Text by: Romana Lilic
Photos: LA76 Strategic Design & Photography
Published in: ESCAPES #7

“I BELIEVE in an emotional architecture.”, once said one of Mexico’s most influential architects, Luis Barragán. Barragán reinvented Mexican modern architecture with sensuous aesthetics, vivid colors, attention to spaces and light, while accentuating the building’s natural surroundings. Emotional or sensual architecture is just how we could describe the style of San Jose del Cabo’s new contemporary home by acknowledged Mexican architects Javier Gutiérrez Toscano and Antonio Plá from ColectivoMX.

Casa Gavión evokes an emotional reaction at your first encounter. The impact of its massive proportions, volumes, forms, textures and colors will not leave you unmoved, guaranteed. Before continuing to explore its spaces indoors and outdoors, we recommend that you take off your flip flops, as this home is best enjoyed barefoot. Then stretch your arms, open your hands, and get ready for a flood of sensations. Casa Gavión is literally a sensational home.

In an awarded architectural studio ColectivoMX, well known for their regionalism in home design, they had four principles in mind during the creation of this impressive nature conscious home; passive pollution of the area by using regional materials and local labor force during the construction, sensibility of the materials by using different textures and reinterpreting their usage, integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces, and thus maximizing the usage of the space, while keeping the home user friendly with low maintenance costs.

The concept of the home is based on its residents and the enjoyment of all the spaces, where exterior becomes equally important as interior, complimenting the great weather of Baja California Sur. All the spaces in Casa Gavión are looking to the exterior, with each room having its own garden or terrace.

Dining and living room open to the large terrace and patio with the pool and lounge area. Bedroom on the ground level looks to the cardon cactus patio, and the kitchen opens to the stone patio and the garden. Both master bedrooms on the 1st floor each have their own terrace, and on the 2nd floor there is a large terrace with 360 C views of the Sea of Cortez, adjacent golf courses and the majestic mountains, ideal for sipping wine at sunset and star gazing.

The key characteristic of this home and the essence for its name is the rock wall, “gavión”. While you will notice gavión at the sides of the federal highway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, the architect reinterpreted its use and its excellent isolation features to protect the spaces in the home from the sun while at the same time making it function as blinds, letting the air through the wall and cooling the area.

The advantage of owning a home in Baja is being able to live inside and outside at the same time. When walking around, you will notice that this home is without windows: pocket doors have been built throughout the home, so when you are in, you can have them wide open and enjoy the fresh breeze, the salty ocean smell and the birds singing. Windows in Casa Gavión function as a security asset: you use your windows when you are not using your home. The orientation of the home, cross ventilation, pergolas and a rock wall ensure isolation within the home and eliminate the need to use the air-conditioning.

Eternal summer was one of the reasons for different textures, implemented in this home. Rock wall, pebble stones, gypsum, stucco, rustic plaster, fine plaster and wood are only some of the materials you will enjoy while walking around barefoot. In the main patio alone you can experience fine grass, beach sand, water, stucco and rustic plaster, which you can enjoy depending on your feelings and desires. Let your children play in the house and see how impressed by the textures they will be. The architect’s daughters are walking around barefoot with their hands stretched out, touching and feeling everything that surrounds them with great joy.

In the past, hearing the term “ecological home” we used to think of high construction and high maintenance costs. Luckily, with  advances in technology, acceptance of the eco standards world wide and with it also lower implementation prices, Javier Gutierrez confirms that the construction costs of this home didn’t exceed the construction cost of any regular home.

The home has been planed and prepared to help you save energy and money, while protecting the nature at the same time. Prepared system for solar energy will help greatly reduce the consumption of electricity. Grey water usage system is installed and ready to use. Ingenious planning of the pool, consisting of dipping pool, swimming pool and jacuzzi reduces the water consumption generally used in homes with pools. Besides that, the roof, which is the largest source of heat to any house, is isolated with thick high density foam, thus reducing the need for AC.

