BAJA BIKE TRIP

January 29 - February 21, 1998

Thursday January 29, 1998 Fly Baltimore to San Diego

Got up at 4:25 and ran 5.1 miles. Shaved and showered. Breakfast of orange juice, banana, toast with butter and jelly and chocolate milk. Anne departed at 6:23 with Lew Frain and I in Lew's van to Baltimore Washington International Airport arriving at 6:45. Jimmy Huelskamp, Don Bowie, Joe Wisniewski, Art Wren, Jeff Marks and Pete Flaton were there at curbside. We quickly checked in for America West flight number 2640 seat number 15A to Phoenix. We were delayed to 7:19 when we took off arriving in Phoenix at 11:03. Our plane America West flight 2003 was at the adjacent gate and left at 11:50. We arrived in San Diego in the rain and the fog at 12:08. Sam was waiting. Our luggage was wet and the bike boxes beat up some. The Days Inn in Chula Vista vans couldn't hold the bikes and everyone so Lew and Pete came with Sam and I in Sam's car. Everyone checked into the hotel and we walked to Anthony's for lunch of clam chowder, hot bread, fish sandwich, fries and 2 pints of William Strauss beer for $21. Drove to San Diego Teachers Association where we met several people and then went to Sammy's house. Went to Sam's and had a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of milk. To bed at 11:06.

Friday January 30, 1998 Chula Vista, CA

Got up at 6:22 and ran 39:39. Ran to Days Inn on E Street and talked to Jimmy and Don. No new information so I ran back to Sam's. Breakfast of orange juice, rice chex cereal with a banana. Drove back to Days Inn about 8:30. Biked out a little past 9:00 to Broadway south to the road to Imperial Beach. Turned north on the Silver Strand following a bike path to Coronado. Stopped at the Coronado Hotel and walked around. Sunny and a little cool but biking in short shirt sleeves. Biked to ferry $2.50 and took it to downtown San Diego. Biked along the waterfront and stopped at the Greek Isles for a gyro and lemonade for $6.30. Biked south along Harbor Drive to Main Street to National City Boulevard to Broadway to right on E Street to Days Inn about 2:00 after 26 miles. Got Joe Dumin's bike box, suit and shoes and drove back to Sam's for a shower. Sam did our laundry. Drove back to the motel about 4:30. Walked to the light rail station and took a train to the border for $.75 each way for senior citizens (60). Took a bus $1 from the border to Revolucion Avenue in Tijuana. Walked around and stopped at a sidewalk cafe to eat. I had fried chicken, thick tortilla, avocado, green onions and cactus for $4 including tip. We took taxis back to the border for $1.25 each. Had an ice cream cone at the border McDonalds for $.69. Took the light rail back to the motel. Walked to the grocery store and split a six pack of Lowenbrau dark for $.60. Drove back to Sam's about 8:40 and crashed about 11:00.

Saturday January 31, 1998 Bus Chula Vista to Catavina, BC, Mexico

Got up at 5:42 and ran 44:27 to the marina and back. Breakfast of rice checks, banana and orange juice. Shaved and showered. Sam drove me to Days Inn at 8:00. Bonnie Wong, Donna Magee and Anne Klesnik showed up with the van about 9:00. We loaded our bikes and gear. Jimmy Huelskamp, Pete Flaton, Lew Frain and Joe Dumin went with Bonnie in the van. Donna Magee, Anne Klesnik, Jeff Marks, Art Wren, Don Bowie, Joe Wisniewski, Merrick Buck and I took the light rail to the border for $.75. We changed $200 for 1650 pesos at the border. Jeff bought 200 pesos from me for $25. We walked over the bridge and got visitors permits. Took taxis to the bus station arriving at 11:55. Took ABC Bus Company at 12:00 for 162 pesos. We stopped in Ensenada and several other places. It started to drizzle at the border and continued most of the day. At a stop after dark I ate a sweet roll and lemon lime drink for 12 pesos ($1.45). We finally arrived at a motel in Catavina but it was full so we continued on in the van about 2 miles to a Mexican motel called Rancho Santa Innes about 8:45. They made up in the dark a combination platter of taco, enchilada, burrito and beans and 3 Corona beers for 37 pesos ($4.48). The electricity was by generator and the lights were quite dim. We had two rooms with Jimmy Huelskamp, Don Bowie, Joe Wisniewski, Pete Flaton, Art Wren, Merrick Buck and I in one room with bunk beds. Joe Dumin, Jeff Marks and Lew Frain were in the other room. The toilet had a shower curtain for a door. There was no water in the sink. We all crashed about 11:00 after many laughs.

