POST FROM SAN CARLOS, SONORA, MX
Remember post cards? After 1901, postcards typically measured 3.5 x 5.5 inches, although variations in size exist. In the 1960s, some printers began producing 4 x 6 inch postcards. They had some kind of photo on the front, often of a place being visited or some attraction in that place. On the back was a space for the address and on the left side a space for the message, such as “The weather is beautiful. Wish you were here.” People began collecting postcards (what isn’t collectible?) and currently, antique and vintage postcards range from $20 to thousands of dollars per piece. A postcard’s worth depends on its rarity, historical relevance, appeal, design, depiction, and demand. Consider this my digital post card to you.
We are on a 5-day retreat to the beach town of San Carlos, about 12 miles west of Guyamas in the state of Sonora. With a population of 30,00 people, half of whom are from the U.S. and Canada, it has grown and is still being developed as a desirable and affordable place to live and work, or retire. Like many tourist destinations in other places with great scenery, weather and outdoor activities, San Carlos has seen the influx of many people, both full and part-time residents. However, the summer months are hot and humid. When we visited here the first time, some 20 years ago, the growth was just beginning to increase, and now, two decades later, we see a big difference.
San Carlos was founded on land that was previously a large cattle ranch known as the Baviso de Navarro. This was later subdivided in four great estates known as Rancho Los Algodones, Rancho San Carlos, Rancho El Baviso and Rancho El Represo. And now there are much smaller subdivisions in every direction. Along with the residential growth more commercial entities are now in place to supply the residents’ needs.
There are two world-class Marinas, Marina San Carlos and Marina Real, with over 700 jetties. On any given day you can see sailboats, yachts, and kayaks. Windsurfing is popular off one of the beaches. On any morning, paddleboarders ride serenely on calm water. In addition to the ocean, actually the Sea of Cortez, there is excellent hiking in Canyon Nacapule, which contains an interesting variety of desert plants and palm trees. For the skilled climbers, Cerro Tetakawi has a vista that is one of the best in the world. There is no shortage of recreational activities in the area.
We visited an oyster pearl farm in Miramar yesterday, not far from here, and then had some of the best seafood tacos at a little street shop at the edge of Guyamas before coming back to our little house on wheels where we are camped at Totonaka RV Park. Mexico remains one of our favored destinations for getaways as we love the Hispanic culture and families, their friendliness, the cuisine, and the many interesting and appealing places to visit. Tomorrow we head north to Arizona and home again, about a 5 hour trip.
Here are a few links with more info for those interested. Enjoy!
What’s Up San Carlos: Travel Guide to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico
https://cortezpearl.mx/pages/welcome-to-the-virtual-pearl-farm-tour-the-dock-our-pearl-oysters
https://marinasancarlos.com/about/
Comments (2)
I enjoyed this postcard! I’ve never been to this part of Mexico, and your description now makes me want to visit… thank you for sharing, Gary.
There are many interesting places in Mexico and we have visited quite a few over the years. Mexican history and culture are worth exploring going all the way back to the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. We appreciate the Hispanic and Latino values that place family at the top as opposed to what some other cultures and countries seem to value as more important. Warren Hardy has a great lecture on the differences in Mexican, US and Canadian values, and thus behaviors.
Our San Carlos getaway was refreshing, especially being near the water again, and it’s an easy 5 hour drive from where we live most of the time.