Hard to comprehend for anyone having experienced the summers in Baja, but proven true, is that in Casa Gavión you don’t need to use air-conditioning, even in the hottest summer months. The cross-ventilation, isolation, the mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, open pocket doors, ventilators and breeze assure a fresh wind through all the living areas. Even though, air-conditioners are set for days or moments too hot to handle.

Casa Gavión is truly a sensational home. It will tickle your senses and bring out emotions, every day, guaranteed.

*Casa Gavión is FOR SALE. Contact us for a brochure and to schedule a tour: escapes@cbriveras.com.

See the full photo gallery from our photo shoot:

Casa Gavion, San Jose del Cabo – Images by Romana Lilic @LA76

Read an article about Casa Shelly, an awarded home by architectural studio ColectivoMX.

With over 30 miles of beach, award-winning resorts and spas, and some of the best golf courses in North America, visiting Los Cabos is a truly an experience that can not be missed. For travelers seeking the ultimate, profoundly memorable vacation, there are an endless number of adventures and attractions to choose from at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.

Among the variety of adventures available to guests in Los Cabos, the following are ‘must- do’ activities, essential in creating the ideal ‘bucket list.’

Swimming with whale sharks. Photo via Luxury Villa Collections.

• Swimming with Whale Sharks -Visitors to Los Cabos can take the adventure of a lifetime and swim with Whale Sharks, the largest fish in the world. Guests have a chance to get up-close-and-personal with these gentle giants of the sea. www.cabo-expeditions.com.mx

Baby turtles hatched at Capella Pedregal.

• Release of Baby Sea Turtles – During the months of June – September, visitors can lend a helping hand to the sea turtle conservation effort in Los Cabos. Guided by experienced naturalists, guests have the ability to adopt baby sea turtles and help release them back into the ocean.

• Whale Watching Photo Safari – During the winter season, guests in Los Cabos have the opportunity to witness the migration of whales from the artic to the warm, calm waters surround the Baja Peninsula. Visitors can observe the whales a variety of ways, including from the beaches and overlooks of Los Cabos and through whale-watching trips offered by local tour companies aboard small boats for a truly intimate experience.

Golfing at Bahia de los Sueños, photo by Amy Bennett Photography

• Play on a championship golf course – Do you dream of playing on a golf course designed by champion players such as Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye or Greg Norman? As Mexico’s golf mecca, Los Cabos offers guests the option to play at a variety of award-winning, championship courses designed by golf legends.

Capella Pedregal Resort & Residences

• ‘Stay Like a Star’ – Guests in Los Cabos can “Stay Like a Star” at their favorite resort and enjoy the perks of celebrity living. Many resorts offer packages to guests, allowing them the opportunity to be pampered like a star. Check out the ultimate celebrity Cabo San Lucas resort Capella Pedregal: www.capellapedregal.com

• Visiting a True ‘Magic Town’ – Located a just a short drive from Los Cabos is Todos Santos, Baja’s only “Pueblo Magico.” Offering visitors a “magical experience” due to its natural beauty, cultural richness and historical relevance, Todos Santos is one of 42 Pueblos Magicos throughout Mexico. www.todossantos.cc

40 ft. Sport Fisher SuperNatural, Seacraft yacht

• World-class Sport Fishing – Known as the “World’s Aquarium,” Los Cabos is home to some of the world’s best sport fishing. A paradise for avid anglers, guests can sail on one of Los Cabos’ over 500 fishing vessels and catch marlin, swordfish, wahoo, dorado, yellowtail, snapper, and many more. Check out: Seacraft sportfishing and cruise charters

Los Cabos, located at the tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, is home to award-winning hotels, luxury villas and timeshare resorts, championship golf courses, rejuvenating spas, world-class sport fishing and much more. With a unique landscape of dramatic desert and white sand beaches, Los Cabos is an exotic escape within easy reach of most U.S. cities.

