K85

We set out on the dirt roads that go around the East Cape looking for our own secret spot to relax for a few days. We’re not the first, of course, but it’s pretty darn quiet out here.

I have to admit, when I mentioned I saw a VW bus as we passed an arroyo 30 minutes east of San Jose del Cabo, and Jason backed up Red Beard and drove in I was a little skeptical. I mean, let’s just pull in to a dry gulch not on any map or in any book because we saw a Volkswagen? When we pulled in we saw a few guys playing horseshoes, and a bocce set nearby and I knew I had been wrong to hastily judge.

Eric, ‘the mayor’ of K85 quickly greeted Jason with a boisterous “Get a tan, man!” in a German accent and the rest of the clan came over to welcome us immediately.

Daphne showed us around. Everyone there were friends, some coming to this same arroyo for 26 straight winters. Amazing. I can see why.

As far as the kid was concerned this place had it all, great beach and sand, big boulders to climb, tide pools, dogs, and surrogate grandparents who didn’t mind a kid playing in their camp. Whales breached and spouted continuously just offshore. Nice.

Two of the women were artists, Frea painted murals at many of the houses in the area, and Maryanne painted whatever she got her hands on. Jordan is a retired history professor and has been coming here for only 23 years. Another couple leaves their orchard in Washington and has wintered here for 26 years.

It’s just boondocking in an arroyo. A sliver of wash between private property on each side.  But, it is kind of magical and has a great energy about it. We can see why everyone keeps coming back. It’s the people, for sure. It wouldn’t be the same if we were there alone.

A few photos by Bode at the campfire below. Bode still says ‘remember all those nice people at the camp at the beach?’ Yes we do. See ya in a few winters, guys. Oh, and if Bud the dog is reading this, Bode says hi. Sorry we didn’t see you on the way out, he was pretty upset he couldn’t say goodbye.

And, maybe because of the competitive German tanning, Jason got scorched.