Posted by Roxanna McDade on Wed, Sep 01, 2010 @ 12:06 PM
By Andrea Julian
Mexico is famous for its killer waves and is an international surf destination. The best part about Mexico's surf spots is that the best ones are located just a short drive from the U.S. along the Baja Peninsula. You won't have to ship your board or buy expensive airline tickets. Just grab your board, purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy online from www.mexpro.com and in less than a day you can be riding high on some of the best waves in the world.
Baja California Norte
Ensenada One of the most famous breaks in Ensenada lands on the little island of Todos Santos just off the coast of Ensenada (not to be confused with the town of Todos Santos in southern Baja). Known as Killers, this is powerfully big deepwater wave that is best hit early in the morning (pre-dawn). Not for armatures, Killers is a serious wave for serious surfers. San Miguel, just north of Killers, is one of the most consistent waves in northern Baja. Get here early to snag a spot in the line up because it blows out after 11 AM.
San Quintin Zone The area between Punta San Jose and Punta Baja is known as the San Quintin Zone. This rocky stretch is loaded with surf spots and has the advantage of being less crowded than Ensenada. Expect to find many rocky points with adjacent beach breaks, with larger swells on the outer reef from the Colonet to Camalu area. There are a number of towns in the area to supply surfers with food and gas, and a number of RV parks, restaurants and bars are in the area as well.
Baja California Sur
Todos Santos Just one hour north of Cabo San Lucas is the town of Todos Santos, which has some of the best breaks in the Baja. Los Cerritos and San Pedrito, just south of Todos Santos in the tiny fishing village of Pescadero, are the two best breaks in the area. Los Cerritos is an exposed point break that is consistent year round and has the added bonus of being fairly deserted most of the time. San Pedrito, a consistent exposed beach break, is typically more crowded.
Cabo San Lucas Many surfers have found surf paradise at Lands End. There are three main surf areas here. The East Cape is a south-facing beach that is famous for its right point breaks. Costa Azul faces southeast and is one of the more popular Cabo surf spots because of its consistent rock reef breaks. The west facing Pacific Coast that runs north of Cabo has fairly dependable rock-reef and beach breaks. In addition to great swells, the town of Cabo San Lucas offers plenty to do outside of the water, with plenty of bars and restaurants to keep surfers entertained day and night.
Baja has the advantage of having great surf year-round. In the winter months, water temperature can be cooler so bring along a wetsuit. Baja is also a free zone, meaning Americans can travel there without a vehicle import permit and immigration does not apply. You will still need paperwork for your vehicle, including proof of registration and Mexican auto insurance. Other than that, all you need are your boards and shorts, so what are you waiting for? Surfs up!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 @ 07:10 AM
By Andrea Julian
Each year there is a mass migration of snowbirds from the north looking to spend the winter months in the blissful sunshine of Baja California. In fully loaded RV's with road maps in hand, they take off for the dusty roads looking for the perfect place to park for the winter. Since the winter and spring months of November to April are the prime months to visit Mexico, RV parks can fill up quickly. To ensure you have a prime place, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance. Here are some of the best RV parks to stay at in Baja during the winter.
Playa Norte RV Park
This gracious property is located in Los Barriles, on the East Cape of Baja. Each pull through has an ocean view, and 21 sites are oceanfront. Pull-through sites are each 70 feet long and 25 feet wide. There is WiFi on-site during the winter tourist season of October to April. Pets are welcome and there is even an on-site veterinarian and pet grooming services. Another bonus is that this property has long-term RV storage services available. You can reserve sites online at their website: http://www.playanortervpark.com/.
