Hola! Bon jour! Orana! Yes, that one is real, pronounced yo-rah-nah in French Polynesia (think Tahiti and Bora Bora).
Welcome to my blog, the part time expat. Why only part time? I’ll explain as I go.
I’m a midwestern gal from the small town of Cloverdale, Indiana, about one hour west of Indianapolis. I love where I came from, so much that I built a home and raised my own children on the very farm where I grew up. But I have learned through my 57 years on this planet (Did I call myself a”gal”? OK, old lady) that loving where you are and possessing wanderlust can and do co-exist.
My husband and I spend half of our time in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico and half in our hometown in the US. Some of our closest friends are in SJD. These friends tell us “welcome home” when we arrive in Cabo. I have to admit, it is an amazing thing to hear. But likewise, it is amazing to come “home” to the states and spend time with my family on our farm in Indiana. We can enjoy beautiful, crisp midwestern fall weather, snow (STILL not my favorite!) and celebrate the holidays with our three children, two grandchildren, all the significant others, and our parents, all of whom, blessedly, are alive and well and live nearby.
We have received some criticism for not being “all in” on the living abroad thing. But to dispel this, we have become permanent residents of Mexico (not renouncing our US citizenship), we volunteer with several local charities and organizations in the Cabo area, and we own a home and vehicle in Mexico, meaning, just like in the US, we pay taxes and contribute to the local economy. But the best part is getting to know the Mexican people, learning the language (not easy at our age!) and enjoying the amazing culture of the Baja.
The purpose of this blog is to highlight travel experiences that I have been blessed to enjoy, in Mexico and in other parts of the world. I also hope to include travel experiences from others. But mostly, I want to demonstrate that when it comes to travel vs.non-travel, you really can have it all!
In my last blog, I tackled the topic of “ordinary” tasks of the expat life. One of these, at least for most of us, is exercise. Whatever it looks like for you, exercise is a part of most of our lives in 2025.
For me, this involves four days a week of running and lifting, two of walking, and one “rest day” with yoga and maybe a light walk. To define further, “running” at age 57 might look more like a slow jog, and “lifting” is usually some resistance for the arms and legs. But an “E” for effort goes a long way and is better than nothing (or so I tell myself!).
At home in the States, exercise is mostly done in my basement workout room, or maybe outside if it is a beautiful day to walk. But in my 425 sq.ft. condo in Mexico, there is not an exercise room. Nor is there a fitness center in our complex, because it is not a resort, but rather small apartments with only limited amenities. So I had two choices: not exercise for the months that I am in Mexico, or get creative. I chose the latter!
I began by running outside, which sounded like a logical choice. I also purchased some small hand weights and a yoga mat. Luckily, the same yoga videos I access at home via YouTube are available here, (Yoga with Kassandra are great ones!) so that part was easy. However, I soon found that there were a few issues with jogging outside in San Jose del Cabo. Not to say that this was a totally negative experience; the scenery is beautiful and the city has provided lovely jogging/biking paths in our area. For awhile, this seemed like the perfect solution. But then…summer came, and that beautiful Baja sun was beating down on me by 7:00 am. As a non-morning person, this was the first glitch in my morning run, which I usually didn’t start until 9:00-10:00 am. It became a fine line of starting a run in the dark and finishing before the sun was too hot. Also, while the hills and mountains of Mexico are gorgeous to look at, the terrain proved to be challenging for a runner of my age.
So I joined a gym. The Vidanta gym in San Jose del Cabo is amazing and has given me the opportunity to use their cardio equipment, resistance machines, and free weights at my convenience. Throw in spin and yoga classes, and access to tennis courts and a pool, and I am set! Motivation, that could be another issue. But my Sunday walks are often on the beach, along the coast of the beautiful Sea of Cortez. So again, completing tasks of minutia in paradise is part of the life of the part-time expat!
Fishing in San José del Cabo: A Dream Destination for Anglers San José del Cabo is a paradise for anyone who loves sport fishing. Warm waters, plenty of fish, and experienced local captains make this a top destination for anglers from around the world.
Hooking a Marlin: The Thrill Begins From the moment the line goes tight, the adrenaline kicks in. The reel screams, your arms tense, and just like that—you’re in the fight of your life. Marlins don’t give in easily, and every second becomes a test of strength and focus.
