But first- don't forget your seat belt for the drive up there. The 60 mile trip has Burma Shave-types of signs reminding drivers not to drink, drive with care, and even obey the signs!
This is an overview of the town as we approach it from the south. It's built on a mesa and bluffs overlooking the ocean. The day was perfect - temperature in the high 60's and a light breeze.
Along the coast is the ore refinery - still existing from the 1800's. Lots of machinery still present. They knew how to built 'em in those days.
Another view of the extensive works. It is being made into a museum by the government.
Old mining shovel and crane.
On the top of the mesa, overlooking the town, is the hotel. It is still in operation having been renovated.
More mining relics in the front court yard of the motel.
The interior court yard gives access to the rooms, which are nicely decorated. It looked like visiting business men and government officials were the principal residents. No tourists were around.
The lobby and interior are decorated with artifacts and furniture reflecting Europe.
The star attraction is the little locomotive with the company's name - Boleo Company.
Back down to the main part of town for lunch. A little hotel has a nice restaurant that specializes in roast chicken.
Really gooood roast chicken The best I've had in years !
As we were leaving the restaurant, a rather unkempt Mexican came-up to me. I was rather surprised, as most folks just go about their business here. He was speaking in rapid Spanish, and I thought that he was "Putting the touch" on me. Unusual. Another gentleman who was washing a car nearby came over to translate. A gringo had just died on the waterfront ! We thanked the man and drove over to see what was happening.
Apparently an old couple who live down here part-time had come into town for some business. As the wife went into the immigration office, he waited in the truck. Suffering from an apparent heart attack, he was slumped over the wheel when she came back. Dead. The police came, and brought a community liaison who spoke Spanish and English equally well. She was consoling, and advising the widow on how to proceed. Mimi talked with the widow for a while, and we determined that she was in good hands, and waiting for some friends to arrive from Punto Chivato where they lived. We proceeded on with our tour, somewhat in shock, though. You just never know...
We drove back up the mesa road to the highest point in Santa Rosalia. This great view is near the water tower, and the spot where our friend, Tioga George camped for months at a time. His little garden is still partially there, but needs maintenance.
Back in town we stopped at the Bakery, established during the French colonial time, and still selling French pastries. They are more Mexicanized now - not as sweet and a heavier dough.
Near by is the town square, and very comfortable place to hang-out.
Part of the square consists of a long European type of building. Likely used by the Boleo Mining Company for offices, now used by local government bureaucrats.
The town has lots of young people, who were on the streets as school let out. Seemed like nice kids - not acting obnoxious at all like American kids that age can do.
Just a shot of a street in Sta. Rosalia. Lots of trees for shade and decoration. The streets are very clean.
Also lots of truck and taco stands. We are always careful where we eat. Never indiscriminately.
This is the church that Eiffel ( of Eiffel Tower fame) designed.
The interior reflects the elaborate iron and steel structural work.
The road out of town overlooks an old mine shaft with it's elevator head still intact. This is Tioga George's logo, painted on the side of Miss Tioga, his motorhome.
That evening was a full moon. This is the silhouette of a crane on the beach.
Hasta luego....
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