I was a little worried when I heard the 37km road trip to the San Javier Mission took at least 2hrs, one way.

But Kip and Mary, our hosts and chauffeurs, had been there before. We bounced our way up the rugged track in to the Gigantic Mountains (Sierra Giganta) of the Baja peninsula.

… Jesuit Father Francisco María Píccolo visited the place on May 11, 1699. He started the construction of a chapel in October of the same year …

The church, considered one of the most beautiful and well preserved of the Californias, was built with stone taken from quarry from the bed of the brook of Santo Domingo 20 km southeast of San Javier. Its original baroque appearance has been well preserved; its interior has: a golden altarpiece with five oleos, brought from Mexico City in thirty two boxes; two statues: one of San Francisco Javier and another one of Our Lady of Guadalupe; and a crucifix, all of these are from the 18th century. It has three bells, two of them are dated 1761 and the other one 1803. There is a monument of that time at the end of the street that leads to the church. It is known as “the Cross of Calvary”. From there hundreds of pilgrims who visit the patron saint walk sometimes on their knees. …

read more – Baja Quest

We were quite impressed with the Mission, located high in a green oasis.

This visit is a must do pilgrimage for all tourists (and their pets) visiting Loreto.

After lunch, we made a slower descent, stopping to photograph wild poppies.

Here Mom’s searching for some ancient Indian rock paintings.

A terrific destination. The San Javier Mission is highly recommended.

see all my photos from the day on flickr

Our trip to the Baja is a success. Dad caught two (delicious) local delicacies fishing out of Loreto.

… schools of yellowtail make their home exclusively in the Sea of Cortez. In winter, these fish are found in the southern areas from Mulege to La Paz. During summer, they move up to the cool waters of the Midriff Area.

In the spring and fall, yellowtail school up for migration, and it is then that the best catches are made….

Although yellowtail are now scarce in California -waters, there are still lots of them in Baja.

Most big yellowtail caught in the Cortez are found down in the reefs 100 to 250 feet deep. They are hooked either on live bait or on iron jigs yo-yoed near the bottom. …

Baja Catch

He was jigging at about 220ft.

Safe and sound in Loreto, after a leisurely but long 3450km (2143mi) drive over 5 days.

The northern Baja, one of the great scenic drives of the world, was much more challenging than I expected. A motorcycle would be the best vehicle so long as you didn’t hit one of the giant speed bumps at high velocity.

Loreto’s a quiet seaside town of about 10,000. Tourists love it.

more photos tagged Loreto

We’re here to holiday and visit with friends of my parents, Canadian snowbirds, who live several months a year on a boat.

Likely we’ll stay a week. Move south to La Paz. Then cross over to the mainland by ferry returning via my Uncle’s place in California.