With non-stop flights or convenient connections available from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Missouri; Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York/Newark, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, California, Seattle and more, Los Cabos is both accessible and exciting.

Information via www.time2travel.com

Antonio Wong Tabasco, Founder of the Hotel California

“Baja is flip flop funky… Todos Santos… lined with artisans shops, and it is here that you will find The Hotel California.”
-Vanity Fair

• Hotel California is accessed by driving down a long desert highway from either Los Cabos to the south or La Paz to the east.
• The Mission Church of Pilar is located directly adjacent to the hotel and mission bells are heard daily. Since the Church is so close it sounds like they are almost inside the hotel at times.
• Countless stories and firsthand witnesses relating to spirits and ghosts in the courtyard of the hotel.
• During the “Hippie Era” of the 1960s and 1970s, people were know to easily grow their own marijuana in the extremely fertile land of the Todos Santos area and then roll them into “Colitas” which is a Mexican slang term for “Joint” or Marijuana cigarette.
• The simple fact that the Hotel California in Todos Santos was built in 1947 which was of course far before the “Hippie” or “Classic Rock” eras

 

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, the picture became much more clear again.  The hotel had become neglected and in 2001, a Canadian couple John and Debbie Stewart purchased the hotel.  After completing a masterful renovation, which would later win numerous awards for design and décor, the original 16 rooms were transformed into the eclectic 11 suite hotel it is today.  The restaurant, La Coronela and bar were added and the area of the original gas station became the tienda Emporio, the hotel’s boutique gallery/bazaar.

John Stewart, creator of the modern era Hotel California

“A little jewel in the middle of the desert.”
-John Stewart, creator of the modern era Hotel California

Today the “legendary” Hotel California is an icon, shining brighter than ever.  It continues to evolve, changing with the times as it has since its birth in 1947.

 

For more information about the Hotel California, restaurants, events and bookings, please visit www.hotelcaliforniabaja.com

Espíritu Santo is a large (102 square km) island surrounded by a set of smaller islets known as Isla Partida, Los Islotes, La Ballena, El Gallo y La Gallina. It lies some 20 km east of La Paz. Because of its proximity to La Paz Bay, the island has been intensely used in the past and is still the most heavily visited island in the Sea of Cortés. It is littered with evidence of pre-Hispanic occupancy by the Pericú people. In the 19th century Don Gastón Vivés established the first pearl oyster farm in the world here.

Isla Espiritu Santo, photo by janhamlet via flickr

In the 1960s the state of Baja California Sur was granted legal status as a duty-free port, and the economy made a rapid transition from ranching and agriculture into commerce. As a result, communications developed rapidly: ferry ports, airports and the transpeninsular highway were built, and tourism started to take off. Some pioneering entrepeneurs who loved the natural beauty of the region started to develop a new brand of nature tourism that involved low-impact activities such as whale watching, kayaking, camping, and visits to the islands. Ecotourism was a new and revolutionary concept in Mexico, and has set an example for other regions. Coastal fishing in open panga boats also developed in the 1960s/1970s, and the fishermen started to use the island for temporary camps, 22 of which were in operation in 1999. Finally, a third social sector, academics and researchers, also developed with the new economy. A university and two research centers were established in La Paz in the 1970s, and researchers started to visit the island and to use it as a convenient field station. In spite of these uses, the island is in an extremely good state of conservation, an empirical fact that shows that low-impact nature tourism is indeed meeting its declared goals.

Stretching 19 km long and 5 km wide, this spectacular island has dozens of lovely bays, rich marine life and land-based reptiles, birds, and amphibians.

Isla Espiritu Santo, photo by janhamlet on flickr

Espiritu Santo Island Expedition - Untouched wilderness

Of the nearly 100 islands dotting the Sea of Cortez, Isla Espiritu Santo is undoubtedly its crown jewel. The island has the most intact ecosystem in the region and in its 12 pristine bays you’ll encounter flora and fauna that are found nowhere else on the planet. Its turquoise waters are home to coral reefs, resident colonies of sea lions, dolphins, whales and 500 species of fish. Protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Espiritu Santo is one of the few places on earth where time seems to stand still. Be among the few to discover its riches and enjoy its untouched beauty!

