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

The opening will be on Thursday, 26 August 2010, at 8 PM in Marina COSTABAJA.

The exhibition will be open until 26 September. Welcome!

More information: sfelix@costabaja.com or 612.121.62.26, ext. 6424

Located in the center of Todos Santos and encircled by historical buildings and ancient roads in this magnificent three centuries old town, the newly opened Guaycura Boutique Hotel & Spa possesses a unique combination of years of history and the up-to-the-minute luxury. With 14 beautifully decorated rooms, charming Spa, rooftop pool, bar, restaurant, and other amenities and services, Guaycura Hotel is set to provide you with all the essentials to create romantic, warm and cozy atmosphere for your honeymoon or escape. Their Sky Lounge views of the Pacific Ocean and the rich oasis of the town will give you inspiration to relax, refresh and inspire.

A collection of rustic brick facades, with cracked mortar and empty windows, stand perilously close to the narrow road asking to be noticed. It has that colonial feel – a faded glory. Further off, a few streets beyond those facades and over a cobblestone bridge, two testaments to a bygone era are less shy in grabbing attention. And if you’re fortunate enough to stop, and maybe listen, you’ll come to know this special town of music and minerals, of ivory and silver.

Silver was first discovered in El Triunfo in 1862. New fortune seekers and those who failed in the fabled rush of 1849 in California (so called “forty niners”) came in droves. English, Americans, Russians, Italians and Chinese all found their way deep into the peninsula and toiled in the hills hoping for redemption in this far away place. For the fortunate the hills opened up and shared their bounty. For others it was not so kind. Many ended their lives in El Triunfo and are laid to rest beneath simple stone markets in the ethnic cemeteries dotting the hillsides.

At about this time Francisca Mendoza – famed musician from California – came at the request of the well heeled and began hosting piano concertos in the shade of warm summer days. At one point El Triunfo boasted more pianos per capita than all cities in Mexico. The Piano Museum, on the main road and open for hosted tours, happily plays on your imagination.

When the pianos fell silent the great smokestacks played on. La Ramona – over ten stories high – was designed by none other than the famed Gustave Eiffel (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame).

In 1865 the population of El Triunfo was 10,000 people – the largest in southern Baja at the time. And now, with the mines largely silent (the largest mining company closed operations in 1926) the tall columns of a former glory stand silent over a quiet town of not more than 400. But stop. Take the time to listen. Walk quietly along the cobblestones. You’ll hear the music still.

Mark Edward

photos: Romana Lilic and Mark Edward

Located along the Cabo San Lucas Marina with beautiful views of the iconic El Arco, the Cultural Pavilion will be compromised of six buildings upon completion. The project is meant to create a unified space where residents and tourists alike can enjoy traditional Mexican concerts, dances, art exhibits and expositions, international seminars and much more. The Arts and Biodiversity Pavilion, the first of several buildings to open to the public, will be unveiled in September 2010.

“We are honored that Los Cabos was chosen as the building site for this exciting project,” said Gonzalo Franyutti De La Parra, President of the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau, “The goal behind the Cultural Pavilion is to promote and preserve the Mexican culture and to further attract visitors to this premiere vacation destination.”

Once completed, the Cultural Pavilion will feature theatres (both closed and open-air), shopping centers, cinemas, a museum, library and restaurants.

The new Cultural Pavilion has been raising many questions and eyebrows; at least for 3 things:

1) The cost: it will cost around $40 mio MXN pesos (current information)

2) The size of the building – it is seems that it doesn’t obey any rules as other hotels and beach side buildings have: the Pavilion is much higher than any adjacent hotel/building and it blocks many views of the homes in the Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas and surrounding areas to the marina.

3) (FREE) Parking space – We do hope the Pavilion will offer plenty of (free?) parking space; many of you will remember that on the location of the Pavilion there was the only free big parking lot in Cabo San Lucas.

Source: Los Cabos Convention & Visitor’s Bureau press release, comments by ESCAPES.

Photo sources: header photo via http://photography.la76.com and article photo via www.cabora.com

Neysa studied Hair & Make up at the Academy of Cosmetology Arts in Colorado and was trained by MAC cosmetics, she now has more than 8 years experience in the business. It is always her top priority to ensure that each bride look flawless on her wedding day.

The name “Blanc” represents a concept that is clean, simple and classic. After recognizing the high demand for quality bridal services in Los Cabos, Neysa and Spa Mar Adentro opened Blanc Salon. Now that she has lived here four years, she and her team of professionally trained stylists have contributed to the happiness of many beautiful brides! Blanc Salon and Spa Mar Adentro can now accommodate weddings with up to 50 services that include hair and make-up, manicure, pedicure, facials and massage. The stylists have been trained in all areas ranging from ethnic hair and make-up to 1940’s hairstyles. Neysa also gives private make-up classes for those clients that are interested in learning how to apply make-up correctly.

Neysa has a very important roll the day of any wedding, she is not only a make-up artist, she becomes a confidant for all brides by being one of the vendors to be with the bride and bridal party a big part of the day, getting everyone ready. She is a friend and makes each client feel comfortable and beautiful.

