Setting the Stage

In December 2003, my friend Charo and I did something a little crazy. We decided to attempt to walk the 36 kilometers (about 20 miles) from Loreto to San Javier-as some people every year as a sort of pilgrimage to San Javier's for it's festival. We made a pre-run by car and arranged to spend the night at Rancho Viejo, just a few miles outside of San Javier (and much quieter during the festival). At 2am on a chilly and moon-less Dec. 2nd, we left from the Loreto Mission. The trip was long…really long, and we had a number of interesting experiences and an overload of spectacular scenery along the way. In the end, we arrived exhausted at Rancho Viejo in the early afternoon. After a wonderful night's sleep on a traditional leather-strap ranch bed under an open palapa roof, it was time to finish the trip. I carefully bandaged my blistered feet and switched to a different pair of shoes, and we started out on the last leg of the trip-the final 2 hours until the palms and mission of San Javier came into sight. Although I didn't take many photos, I am quite sure that I will never forget a single kilometer on the road to San Javier! 

Skip the blisters and enjoy the trip vicariously…

2am start at the Loreto Mission

Sunrise Detour: Investigating a fresh auto accident (luckily driver had been rescued)
                   

Nearing El Pilon de Las Parras

Relaxing with café at La Venta

Leaving the road (La Venta with "Erribe")

Stunning views from the original path of the Jesuits-between La Venta and Rancho Las Parras
          

Almost there-well beyond El Pilon de Las Parras

Rancho Viejo, where we spent the night

Exhausted, but PROUD!