TOUR – Live the ultimate eco adventure

Imagine a place so pristine you could forget time and schedules and the hectic world… A place teeming with life yet serene and perfectly balanced. Isla Espiritu Santo, just off the coast of La Paz, is one of Baja’s ultimate eco adventure destinations and now you can explore it on a fun and enriching day trip from Los Cabos. Espiritu Santo Island Expedition by Cabo Expedition is designed for small groups (10-15 pax) of individuals who cherish nature and want to get close to it.

As part of all-day expedition, you’ll immerse yourself in an authentic Baja experience. The expert guides – geologists, marine biologists, ornithologist and professional divers – will lead you into this natural sanctuary. You’ll try traditional local cuisine, swim with sea lions, snorkel among the countless species of tropical fish, learn about thousands of years of natural history, and for even more fun you’ll be able to choose from activities such as kayaking*, snuba* or diving*.

Espiritu Santo Island Expedition by Cabo Expeditions has 2 weekly departures from May to August. Don’t forget your camera, bathing suit, sun hat and biodegradable sun block.

Swim with sea lions

Did you know that Isla Espiritu Santo is considered THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD to swim with sea lions? There is a colony of about 300 of these friendly and playful sea mammals who will invite you for a swim of a lifetime. Other highlights of the expedition include:
- Snorkeling
- Bird watching
- Kayaking
- Snuba
- Scuba Diving
- Traditional breakfast & lunch
- Specialized guide services

Price:
Cost per person $190.00 USD; cost per children: $100.00 USD (children ages to 10).

What’s included:
• Pricing includes tax and max of 10 people
• Includes Round-Trip Transportation
• Includes bottled water, soft drinks
• Includes equipment / gear
• Includes full lunch on island and drinks

Tour departure times:
• 7:00AM – 6:00PM
• Open 6 Days per week: Monday through Saturday
• Seasonal: April – October
• 4 Person Minimum
• Private Tours available upon request

• Special Note: Individuals or couples participating alone will be grouped together to provide the 4 person minimum

Roundtrip transportation:
• Door-to-door service for hotels, resorts, private residences, etc.
• Round trip transportation is provided based on tour departure times.
• We encourage guests to be 5 minutes early for the transportation pick-up.

For more information and reservations please contact Cabo Expeditions at info@caboexpeditions.com.mx, visit their website www.caboexpeditions.com.mx or call them at MX local phone (624) 143 2700 or from the USA: 214 774 4844.

The title for this brief anecdote is not some news headline to get your attention but we hope it did! Simply put. This piece is about the beautiful Sea of Cortez, floating trash and anglers saving a Green Sea Turtle, one of the worlds many endangered inhabitants.

The setting for this saga took place on the Sea of Cortez with a flat calm windless day close to Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico. We had launched our fishing vessel the Que Pasa long before daylight for a day of sport fishing with Captain Marco Manriquez Cota. Our crew this day included my neighbor Gary Dufour from the Bay Area of San Francisco and me.

Our day began with the sun rocketing like a flaming ball from the edge of the sea, igniting the morning sky with a brilliance of shooting light, flaming the broken clouds into a brilliant orange glow. Surely this was an omen of the adventure ahead.

Only fifteen to thirty minutes with lures in the water our first strike sent Marco pouncing like a mountain lion to set the hook and begin the main event, angler vs. fish. The fish was strong, line streaming outward and dangerously close to spooling the reels capacity. At the helm I quickly wheeled the Que Pasa about in chase. Like a wisp of breath the fish was gone. A shadow, that never broke the sea’s surface to present an identifying hint.