Sunday February 1, 1998 Bike Catavina - Dessert Camp on Mexico 1

Got up about 5:50 and packed up. We had a lot of work to do on the bikes and gear. We biked out as a group about 7:50. It was sunny and cool probably in the high 50s and ranging up into the high 60s in the afternoon. We started at 1800' and biked over two 2800' ridges after long climbs. Everything is green with all kinds of cacti (something like 120 varieties). We rode through a valley most of the day with mountain views in every direction. We stopped at 35 miles at the Chappala Cafe for lunch of 3 beef burritos, beans and a coke for 25 pesos ($3.03). No grease on the food so it is much better. We biked on and met Bonnie at 65 miles. We put 20 pesos ($2.42) in a beer kitty and had 2 each. We continued down the road about 10 kilometers past the turn off to Santo Los Angeles where we pulled off to camp at 3:00 after 73 miles. It was a beautiful site in heavy vegetation of trees and all kinds of cacti. We set up and drank a couple of Tecate beers. We gathered f irewood. Bonnie took us for a short walk and talked about all the cacti and other plants. It got dark about 6:00. We ate supper of chicken fajitas and hot chocolate. Excellent. We had a meeting around the campfire. Everyone turned in around 7:30. There was a quarter moon which was very bright and great stars. Near where we started was an army garrison and they had a road block looking for drugs and weapons. The soldiers were very friendly. We crossed several vados which are dips in the road where water runs across during heavy rains. I saw large areas covered with a blanket of pink flowers. The air is filled with the scent of sage. My tent is casting a shadow from the moon. We averaged about 15 mph today. We probably had a tailwind most of the day. Art Wren didn't have any tent pegs so I loaned him my extra set. Muchaucho is ground beef. To bed at 9:00.

Monday February 2, 1998 Bike Dessert Camp - Guerero Negro, BCS

Could hear burros braying and owls hooting during the night. The moon went down during the night and the stars were unbelievable. Got up about 6:15. Packed up but left tent to dry. 7:15 breakfast of muskmellon, banana, fried potatoes and French toast. It was warmer than the previous morning. Biked out about 8:20 at a pretty good clip. Jeff Marks was not with us as usual. We rolled along pretty well but eventually got into some hills that were not too long but a bit steeper. The vegetation got thinner as it got hotter and drier. Stopped about 10:30 at Nuevo Rosarito for a quesadilla and Sprite for 11 pesos ($1.33) at about 25 miles. We continued on and stopped about 1:10 for lunch of chicken and potato soup, 2 quesadillas with beans and 2 manzana refrescos (apple sodas) for 42 pesos ($5.09) plus 8 pesos ($.97) tip. It was pretty warm with a hot sun during the afternoon. Got some sun burn even with sunscreen on. We could see the ocean off to our right occasionally. The mountains were a lot of mesas and the vegetation consisted of only dead clumps of grass. We biked over the border of Baja California and Baja California Sur where we photographed the large contemporary eagle. We then had to stop at a border check point and show our visitor cards. The time changed from Pacific to Rocky Mountain time at the border. Biked into Guerero Negro about 5:00 local time after 76.9 miles. Lew Frain and I were on the first floor in the back in room 11 of the El Moro Motel. Shaved, showered and washed biking clothes in the shower. Walked next door and paid $28 for a whale trip tomorrow morning. Walked over to the Don Gus Restaurant for 2 Dos Equis and 2 Negro Modelo beers for 40 pesos ($4.85) plus 5 pesos ($.61) tip. Dinner of grilled chicken, fries and broccoli was 45 pesos ($5.45) but we split the bill so it cost me 100 pesos ($12.12) including tip. Walked back to room about 9:15 and washed out remaining dirty clothes. To bed about 10:25.