Marlin Jumps: A Heart-Stopping Moment There’s nothing quite like seeing a marlin break the surface and leap high into the air. It’s breathtaking—watching that huge, powerful fish twist and shimmer in the sunlight. That’s the moment you know you’re hooked too—on the thrill of the chase.
The Fight: Fun, Tiring, and Totally Worth It Reeling in a marlin is a battle. Your arms burn, your back aches, and it feels like the fish might just win. But with every surge and pull, you dig in deeper. It’s exhausting—but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you start to gain the upper hand.
Meet the Crew: Captain Augustine and Alex Know Where the Fish Are None of this would’ve happened without the expertise of Captain Augustine and his son Alex—who captained the boat that day. These guys are pros, and they always know how to find the fish. It was awesome having Alex help me and my fishing partner Martin bring this beast in. That teamwork made the day even more special.
Fishing from a Panga: Big Catches, Small Boat You don’t need a luxury yacht to land a trophy. Their trusty little panga might be small, but it’s mighty. It consistently delivers results, and there’s something about being that close to the water that makes the whole experience feel more real.
The Reward: Pride and Memories That Last When that marlin finally comes aboard, there’s a moment of quiet satisfaction. Whether you choose to release it or keep it, standing next to a fish like that is a moment of pure pride. It’s what keeps anglers coming back again and again.
Catch and Release: Fishing Responsibly in San José del Cabo While the thrill of landing a marlin is unbeatable, it’s crucial to practice responsible fishing. Releasing marlin back into the ocean helps preserve fish populations for future generations. If you’re new to catch and release, check out NOAA’s guide on sustainable fishing practices for tips on how to handle and release fish safely. Remember, every marlin you release is a future thrill for another angler.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Fish in San José del Cabo If marlin fishing is on your bucket list, make San José del Cabo your next stop. Between the incredible fish, the top-notch captains, and the stunning ocean views, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
Buenos dias from San Jose del Cabo! It’s always great when we have good friends visit from the US. I think that most love Cabo ALMOST as much as we do! There is nothing better than having friends from home share your second home. Especially, when they love it!
As we often do, we decided to go into Cabo San Lucas and take a sunset cruise. This was courtesy of Cabo Adventures, and they provide an excellent experience that I highly recommend. We spent 2 ½ hours in the Sea of Cortez/Pacific Ocean looking for whales and watching an amazing sunset over the Pacific. For those of you familiar with the area, we crossed into the Pacific when we went around the iconic rock arch. We even saw sea lions sunning themselves on the rocky beaches AND swimming in the ocean near our boat, which I have never seen before. All of this was accompanied by an excellent dinner and open bar. But the best part of this, and any experience we have here, was sharing it with good friends. We have taken my in-laws and two of our children and their significant others on this trip, and it never gets old enjoying the beauty of a Cabo sunset. So that is an example of a fun vacation type week, and then there are always catch-up weeks. You see, some people forget that part of living in a new place, full or part time, is having to “adult” just like when you are at home! Paying taxes, renewing license plates, cleaning, grocery shopping, doctor and dentist appointments will all be a part of your expat life as well. But when I can sit and write blogs on my patio office with a view of the ocean, I once again feel blessed to be doing these “ordinary” tasks in an extraordinary setting!
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Baja California Sur, hop into a side-by-side (SxS) and hit the trails around San José del Cabo. With its mix of rugged desert, scenic mountains, and stunning coastline along the Sea of Cortez, this region is made for off-road exploration.
Here’s a look at some of the must-visit spots and what makes riding side-by-sides in this part of Mexico so epic.
Getting ready for adventureOn East Cape
East Cape: Desert, Ocean, and Wide-Open Trails
The East Cape is a dream for off-roaders. This stretch of coastline is wild, remote, and absolutely beautiful. As you ride the dirt roads out of San José del Cabo, you’ll pass through dry arroyos, rocky trails, and open desert before reaching the Sea of Cortez.
The views are jaw-dropping—crashing waves on one side, cactus-covered hills on the other. La Fortuna is a great stop, especially if you love surf culture, and Shipwreck Beach is the perfect spot to pause for a beachside snack.