Continuing on our troll, Captain Marco, following the flight of a high soaring Frigate bird, sighted some irregular surface disturbance about a mile away. “Alla – alla” (there there) he pointed; something was bobbing and twisting on the flat sea. We quickly turned for the commotion in hopes the floating object would have attracted some feisty and tasty fare for the table.

Damaged Flipper

To no avail, it was floating sea trash. Three plastic bottles and additional debris which included long rotting  all entwined by a 1/8^th inch black poly-line.  However that floating mess also was an “Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtle.” Entrapped by debris, it was held captive and unable to submerge for food or from danger.

Death Trap

As we slowly approached the debris, it was heart wrenching to watch the turtle’s struggle, as moving as it was to encounter. It was anger that first entered my mind when discovering this amphibians suffering was a direct result of an unknown angler. Fishing line of commercial grade and stainless steel swivels gave proof this condemned creature was captured. Yes, in a fishing device with unsinkable bottles. Unable to swim or dive, this beautiful creature was doomed to a struggling death!

Entangled

Captain Marco adeptly situated his gaff between the turtle and the line wrapped tightly around the victim’s flipper attached to the floating bottles.  Thankfully, with the sharpness of Captain Marcos keen eye this turtle will live or  return to Baja’s sandy shoreline on which to deposit eggs for the next generation.

Free At Last

The ultimate killer, of course, would have been a human, who for whatever reason even by accident allowed these items to escape their control. Any loose items, fishing line, plastic bags or particularly clear plastic water bottles. Which seemingly appear to be a sea turtle’s favorite meal a Portuguese Man o’ War? These when ingested by most of the oceans inhabitants almost always lead’s to a slow death for turtles and other marine life.

Baby Olive Ridley Turtle Release

Following this encounter I interviewed several local anglers in the area. I confirmed at least five encounters with turtles involving plastic bags labeled with the word Sal (salt). More than likely lost overboard from a passing freighter or as a result of salt mining operations north of the East Cape area. Captain Marco also confirmed he had previously been involved in the release of two turtles bound with trash and angling gear.

Regardless of the cause, it is we  who are adding to the endangerment of these sea creatures of and we can do something about it by adopting and following a few basic rules:

1. Do not discard accidentally or for other reasons any length of fishing line, working line or any floatable object overboard from your vessel no matter how small! Not only are these bits and pieces attractive toys to a meandering turtle, they are inherent to picking up other objects in a tide line, thereby creating a growing mass for the curious and hungry sea life to examine.
2. Boat Anglers please adopt an on board slogan: See it, pick it up! Please secure your vessel from accidental over boarding of loose materials. If this happens, turn around and pick it up. It’s a small price to pay to save our precious sea life.
3. Ask yourself, your family and friends who beach walk to carry a small bag and pick up loose items, which no matter how small, could eventually work their way into the environment and endanger the sea creatures.

We are stewards of our environment. For all whom live and enjoy the wonders of the water, walk the endless beaches to nowhere and gasp at the disappearing whales tail. I challenge you, if within your power  “never pass a potential hazard” to sea life again without retrieving it to your control.

Doomed sea life and floating trash that is why this encounter should be a reminder for all of us.

Please, keep the Sea of Cortez and other waters clear of our carelessly handled discards. A few moments from your fishing, cruising, walking, peddling or jogging may save the life of an aquatic neighbor!

Text and photographs by Ray Underwood

Cabo Expeditions is now offering a true, once-in-a-lifetime experience by swimming with the largest fish in the world today, The Whale Shark also known as the Gentle Giant of the Sea!

Beginning your tour out of Los Cabos, Cabo Expeditions provide door-to-door services with their private round-trip transportation in brand new vehicles, taking you up to the La Paz Bay.  In their boats, you will be accompanied by professional, bilingual and certified captains, marine biologists and federally licensed guides.

