trout on dries: Baja Colours, Santiago

Saturday, 29 December 2012

Baja Colours, Santiago

When a Canadian winter strikes there is an absence of colour and even light. Cool colours predominate to match the temperatures: greys, whites, faded-out browns, ice blue. Here are some contrasting warm Baja colours and some marine blues and greens in the brillant Baja light that were captured in past seasons while Rooster fishing the East Cape; and of course a few fish shots.

santiago baja

A closed store front (above) with peeling paint in Santiago a charming inland Colonial town about one hour north of San Jose del Cabo and Los Cabos airport. Check out the hand prints on the window. Few tourist visit Santiago except those interested in Colonial history and religion. There is also a fresh water desert spring nearby that pulls some people off of the trans-peninsular highway and trekking in the nearby Sierra de la Laguna mountains. It is a beautiful little town with some interesting architecture ( historic buildings), lots of up and down contours to it (character), trees and a classic hotel. Green agricultural fields surround much of it. The people are friendly and polite. The town is kind of a little oasis in the Baja desert. It is fairly close to the Sea of Cortez. From Santiago you can be on an East Cape beaches in 20 or 30 minutes. Every year I try and take a 2 or 3 hour morning or evening break from fishing to visit. Some years I get to it, some years I don't. I'm never disappointed when I do. On a rare occasion I've spotted a traditional Mexican casita for sale or for "Renta", and dream about what it would be like to Winter in this authentic town. It might be challenging as there are not many Gringos inland. Most are tucked along the coast. And my Spanish, "No Hablo Espanol", is poor. Then again, a different culture and language would be an experience. Santiago also seems affordable and is within striking distance to some of the most beautiful beaches the East Cape has to offer. Dreams.....