Cabo Pulmo: A Hidden Gem on the Sea
Farther along the coast lies Cabo Pulmo, a national marine park and one of the oldest coral reefs in the Americas. While SxS vehicles aren’t allowed inside the park itself (to protect its fragile ecosystem), the drive there is absolutely worth it.
Cruising toward Cabo Pulmo, you’ll see stretches of untouched coastline and might even spot whales or dolphins offshore during the right season. Bring snorkeling gear if you plan to hop in the water—this place is a marine wonderland. Don’t forget the to visit the last stop before the water Tacos & Beer.
Tacos & Beers Cabo PulmoViews Near Cabo Pulmo National Park
Into the Mountains: Views You’ll Never Forget
For a totally different vibe, head up into the mountains around San José del Cabo. The trails here offer panoramic views where you can see the desert, the mountains, and the sea all in one sweeping glance.
Along the way, you’ll pass by ranches and might encounter free-roaming animals like horses, cows, and donkeys. These winding trails make you feel like you’re discovering a secret side of Baja that few tourists get to see.
Cow from one of the ranches taking a breakView of San Jose del Cabo from MountainsSun starting to set in mountains
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Zac’s Bar & Grill: Baja’s Best Pit Stop
Every good off-road trip needs a great place to grab a cold drink and a bite to eat—and Zac’s Bar & Grill is just that. Located in the East Cape community of Zacatitos, this solar-powered, off-the-grid bar is beloved by locals and adventurers alike.
Order up some shrimp or fish tacos, relax under the shade, and swap trail stories with fellow riders. It’s a must-stop if you’re cruising through the East Cape.
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Pro Tips for Your Ride
– **Go Guided**: New to the area? A guided tour is a great way to stay safe and learn about the region’s history, wildlife, and culture. – **Respect the Environment**: Stick to marked trails to protect local flora and fauna. – **Pack Smart**: Sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and a bandana or face cover will go a long way in the dusty desert heat. – **Check Local Rules**: Some areas may have restrictions to protect wildlife or private land.
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Final Thoughts
Exploring San José del Cabo by side-by-side is more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s a journey through one of Mexico’s most beautiful and varied landscapes. From the beach to the mountains and everywhere in between, each trail brings a new view and a new adventure.
So strap in, fire up your engine, and let Baja blow your mind. If you need a place to stay don’t forget to consider our casa.
Like all good things, the epic road trip must come to an end. I find myself wishing it could go on forever, and simultaneously looking forward to being back home in San Jose del Cabo, like all great vacations. San Ignacio is about a nine-hour drive from SJD, so we decided to break it up and take our time.
Our first stop was Santa Rosalía. Santa Rosalía was once a bustling company town, founded by the French and sporting both a marina and a railway station. Copper, cobalt, zinc and manganese were all found in the Boleo Mine in Santa Rosalía. The Boleo Industrial Plant now serves as a museum dedicated to mining and transportation, as well as celebrating Mexico’s baseball heritage. Another amazing sight in this small town is the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara, which is an all iron church designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. After being displayed at the World’s Fair in Paris in 1889, it was moved to Santa Rosalía in 1897.
Iglesia de Santa BárbaraMuseo El Boleo
Fascinating town, but we were moving forward! Our lunch stop was back in Mulege, as I wanted a repeat of the fantastic lunch we had enjoyed there a few days before. Again, Antojitos Mexicanos Zuria, did not disappoint!
We opted to spend the night in Loreto again. Loreto, part dos was just as amazing as Loreto part uno. This time, we lodged at the Santo Cielo, which is right on the main street in town. The church was gorgeous lit up at night, and we enjoyed the views and local street noise while eating dinner on our balcony. I also tried a delicious Cadillac margarita made by Martin at the El Dorado Sports Bar, if you go there ask for him. One thing we didn’t think of was the loud chimes from the church all night; but that only added to the authenticity of staying in Loreto!
Evening view from our balcony at Santo Ceilo
So I bid Adios to the stretch of road that travels the Baja until next time, but not to my second home in San Jose del Cabo. We will be visiting often and I look forward to sharing more adventures!
The stretch between Mulege and San Ignacio provided us with some of the most amazing mountain terrain that I have seen in the Baja. The views were extraordinary, and the roads, while not exactly treacherous, do require some attentive driving. Steep hills and overlooks led into our next stop for the night, San Ignacio Springs Bed and Breakfast.
