Cascada y Carnival en Santiago

The road to Cascada Sol de Mayo

The Sol de Mayo casitas by the cool pool and waterfall are run by elegant Priciliano, and Cosme is the always smiling restaurant cook. This serene and eco-friendly place has recently been developed. The pretty rental casitas are modern and affordable, with great valley views.



Elizabeth with our cook, Cosme

 






The water is fresh and cool, and schools of little fish tickle us and nibble our toes if we keep still enough.

 





We choose the older white casita nearest the natural pool









Our neighbors

Our valley view

Happy Hour at the casita



Janine says "Cheers!"







Mini shrine-like Organ Pipe pitaya
found near the falls





Fast friends, Janine and Elizabeth



 

Now it's time for the carnival in Santiago town, with its rickety rides, Norteno music and cocktails in plastic cups...



Super Hombre!





Super Hombre rides!



Los ninos ride!



We ride!

Music plays






We marvel at ugly dolls!

   





We eat!



We drink!



We ride some more!

A Day at the Races

Las Carreras de Caballos (Horse Races) are big in Baja, Mexico, and I finally caught my first race in the town of Santiago. The events are full of pomp and partying, with lines of pickup trucks backed up to the short straight track, and tailgate parties well under way long before the event begins. Mexican music competes from car stereos and beers are sucked down in the dusty heat. Eventually the first two contenders are paraded down the track for all to judge, bets are made, and the horses are coaxed into the starting gate. Each race lasts only a few seconds and as they walk the winner past the spectators, there is a lot of high-fiving and shaking of heads going on.


Grandes Carreras de Caballos!





The Santiago racetrack sits on the east side of the Sierra La Laguna,
south of La Paz, and north of San Jose del Cabo



Tailgate parties start early



Horse talk





Showing the racers

Partner in crime, Elizabeth, says "What? No surf gear?"



The first jockey is up





The starting gate

The winners pose



Carnival! in Pescadero

The small annual community carnival is a big draw for families in Pescadero, Baja California Sur. Carnies set up rides and games, and the Master of Ceremonies takes the microphone to announce each group of school kids as they file onto the performance stage, aka basketball court, and charm the audience with their animal costumes and folk dances.

Chihuahuas ferociously guard colorful tents, while taco and beer vendors laze around before the crowds arrive. Families stake out plastic chairs and sit in anticipation for hours, gossiping and watching the young ones play.

One pathetic greased piglet is released into the crowd, and kids run to catch him. Pobrecito!  He's frantic, frazzled and worn out in no time. Soon he's captured by a grown-up, held high for all to see, and saved from further humiliation.



Burro race

Shaving cream fight

One sad red-greased piggy