MULEGE

The Mulege back story goes like this....

Our Selene purchase was in the spring of 2015, in which we spent that year refitting, upgrading and getting to know all her systems backwards and forwards. We made many trips back and forth to Portland, Oregon that year, working on the boat, installing a water maker, sewing canvas, etc. John had retired, however I was still working in dentistry. My last work day 12/14/15.

We had formulated a 5 year plan, the first of which was to cruise and explore the Inside Passage of Canadian British Columbia. While accomplishing that in 2016, during our return we stopped at a great small marina called Lagoon Cove. Lagoon Cove is famous for many things like history, hikes and of course "Happy Hour". The marina hosts fish for prawns everyday! Everyone contributes to the potluck buffet, visiting and mingling on the above decks. Just so happened we ended up seated at a picnic table with the Studebakers (from Mulege, MX) and the Leisinger's from (Oregon, USA). Turns out Dr. Al Leisenger is an endodontist and runs a dental clinic in Mulege in conjunction with Rotary International during the winter months. To say I was enthused to be a part of contributing would be an understatement. It became a bucket list item and John made sure it happened! We failed to keep in touch, however, while in the Sea of Cortez and finally having a prospective date in mind, I reached out via email. We had not been forgotten and our timing was perfect! The Studebaker's put us up in "The Nest" (A Casita) at their home. 

the rest will be explained with the captions during the photo description.

On Sunday, March 1st, day 241 we rented a car and had lunch in downtown Loreto,

planning tomorrows trip to Mulege, BCS. 

Loreto Lighthouse

The culture and architecture are fascinating.

On Monday, March 2nd, day 242 (our 140th day in Mexico) we arrived in Mulege!

And our timing was perfect! The dental clinic had gone through a major renovation. 

so that afternoon there was a celebration with awards from Rotary International for 

all the volunteers, contractors and staff. We arrived just in time to meet everyone 

involved. Tuesday was moving day!

We settled in to "The Nest" in Mulege, BCS home of the Studebaker's.

This is our view from our guest Casita for two,

Tranquility in the tree tops. 

Dana and John humoring me for a photo by the pool.

This is the lovely "Nest".

On to the next, the Rotary Celebration.

This is actually a volunteer dental and eye clinic. 

John with Dr Al Liesinger from Rosenberg, OR. He runs the dental clinic.

Operatory's with fresh paint, installation flooring and move in ready!

One step at a time. 

Tracey with Dr. Al Liesinger.  Love all the colorful murals incorporated with the clinic.

Checking out the steralization area.

Tom Studebaker, receiving his award for his contract work. 

And more contributors...

Back at the Studebaker's nestled above the Rio Santa Rosalia 

(river off Bahia Concepcion, Sea of Cortez)

The Liesinger's house is among these homes across the river. 

I also got a chance to spend some time at the PAW clinic observing the work they do there.

Dana looking after a feline patient.

When Dana was done working she t took me to visit the old mission. 

Founded in 1705 by Jesuit missionaries, the impressive and perfectly preserved, 

stone church, La Mision Santa Rosalia is definitely worth a visit!

Set high atop a hill above Rio Mulege, the oasis views are stunning!

Imagine this construction in 1705!

Views from the mission, of the Rio Santa Rosalia....

And then we had to take a peak in the age old cemetery still in use. 

Back at "Le Nest", home of the Studebaker's.

And what fine hosts! They even loaned us a Razor 

side by side for a scheduled 40 mile Poker Run!

Poker for Paws... fun charity ride Punta Chivato...

The men ( Tom and John) worked together getting the buggies ready for the forty mile 

ATV Poker run. "Poker for Paws", fun charity ride Punta Chivato.

This was the meeting place.

We started off through the mountains. 

Ready to go, selfi!

What an honor to be gifted this ride for the day! Thanks Tom and Dana!

Everyone is in line for the poker hand.

Tracey and John

 ......through the desert......

Then along the beach!

What a blast! So much fun!

Another stop for more cards.

Dinner and drinks, of course!

The proceeds go to the PAWS Animal Clinic 

and Hagamos Mas (Santa Rosalia Dog Shelter).

Spent some more time unpacking, lining shelves, setting up sterilization and testing equipment. 

What a wide and bright sterilization area! 

The Studebaker residence. 

Patches making herself at home.

Faro de Mulege, (lighthouse) Baja California Sur, 

at the mouth of the Rio Santa Rosalia.

....and more amazing views!

Patches loving her adventure!

John and Dana at the local Art Show, another well invested charity event!

A visit to Iglesia Apostolica de la Fe en Cristo Jesus de Mulege, BCS

Then a visit to the Museo Excarcel, a prison from 1906!

 

This rock art is much older than the prison, but from the river areas. 

The prison is unique in that it was built without doors on the cells. 

A conch shell was blown in the morning signaling it was time for the inmates

to go to their jobs. They could enjoy meals and a siesta with their families.

The conch shell was blown again in the evening when it was time for the 

incarcerated to return to their confinement. Now that's an honor system.

More artifacts from the period, stored in dwelling to complete the museum.

This is an example of a local market.

To find the usual things us Gringo's are accustomed to, 

(like Dr Pepper) becomes a scavenger hunt.

We capped off the Mulege excursion with a visit to the Leisenger's

home for a dinner party. A great time had by all! Truly memorable!

And the views of Faro De Mulege ended a fabulous visit.