We asked Neysa what she enjoyed more, hair or make-up? Her answer was that she enjoys the entire process. “Specializing in one area and not the other is like starting a painting without finishing it.”  Her gratification comes from watching the concept come to life.

Lastly, we asked Neysa what her recommendation would be for a bride who comes to Cabo for a destination wedding?  She quickly responded, “Wear sunscreen and drink lots of water!”

***Wedding Planner is a regular bi-weekly ESCAPES magazine on-line column by Adriana Dupinet and Leslie Bost, Wedding Planners and Event Organizers from ONE Happenings Weddings & Events.

1. It’s Just a “PRACTICE” – Be Patient!

Wether it’s healthy living, or riding a bike, practice is the only way to get better.  Very often we want to have everything NOW, but things take some time to develop.  First we fall, then we wobble, then we ride.  It’s simple, but we forget that this principal relates to all things.  Be patient with your self and create your “HEALTH PRACTICE” one step at a time. The most successful people simply make small consistent steps toward their desired result.

2. Do it for the “LOVE”

Do you remember your first bicycle?  I do, I was so exited I wanted to start making jumps out of scrap wood just like my older brothers did.  The thought of “flying” off a jump in the air on my bike was intense, and the love of that desired feeling was all the juice I needed to be diligent and “PRACTICE” every day.  At first I fell a few times, and hurt myself.  But after a few weeks I was hitting the back break leaving skid marks on the sidewalk!  Practice the feeling of being healthy!  The more you can feel good about your health the “EASIER” it is to draw more well being into your life!

3. Create “SIMPLE” systems

The internet wasn’t created over night.  The concept is just a system that is constantly being refined to be more efficient.  Your health practice needs systems in place to make it “EASIER” for you to manage.  For example, cooking 6 healthy meals every day is nearly impossible unless you are a part time chef with too much time? Not likely.  However, you can cook one big healthy meal and portion out the the other 5 meals in tupperware, ready to be eaten at your convenience.  Create the “SIMPLE” systems that will facilitate your health practice. Keep it super easy and refine your program as you get better.

4. “DON’T WAIT” for next week

Don’t make your health practice a chore!  Procrastination is just extra weight on your shoulders.  All you have to do is start!Once you start you will love the good healthy feelings you get, and then you will crave more, just take the first step!What is the first step?  It could be a 15 min jog on the beach after work, or buying some healthy groceries and cooking a great meal.  The point is that you have taken the first step toward creating some better lifestyle habits.

For holistic lifestyle coaching contact: joshsmithtrainer.com

The Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the launch of several new non-stop flights to San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) from Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) and San Francisco, California (SFO).

On June 29, Virgin America announced it’s intent to launch new non-stop service to Los Cabos from San Francisco, CA this winter. The airline filed its application for authority to fly to Mexico with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Once approved, Virgin America will offer five non-stop flights to San Jose del Cabo weekly from San Francisco.

US Airways’ new year-round flight service to Los Cabos from Charlotte, NC will be available five times per week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, with travel times of CLT-SJD 9:55am to 12:46pm and SJD-CLT 1:36pm – 8:09pm. This new service compliments the existing US Airways service from Phoenix (PHX) to Los Cabos and customers can begin booking travel for this new flight immediately.

Residents of Kansas City, MO and neighboring cities can take advantage of Frontier Airlines’ non-stop service from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). The 99-passenger airbus will fly once on Saturdays in each direction; MCI-SJD service will be en-route 9:55am – 12:32pm and SJD-MCI 1:30pm – 5:50pm.

WHEN:
US Airways launched the new service to Los Cabos on June 5 and Frontier Airlines will begin operating routes from December 18, 2010 through April 16, 2011, with tickets available for purchase as of Sunday, June 20. Virgin America has not announced specific dates for the launch of the new airlift at this juncture.

WHERE:
Los Cabos, located at the tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, is home to award-winning hotels and 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.

News via www.visitloscabos.travel

An excerpt from Orbitz’s press release:
Looking to spot A-List celebrities on your summer vacation? Orbitz and OK! Magazine are excited to reveal the world’s 10 most exclusive celebrity hotels where stars like Katy Perry, Ashton Kutcher, and Justin Bieber escape for the ultimate in luxurious vacations. For those just as happy to party like rock stars, Orbitz also is sharing the inside scoop on 10 affordable, alternate hotels, each offering red-carpet bang and swanky amenities for up to 66% less.

“Every traveler wants to experience a little VIP luxury on vacation, no matter their budget,” says Orbitz Insider Jeanenne Tornatore. “It’s great to show consumers that a high-end, celebrity-like getaway is within reach, even on a budget.”

Take New York, for example: …the 5-star Hotel Gansevoort beckons the likes of Russell Brand, Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen to its incredible 260-degree rooftop bar … Travelers seeking the sun and the stars will find the best of both at the 5-star Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, where Zoe Saldana and Jessica Biel recently enjoyed private terraces and plunge pools from their own lavish suites…

See the whole list by Orbitz here.

Via Capella Pedregal blog.