East Cape RV Resort
This is another beachfront RV resort in Los Barriles. Full-service, pull-through sites are equipped with either 30 or 50 AMP hook-ups. High speed WiFi Internet is available throughout the resort property. The white sand beaches of the Sea of Cortes are only 300 yards away. The East Cape offers monthly, seasonal and annual rates and welcomes retirees. http://www.eastcaperv.com/
Villa Serena RV Park
This is a well-known park on the outskirts of Cabo San Lucas at KM 7.5 on the Transpeninsular Highway. The park has weekly, monthly and seasonal rates for those that want to stay a while. Park amenities include a pool, Jacuzzi, laundry and shower facilities and an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Villa Serena RV Park is also pet friendly. http://www.ontheroadin.com/baja/bajarvparks/villaserena.htm
Big RV's Camp
This full service RV park is located on the beach just outside of San Felipe on the Sea of Cortes. This is a gated park with pull through sites that offer water, sewer and electricity. The private access beach is located just 100 yards away. The El Dorado Ranch, compete with new 18-hole championship golf course, is only 18 miles away. Weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly rates are available. http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx/business/big_rvs_park/index.html
Escape the cold winter months enjoying the tropical waters and white sand beaches of Baja. To get started, get your RV ready by taking it to a mechanic for a check-up. You will need to get Mexican RV insurance to take your RV to Mexico. You can get it online from several qualified brokers. Long-term travelers might also want to consider travel health insurance to cover you in the event of an unexpected illness or accident. Once you have your papers in order, and your RV has a clean bill of health, pack your swimsuit, grab your fishing gear, and head south to Baja, the land of eternal summer!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
From Baja Times
On Saturday, Aug. 28, Bajamar Oceanfront Hotel & Golf Resort will host the Annual Vendimia Golf Open in Ensenada, Baja California. The tourney supports the Baja Scholarship Foundation. The shot-gun tournament will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the resort’s 27-hole course, located just an hour south of San Diego and 20 minutes north of the city of Ensenada.
Registration for the event is $125 per player, which includes cart and greens fees, wine tastings, prize opportunities, a Parillada dinner paired with wine, and more. Awards will be presented at the dinner, but according to tournament committee member Larry French of the Baja Real Estate Group, the biggest prize of all will be the fact that golfers and sponsors are coming together to celebrate Baja California’s grape harvest by raising monies to send deserving children to school.
“The quality of the event and of our sponsors make us very confident that this year’s Vendimia Open at Bajamar will be bigger and better, and will ultimately send a lot more kids to school!” said French.
For more information and registration, contact Patrick Shaw, pshawpga@hotmail.com, or Hector Rosas, hrosas@golfbajamar.com. For additional information about becoming a sponsor, contact Roy Warfield, roywarfield@cox.net. To make donations to the event, contact Ruth Rockwell, rrockwella@aol.com.
Click here to read more about the Annual Vendimia Golf Open.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Wed, Aug 11, 2010 @ 10:47 AM
By Eduardo Rosales
Attorney at Law
Baja Times
Have you ever thought about how your estate in Mexico will be transferred to your successors?
What will happen to our estate upon death?
There are two types of successions under Mexican Law:
The intestate succession (No will) and the testate succession, just like in the U.S. legal system.
The second, (testate succession) means that there is a will and designated successors.
In a bank trust, a person can name beneficiaries in case of death and avoid probate. It is never too late to name beneficiaries and is better than going through probate. On the other hand, if someone holds an “escritura”, has the right to leave a will designating heirs, executor, etc. This will, can be general or by bequeaths.
In case decedent did not leave a will, this is what the Baja California Civil code provides:
The order of how the successors will inherit is as follows: The ones with better right to inherit are the closest to the decedent, and they exclude the rest of the relatives.
In first place and in equal circumstances are: The surviving spouse and Children. Secondly, if there is no spouse and children or grand children, the parents are by law the successors; then, grandparents will succeed. If there are no relatives (spouse, children, ascendants or descendents, etc.), the law provides that the next relatives are the ones referred to as collateral relatives (brothers), then nephews and nieces, uncles and aunts, etc. A person can leave a will even disregarding this order.
One thing to consider, however, is whether decedent was married under separate property or community property. This may change the complete strategy to follow.
There are not many regulations that explain the rules of the foreigners successions, but the law does not distinguish, thus, same rules apply.
Therefore, when purchasing property and even after the property acquisition, to avoid further complex legal situations, one of the things everyone (Mexican and Non-Mexicans) within this territory and respecting real property and/or personal property in Mexico must do is their estate planning: Will or trust.
Even in private purchase agreements, we can be creative and include some provisions that may avoid problems with the parties or their successors in case one of the parties (buyer or seller) dies.
Before someone purchases property, make sure to analyze your estate planning and consult your attorney. Not all acquisitions, titles, properties situations are the same, and it needs to be analyzed case by case in order to secure and protect your estate in Baja California.
For a specific case consultation, you can contact our office and we can provide you with the accurate and appropriate estate planning.
