Goodbye Winter /

Welcome to Spring

When Charles Dickens wrote the immortal words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness . . .” in a Tale of Two Cities, he might well have been speaking of Baja.  We have faced the best and the worst from the global economy to street violence to the swine flu.  Those are the worst.  What’s the best?  Fishing and weather are Great!

When I was a kid, we used to half joke that if a nuclear war was to happen you could always take refuge in Buena Vista, because nothing would happen here!  That may be more dream than reality, but let’s look at the facts:

Our state of BCS and our town are in a unique location that makes it very un-attractive for criminals, therefore no act of violence nor organized crime has been reported.  It isn’t even good for hiding because there is nowhere to run.  As for the flu, again the geographical location and the prompt action by our local government has contained the spread of the virus to our state, and AGAIN NO CASES OF THIS TYPE OF FLUE has been reported.

The effects of these three major circumstances have been felt severely in our communities from Cabo San Lucas to our quiet East Cape. But as my grandma used to say, “God may tie you up, but he will never shock you;” and that is how we are looking at it this year.  The Valdez Family and our employees continue working hard to make sure all of our visitors have a great time. We have several projects that we will continue and our first house is about to break ground (yes, a little later than we planned.)  The condo project is being revamped and Felipe continues to do a great job trying to improve all aspects of the resort. 

As American Admiral David Farragut said, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”   

It’s a Girl!

As if an omen for better days ahead, my wife Gina and I welcomed Regina Valdez Cantisani, who arrived on April 25 weighing 7-pounds, 4-ounces.  Everyone is in perfect health.  Thank you all for your blessings and kind words at this miracle of birth.

With Sorrow . . .

With deepest regrets we announce the death of our longtime guest and friend Sally Solie after a long battle with cancer on Jan. 14.  Sally is survived by her husband, Gary.  Our sad condolences to all.

The Things We Did this Winter

The winter of 08-09 was memorable from a number of aspects including numerous activities for local homeowners, nearby residents and families including ·         Every-other-Sunday brunches featuring the very best of everything that’s good to eat and drink on our restaurant patio overlooking the Sea of Cortez;

·         Very popular Happy Hours;

·         Some very exciting and delicious special dinners particularly for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Super Bowl Sunday.

We attended numerous outdoor, sports and fishing shows in both the U.S. and Mexico.  It was heartwarming to be greeted by so many friends and guests in each city we visited.  Concurrently, we did extensive maintenance to the restaurant, beach, boats and rooms including some wonderful artwork by Chuck Byron to decorate our hotel.

Kite Surfing

During the windy winter months the new extreme sport of Kite Surfing has taken off right on our beach.  Kite Surfing is not for the faint of heart, as it combines the skills of both kiting and surfing.  By harnessing the power of the wind and ocean, a board can reach top speeds while kite surfers fly into the air at 20 feet. According to those who have tried it, “There is an adrenaline rush unlike any other.”  Who knew we had such a great, natural location? 

We like to thank to our friends, Gennady, Jana and her beautiful daughter, Vanessa for letting us know the reason behind our location being so good for kite surfing. According to Gennady, I can testify to his knowledge, since he is almost a pro: The conditions of the mountains that surrounds, plus the direction of the wind, makes our hotel location as a funnel alike creating wind gusts stronger than anywhere in our bay. But be careful, as he suggested our location only for advance users. He suggested the North Beach for beginners and there is where the kit surfing schools are located.

Even if you don’t participate, plan a weekend next winter watching some exciting – and free – kite surfing acrobatics. 

Jesus Valdez Becomes “SKAL” President

My dad Chuy became the national president of Skal, International Associates of Travel and Tourism Professional, consisting of more than 22,000 members, and with representations in over 90 countries. A big congrats is in place for my dad. Ohh!! and by the way, this organization does not have any political agenda, it is a fun oriented club.

Groups

Groups from near and far – big and not so big – visited our little corner of the world.  Here are some of them:

Gregorio Lecea

Our friends from Monterrey, Mex. visited early in the Fall.  They planned a party night in Cabo following a day of fishing.  Wouldn’t you know it, but their plans were nearly ruined when someone in the group hooked a 573-pound blue marlin that was fought until 7 o’clock.  Strangely, they didn’t mind one bit! 

Norm Jacobson

Our good and long time friend came this year not with his recreational vehicle manufacturing company, but a family and friends reunion. It is always a pleasure to host him.

David Quiñones and the crew from NYC
David, who lives in Texas, has been with us for so many years. If you remember “The Chinos Tournament,” he is one of the founders. This time he put an interesting group of guys, all new to the area and all from the big Apple. They fished, drank and ate as there was no tomorrow. We had fun and it seemed that they did, too.

Grant Oepkes

From Carlsbad, Calif., came and conquered.  He and his team took First Place in our 2008 Chuy’s Catch and Release Tournament. His team was really on a roll, not only during the tournament, but afterwards, on a single day they managed to catch four wahoo.  The ‘hoos weren’t as big as the one they caught a day before, 65-pounds, but still an amazing angling feat.  The best part was his visit later in December; this time with his wife and boys.  It was sure nice to finally meet them.  

