.  I asked myself how this could get any better?

It Got Better!

Just as I had asked how this beach could get any better, I saw this distant spot approaching us.  As it neared, I realized it was a small truck with a canopy on top. Brandi and Erin went down to stop him and as we followed we realized the truck was selling adult beverages!  Pina Coladas out of hollowed out pineapples that were so refreshing and delectable we thought we had died and gone to heaven!  I wish they had these in California!

Meet Rosie

Enter into the story, Rosie.  Rosie is a princess to say the least.  She goes wherever Brandi and Erin go and has her princess bed regardless of where she is.  We took a trip up north one time and she sat up on top of a box on a pillow so she could lay down and look out the window the whole trip! Did I mention she was spoiled?   She unfortunately has moved on to doggy heaven but her legacy still lives on.

Don’t Leave the Dog Behind

When a dog is used to hanging out with you and chilling like one of the gang, they do not like to be left behind.We were gone for a couple hours seeing the sites in San Felipe and Rosie had stayed back in the trailer getting some beauty rest.  (Or so we thought).   When we returned, she had blessed us with our punishment for leaving her behind and not taking her into town with us. She had dumped the trashcan and literally dragged it all over the trailer!  It is hard to be mad at a little dog that has such attitude and an adorable face!

Heading into Town

We cruised in to the main part of town to one of the favorite hang outs.   We sat out on the patio at Club Miramar and enjoyed  a few mimosas and a cold beers.  A local vendor dragged his cart with his speaker and guitar from spot to spot playing for anyone who cared to listen.  It was a great morning and we all agreed we would come back tonight for drinks and a walk on the beach.

Back to Club Miramar

Club Miramar is a great little bar right in the heart of town.  We enjoyed a few cocktails and then walked across the street to enjoy the beach.  Brandi and Greg are definitely the two wild children while Erin and I have a tendency to be the ones that attempt to keep us all from being kicked out of places and monitor the situation.  Thanks Erin! I need all the support I can get when these two get together.

Two Big Kids

As we were strolling across the beach enjoying the moon and reflection off the water, Brandi and Greg had found a lifeguard tower.  Erin and I look over and see Greg trying to pull up Brandi over the edge of the tower but Greg’s feet are not touching the ground!  This was not going to end well!  We went over and broke up the fun and the two nuts stopped for a photo opp.  It does not matter if we are kicking it back at the house in Cali or hanging out at one of our favorite places in Fallbrook, when we are with these two, laughter is always sure to be a part of the visit.

Choose your attitude.

Some people go through life and forget how to have fun and enjoy themselves and those around them.  They have  what we call “downward spiral thinking” where every thought and how they relate to life is always negative.  Negativity welcomes negative outcomes folks!  When you surround yourself with fun and positive people, you can get through even the most bleakest of times.

I mention this because these two ladies are an inspiration to us.  They are positive and don’t take themselves too seriously.  This always creates an environment where laughter and good times are sure to be present!  Brandi and Erin, we love you guys and can’t wait until our next adventure together!