Tuesday February 3, 1998 Guerero Negro - Vizcaino

Got up at 5:55. Packed truck about 6:45 and loaded bikes. Walked to restaurant for orange juice for 12 pesos ($1.33) plus 1.50 pesos ($.18) tip. Walked to whale tour before 7:45. Rode bus out to jetty for about 20 minutes. Windy, chilly and threatening. Boarded boats 9 persons each with Huelskamp, Bowie, Flaton, Dumin, Wisniewski, Wren, Buck and a foreigner about 8:30. It was pretty rough going out with a lot of spray. We passed a buoy with a bunch of brown seals on top of it. We started seeing the whales with spouts, backs rolling, tail stands ( heads sticking straight up out of the water) and an occasional tail flip. We got quite close to several and one stuck his head up out of the water right in front of the bow and actually rubbed the boat as he slid back into the water. Saw several mothers with little calves. Saw one gray whale jump out of the water twice in succession with a great splash about 30 yards from our boat. We got a little rain but actually stayed fairly dry. We got back about 11:00 but the other boat was much later. Drove back to Guerero Negro and unloaded our bikes. We biked out at 12:30 under sunny skies and a 30-40 mph wind directly at our right shoulder. The going was quite slow and threatening clouds appeared quickly. We experienced periods of light rain off and on. Joe Wisniewski and Jeff Marks were sick and rode in the van. Huelskamp and Bowie fell back and eventually caught a ride with a Mexican biker in a pickup truck. It looked like the storm was abating as the winds slowed and the clouds seemed to be getting lighter. We must have turned slightly to the left because suddenly the wind was at our back as we rolled along easily at 25 mph. Suddenly the skies opened and we were in a deluge . Lew Frain flatted his rear tire and we got chilled and totally wet changing it. We got underway and then waited as Bonnie passed us in the van going the opposite direction. Bonnie showed up. We loaded up and rode to the ? Hotel room 17 with Lew Frain in Vizcaino. A hot shower and dry clothes really worked wonders. Walked to the hotel restaurant for pork chop, fries, beans, salad, 4 tacos, beans 2 hot chocolates and an apple soda for 64 pesos ($7.76) plus 10 pesos ($1.21) tip. Lew got a 6 pack of Modelo Especial for 15 pesos ($1.82) each. I drank 2 and gave one to Art Wren. Walked back to the room at 8:30 and to bed at 9:50.

Wednesday February 4, 1998 Bike Vizcaino - Santa Rosalia

Got up at 6:40 and walked to restaurant in hotel about 7:00 for breakfast of hot cakes and tea for 23 pesos ($2.79) plus 3 pesos ($.36) tip. It was clear and cool with virtually no wind. Lew, Don and Wiz went in the van for 30 miles. Jimmy, Anne, Pete, Joe Dumin, Art, Merrick and I biked out across the dessert valley floor. Cacti and other plants returned to the landscape. We passed several prosperous ranchos raising money crops. We slowly climbed gaining quite a bit of elevation. We biked into San Ignacio about noon passing 3 km of dense date palm trees. The old mission was impressive. We ate lunch of taco, burrito, quesadilla and 2 manzanita refrescos for 33 pesos ($4.00) plus 6 pesos ($.73) tip. We biked out about 1:00. Art rode in the van from San Ignacio. We continued to climb and went over a pass with a nice downhill, then across the valley floor for miles. We really moved with a nice tailwind. We finally came to the edge of the plateau where we could see the Sea of Cortez. The 18 km downhill was very steep and curvy. The wind, fallen rocks and pavement made the going slow. We pulled into Santa Rosalia before 5:00 where we stopped for a couple of Tecate beers for 10 pesos ($1.21). Bonnie stopped and we went up the hill to the Frances Hotel room 103 after 64.8 miles. The hotel is an old wooden building (unique in the part of Mexico) with stained wood floors and paneling. Very nice and quaint. Showered and shaved. Walked across the courtyard for 2 Coronas for 20 pesos ($2.42). Dinner of shrimp spaghetti for 95 pesos ($11.52) plus 5 pesos ($.61) tip. Art, Jeff, Merrick, Lew and I walked into town for a butter pecan cup for 8 pesos ($.97). To bed at 10:20.