Article written by Eduardo Rosales, Real Estate Attorney at Law with more than 12 years of experience in Baja Law, president of E4 Title & Legal Services. (661) 100 25 72 or email: rosalesandassociates@hotmail.com, web site www.e4mx.com
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Aug 09, 2010 @ 10:55 AM
By Andrea Julian
Summer time is here, and things are heating up. It’s time to hit the beach, where cool ocean waters, and cooler beer for those that indulge, offer a refreshing change from the city streets and the backyard pool. In August, there are two fishing tournaments in Baja worth coming out to. So get together your gear and your crew, pack up the boat and come on down, there's some serious fishing to do!
2nd Annual Big Family Sport Fishing Tournament, Ensenada Bicentennial 2010
Ensenada is a mere 100 kilometers from San Diego, more or less, so it’s hard to find an excuse not to head out to this family fishing tournament. There are several categories for contestants to compete in, including shore fishing, kayak fishing and sport vessel fishing. A special father and son category is available but limited to 50 participants. Kids must be 5 to 14 years of age to be eligible for this category. Every participant must have a valid Mexican Fishing License, which can be obtained on the day of registration. All fish are “catch and release” to help conserve the species.
The fishing tournament is Saturday August 14th and Sunday August 15th. Registration is at the Ensenada Malecon, in front of the Monumental Flag. The opening ceremony will be held at 7:00 PM where the rules and regulations will be presented. The official tournament starts at 5:00 AM on Sunday, and ends at 5:00 PM. The awards ceremony will be held at 6:30. Participants can win cash prizes totaling $50,000 pesos, trophies, and rod and reels.
For more information on the Big Family Sport Fishing Tournament go to:
http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/baja-mexico-fishing-reports-discussion/255919-2nd-bigfamily-sport-fishing-tournament-ensenada-bicentennial-2010-a.html
The 2nd International Baja California Governors Cup 2010
The Baja California Governors Cup is held at multiple locations throughout the months of July and August. On August 21st, the tournament will be held at Rosarito, just 20 miles south of the U.S. Border.
There are two categories, surface and bottom, and over $500,000 pesos in prizes will be awarded. Registration forms can be downloaded on line [http://apescar.net/torneos10/circuitobajacalif10/circuito_bajacalifornia.htm] and need to be emailed to the organization for registration, along with the $500 peso registration fee (that's about $40 U.S. Depending on the exchange rate).
To register, go online to the official website and download the official form. Instructions are available in both English and Spanish. Once you send in your reservation form and registration fee you will be good to go for the August 21st tournament.
For More Information try these two websites:
http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/mexico/242865-baja-californias-governors-cup-tournament-2010-35-000-prizes-up-grabs.html
http://www.apescar.net/torneos10/circuitobajacalif10/circuito_bajacalifornia.htm
Besides registering for the tournament, there are a few details you will need to consider when planning your fishing trip. One is to be sure and get Mexican auto insurance for your car before you leave. If you will be bringing your boat, you will also want to get Mexican boat insurance. If heading out with a group, be sure and ask about group rates on Mexican auto insurance. Ensenada and Rosarito are within the “free zone” and don't require extensive immigration paperwork to enter, but your U.S. insurance will not cover you in Mexico.
There's no better way to beat the heat than to hit the beach, especially when a fishing tournament is involved. So get ready to bag a big one, and go home happy with a pocket full of cash and a freezer full of fish!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Aug 02, 2010 @ 09:47 AM
By Andrea Julian
The Mexican Free Zone includes the entire Baja peninsula and the western and northern areas of the state of Sonora. This area does not require the types of vehicle permits that are required for the rest of Mexico, so it is a popular destination for RV campers and road trippers from North America and Canada. The Mexican Free Zone contains some of the most popular and scenic destinations in Mexico that are all within a day or two's drive from the border.
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
Puerto Peñasco is lovingly known by locals as Rocky Point. This is a prime beach destination for American travelers because it is located so close to the Arizona border. From Phoenix, it is 215 miles to Puerto Peñasco. Take I-10 west to Highway 85 south to Ajo, where you will cross the border into Sonora. From there, follow Mexican highway 8 to reach the beaches of Rocky Point. Its close proximity to Arizona has earned Rocky Point it the nickname of “Arizona's Beach.”
Guaymas, Sonora
Guaymas is south of Puerto Peñasco on the Sonoran Coast, just 14 miles from San Carlos, another popular Sonoran Free Zone destination. Once a quiet fishing village, Guaymas is now a bustling port town with calm waters and beautiful beaches. To get to Guaymas, travel south from Nogales along the Mexican 15. This is a great toll road and allows you to make fast time. The toll road will take you to Hermosillo where there you will take the road to Guaymas and it is 75 miles to Guaymas, with the exit for San Carlos being just before the Guaymas city limits. The entire trip from Nogales to Guaymas is 260 miles.
