Tim Gilberg, After driving along the two lane Mexican Highway 19 with it's spectacular ocean view to our left, we were nearing our first surf destination. There is no feeling that can quite describe what a surfer feels as he or she goes to a spot they have never ridden. There is apprehension that there might not be any waves, also hope and anticipation that the tide and wind will cooperate to provide excellent rides. There is also excitement as to how the waves will flow; and just plain going someplace new is always a kick.



There was a small wooden sign which alerted us to pull off the road. We immediately hit a dirt road pocked with ruts and holes. There was the occasional smooth path, and with the minivan's tires spinning and dust clouds flying behind us we were a mere two miles from the surf break. There was a camping site with probably 30 to 40 rv's scattered along the expansive beach as we pulled up. There were two separate small surf businesses renting surfboards as well.



Ron and I lathered up the sunscreen. The last thing I needed was a sunburn on the first day of a surf trip in which I would average 5-6 hours out in the sun per day. We waxed our boards and sprinted to the beach. The waves were in the fun-size chest to head high faces on the wave.

As I ran and hit the surf gliding on top of my board I was welcomed by 75 degree water, a welcome change from the 57 degree water at Cardiff Reef just yesterday morning.



The wave at Los Cerritos is quite unique. There is a rock point where the waves start to break. You actually sit a few feet from the rock outcroppings. This causes the wave to break. You then actually go left towards more rocks when you take off. The wave then wraps to the right for a super fast fun ride. It is like two waves in one.



We entered the water at about 2 pm, and we wanted to reach the town of Todos Santos by nightfall as we didn't yet have a place to spend the night. After a strenuous 2 hours surfing, I was relaxed and at peace and we headed out for the 20 mile drive to Todos Santos along Mexican Highway 19.



In a strange twist of fate, I was yelled out for going too slow by a speeding Mexican. Now I was going about 60 mph on a two lane highway if you get the picture. I reflected back on how I often curse slow driving Hispanics in San Diego. What goes around comes around I guess; anyway, I found it quite amusing!



We had plans to try and stay at the Hotel California.
Yes, "that" Hotel California in the Eagles' song. We pulled up. It looked awesome! Looking like surfers was to our advantage; in most cases surfers live on dollars a day so I could play the poverty card. Ron and I walked to the front desk.



A woman who looked to be in her mid 50's and reminded me of a high school librarian greeted us.

I told her we were looking for a room with 2 single beds, she said they had one for $100. I stepped back and made a groaning noise. The staff got a kick out of that! She then went on to say there were $100 rooms and $25 rooms meaning, of course that $25 rooms were not as nice. I played stupid, and without skipping a beat I said I would like the $25 room. Everyone laughed and we ended up getting the room for $60.



We had an excellent dinner in the main dining room. It was Spanish style of course. Exhausted from our busy first day, both of us were ready for bed. After showering, I lay down on my hotel bed to be rudely attacked by a mattress with no springs! Uh, oh, my Sealy posturpedic had ruined me, I thought. However, it didn't take long until I was able to doze off and get a decent night's sleep.