Thursday February 5, 1998 Santa Rosalia - Bahia de Concepcion

Got up at 6:28. Walked to the dining room at 7:00 for breakfast of Mexican eggs (tomatoes, peppers and onions), refried beans, tortillas and 2 orange juices for 61 pesos ($7.39) plus 5 pesos ($.61) tip. Jimmy ate one bite of chirizo (sausage) walked outside and threw up. Joe Dumin was also sick all day while biking. Packed up and rode into Santa Rosalia about 9:00. Went to a steel church with stained glass windows. Church designed by Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame and imported and reconstructed by a local wealthy man. Biked out of town up a steep hill onto a plain for miles. Sunny and warm with little wind. We got into some hills before Mulege (Moo la' hay). We stopped in Mulege for a manzana refresco and the rode to the mission on a hill surrounded by date palms. The mission was primitive with massive stone walls. We biked out of Mulege after 1:00 for about 6 miles to the Tiberon (shark) Restaurant for lunch of shrimp, rice, beans, salad, Tecate and manzana refresco for 64 pesos ($7.76) plus 6 pesos ($.73) tip. Excellent meal. We biked on over several hills to Bahia de Concepcion (2nd beach) at the 112 km marker after 57.1 miles at 4:00. Camped right on the beach with a beautiful view. Set up tent and drank 2 Modelo Especial for 20 pesos ($2.42). Baby wipe wash. Supper of salad, 3 bean salad, potato, green peppers, onions and sausage main dish with garlic bread. Ate a scone 5 pesos ($.61) and a Corona beer 7 pesos ($.85). To bed at 9:15. Half moon and nice stars over the water.

Don't flush paper down toilets but put in trash can.

Mexican drivers are very courteous especially truckers.

Fried beans and tortillas with every meal.

Sprint dial 95-800-877-8000 and number.

Friday February 6, 1998 Bahia de Concepcion

Got up at 6:28. Breakfast of oatmeal and banana. Becky Aparicio (cousin of Louis Aparicio, Hall of Fame shortstop) took Anne Klesnik, Pete Flaton, a couple and I kayaking for $48. We kayaked around Pelican Island and looked at all the birds and cacti. We went through some narrow channels between the island and some big rocks. Pete cut his arm on the coral passing through the rocks. We kayaked out to the barrier rocks and snorkeled for clams. We then beached on an island and I had a beer. We then kayaked across the bay to a beach where a geothermal spring ran into the bay. Snorkeled along the coral and sat in a pool of hot water and bay water. We came back to our camp and had steamed clams and spaghetti with clams in the sauce and a beer. Bought 2 still warm coconut cream and cinnamon Danish for 14 pesos ($1.70) from a young local woman. The Danish were unbelievably good. Anne and I went back out around the point in the kayaks and got more clams for supper. Washed up and had a beer. We had supper of salad, 3 bean salad, spaghetti, steamed clams and a beer. Sat around and chatted. Beautiful moon and stars. Full day. To bed at 9:00.

Saturday February 7, 1998 Bahia de Concepcion - Loreto

Got up at 6:32 and packed up. Breakfast of egg, salsa and bean tortilla, wheat chex and All Fruit drink. Biked out of camp at 8:30. Biked south going over several small mountains between beaches for 25 miles along the bay. We climbed away from the water and went through rolling hills and mountains all the way to Loreto. Stopped at a rancho for two tacos, a Sprite and a Modelo beer for 22 pesos ($2.67). Food was awful. It was hot and windy mostly a head wind. Rolled into Loreto at 3:30 with Pete and Lew after 71.5 miles. Bonnie gave me an orange that was great in the dry heat. Lew and I got room 9 on the 2nd floor of the Junipero Motel. Pretty nice room. Lew and I walked to a bar full of Canadians and Americans for 2 Modelos each for 20 pesos ($2.42). Washed clothes in sink, then shaved and showered. Bought 6 beers for 21 pesos ($2.55) with Lew. Met two couples from Montana who knew Dick Atkinson outside a restaurant. We ended up eating pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms for 115 pesos ($13.94) with Lew. Pretty good pizza. Jimmy paid some mariachis to sing for us. Called Anne. Walked down to the water and then had ice cream cone for 16 pesos ($1.94).