Swimming with the friendliest, big fish in the world is a surreal experience.  Yet, finding the whale shark using our aerial spotter airplanes almost guarantees a chance to live out an experience that you normally watch on television or read about in a magazine!  By air, Cabo Expeditions goes the extra mile!  Throughout your tour, their customized spotter planes find the best spots for whale sharks found in their own feeding grounds.

Once encountering the whale sharks, they guide you in getting up-close-and-personal with these “gentle giants.”  Their tour is professionally operated and certified by SEMARNAT according to Mexican Law.  After your experience, you will enjoy a delicious, authentic Mexican lunch at a nearby restaurant!

• Pricing includes tax
• Includes Round-Trip Transportation
• Includes bottled water, soft drinks, light breakfast and lunch at restaurant
• Includes wetsuit, equipment, gear
• Includes whale shark swimming certifications

TOUR DEPARTURE TIMES (ALL DAY):

• 7:30AM – 3:30PM (Approx. Return time)
• Open 7 Days per week
• Tour available from January – June (may be extended)

ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION:

• Door-to-door service for hotels, resorts, private residences, etc.
• Round trip transportation is provided based on tour departure times.
• We encourage guests to be 5 minutes early for the transportation pick-up.

More information: www.caboexpeditions.com.mx + info@caboexpeditions.com.mx + (624) 143 2700

Diverse collection of developers and real estate related businesses to launch groundbreaking effort aimed at educating Americans on the value of living in Mexico.

For the first time, a nationwide array of companies are joining forces to promote living and real estate investment in Mexico. Individuals from some of the most respected companies including Grupo Questro, Capella Pedregal, Punta Mita, Querencia, RCI International, BBVA/Compass Group and Stewart Title Latin America have compiled a stellar group of talent to combat the negative media, security concerns and perception challenges that have faced Mexico the past year. http://www.livemexico.org

The Mexico Real Estate Coalition (MREC) has a very clear and simple goal: to promote the many benefits Mexico offers to those seeking a place to retire or own a second home. The second home/retirement home sector is a multi-billion dollar industry in Mexico, spread over several major markets and many smaller ones. Until now, there has never been a national association to advocate this specific segment. As a national industry-wide Coalition, the MREC has the combined power to ensure that Mexico continues to attract people from United States and Canada and educate them on the main benefits of living in the country.

“The overarching goal of the Mexico Real Estate Coalition is to educate and excite Americans about the many benefits of living, retiring and investing in Mexico,” said Juan Diaz Rivera, Chairman of the Mexico Real Estate Coalition. “Living in Mexico is a compelling lifestyle option – far lower cost of living than in the US and all of the natural attributes that the retiree/second home purchaser seeks. Mexico has certainly suffered some challenges over the past year and we plan to address these head on and put Mexico back in the spotlight. A lot of what the media has led people to believe is just not accurate.”

The group launched efforts in January 2011 with the unveiling of LiveMexico.org. This highly interactive site will serve as the primary promotion and educational vehicle for the MREC. Visitors to the site will be able to read hundreds of testimonials from Americans about the benefits of living in Mexico, gain information on Mexico real estate and also review key facts and figures affecting the country. As part of the initial efforts, MREC has also recently launched an aggressive advertising and public relations campaign to educate and help shift the current perception facing the country in the mainstream media.

MREC is not a short-term effort to respond to current negative press, rather an initiative that is designed to promote Mexico as a retirement option over the long term and to ensure it competes with key US markets for the baby-boomers over the next 10-15 years.

Coalition members come from all parts of Mexico, including Los Cabos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Rosarito, Ensenada, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and many other destinations. The group is not just limited to developers as some of the top banks, title companies and law firms have also joined. Non real estate developers include Stewart Title Latin America, BBVA/Compass Group, Sotheby’s, Mexico, CREEL Law Firm and many others.