Ensenada, Baja
From Tijuana to Ensenada, it is a mere 74 miles. Simply cross the border at Tijuana and take the Rosarito/Ensenada Toll Road exit. If you are coming from the Arizona or New Mexico area, it is 522 miles from Nogales. Ensenada is known as a premier surf destination. Ensenada also has sheltered beaches that are good for kids, making it a popular family vacation spot as well. Its close proximity to California makes it a great weekend get-away.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja
Located at the very tip of the Baja peninsula and the Mexican Free Zone, Cabo San Lucas is 1008 miles from the border town of Tijuana. If you start off early enough in the morning, you can make it in a day. However, it’s better to break this one up into two days, that way you get to enjoy the scenery. San Ignacio is located halfway between Tijuana and Cabo San Lucas. This picturesque beach town is low key and offers miles of open beaches, perfect for camping. There are also several hotels and bed and breakfasts in the town as well.
Driving in Mexico's free zone from the United States does not require the regular Mexico permits but you will still want to get Mexican auto insurance. You can purchase it online before leaving on your trip. Simply purchase your policy and then print the paperwork off on your printer to present to the immigration officials at the border. Less paperwork means less time at the border, and before you know it you will be on your way to a fabulous Mexico beach vacation!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
By Andrea Julian
Taking a family vacation to Mexico is a great way to spend some quality time bonding with your kids while allowing them the chance to see exotic locations and experience different cultures. In addition to spending time fishing, hanging out on the beach, and witnessing beautiful mountain and desert scenery, kids will get to see the Spanish colonial sites they read about in text books. Travel is a great way to get kids excited about history, geography and culture since first hand experience is always superior to sitting in a classroom.
Traveling with kids to Mexico doesn't require too much extra planning. You will want to make sure that you have all your kids passports in order if you are planning on traveling farther than the free zone.
You will need the normal car paperwork, including vehicle registration and Mexican car insurance. When you are traveling with kids, it is best to prepare so that you will not have to stop at the border longer than is absolutely necessary. It is not a fun place for kids, much less adults. In order to make this less stressful for everyone, buy Mexican car insurance online before you leave and print out the paperwork to show the guards at the border. This will save you time, and make your family vacation much more enjoyable.
Choose a destination that is kid friendly. Baja has many great destinations for families. For example, Cabo San Lucas is known for its family friendly vibe. The resort Dreams offers many activities and camps for kids, as do other hotels in town. Other family friendly resorts include the Grand Baja, the Puerblo Bonita Rose, Pueblo Bonita Los Cabos, and the Villa La Estrancia. In Baja, the beaches are great, with some being great for kids and some great for surfing, so each family member can be pleased.
There are many exciting cultural experiences in Baja as well that are great for kids to experience. Todos Santos, “Pueblo Magico” is quaint colonial city founded in 1724. There is a cultural center and museum and many historical buildings. Art galleries, fantastic beaches, and a wide array of tourist services make this a great place to spend a family vacation. Todos Santos is located north of Cabo san Lucas on the Pacific side of Baja. The town is backed by the majestic Sierra Laguna mountain range, so a trip to the mountains is possible during the day to see wildlife, quaint villages, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Mexicans are a very family oriented people, and they love kids. When you travel here with kids, you will be amazed at how receptive and warm the locals are to them. You will probably get treated better than you ever would traveling alone! Kids will love the attention and freedom of traveling in Mexico. If you are looking for a destination for your next family vacation, consider checking out Mexico for a vacation you and your family will never forget.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Wed, Jun 30, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
By Andrea Julian
Many people overlook Ensenada as a beach vacation destination because it is so close to the California border. Many think you have to drive thousands of miles to find the perfect beach. However, it is, in part, Ensenada's easy accessibility that makes it such an incredibly attractive destination. You spend less time on the road, and more time enjoying the beach. During a holiday like the 4th of July, many people have a 3-day weekend. Why not take advantage and escape to one of Mexico's most beautiful beaches in your RV for a little fun in the sun?