Mexican ice cream is very good and made with natural vanilla beans.

Sunday February 8, 1998 Bike Loreto - Ciudad Constitucion

Got up at 6:00. Ate breakfast of banana, Wheat Chex and tangerine juice. Took picture of church behind our hotel and biked down to the waterfront. Biked out at 7:20. Biked along the bay for about 20 miles as the sun rose. Many beautiful vistas. A bike club of about 10 Mexicans in a pace line cruised by us. We climbed up away from the coast for 5 miles and 1100 vertical feet. We then rode through rolling hills for several miles. Stopped at 36 miles by the van for lunch of orange, banana, carrots, papaya, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cookies. The cords in my rear tire were broken so everyone left me while I changed to my foldup tire. I caught everyone after 10 miles when they stopped for a break. We had a slight downhill and a tough head wind for several miles. Stopped for an apple soda 5 pesos ($.61) about 11 miles out and I pulled the group in from there. We stopped at Super Pollo for a grilled half chicken for 26 pesos ($3.15). Bought beer at a grocer for 5 pesos ($.61). We loaded bikes and shuttled through heavy traffic to Manfreds RV Park in Ciudad Constitucion. We had biked 77 miles. Manfred and wife are Austrian and very industrious. Set up and showered. Walked to the store and had a beer with Jimmy. Supper of curry vegetables over rice. Sat in the store with several others and drank a Sprite. Not feeling very well. Went to bed at 9:00.

Monday February 9, 1998 Ciudad Constitucion - La Paz

Woke up at 1:25 and headed to the bathroom with severe diarrhea. While walking back I threw up violently. Got up at 4:30 and 6:00 with diarrhea. Got up at 6:45 and packed up. Not feeling well so I ate a slice of bread, small wedge of apple, banana, orange and a cup of tea. Loaded my bike on the van and rode all day with Don and Bonnie. Bikers had a fairly flat run of 70 miles with a good tailwind. Ate several bismuth tablets and drank an apple soda 5 pesos ($.61) with some crackers and an orange. Got to Bonnie's Casa in La Paz about 3:30 and in dire straights. Nice place. Walked to the beach with the gang and charged a ticket on Aero Mexico from San Jose del Cabo to San Diego for 1891 pesos ($229.21). Walked to Mariscos Mar de Cortez for shrimp and fish kebob with rice and a 7-Up for 64 pesos ($7.76) plus 6 pesos ($73) tip. Walked back to the water and then to Bonnies. To bed at 10:00. Jeff is my roommate.

Tuesday February 10, 1998 La Paz

Woke up at 6:35 and ran 44:36. Breakfast of fresh orange juice, roll with butter and jelly and milk. Walked to laundry and left it until 12:00 for 21 pesos ($2.55). Sat around and chatted then walked to the Bismarchito for a potato stuffed with lobster and shrimp with a soda for 57 pesos ($6.91) plus 3 pesos ($.36) tip. Walked around town past the cathedral and spent a couple of hours at the Anthropolgy Museum. Felt slightly nauseous. Returned to Casa La Paz to shave and shower. Walked to Oasis for seafood fettucini and apple soda for 77 pesos ($9.33) including tip with Lew, Jeff, Pete and Wiz. Walked back to Casa La Paz. Diarrhea returned.. To bed at 10:15.

