We we arrived in Puertecitos yesterday afternoon. It’s hardly a town- smaller than my neighborhood. Small houses surround the water- it’s a fishing town - but famous for the natural hot springs. We set up camp- took a look at the springs (we were advised to try them again in the morning as the tide was too far in to enjoy them). We went back to our little spot and got all the toys out. The kids were building castles and David and I blew up the paddle board. Clayton starting getting a piercing headache that required all sorts of accommodations to ease the pain- but eventually I got him to sleep.  David and I looked at each other and agreed it was a beautiful day to relax and get a beer. The town is so small there’s literally no stores (only a small gas station with no ammenities). David heard about a potential place up the road so he went to start the car when... lights. Electric. No turn over. We went to the site up a group of young men who we asked to help. One had jumper cables and so we met him to get a jump. He quickly realized the battery wasn’t dead and asked for a rock. He then instructed David to turn the key while he got under the car and began hitting something under the car over and over again until it started. We all squealed. David then said- well- we are packing up! We packed up the entire campsite in record time and headed back to San Felipe. We found a modest hotel on the beach in San Felipe. Upon arrival we woke up all the kids and asked them if they wanted yogurt or cold pasta because with all that is happening we also have a dead lighter so we can’t start up the stove. We ate our hodge podge dinner on the beach and played a game of volleyball before heading up for the night. We got the kids in bed and all were fast asleep until 5 am when my second born started projectile puking. We tried to the keep the energy in the room calm because I was not up for another 5 am morning! David cleaned up Clayton and I got Bentley to sleep and we all got another 1.5 hours! New day. New adventure!
In the morning we ate fig bars and yogurt and headed out to the beach. Lily and I collected some shells and the boys played soccer and built castles. We were all enjoying a lovely morning when we decided if there’s hope to get to Guerrero Negro we need to get to ensañada for the night. I went up to take a quick shower/ my first one since tucson! As I was showering the power in the hotel went out and I just started laughing. Of course. The kids came up and we packed up the room and got a couple snacks out... David took a shower and then went down to see what our next steps were.. stay here? Head to Ensenada? He turned the key and..... success! ENSENADA here we come! We brought all the things down with the car running (it feels like a scene from Little Miss Sunshine.) Bentley and I went to the office to turn in our key and I asked her about the roads.... here’s where my faith comes in:

Apparently the roads from puertecitos to Bahia de Concepcion are completely impassible. Give boulders- washed out bridges. Chaos. Obviously some can pass if they have 4wd and knowledge of very rugged roads- but this suburban and family of 5 would have had major problems. I feel so greatful we had to come back to San Felipe.

So currently we are headed to Ensenada - we plan to see about a mechanic and hope to get to Scammon’s Lagoon by Wednesday to see the whales. All the reading and prepping I did equally prepped me to be gracious and accept the challenges of rural roads and the kindness of Mexicans. I continue to love this place dearly and am thankful my kids are being trained in resiliency, creativity, compassion, and adventure.

Excited for what the day brings!