RV vacationers to Mexico will need to show some paperwork at the border when crossing from California into Baja. This will include valid U.S. passports, vehicle registration, and valid RV Mexico insurance. You can easily obtain Mexico RV insurance online before you leave, saving you time at the border. With all your paperwork in order, you will be able to quickly cross and make your way the 108 kilometers (67 miles) south to Ensenada.
The road to Ensenada is well marked and in excellent shape, so you shouldn't encounter any problems along the way. However, if you do experience any sort of mechanical problems, including running out of gas or a flat tire, simply pull over to the side of the road and open your hood. Green Angels regularly patrol this toll road and will be able to offer you free assistance.
There are several RV parks in Ensenada and making a reservation before you leave is advisable. One of the best RV parks in Ensenada is the Baja Seasons Beach Resort located at Ensenada Km. 72.5. The Baja Seasons has 135 pull through, full hook up RV sites that offer incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, along with water, energy, drainage and cable TV. Pads can accommodate RV's up to 45 feet in length. Amenities at the resort include a 20,000-foot clubhouse, an ocean view swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, tennis courts and a convenient mini market. Make reservations online or by calling 52 (646) 155-4015.
Ensenada is known as a premier surfing destination, but there are many other activities to do here, as well. The sport fishing in Ensenada is world-class and should not be missed by passionate anglers. In addition, Ensenada is known for its world-class wines. Wine lovers should arrange for a tour of the Ruta del Vino, which can be arranged through several tour agencies in Ensenada. Shopping is excellent in downtown Ensenada, where you can find inspiring art galleries and quaint Mexican handicrafts as well as beachwear and other touristy items. Then of course there is the favorite activity of enjoying cocktails by the beach while munching on fresh seafood.
RV camping in Ensenada can be a great way to spend your holiday. In addition to being inexpensive, Ensenada has a wonderful laid back charm that allows you to truly relax and enjoy the tranquillo vibe that is Mexico. The best part, though, is when you plan an RV beach trip to Ensenada, gorgeous sunsets, killer seafood, and endless Pacific Ocean vistas are much closer than you think.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Sat, Jun 19, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
From the Baja Times, June 16-30, 2010
This project will be one of the largest wind power sites in North America
Wind turbine manufacturer Gamesa and developer Cannon Power Group announced that they have agreed to a 10-year exclusivity agreement to work together in the "Aubanel Wind Power Project" that will start with the development of 70 MW to 100 MW in phase one. Gamesa, a Spain based company, will supply all of the wind turbines installed at wind farm sites developed by Cannon in Baja California. Also Gamesa will provide additional support and maintenance services, and limited development services.
Cannon Power Group's wind energy development pipeline in Mexico's Baja California currently totalling 1,000 MW at various stages of development.
Groundbreaking at this wind farm is scheduled to occur sometime in the next 12 months, with additional construction taking place over the next three to four years, with planned installed capacity totalling 500 MW in this first phase. This major cross-border project can stimulate the region's economy and will provide enough clean energy for over 250,000 households.
Aubanel Wind Project will be one of the largest wind power sites in North America, consisting of more than 140 mi²/363m². It is located near the town of La Rumorosa, approximately 60 miles/97 km east of San Diego and 15 miles/24 km south of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Fri, Jun 18, 2010 @ 02:32 PM
By Christie Tarman, Contributing Writer to the Santa Ynez Valley Journal
From the Baja Times,
June 16-30, 2010
Father, daughter race and give back in Baja
When 14-year-old Morgan Laughlin decided she wanted to accompany her dad on a trip in April to Baja, Mexico, her mother, Lisa, was not turning cartwheels with enthusiasm. Not only was Lisa Laughlin concerned about the dangers related to traveling in Baja, she was hesitant to support her daughter's participation in her husband's favorite pastime: off-road racing.
Bob Laughlin, 42, has been participating in races since 1986, when he was four years older than Morgan is now. Remembering his first race with his cousin on the Carlsbad Raceway, Bob said, "He talked me into it because I was scared to death, but once the race got going I felt comfortable and relaxed. I was hooked."
Although Bob took every chance he could over the next few years to race, he did not take Baja races seriously until 2005. That year he rode solo on his Honda XR650 in the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Competing against traditional teams of 2-4 riders, Bob's high placing in all three events as a solo rider was an impressive and unique accomplishment.
Although his competitive racing decreased dramatically after 2006, Bob continued to look for racing opportunities that would not compete with family obligations.