Wednesday February 11, 1998 La Paz

Got up and ran 44:14 south along waterfront of downtown. Very nice area with many runners and walkers. Breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice, and corn flakes with a banana. Biked around town shopping with Wiz, Joe, Jimmy, Lew and Don. Returned to Casa Las Paz and then biked out the right side of the bay to Punta Veleporte for lunch of seafood soup (crab, shrimp, squid and mussels) and two apple sodas for 50 pesos ($6.06) plus 10 pesos ($1.21) tip. Biked back to Ballandrios Beach with Lew and walked around beach to photograph mushroom rock. Saw Anne and Jeff on the beach. Biked back to La Paz and Casa La Paz about 4:00 after 38 miles. Showered. Walked to Mariscos Mar de Cortez with Jimmy, Don, Joe, Wiz, Lew and Jeff. Art and Merrick arrived a few minutes later. I ate supper of crackers and salsa, garlic shrimp, carrots and squash, baked potato and grapefruit drink for 69 pesos ($8.36) plus 10 pesos ($1.21) tip. Stopped for butter pecan ice cream cone for 7.50 pesos ($.91) on the way home. Saw Donna, Bonnie, Anne and two mountain biking ladies leave as we arrived about 8:00.

Don't flush used toilet paper but throw it in trash can.

Microwave towers every few miles on highest points.

Palapas- Palm thatched roof huts usually on beaches.

Pete threw up with diarrhea, chills, fever and headache all day.

Thursday February 12, 1998 Bike La Paz - San Bartolo

Got up at 6:32. Breakfast of fresh orange juice, corn flakes, melon and pancake with peach yogurt. Biked out of La Paz at 8:00 for 10 miles through rush hour traffic but not too bad. Headed south on Mexico Route 1 and stayed left when Mexico 16 branched off towards Cabo San Lucas. Stopped for a grapefruit soda for 5 pesos ($.61) in El Triunfo. Climbed a significant mountain to San Antonio for grapefruit soda and shared cookies with Lew for 5 pesos ($.61). Climbed another significant mountain and rolled into San Bartolo for a grapefruit soda and crackers for 7 pesos ($.85). Rolled downhill out of town for 3-4 miles and stopped to dessert camp after 62.4 miles about 4:00. Set up. Art Wren setting his tent up next to me backed into a leaping cactus and carefully extracted a 4" piece from his rear. Drank 2 beers and ate pistachios with the group. Opened bags and sleeping gear. Baby wipe bath. Supper of salad, sweet and sour chicken and rice. Fiery sunset and great moonrise. Cows with bells came by camp. To bed at 7:50.

Friday February 13, 1998 Bike San Bartolo - San Jose del Cabo

Got up at 6:30. The moon was dim as a light cloud cover had moved in overnight. BM with shovel okay. Finally over sickness. Joe Wisniewski had a flat front tire which delayed us. We biked out of camp at 8:30. We came to the water with a nice beach, an airstrip and nice houses. We climbed away from the water inland! Pete Flaton had a flat rear tire. We had mixed sun and shade all day with more clouds as the day progressed. Biked through a large swarm of honey bees on a good downhill. Stopped at a gas station for a 7-Up for 5 pesos ($.61). Biked past the airport and on a divided highway where we stopped for a Modelo beer for 6 pesos ($.73). Biked into San Jose del Cabo about 3:00 after 77.7 miles. Checked into Senor Manana room 10 with Lew. Said good bye to Merrick, Anne and Bonnie. Walked to Baja Natural for a vanilla shake and quesadilla with mushrooms and ham for 34 pesos ($4.12) plus 5 pesos ($.61) tip with Lew and Jeff. Walked back to the hotel for a shave and shower. Walked back to the Tropicana Inn where we met Jimmy, Don and Joe Dumin. Had 3 Dos XX for 42 pesos ($5.09) plus 5 pesos ($.61) tip. The owner Ray and friend Tim at the next table joined us. Both had been in Viet Nam. Joe Dumin drained everyone's drink as we were leaving and became known as 'Draino'. Bought some orange juice for 11 pesos ($1.33) which was sour and couldn't drink it. Lew and I walked back to Baja Natural for 1 liter of orange juice and quesadilla with mushrooms for 24 pesos ($2.91). Stopped in park and phoned Anne to wish her a Happy Valentines Day. Lew called and found out his dad was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer. There was live music in the park and a beauty contest. The young ladies looked very attractive. Walked back down town to a coffee house for ice cream for 11 pesos ($1.33). Walked back and saw Wiz, Pete and Art at a sidewalk cafe.