“Mexico presents an incredible lifestyle for the American retiree and real estate investor. We believe it to be the best in the region not only versus other Latin American and Caribbean markets, but also when compared to retirement destinations in the United States,” said Christopher Hill, Mexico CEO of Stewart Title Latin America and a founding member of the MREC. “However, we are going to have to put some work into correcting some of the unfair damage done to the image of Mexico recently in the US media. Our greatest asset is the thousands of Americans and Canadians who currently live in Mexico and love it. In the end, the reality of Mexico as a great place to live – full or part time – will shine through.

The history of development of Los Cabos, told in two videos through the eyes of the developers, who were here when it all started. Among them Don Abelardo Rodriguez, Bud Parr, Luis Coppola, the Díaz Rivera family, Manuel Yturbe, Marco Monroy Milán, John A. Vaughan, Mario Gadsden, Gonzalo Franyutti, and many others.

The videos are in Spanish, but the imagery is easy to understand:

Part #1:

Part #2

Sunday mornings have a new meaning to all Cabo San Lucas residents. It is an opportunity to enjoy quality time with friends, family and even with your pets by strolling along the beautiful streets of the Marina Blvd. The Ciclovia Recreativa Familiar Cabo San Lucas is a project that aims to have an open space for families and sportsmen to ride a bike, scooters or roller skates and to promote a healthier lifestyle in a clean environment.

What started as a project by the Club Cactus Bike, it is now a reality where everyone can enjoy a sunny morning in the streets of Cabo. And to complement the fun, people can bring their dogs and treat them for a long walk along with other kids and pets.

The Ciclovia was created for all the residents of Los Cabos by Club Cactus Bike with the help of Asociación de Amigos de Cabo San Lucas, and it is really important to acknowledge the support of Humane Society of Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Angels, Public Services, Civil Protection, Traffic Police, volunteer students and other private organizations. Everyone is welcome to participate! Just keep in mind that no motorized vehicles are allowed, dogs must always be with a leash and for the delight of everyone, you must clean after your dog at all time.

So instead of waking up late (as I usually do every Sunday), I took my friend’s dog Petey and enjoyed the many smiling faces past Sunday morning at the Ciclovia. I was personally delighted to see all the families congregated: many were sitting by the cafe’s enjoying the morning and having breakfast, others were proudly applauding their kids at how well they rode a bike without any help, while many were just walking their dogs. The ambiance was the one of a fiesta. Early-walker tourists were also part of the people enjoying another face of these streets, especially since the past Sunday’s event was to honor the Bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence. Attendants were asked to participate by decorating their bikes or dressing up their pets with the proud colors of the Mexican flag: green, white and red.

I also enjoyed seeing some of the dogs available for adoption by the Humane Society of Cabo San Lucas: they all were walked by a volunteer and had a really cute Mexican handkerchief around their necks!

Each Sunday there will be different activities open to the public, and this past morning was no exception. There was an invigorating spinning class, courtesy of High Evolution Gym, which the participants left with lots of energy feeling eager to enjoy the rest of their day.

It is important to stress the cooperation of anyone driving by the area when seeing some of the most important streets temporarily closed.

The hours of the Ciclovia are: every Sunday morning from 7.00 am to 11.00 am from Vicente Gerrero St corner with Marina Blvd (almost by the Diamonds Int store), and up to Paseo de la Gaviota St corner with Lazaro Cardenas Blvd (by City Club); it only comprehends a 2.5 km path.

My last note is to congratulate everyone behind this open space for children and grownups alike: their care for a better community is an example that we all should consider and support… and what a better way to support it than by attending or inviting friends and family to participate! Petey and I left with a big smile in our face; it was definitely a fresh start of our day!

It’s good to have your feet firmly on the ground. But every time I am flying in or out of Los Cabos, while in the air, I am amazed watching the magnificence of the Baja California Sur desert.

Some facts on Baja California Sur desert:

This ecoregion is located on most of the western side of the Baja Peninsula and contains varied habitats such as mountains, plains and coastal dunes. This desert is one of the largest of best preserved in Mexico, and due to its isolation, contains a high level of species richness and endemism. The largest protected area in Mexico is located within this ecoregion and provides habitat for a number of endemic species such as San Quintín Kangaroo Rat, Baja California rock squirrel, as well as a wealth of spider, scorpion, and bee species. Unfortunately, cattle ranging and unregulated hunting have taken its toll on much of this habitat.