This overnight accommodation was unique in that it had the look and feel of a campground, but you actually stay in a yurt. The term “glamping” comes to mind, as the yurts look like tents, but are spacious and have solid floors and walls. The roof is canvas with a skylight. Our private patio sat next to the Rio San Ignacio, where we could watch ducks and other wildlife. We enjoyed the the peace and quiet with our morning coffee. Breakfast is provided in a family style dining room. The dinner option for a small fee was a bargain and convenience, not to mention delicious. We met our “neighbors”, and our hosts were super accommodating of my food allergies.
Our yurt!Just beyond our patioOur private patio came with our own pet!
San Ignacio is a quaint little town where locals sit and visit on benches in the main square. Misión San Ignacio Kadakaamán sits close by, surrounded by orange trees. Next to the church is a small museum housing replicas of cave paintings found in the nearby Sierra de San Francisco, which were painted by the Cochimí and other indigenous groups. We found the museum to be a great option for us, as we were a little unsure how we might react to the high altitude and the hiking involved in going to the actual caves.
Misión San Ignacio KadakaamánCourtyard of orange treesShaded town squareReplica of a Cochimí cave painting
I am so happy that we opted to stay two nights in this delightful Baja town. While San Ignacio is small, staying at San Ignacio Springs is an experience in itself. I can’t wait to return!
More driving past Loreto…still heading north on Highway 1. There were a few checkpoints, but these were non-threatening, with Mexican officials remaining professional and simply asking where we were going. They do record your driver’s license and license plate. Like so many things, these are to help ensure safety for all, even if they are a little different from the way we typically do things in the US.
Luckily, we were not in a hurry, as we were able to spend some time in Playa El Requeson, part of the beautiful Bahia Conceptión, or Conception Bay, as it translates in English. This beach is a campground, and even though I am not a camper, I enjoyed strolling through the soft sands and taking in views of the crystal-clear water as a leg stretching break before heading into Mulege.
Bahia Conceptión
We came into the small town of Mulege late on a Sunday morning. This had a few disadvantages, as the church was having services, and we didn’t feel comfortable interrupting. Also, the local museum was closed. But one advantage was that the town was not crowded, and we were able to stroll the streets and take a peek inside their local community center. This is an area with a regulation basketball court, bleachers, and a small stage. These are common in small towns in the Baja, but this one was dedicated (at least judging by the mural on the wall!) to Cuesta Aguilar, a local famous boxer.
Beautiful downtown MulegeCuesta Aguilar
But one of my favorite things about Mulege is, you guessed it, the food! We ordered a late Sunday breakfast from Antojitos Mexicanos Zuria, right on the main square of Mulege. The chorizo plato was delicious, and they were careful to replace the huevos (eggs) with papas (potatoes) due to my “huevo” allergy!
Misión Santa Rosalía rests atop a hill on the outskirts of Mulege. This mission was built in 1766 and has a lookout point sporting amazing views of the town of Mulege and the river that runs through the town. The views had to be spectacular to motivate me to climb it with my fear of heights. Hence the selfie for photo proof!
Misión Santa Rosalía Top of the Overlook!
I found myself wishing that we could spend more time in the quaint town of Mulege, but we had to forge ahead to our next overnight stop, San Ignacio!
If you like mountain and ocean views, or better yet the two at the same time, the drive into Loreto does not disappoint! Loreto itself doesn’t disappoint. I love this town! Known mostly for its sports fishing, Loreto has a small-town vibe with tons of Mexican charm. The vendors in the shops are friendly; I even returned a purse with a broken zipper and was given a replacement, no questions asked.
We passed some luxury resorts featuring golf courses and ocean view pools. But we chose to stay in town. Loreto 80 offers studio apartments at a reasonable price. We were ready to cook at home for a few meals, and found a grocery with young entrepreneurs selling fresh strawberries and asparagus out front, and fresh seafood inside for a yummy meal.
But even though dinner was at “home” we still took advantage of the “night life” in Loreto. By night life, at my age, I mean the evening in the town square! As with many Mexican towns, the streets come alive with artisans and musicians. There is an energy on the main street that does not exist during the day. Locals and tourists visit restaurants, bars, shops, and pop-up vendors. Our second evening there was International Women’s Day, and a parade and speeches were a part of the celebration.
