Monthly Archives: October 2011

Cabanas: the Most Comfortable Outpost in the San Ignacio Lagoon

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When Tim and the Aguilars began their partnership the cabanas were a fine place to spend a night and visit the gray whales. Baja Expeditions has added a few more creature comforts that make even the most rugged camper sigh with delight and give those who cannot fathom the idea of camping their own resort in the middle of the Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Of course, we have kept our improvements in line with local practices and environmental commonsense. There is no waterfall in the palapa, but it does have a floor now. The showers are not double headed, but do deliver plenty of solar heated water to the happy guest.

Our first task was to rearrange the existing cabanas so that each had a water-front view from their windows. We added comfortable bedding and an improved solar-powered system to deliver light in the cabanas at night.  Then Jerry Freer arrived, a master carpenter who has called La Freidera home for most of last year and this making all kinds of wonderful aesthetic and structural improvements.  He started by reinforcing the cabanas and has labored to create patios on each of the 12 cabanas. He has added a ventilation window, a running water sink and counter, a closet or drawers, some paint on the interior and has repainted all of the cabanas’ exterior to suit their environment.

He has made the kitchen more functional, painted murals and signs, created a handicap accessible restroom and entrance to cabana and even made an observation deck!


History

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As most of you know, Antonio and his family partnered up with Baja Expeditions three years ago. The Aguilars are a true San Ignacio family that have been opening their hearts and homes to you for decades – some were concerned that that Maria, Antonio, Daniel, Martina, and Octaviano would not be around to share in your experience at the lagoon. We are pleased to share with you that the Aguilar family is still very much a part of the San Ignacio experience and that this partnership has been a very positive experience for both Baja Expeditions and Antonio’s EcoTours.

Daniel is both a very talented skiff driver and a very knowledgeable guide. His guests always rave about his passion for the whales. His courteous skiff handling techniques ensure the groups’ comfort, while protecting the whales from any potential harm.  He is always smiling and he has an uncanny ability to predict the whales’ behavior, as if he has been conversing with them his entire life, wait…he has. He will be delighted to lead you to his favorite spots in 2012.

Antonio Aguilar’s bright eyes are always ready for adventure. His smooth skiff handling skills and decades spent in and around the San Ignacio Lagoon make him our Master Captain. Antonio has been escorting curious travelers to visit the whales for over 30 years. Many of you know he is also a very talented musician. He plays a mean guitar and sings with “Los Cochis en Levis (de la laguna)”. Antonio continues to lead trips and he is also pleased with his new shared responsibility of the camp’s operations.

La Maria is the absolute cheer of La Freidera has agreed to work in the kitchen part time! I say this first because if you recall, her cooking is acclaimed as the best in the Lagoon – seriously. Everyone in the lagoon rejoices at a dinner invitation from the Aguilars! She is the boss of the camp, I have never known a woman of her nature to be so equally intimidating and loving in the exact nanosecond. She keeps a close eye on all of us, and loves visiting with her friends and family. She will be pleased to see you!

Maria has shared some of her favorite recipes with her daughter, Martina. Martina is a very creative and talented chef as well. I look forward to her carrot bread in the morning with coffee, and even more her chocolate cake – it is delightful! She helps with a ton of other camp operations, and is always very welcoming to all guests.

Octaviano is very active in the politics of Baja – he has worked with us in the kitchen and lends a hand when needed. If you see him around, inquire as to the latest news in the lagoon – he knows it all!

So, really the only things that have changed are that Baja Expeditions provides support staff, purchases all food and equipment, and handles most reservations and marketing. Alejandro has been the camp manager at BE’s other camp for decades. He staffs, supplies, and coordinates daily operations with skill and ease. He is always excited to escape his camp duties and lead trips on the water: He has spent most of his life exploring both sides of Baja and is a fabulous guide. He is originally from La Paz, but envisions retiring to the tranquility of the lagoon one day. Jerry is a master carpenter. He has retrofitted the cabañas with an additional window and a back door leading to a patio facing the lagoon. He has made the camp handicap accessible and has improved too many aspects to name – you have to see his progress for yourself. Lupita, the famous fisherwomen of the lagoon has shown her versatility and business savvy by not only guiding trips but helping in accounting and other guest services. Beto is a newer addition to the Baja Ex staff, he has only been with us for about 4 years. He is a great guide, his clear explanations and thorough descriptions delight visitors. José Sanchez, the famous guide and whale biologist, still graces us with his presence. His knowledge and enthusiasm is contagious. He is a wonderful photographer as well.

OK, now that we reviewed the history and crew, we can get on to the fun stuff:

We are delighted that you are reading this – please stay tuned to our website and email family@cabanassanignacio.com if you would like to be included in our email list. Please contact us to get access to post your own pics Flickr account.

Please spread the word about the magic of the lagoon, those of you who have visited us know how different it is from what most people imagine before they visit. There are many ways to arrive to the lagoon, the most convenient method is to meet your Baja Expeditions rep at the hotel in Old Town San Diego, cross over the Tijuana border in a luxury bus, and then fly to the lagoon in a chartered plane.

“Over forty million people cross the border each year between Tijuana and San Diego, giving the region the busiest land-border crossing in the world.” – Wikipedia

Another popular method is to drive – please inquire about our special overnight trips.

You can also fly direct from LA to Loreto, BCS on Alaska Air, they fly four days a week. We can help you with hotels and ground transport from Loreto to the lagoon. Please inquire about your options.

Come visit us in 2012!