The Baja California Desert ecoregion occurs on the western portion of the Baja California peninsula, and occupies most of the Mexican states of Baja California Sur and Baja California Norte. Elevation is variable, ranging from mountain ranges on the western central part (1000 – 1500m), plains of median elevation (300 – 600m), and vast extensions of coastal dunes.

A series of ophiolytes – formations of gabrum, ultramafic rocks, and volcanic lava – surround the most prominent orographic feature: The San Andres mountain range. Overall, the climate is dry with variable temperature. The isolated nature of the peninsula, and its proximity to the sea, maintains a certain degree of humidity, and is responsible for keeping temperatures more or less stable throughout the day.

The main vegetation associations are composed of xeric scrubs, which have been subdivided in diverse categories according to dominant species and the ecological conditions in which they occur. Thick-stemmed trees and shrubs, growing on rocky volcanic soils, cover the highest parts of the mountain ranges. Dominant species are Ambrosia camphorata, Erodium cicutarium, and Astragalus prorifer. Fouquieria columnaris can be also found up to 1200m. Many species of cacti are present. Dominant species vary with elevation. Epiphytes like Tillandsia recurvata and Rocella tinctoria grow in low, humid areas, and account for a majority of the perennial vegetation. Areas previously submerged under the sea (in the Miocene) are now covered by highly salt- and alkaline-tolerant species (e.g. Ambrosia magdalenae, Agave vizcainoensis, Yucca valida, Stenocereus gummosus, and Muhlenbergia porteri). Dune vegetation includes Larrea tridentata, Atriplex barclayana, Asclepia subulata and Nicolletia trifida, among other species.

One of the largest and best preserved deserts in Mexico, the Baja California Desert is home to many endemic and endangered species. The peninsula’s isolation is largely responsible for the high levels of endemism and diversity. Close to 500 species of plants, 4 amphibians, 43 reptiles, around 200 birds and over 50 mammals have adapted to difficult ecological conditions – from almost inhospitable hot and dry sand dunes, to nutrient-deficient soils in the mountains. Twenty-three percent of plant species in Baja California are endemic. In particular, the families Lamiaceae and Fouquieriaceae show considerable radiation within the eco-region.

Endemic mammals include San Quintín Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys gravipes), and Baja California rock squirrel (Spermophilus atricapillus). A high number of bee species are also endemic to the ecoregion. In addition, scorpions and spiders show marked radiation here. The close relationship between animals and cacti in the Baja California Desert is recognized as an important ecological process for maintaining the diversity of both groups. Important sites for conservation include the Ojo de Liebre lagoon, along the pacific coast, which is home to millions of overwintering ducks and geese.

Bird species include such rare ones as golden eagle (Aguila chrysaetos), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), crested caracara (Caracara plancus), osprey (Pandion haliaeutus), and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia).

The Baja California Desert remains partially intact, despite intensive human activity. There are two federal protected areas, including El Vizcaíno, the largest protected area in Mexico. A number of areas important for bird conservation have been identified ithin this ecoregion, including San Quintin, Bahia Magdalena-Almejas, Complejo Lagunar Ojo de Liebre, Complejo Lagunar San Ignacio, Sierra La Giganta, Sierra San Pedro Martir.

Livestock ranching, salt extraction, and hunting are the principal threats. Cattle have effectively displaced populations of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Puma (Felis concolor) populations have been reduced as a result of over-hunting. Salt extraction, the main industrial activity of the region, has a negative impact on the breeding and migration of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) along the coast. An acute threat is the continuing loss of native grassland habitat due to intensive cultivation of buffel grass for feeding cattle.

Information source: Wild World

Photographs: LA76 Photography