Francisco Taboada and Friends

Again this year our good friend Sr. Taboada visited for a few days of fun, relaxing, and some very, very good fishing. Mr. Taboada comes also from my wife’s hometown of Monterrey.

Northwest Divers

We hosted a group of 13 divers from the Minneapolis area to explore the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez.  They returned to the upper northwest’s Frozen Tundra after an excellent experience exploring our own Cabo Pulmo Marine Park. It was very interesting to see and hear the reactions of our guests after a couple of days of diving in warm waters, using words such “amazing, huge, and never seen before” which were heard frequently. 

The Meschkat Family New Years Reunion

 It is a pleasure to host and serve Rudy and Gerda Meschkat together with their entire family. Mom and Grandpa were joined by their sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters and all fished, toured, rode, partied etc, etc, in their own usual and fun way. We feel honor that after so many visits, even though we missed them last year, they choose us for their family reunion. Thank you.

Return Guests

We had so many return guests last winter, through the Holiday Season and even into early spring that we’re certain to miss some.  If we accidentally skip you, please accept or sincerely apologies in advance:

David and Joan Sherwood, Sue Currie, Susan Nelson, John Paulson, Dave Copeland, Marc Garcia, Julius Paeske, Kathy Brown, Robert Skinner, David Nowell Jr, Roger Cannon, Theodore and Sandra Wierzbanowski, David Cooper, Cal Kitazumi, Paul Hahn, Peter Weber, Suzanne Sell, Ewan McDonald, Robert Davis, Ron Miyahara, Rodney Orr, Greg Metzgus, and on and on and on . . .    

Special Deals and Events

You Won't Want to Miss!

Join our special

 MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATION

and be part of a special dinner, as we serenade all our mothers

May 28^th- June 1^st 

16th Annual Sportfishing with

 EAST CAPE TRIP

July 28^th -August 1^st

7th ANNUAL

BISBEE EAST CAPE FISHING TOURNAMENT

Be a part of Hotel Buena Vista’s Team in the $300,000 cash prices in the East Cape Bisbee’s 6th Annual Tournament. Call for details.

click here to book your reservation on line

Ahhh, Spring in Los Barriles.  There is something about it that sets this time apart.  Downtown, at Bahia Residencial, things are starting to “spring” up as well.  After a little bit of an unexpected hiccup a few months ago, we are very happy to share with you that things are well underway –

We shall begin the construction of the first of the model houses in May and perhaps a second come June.  For anyone who is unable to come and see us this summer, we are going to be bringing the show to you via web cams.  So stay tuned.

Lot prices have been discounted to promote the official start of our gated community, so now is the time to get your piece of the Monopoly board.  The town of Los Barriles will not see price points like this again!  All lots are within steps to the beach and within a five minute walk to six restaurants. 

Every lot in Bahia Residencial has its own cadastral codes and are individually registered with tax ID numbers. All utilities are installed underground and include potable water, electrical service and yes, we will be tying into the municipal waste water system as well.  Are you sure we are in Mexico!?!

Beach residents of Bahia Residencial are able to enjoy the beachfront, relaxing and entertaining at their exclusive beachfront club house.  Designs to be unveiled shortly, so keep your eye out!

Price promotions are on a limited, short term basis and only a small number can be acquired before prices must reset to normal.  Some lot locations include the ability to build two stories and enjoy the views of the Sea of Cortez…

For more information and a peek at the designs of the houses log on : www.bahiaresidencial.com

The Dusty BIII

in Puerto Los Cabos

Numerous hotel guests took advantage of our boat at Pto. Los Cabos to get in a little wintertime fishing.  The advantage was we avoided much of our traditional winds, plus it is closer to hot fishing spots. So think about it as you plan your next mid-winter get-away.  Our boat is only about an hour’s drive from the hotel . . . you’ll be back just in time for a siesta, a drink and dinner. If you are traveling to Cabo during the winter is a great opportunity to fish with your East Cape captain, and if you are staying at the resort, fishing in San Jose is an option and the decision to fish here is based on the current conditions at the East Cape.

Friends Writing Back

Dear Axel and Elisabeth,

Thank you for a wonderful stay at the Buena Vista, we returned home to cold and snowy Central Oregon and we miss the sun, warm weather, great food and friendly staff!

Elisabeth asked for information and photos of Annie and William's dolphin adventure in Cabo, so I'm sending an attachment with photos and I wrote some information below if you need it....I didn't mention the fainting part!

I hope the photos come through, let me know if you need anything else.

Again, thank you for a wonderful visit, we plan to return again next Christmas.

Sean & Kathy Miner

Contest of the Month!

Fishermen know that hooks come in many styles, sizes and shapes.  One style that has grown in popularity in Baja is the Circle Hook.  This is a two-part question:

1. What is the origin of the Circle Hook; and

2. What are the advantages of the Circle Hook?

First newsletter reader in with the correct answer will receive one day fishing on 28’ single engine cruiser.