The streets are lined with arching trees that form a canopy when walking around Loreto. This enhances the already existing beauty of the town. At the end of the main walk sits Spa Las Flores Loreto, where I enjoyed a massage and facial.
Loreto sports some non-crowded beaches and a great Malecón (another run completed!). Really happy that this will be another stop on the way back through!
Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto ConchóLoreto 80 Studio RentalsBeach on a Saturday monringDriving into Loreto after miles of mountains and cactus.First pic at Loreto overlookPre-dinner libation!
Next stop on our Baja road trip was Cuidad (city of) Constitución. This area of the Baja is more agricultural than Cabo. It was exciting to see the landscape change from deserts (which I do love!) to green fields and groves of orange trees. Even if you are just passing through, you can stop at a roadside stand and buy a large bag of oranges for $6 US. We enjoyed and shared these throughout our trip.
Lunch was Taqueria Los Perrones on the main street, which served up some of the best pastor (pork) tacos I have ever had. We also visited Puerto San Carlos, which is home to the beautiful Magdalena Bay. Despite unseasonal chilly temperatures, this beach was enjoyable and sported some in tact seashells, which are not always common on Mexican beaches.
Magdalena BayVisitor!
Upon a recommendation from friends, we stayed at theMaría de Nadie Hotel Boutique. This is what is known today as a boutique hotel but reminded me of the family run hotels I remember staying at as a kid in the States, super clean and comfy with a good restaurant. We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast there, and the food and service were phenomenal. Even better was their story. As we headed to the restaurant for our dinner that evening, four people were finishing their meal. Their conversation and early dinner hour led us to believe that they were workers, enjoying their dinner break before the guests. One of the gentlemen approached us and asked us what room we were staying in. We told him, and he responded with “that was my parents’ room when I was growing up here.”. He proceeded to share with us that this was a family owned/operated hotel in which he and his siblings grew up. When his parents retired, the hotel sat empty, as he and his siblings were away at university. They decided to return and re-open the hotel to preserve it. So glad they did!
Getting back to that road trip…we started our journey in LaPaz, which is only about 2 hours north of San Jose del Cabo. We were particularly blessed as two of our good friends from SJD joined us for this first stretch. Along the way, we stopped in Todos Santos. If you have never visited Todos Santos, it is definitely worth the trip. Along with the famous Hotel California, there is a historic church and an artistic vibe to the town. The Green Room, a gorgeous waterfront restaurant outside of the main square, serves amazing food and drinks. I have also seen some of my best impromptu whale shows there during the spring months while sipping a carajillo.
But our focus today was on Viñedo Las Tinajas, a beautiful winery just before you reach the main square of Todo Santos. Upon arrival, we were given a refreshing vino blanco to enjoy while we toured the wine making room. Our guide was knowledgeable about the finer points of winemaking and not only studied wine making at UC Davis in California, but also taught some of the classes there as an undergrad student. He served us a tinto (red) straight out of the barrel; doesn’t get any fresher!
Viñedo Las TinajasFresh vino tinto!
We then went into the tasting room for a complete tasting and charcuterie board. I purchased a few bottles of the welcome wine (my favorite!) and even stopped on the way back through to get a few more. If you are anywhere in the Cabo area, this is a great day trip. As for us, we were headed to La Paz!
La Paz is home to Balandra Beach, truly one of the most beautiful I have seen in my life. Had I not visited the Tahiti/Bora Bora beaches in the past, it could easily be number one. We spent a lovely afternoon there. This beach is protected and only a certain number of visitors are let in each day. It is worth the wait to enjoy its natural beauty and the warm, shallow, lagoon like waters.
We stayed at Casa Madero, a small boutique hotel with a shared kitchen and gorgeous courtyard. We were only one block from the malecon, a walkway along the water that encourages biking, walking, jogging, or just strolling along to see the sights. I took advantage of an early morning jog on our second day, which I needed after all of the good food we had been enjoying.
Balandra BeachSunset over the MaleconHistoric church
I thoroughly enjoyed this stretch of the trip. The combination of sightseeing, spending time with friends, beautiful scenery, and a cozy boutique hotel made this the perfect start to our road trip. Next stop coming soon!