Saturday February 14, 1998 San Jose del Cabos

Got up at 6:45. Ran down the boulevard to the beach and south along the beach to the highway to Cabo San Lucas and back in 40:16. Lew, Art, Pete and I walked to the bakery and bought warm baguette loaves and to a store where we bought cream cheese, jelly and clomato juice for 35 pesos ($4.24) for breakfast. Lew and I walked to the highway and caught a bus to Cabo de San Lucas for 10 pesos ($1.21). It is a fairly long ride of about 30 km. We walked around the San Lucas marina in downtown and caught a boat to the arch on the point for $6. The glass bottom boat took us over a reef where we saw a squid, eels and many tropical fish. We also saw a huge rock with many barking seals. We saw a beach that was on the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. Saw a rock shaped like an inverted Baja, caves and the arch. Tipped the boatman 5 pesos ($.61). Walked back to the bus stop and had 2 Tecate drafts for 17 pesos ($2.06). Caught the bus back to San Jose del Cabo for 12 pesos ($1.45). Walked back from the highway and stopped at Baja Natural for a large bowl of fruit and melons with peach yogurt and granola for 30 pesos ($3.64). Returned to Senor Manana's hotel about 3:15 and hung out. Walked back to Baja Natural about 6:00 with Lew and Joe Dumin for 2 quesadillas with mushrooms and ham plus a milk shake for 46 pesos ($5.58) plus 4 pesos ($.48) tip. Pete and Art joined us. I went to the store and bought 6 Dos XX for 41.50 pesos ($5.03) while Lew called home to check on his father. Hung out with most of the crew and drank 2 beers. To bed at 10:45.

Sunday February 15, 1998 Fly San Jose del Cabo - San Diego

Got up at 6:26 and ran down the promenade to the beach and right along beach to the highway and back in 41:28. Stumbled and fell near the turn around causing some scratches on hands. Sun came up over the water. Jimmy, Don, Wiz, Joe Dumin, Lew, Art and I walked to Tropicanna Inn for breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, salsa and orange juice for 69 pesos ($8.36). Walked back and showered. Packed bag and bike box. Checked out of room for $12.50. Walked to the Fiesta Cafe on the square with Lew, Jimmy and Art for cheese , tomato, onion and lettuce baguette with lemonade for 65 pesos ($7.88). Went to Baskins and Robins for ice cream cone for 15 pesos ($1.82). Two vans and a pickup truck arrived at 2:40. We loaded eight bikes in boxes in the truck and drove to the airport. Checked in with no problem. Pacifico beer for $2. Aero Mexico flight 488 took off about 5:50 and we arrived in San Diego about 7:00. Shuttle service loaded bikes and shuttled people to Days Inn in Chula Vista. Sam met me and we went to the Inn. Took Joe Dumin to Sam's and got his suit, shoes and bike box then returned to the Inn. Stopped by Sammy's. Had a peanut butter sandwich, orange juice and cookies. To bed at 12:10.

Monday February 16, 1998 Chula Vista, CA

Got up at 6:25 and ran down past the marina and back in 45:38. Sam drove me to Days Inn and I picked up my bike and rode it back to Sam's. Showered and drove to the cemetery where Dotty is buried. Drove to the Navy Yard where I took my last 3 pictures and then to McDonalds for a double cheeseburger, fries and lemonade for $5.85. Drove to downtown San Diego and back. Did laundry. Pam picked me up at 3:30 and we played racquetball. She trounced me. Showered. Supper of linguini alfredo, peas and carrots with V8 juice and cookies. To bed at 11:40.

