If you missed my last post covering our drive and arrival at Puerto Peñasco, click here.  In this segment I’ll try to encapsulate what we did during our nine days south of the border, without running too long.

A look at Playa Bonita from The Point Restaurant

Our destination was located where the Sonoran desert meets the Sea of Cortez, 65 miles south of the U.S./Mexican border at Lukeville, AZ.  The name Puerto Peñasco derives from 19th century maps drafted by Lieutenant William Hardy, who visited the region to scout for potential pearl fisheries.  Lt. Hardy dubbed the area “Rocky Point”, after the prominent rocky basaltic headland that pinpoints the town today.

The spot later became known in Spanish as Puerto Peñasco or “Rocky Port”, as the estuary at the base of the mountain gave natural refuge to mariners.  It’s also known as Rocky Point or “Arizona Beach”, since many tourists visiting here for fishing, beach bumming and partying travel from Arizona just across the border.

It is also located in an arid desert environment, which means lots of sand – not only on the beaches but everywhere as far as the eye can see!

Sand, sand everywhere!

First on our agenda the day after we arrived was a car caravan to tour the town.  With our event hosts leading and a map of the downtown area in hand, we learned where to shop, eat, and souvenir shop, and the best places to buy the incredible fresh seafood here.

Pineapple/coconut truck or PinaColada Truck

We also learned the traffic rules – “topes” are speed bumps, “alto” is stop, and above all don’t speed through town!  Of course, the locals had no trouble spotting us gringos as they sped by and ignored all signs.  But hey, it’s their country!  After the tour we were comfortable driving around town to get groceries and eat at the many wonderful restaurants.

The Shrimp Man sculpture at the Old Port

Between potlucks, happy hours and group meals, we definitely satisfied the main goal of this event – meeting new friends – 67 of them!  It was fun throwing together spur-of-the-moment carpools so everyone could do their favorite activities together.  In short, the caravan allowed us to socialize to the max during our first-ever driving foray into Mexico.

Close the street – now this is what you call a block party!

Steve talking with our new friends Bob and Dee Dee from Washington state

Just another big happy hour

Let’s do the chicken dance!

We had lots of free time and many activities to enjoy under the sun.  During the day everyone did their own thing; golfing, 4-wheeling in the sand dunes, fishing, whale watching, souvenir shopping, trips to the local Tequila Factory or just lazing around the RV’s or on the beach.

Enjoying sunsets with friends

Kite Playing

Entertainment after dinner

As for us, I checked out the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, known for its unique physical and biological characteristics.  The 1.7 million acre site comprises two distinct parts: the dormant volcanic Pinacate Shield of black and red lava flows and desert pavements to the east, and in the west the Gran Altar Desert – the largest active dune field in North America.  This area was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993.

The Pinacate Peaks (Picos del Pinacate), a group of volcanic peaks and cinder cones

Walking on lava fields

Desert Iguana grabbing a snack

Dune fields in the distance

We visited the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), where we learned about the Gulf of California’s extreme tides, the endangered Vaquita Porpoise and CEDO’s current projects.  CEDO’s campus is outlined by an elegant sinuous wall and entry gate sculpture designed by artist Joseph P. McShane.  The main edifice is constructed in the Greek Monastic architectural style with an open patio courtyard and a balcony overlooking the Sea of Cortez.

The skeleton of a 55′ Fin Whale that beached in the area

Steve tried to be helpful and pointed  Puerto Penasco on the map

Now endangered, the Totoabas depends on the brackish water in the delta of the Colorado River to reproduce.  Ugly!

Having an excellent burrito or tamale for breakfast in the mornings and margarita in the afternoons gave us strong impetus to walk 4-5 miles along the beach every day!

Picking up a burrito for breakfast

We learned immediately upon arrival that a large group of mexican workers were available to perform many services on RV’s and cars.  Everything from wash/wax to body/paint, and even interior cleaning.  And these guys are good!  Steve knows body and paint work, and he was impressed by what he saw.  We had Betsy’s wheels polished and the car washed/waxed for $60!  They did a great job and we wished we had gotten in line in time to get some minor paint work done.

Betsy’s wheels never looked better!

Our neighbor’s rig getting waxed

One other highlight here was meeting up with friends Rick and Joanne.  They were with a group of 60 rigs from the Escapees club that overlapped with our trip.  We had a great time catching up with them.

Food and drinks with Rick and Joanne at The Point Restaurant

Those rigs off to the distant left are the Escapees group

When in Mexico it’s expected that Mariachi bands will come to serenade you while you’re dining in a restaurant, or if you’re at the Old Port locals will flag you down to get your attention and business.  We observed that once we said “No, Gracias”, they didn’t continue to bother us.  At our campground, vendors selling their crafts were limited to the beach area and not allowed inside the park.  Some were vetted by our event hosts so we knew who to buy from and were able to bargain with them.  We knew these talented folks were working very hard and we didn’t try to “lowball” them.

I love these colorful tables, but somebody in the household says no place in the rig to store it 😦

Showing off their wares

Puerto Peñasco is known for its fresh seafood, and on our last day we met up with friends Bob and Dee Dee to go downtown and bargain.  Steve got carried away and bought 10 lbs. of gorgeous shrimp, 3 lbs. of scallops and 5 lbs. of grouper – all for $100!  Needless to say our freezer will be full for a while.

Steve is Mr. Fish’s new BFF!

This was our first caravan trip and first RV exploration into Mexico.  We felt safe and secure during our entire stay.  We didn’t mind being intimately parked next to our neighbors – that’s just the way they do it here.  The knowledge and experience of our excellent hosts Jerry and Sue and Paul and Kathy helped allay any concerns we may have had about crossing the border.  In fact, we would gladly do it again with some of our RV buddies – any takers?

Our incredibly talented and friendly hosts (Sue, Paul, Kathy and Jerry)

The sunsets, great food, clean beaches and camaraderie made our stay terrific and memorable.

Spectacular sunrises…

…and sunsets

Betsy’s dawn departure

Next up:  A quick visit to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument