2021-fall
FALL 2021
CHUBASCO VAGABUNDOS DEL MAR BOAT AND TRAVEL CLUB www.Vagabundos.com
Costa Rica Tour 2019
COSTA RICA 2019
BEACHES & WHALES CARAVAN
OFFICERS
President – Carrie Wilson
Vice President – Scott Mc Ewen
Secretary/Treasurer – Amy Halverson
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gary Kirkman Larry Lammon Scott Mc Ewen
Tony Schuck
Mike Trible Freddie Washington
Carrie Wilson
STAFF
Manager/Insurance Specialist – Michelle
Ralston
Office Assistant – Katlyn Beatty
Office Assistant – Gladis Ortiz
PRESIDENT EMERITUS – Chet Sherman
COMMODORE ETERNAL – Ray Cannon
AMBASSADORS-AT-LARGE
Robert Amma
Mike Bales
Bill Gesswein
Roland Heuschele
Sidney “Skip” Huwaldt
Larry Young
STAY UP TO DATE WITH
THE VAGABUNDOS
Website and Hotbox – www.vagabundos.com.
Facebook – Facebook.com/vagabundosdelmar
Twitter – twitter.com/vagabundosdmar
Instagram –
instagram.com/vagabundos_del_mar/ Email
Bulletins from [email protected].
VAGABUNDOS DEL MAR
190 Main Street
Rio Vista, CA 94571
(800) 47-4-BAJA (2252)
Fax (707) 374-6843
[email protected]
JOIN THE VAGABUNDOS DEL MAR BOAT AND TRAVEL CLUB
BAJA’S OLDEST, LARGEST AND ONLY NON-PROFIT CLUB
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP ONLY
$35 A YEAR
JOIN OUR MEMBER FAMILY, ALL OF
WHOM SAVE MONEY, TRAVEL
SAFELY AND HAVE FUN
THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA—
BUT ESPECIALLY IN BAJA
CALIFORNIA.
OUR SOLE PURPOSE IS TO SERVE
YOU
WE HAVE BEEN TRAVELING BAJA SINCE 1966 AND KNOW IT LIKE NONE OTHER.
SAVE A TON OF MONEY ON OUR
MEXICAN INSURANCE.
JOIN ONLINE : WWW.VAGABUNDOS.COM CALL THE OFFICE TO JOIN
(800) 47-4-BAJA(2252) OR (707) 374-5511
ALL CHUBASCO CONTENTS © 2021 VAGABUNDOS DEL MAR
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new Vice President and Chubasco Editor, Leland “Scott” McEwen. He and his wife live on their small ranch in northern Kern County. He is retired from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation after 28 years of service. During his career he served at seven different State Prisons, working his way up the ranks. In 2011, California Governor Brown appointed Scott warden of Calipatria State Prison.
Scott has served two terms as a school board member in his local community and 20 plus years as the vice president and president of the community water company. During his working years, he has attended numerous classes in leadership, ethics, management, budget, diversity and other pertinent subjects.
Scott is the father of three sons, each employed in law enforcement. Together they enjoy travel into Baja California to fish and enjoy Baja hospitality.
Scott’s hobbies include RV travel, family, building fishing poles, wood working and trips to the sierras for trout fishing and introducing his grandkids to the outdoors. Scott’s travels have taken him driving to Alaska, much of Canada including Nova Scotia, the east coast of the USA and Baja California.
We are also pleased to have Amy Halverson joining our Corporate Officers as the Secretary/Treasurer. Amy started working at the Vagabundos office in 2008 as the Bookkeeper. She was 20 years old when she started. She celebrated her 21st birthday at the office, four years later she married her high school sweetheart and five years ago had her daughter Leah. She loves living in Rio Vista and raising her family in the beautiful California Delta.
Most of you are aware the former Vice President and Chubasco Editor, Fred Jones passed away in 2018. His wife and Vagabundos Executive Manager, Gloria Jones has spent the past few years with her son John Jones in Maryland.
At this time, we would like to thank Gloria Jones for 40 years of service to the Vagabundos del Mar Club and congratulate her on her retirement. Gloria’s contributions to the Club, hard work, commitment, and dedication are worthy of admiration. On behalf of everyone at Vagabundos del Mar, we would like to wish Gloria Jones the best for the future.
The Covid 19 pandemic really has thrown a wrench into just about every aspect of our everyday lives. The Vagabundos Del Mar has certainly felt the impact and frankly missed all of our friends and fellow adventures. However, as things slowly return to some sort of normal, we are planning on getting back better than ever. We are working on some exciting caravans, crab feed (hopefully, watch for details) and a sparkling new web site. Most importantly, a return of the beloved CHUBASCO will be produced and shared with our membership. We are working hard to get this up and running and welcome your input. Stories of your travels, pictures and other up lifting accounts will make the CHUBOSCO a piece of mail you’ll look forward to receiving.
Caravans into Mexico and Costa Rica have been one of the favorite activities of the club. The Beaches and Whales trip has been very popular, offering an opportunity to interact and observe the Grey whales and their calves in the Mexican lagoons. This is an exciting, fun and unforgettable experience. For those wanting the experience but cannot get away from home or work for an extended amount of time, we are offering a new “express” trip, just six or seven nights in early February of 2022. We will travel from the El Centro area of California, through Mexicali,
San Felipe and on to Guerrero Negro for two nights. We’ll spend a day whale watching with an experienced tour operator. A guide on each panga narrates the whales’ actions and the guides even have named some of the more friendly mothers and calves.
Shortly after the Express caravan, we will be returning to the Baja peninsula for the Beaches and Whales trip, traveling as far south as the beautiful town of Loreto. This is a fourteen-day trip. On the way south we will join a whale watching adventure in Ojo de Liebre Lagoon in the Guerrero Negro area. We’ll visit the amazing old missions in San Ignacio and Mulege. In Loreto we’ll visit San Javier Mission, visit a working goat cheese farm and enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch where we’ll learn to make our own tortillas. We can also explore the off-shore Mexican National Park seeking the magnificent Blue Whales. Headed north, we’ll spend three days enjoying the beauty of Santispac Beach, just south of Mulege.
Finishing up the adventure we’ll visit beautiful Bahia de Los Angeles, camping on the beach. Great food, good friends, exciting adventures, this is a wonderful easy trip.
We
will
be
announcing
other
activities,
fishing tournaments and interesting, fun trips.
We’re
looking
at
going
to
the
Pacific
Northwest and Canada, in the summer of
2022. How about the Southwest to explore
cliff dwellings and Native American lands?
Got an idea? Let us know, we’d love to hear
from you!
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Mike Trible – I am 66 years old and live in Virginia City, Nevada with my wife of fifteen years, Mary Trible. I had the privilege of graduating from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1978 and I am a licensed architect in Nevada, Washington and Arizona. I am currently a principal in the firm of Design Significance Architecture in Virginia City, Nevada and have held this position since October 1998
I typically drive to my destination, allowing me to have a more hands on experience with the people and places in Mexico. I have extensive knowledge specifically of La Paz and Loreto and have spent much time in both beautiful cities. I have been a member of the club for almost twenty years and currently serve as an Ambassador-at-large for the club.
Larry Lammon – I obtained a BS in criminal justice at California State University Long Beach, class of 1976. I was a Police Officer from 1970-1980. I was also a Fraud Investigator for Union Bank from 1980-1987 and a schoolteacher for Los Angeles County office of Education from 1988 until retirement in 2009.
I have been a member of Vagabundos for 24 years. Every year I go to the crab feed, and I always assist in whatever is needed. I have led at least 6 Baja Direct Caravans. I have been hosting the BOLA yellowtail tournament for over 10 years. Every year at the Yellowtail tournament I contribute to the Medical Clinic in BOLA in the name of the Vag’s. I just went on a 2½-day trip with the TV show Angler Chronicles Sergio & tried to get him to come to BOLA and film our tournament. He said he
had to many big projects going but would keep us in mind for the future. Everywhere I go I am always promoting the club. I love the club and I am a very active member.”
ANNUAL ACTIVITIES
PADRE LUCAS
YELLOWTAIL TOURNAMENT Bahia de Los Angeles
LA Bay as it is known to long-time Vags is one of our original cruising and fishing spots. Padre Lucas, who passed away in 2019 and will be honored at this event for years to come. Larry Lammon continues to grow the tournament every year with more anglers, awards and prizes. This tournament becomes bigger and better every year. Tournament headquarters is Casa Diaz, which has accommodations, guides, etc. You may dry camp at Casa Diaz.
SAN QUINTIN FISHING TOURNAMENT
Vagabundos
San
Quintin
Fishing
Tournament at Don Eddie’s is full of fun,
good fishing, and good food. This will be
Freddy
Washington’s
7th
year
as
tournament leader.
The four-day event includes the sign-in at Don Eddie’s, two-day fishing tournament and a day of exploring an adventure, and a day of exploring an adventure, including
at the Oyster Farm and cocktails and dinner at Don Eddie’s.
A wide variety of fish was caught – Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Dorado, and all types of bottom fish.
ANNUAL CARAVANS
CST# 2044242-40
PASSPORTS WILL BE REQUIRED
BEACHES AND WHALES
EXPRESS CARAVAN
February 7 – 13, 2022
Vagabundos is trying something new this year. We believe that the Grey Whale interaction is one of the most wonderful, amazing experience in nature. Interacting, petting, and socializing with these magnificent mammals is something you just cannot describe. We are going to try a short, express caravan for those who cannot get away for more than one week. These Itinerary welcomes families, children, and grandchild. Here is the plan.
Day 1; Meet in El Centro California at the Desert Trails RV Resort.
Day 2; Enter Mexico at the Mexicali East Port of Entry. Stop in San Felipe for food and gas and on the Rancho Grande and dry camp on the shore of the Sea of Cortez.
Day 3; Arrive in Guerrero Negro.
Day 4; Whale watching with Shari Bondy and Whale Magic Tours.
Day 6; Travel north to San Felipe, staying at Pepe’s camp, north of town.
Day 7; Cross back into the US and head for home.
The idea is that with this short Itinerary those who just cannot get away for the Beaches and Whale tours can enjoy this joy of nature without being away for three weeks. With enough interest we will get this new tour up and going. Let the office know you are interested, and we will put it together. This will be fun. The Beaches and Whales tour is scheduled to take place a little later than this tour.
BEACHES AND WHALES CARAVAN ROUND TRIP
February 15 – March 2, 2022
We are all anxious to resume travel and what better way than in your own RV with a Wagon Master who has been traveling, exploring and fishing Baja for 30 years. Vagabundos Vice-Pesident Scott McEwen would like to take a group on an adventure of a lifetime. This caravan is designed for families, kids/grandchildren, first time travelers to Mexico and experienced explorers who want to meet new friends and travel together.
We will introduce you to one of our favorite and amazing things to do and see in Baja and will take you down to Guerrero Negro and back to California in both RV’s and passenger cars.
In one of the most remarkable annual migrations nature offers, Pacific gray whales make the 5,000-mile trip from the chilly feeding grounds of the Artic to the safety of
warm,
shallow
,waters
of
the
Baja
Peninsula for their breeding and calving
season.
These gray whale wintering areas have developed “friendly” mothers who bring their claves right up to the boats and enjoy being stroked. Mostly it’s the babies, pushed by mama whale, who probably learned the behavior as a baby herself, who seem the friendliest and want to play with us. To connect with these friendly whales from a small panga, looking right into their eye rolled toward you, creates a distinctive awareness of these intelligent creatures, enhances the mind and exhilarates the soul.
For mor information call Vag Office at 800-47-4-BAJA (2252) to pay $200 deposit to reserve your spot on the tour.
SPECIAL TOURS
TONY REYES FISHING TOUR August 21-26, 2022
The term “Mothership Fishing” is used throughout the fishing world to help access top fishing areas. Since the early 50’s they have been a very popular method to fish the Midriff Region of the Sea of Cortez leaving from San Felipe.
The normal routine is for the anglers to fly or drive to the nearest town where they board the mothership. In this case San Felipe, Baja California Norte. The boat, “Tony Reyes”, departs Sunday mornings traveling 250 miles south along the beautiful Baja coastline until you reach the area known as the Midriff Islands,
“Fishtrap
of
the
Sea
of
Cortez”.
To
fishermen we like the name, “Yellowtail
Alley”. Then add in cabrilla, snapper,
dorado, grouper and enjoy excellent fishing
for the next 4 ½ days. We will fish in 22’
pangas with three anglers plus a guide,
arriving
back
in
San
Felipe
Friday
afternoon.
The “Tony Reyes” a 107’ steel hull boat, is equipped with complete electronics and extensive lifesaving equipment. All pangas have an antenna so that the mothership can monitor their location at any time. Accommodations aboard include air- conditioned staterooms, hot showers, restrooms, fish cleaning, ice machines; drinks including beer, soda, and water. Plus, you will enjoy all your meals in the galley. Everything is included except tips, jackpot, fishing equipment, hotel before and after the trip, and personal items.
Limited spots on this tour and they are filling up fast. For mor information call Vag Office at 800-47-4-BAJA (2252) to pay $200 deposit.
VAGABUNDOS PRESENTS
UNIQUELY MEXICO
Mexico City and Oaxaca This tour is created and hosted by
Connie Jones NOVEMBER 12 – 21, 2022
Oaxaca de Juarez, the City of Oaxaca, in
the State of Oaxaca, is a UNESCO World
Heritage
Site.
It
has
a
large
native
indigenous
population,
well
over
50
percent of the state, compared to 20
percent for Mexico as a whole. Indigenous
culture in Oaxaca remains strong. More
than 300,000 people are monolingual in
one of a wide variety of native indigenous
languages
and
follow
a
predominantly
indigenous
lifestyle,
and
many
others
are
bilingual,
with
Spanish
as
their
second
language.
Zapotec and Mixtec are the two largest groups. The variety of these indigenous groups is what makes Oaxaca an arts and food destination, with textiles as a predominant art form. The average temperature in November is 81F high and 53F low. There are parts of the State of Oaxaca that are a matriarchal society. This will be an intimate tour with only 10 participants.
Day 1, Saturday, November 12 Fly on your own to Mexico City. You will be met at the airport and transported to our hotel located near the historic city center, zocalo. This evening we will walk to Plaza Garibaldi where the Mariachi Musicians hang out to perform for propinas (tips) and book their gigs. Dinner will be at Salón Tenampa in Plaza Garibaldi. After dinner we’ll take taxis back to the hotel. Included: Airport transfer to the hotel, hotel, taxi ride from Plaza Garibaldi. Hotel Ritz Centro Historico.
Day 2, Sunday, November 13 After breakfast at the hotel we’ll take the city bus to the National Anthropology Museum; this is one of the finest museums I have ever seen and we’ll stay for a couple of hours. If the time is right, we’ll have lunch in the excellent museum cafe, or return by bus to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon we will walk to the National Palace to see the Diego Rivera Murals depicting the history of Mexico. I recommend dinner at the hotel tonight for convenience because we will leave at about 7PM to walk to the Palace of Fine Arts for a performance of the Ballet Folklorico. We will walk back to the hotel after the
performance; this is a safe area. Included: Hotel, Breakfast, Ballet Folklorico.
Day 3, Monday, November 14 After breakfast at the hotel we will take the city bus to the Frida Kahlo Museum and after the museum we will take another bus to Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Basilica for a guided tour, then bus back to
our hotel. Tonight we will walk around the
corner for dinner at the famous Café de
Tacuba.
Included:
Hotel,
Breakfast,
Guadalupe tour, Dinner.
Day 4, Tuesday, November 15 Breakfast at the hotel, then we will fly to Oaxaca and check into our hotel centrally located in the historic zocalo (city center). The rest of the day is free to explore around the hotel. Included: Breakfast, flight to Oaxaca, transfer to hotel, Oaxaca Hotel (Hotel to be determined will be in the historical center, 3- star).
Day 5,
Wednesday,
November
16
After
breakfast at the hotel we will have a private
guided tour that includes the archeological site
Mitla, the famous El Tule tree, El Rey de
Matatlán (Mezcal) where we will probably
stop for lunch, then visit the most acclaimed
rug weaver in Teotitlán del Valle. We might
also visit a friend of mine who lives in
Teotitlán
to
hear
about
living
in
this
fascinating
part
of
Mexico.
Included:
Breakfast, Hotel, tour.
Day 6, Thursday, November 17 This will be a big day. Same guide, same van on a tour to visit some outlying villages that specialize in Black pottery, carved and painted animals (abrijes), embroidered fabric and leather. Included: Hotel, Breakfast and sack lunch for the tour, Tour.
Day 7, Friday, November 18 In the morning we will tour the mercado with a local chef to select ingredients for our cooking class. As a group we will determine the menu we want to learn to cook. In the afternoon we can take an independent walk (map provided) to see some of the street art around town. Included: Breakfast, Hotel, Mercado tour and cooking class.
Day 8, Saturday, November 19 A fun time this morning learning how to paint, and then painting our own famous Oaxacan albrijes, wood carved figures. In the afternoon we will take an independent walking tour of the best textile shops in Oaxaca (map provided). Included: Breakfast, Hotel, Albrije painting class.
Day 9, Sunday, November 20 We deserve an easy day today. We’ll start at 11AM with a guided tour of the Botanical Garden of Oaxaca. Next we’ll visit the Textile Museum and perhaps a tour of a colorful, local cemetery. Included: Breakfast, Hotel, taxis.
Day 10, Monday, November 21 Fly home. Included: Breakfast at the hotel, unless your flight is too early.
equipment donations; as well as volunteers to
bring down the supplies they collect. During
the past few years, there has been serious and
devastating
fires
in
Rosarito,
Tijuana,
Ensenada and more. One of the challenges
for firefighters is a lack of proper equipment
such
as
vehicles,
tools
and
specialized
clothing to tackle wildfires. Baja Bridges
plans to bring that type of equipment from
the United States and distribute to local
agencies
as
well
as
skills
from
other
professionals and or organizations.
In addition, assistance to various orphanages such as education by way of computer labs, is one of the missions to help with local communities in Baja. Baja Bridges is well connected with organizations such as DIF- Rosarito, DIF-Tijuana, Hearts of Baja, San Felipe Rotary, La Mision Rotary, Mulage Rotary and others.
It is an ongoing challenge to ensure the safety of firefighters and EMT to make sure that they will save those lives who are in danger and to help the orphanages, so donations will help every bit.
If you would like to get in touch with Baja Bridges contact information: P. O. Box 14, Clarksburg, CA 95612 Email: [email protected] Phone:916-832-8965 Website:www.bajabridges.org BajaBridges.org
I estimate that this tour will be priced at under $3000 per person, double occupancy.
Vagabundos Member Katherine Van Diest is part of an organization based off of the response they had when they assisted the delivery of a fire truck to Mulege in February 2020. They are trying to reach as many fire departments as they can for
EL PALMAR CASAS
Vag Rental in Loreto
Casa For Rent
Two Weeks Maximum
(If you want more time, call Vag HQ to see if vacant)
Patio, Pool Secure Parking For Small Vehicles
Internet & Wi-Fi Service
Three Blocks From Sea of Cortez Walking Distance to All Facilities in Loreto
International Airport in Loreto
Call Club Headquarters at (800) 47-4-BAJA (2252)
For Details and Reservations
CASA 7
$80 Per Night For up to four Members
$90 Per Night For up to five Members $100 Per Night For up to six Members
Two Full Baths With Shower Two Bedrooms (One in Loft)
Maximum of Six People
Living Room, Kitchen
TV
Fishing in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park can be exceptional for migratory dorado, yellowtail, sailfish, marlin and many other resident species.
Diving around the nearby islands is very popular, as is kayaking and viewing several species of whales. Pangas can be chartered for a delightful day picnicking and snorkeling on a lovely white-sand beach with several adjoining reefs and numerous tropical fish. Several businesses cater to these activities.
Fascinating side trips can be made to Puerto Escondido to the south and the village of San Javier high in the Sierra de La Giganta to the west. Nopolo is a few miles south of Loreto and has a fine golf course
and a tennis complex.
FOR A TRAVEL MEDEVAC QUOTE
Visit www.vagabundos.com and Click on
Travel Med Evac Insurance
As we further develop plans for a wider range of coverage options, we recently enhanced the Travel Medical plan (Hospital of Choice Medical Evacuation and Emergency Medical Expense coverage) to now include Trip Delay coverage which includes a unique quarantine provision. This highly desirable provision is especially relevant given the CDC requirement to obtain a negative COVID test before returning to the U.S. Even more important is the fact there are no infectious disease exclusions in any of our plans – which means COVID-19 is covered as any other illness. The addition of the Trip Delay with the quarantine provision provides a great complement for both domestic and international travelers seeking that added piece of mind when planning a trip.