Tuesday February 17, 1998 Chula Vista, CA

Got up at 7:30. Raining pretty heavy so I didn't run. Breakfast of orange juice and wheat chex with a banana. Went to Navy Base for lunch of grilled chicken sandwich fries and milk for $4.40. Stopped by the San Diego Teachers Association offices. Stopped by Sammy's and went with Sammy to pick up Connor at school and then walked around the marina. Went to the grocery store and bought ingredients for spaghetti and salad for $12.40 which I made for supper. Stopped by Pam's and Sammy's. Met Sammy's mother-in-law. To bed at 11:30.

Wednesday February 18, 1998 Chula Vista, CA

Got up at 6:20 and ran 45:04 by the marina. Glass of orange juice. Sam and I went to Danny's for breakfast of huevos rancheros with sausage and milk plus Sam's breakfast for $12. Showered. Bought duck tape and shower massage. Stopped by Sammy's and said happy 40th birthday to Cyndie. Peanut butter sandwich, oreos and milk for lunch. Drove to San Diego Teachers Association for the monthly meeting and stopped at Naval Station for gas on the way home. Picked up pictures at drug store. Spaghetti, salad, oreos and milk for supper. Dianne stopped by for about an hour and a half. To bed at 11:15.

Thursday February 19, 1998 Chula Vista, CA

Got up at 6:34 and ran past the marina and back in 45:00. Breakfast of orange juice, wheat chex with a banana. Lunch of peanut butter and cheese sandwich, peanut butter cookie from Diane and a glass of milk. Sam drove me up to a school in the mountains with a great view. We then drove to Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument. The gate attendant knew Sam. Drove back past the airport and through San Diego. Stopped at Luckys and bought ground beef, lettuce, peas, orange juice and rolls for $9.68. Cooked supper of cheeseburgers, salad, peas and mashed potatoes. Went over to Sammy's for Cyndies birthday cake. To bed at 10:30.

Friday February 20, 1998 Chula Vista, CA

Got up at 6:00 and ran past the marina and back in 44:15. Breakfast of orange juice, wheat chex with a banana. Showered. Left at 7:40 for Palm Springs. Ran through some rain in northern San Diego. Mountainous most of the way with snow capped mountains shrouded in clouds making it difficult to distinguish between them. Sam stopped at the commissary at March Air Force Base. Saw fields of hundreds of windmills outside Palm Springs. Met Dotties sister Lee McFadden who was 93 in November. Lee treated us to lunch of ice tea, mussel fettucini, garlic bread and apple crunch with ice cream. Drove back to Chula Vista at 4:10 after 284 miles. Went to supper of rice, beans, taco,, burrito, chili rolleno and beer at El Torito with Sammy's family, Pam, Tim, Viraina (German exchange student) and Pam's friend Henry. Sammy paid the tab. To bed at 11:35.

Saturday February 21, 1998 Fly Chula Vista, CA - Columbia, MD

Got up at 6:20 and ran by the marina and back in 44:31. Breakfast of orange juice, wheat chex with a banana. Shaved and showered. Packed up. Sam returned from San Diego Teachers Association meeting at 9:30. Sammy arrived soon after. Pam and Henry arrived at 10:20. I loaded my bike and bag in Henry's van. I rode to the airport with Pam and Henry. Pam carried my bag and I my bike to America West check-in counter. My plane was 40 minutes late and I had a 55 minute layover in Phoenix so they tried to reroute me on another airline. I refused and was put on my original Amerca West flight number 2253. Sam arrived while I was checking in. We ate lunch of pizza and ice tea plus Sam's lunch for $16.85 in the airport. We finally departed about 1:40 PST about 1 hour late. Arrived in Phoenixat Gate B7 and walked across the terminal to Gate B6 and straight on to America West flight number 2240. I was the last one on and they closed the door and moved away from the dock as soon as I was seated at 3:53. We arrived at BWI 20 minutes early at 9:38. I got off the plane and claimed my bike and bag by 9:55. Anne arrived about 10:25 and we loaded the car and drove home arriving at 11:00.

Trip Costs

Plane ticketBWI - San Diego$299.13
Trip$795.00
Pane ticketCabo -San Diego$225.00
Film and Pictures$49.61
Cash$422.75
Miscellaneous$13.09
Total$1,804.58