Some of us had explored Mulege while we were camped at Santispec earlier in our trip but most wanted to see more. We happily arrived early as our drive from Requeson was under an hour. The park we went to, as have several we have stayed in, have see better days. Covid and few travelers over nearly two years have struck a blow to the repair and maintenance. We arrived at Hotel Serenidad by 9:30 am and had to go in largest vehicles first. The Escapes were last and some of the later pull in spots lacked electricity and had issues with the sewer connection. Must say by the time we returned from Mulege, the electrical and the sewer issues had been dealt with in a professional way. More to say about Hotel Serenaded later in the post.
The Mission at Mulege had been dedicated to a Saint from Palermo and it's architecture was influenced by that of churches in Palermo. The patrons had connections to that area.
Here is a larger view of the Mission and it grounds. I was able to ring the bell as it still is a working church.
Bajas Amigos had arranged for a taxi though some of us drove in so we could have some flexibility about returning. All except Paul and Christina, Jim and Judy, and Greg and Ann took the van. We all enjoyed the shopping, exploring and long lunches. We ended the evening with a gathering with some drinks in the Hotel.
Jim and I rode with Paul And Kristina in their pickup to go into Mulege. Our first stop was the old Mission.
I loved the repetition of the cacti against the wall of the Mission. Notice the stone pavers which surround the area.
There was a roughly elevated area with steep steps we climbed up to look down on the Mulege River surrounded by the date palms brought to the area by the Jesuits and Franciscan fathers who built these first missions. They surround all the old sites which still have some water. The Mulege River has flooded the town so many times that the Mexican government has built another town with many amenities such as cell coverage and inexpensive lots and homes to lure the flood weary people away from the river but many persist, not wanting to leave the town.
Jim and Kristina on the overlook above the Mulege River behind the mission.
We enjoyed a good lunch at this restaurant on the second story. Paul got some wonderful pictures of the birds, hummers and others, enjoying lunch also. It is also a good picture of a Mulege building. Note the stone walls above the first story. This may be a way to fight against the floods with living happening on the second story.
This very odd sculpture was above the road on the way out of Mulege. It is now plastered with political signs from the last election. There is a small restaurant nearby so perhaps it was to catch your eye as you pass or perhaps it someone's art expression. The one above looks like someone with a helmet riding a motorcycle which is a real one which what looks like a weapon. The picture below shows the big wagon which hangs over the cliff drop with the figures on the front and to the side. We took many pictures as it fascinated us all.
This was the scene just below the sculpture. This is a working boat and truck. There were two fellows watching us take the pictures, probably very amused at our attention to the old sculpture.
As a postscript, this was a home down near the river on a dirt road. As you can see, it is built of easily replaceable materials. The palm covered large palapa in the middle is the big living area. There were family members inside doing wash, cooking and working at the big table. It looked shading and comfortable under the palapa.
Hotel Serenidad and RV park, were we stayed was built and developed by Ron Johnson who passed away in his 90’s in 2020. The restaurant and pool area have a series a patios and palaces which provide shading places to sit and enjoy. The floor tiles are shiny and cared for as are the rooms that surround the patio area. We had a quick look at the restaurant but enjoyed our drinks in the roomy area by the bar. The outside looks quite run down but the inside is very welcoming. This hotel was an attraction for many years much of it due to Ron Johnson. We hope he finds a successor as this hotel has been an important part of Mulege for many years. Just don't have any pictures of the inside area. We all met for some drinks that evening for an hour or so. They were all decorated for Christmas.
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