Married to Bob since 1995, Lisa Laughlin was no stranger to racing. She even entered the Baja 1000 in November 2007 as part of Bob's chase vehicle team. The vehicle stays on public roads while the race course deviates to off-road sections, meeting up with the racer at designated pit areas to supply food, fuel and mechanical assistance.
Even though Lisa did not regret her choice to go, the experience was more grueling than she expected. "There were a lot of crazies on the road from Ensenada to La Paz - mostly Americans unfamiliar with the roads. I hesitated when it came to Morgan going, because of my personal experience and the dangers in the recent media," she said. Bob, on the other hand, was anxious to capitalize on his daughters desire to join him in the races. Thus it seemed almost serendipitous to him when he stumbled across advertisements for The 2010 Mexican 1000 Rally, the first race of its type since the 1970s. In contrast to the traditional Baja speed races, it was to be held more in the style of a European Rally. All competitors would drive vintage race vehicles. Off-road race stretches of all-out racing would be combined with times set aside to drive more slowly through populated places. While not a leisurely pace in any way, this type of race would provide for short breaks and draw in the type of racers who would care less about winning at any cost, and more about enjoying a new great race.
Bob purchased a 1969 VW Manx for $4,200 from a Craig's list seller in Orange County, and started fixing it up for the race. He had to install many parts, like a skid plate to protect the belly of the car. He called the promoter to get the "OK" for Morgan to make up his two-person team. Following in the Laughlin tradition of uniqueness, not only would Morgan be the youngest competitor to enter the race, but she would also be one of its only females. When asked what her friends thought of her plans to race, Morgan said, "My friends thought it was great!"
The race itself was three days long, going from Mexicali to La Paz via Bahia de Los Angeles and Loreto. Although approximately 100 vehicles entered the race, less than 60 made it across the finish line. Morgan could not drive in the populated areas (being unlicensed), she took her turn behind the wheel in off-road places, amazing Bob with her competency and patience. "She was much stronger than I thought she would be. She never complained on the 12-hour driving days and she drove the roughest sections- like this huge rock mountain coming into Loreto."
Although the Laughlin's had planned to sleep in a tent outside Bahia de Los Angeles, when they arrived at 9 p.m. to gusting 60 mph winds, they happily relented. The tour company they had hired to tow them home, Baja Bound, had already arranged a dinner and hotel accommodations.
The scenery was a highlight for both father and daughter, especially an area near Loreto where they marveled at giant fields of many types of cacti. Another wonderful memory was the people in the rural, outlying places, who came out to watch or wave at the racers.
One of the low points for the team was getting stuck in a silt bed on the last day of the race. Although Morgan was convinced that no vehicles were left behind them, a racer came within 10 minutes time and helped them out. "We pretty much went as slow as we could while still finishing on time," Bob said, "but there were always more people behind us."
Exciting as it was for Bob to share his passion with his daughter for racing during the three-day event, his main motivation to bring her to Baja with him was hardly related to racing. "My goal became to show her a far off place with strange and beautiful scenery and people. I wanted her to gain confidence and not be fearful or swayed by the media."
Morgan's own motivations grew along these same lines. Despite being excited about the race beforehand, her main desire in going was to befriend and give support to people in need. With the help of Bob and Lisa, she raised funds from family and friends to give to Joe Lazano, a pastor in Ensenada, and friend of Valley local Ben Sprague. Ben had recently taken a group of high school students to Baja to help with church construction, and Morgan was inspired by the stories she'd heard of Lazano's kindness and generosity.
Due to their tight schedule, Bob and Morgan were only able to set aside a couple of hours for meeting and visiting with Lazano and his family outside Ensenada. Despite this, it was the highlight of the weeklong trip for both of them.
As Morgan told Bob afterward, "If the rest of the trip had been a failure, this would have made it all worth it."
Morgan's desire to make friendships across the border and help folks in need was one of the things that helped Lisa Laughlin want to support the Mexican 1000 trip. She's open to the possibility of Morgan packing her race gear again next April.
Bob is already making plans for how to improve the VW's performance. He's also getting ready to go down south again in less than three weeks: trading the Valley pace again for the speed of the Baja 500. This time he's not going solo, but joining a four-person team headed up by another racer who is a Valley local - racer Ana Cody.
Of all the things Morgan missed when she was away, her mom and baby brother, Haydon, topped the list. When asked if she plans to be the youngest female competitor again in the 2011 Mexican 1000, Morgan is quick to say two things: "I'm still taking in the last trip!" and "I think a yearly race is perfect!"