Saturday, July 25, 2009

The night in La Paz

In La Paz, Baja California, Mexico, there used to be several nice trailer parks.

There was “El Cardon” run by a German.

And “Aquamarine Trailer Park” managed by an American/Mexican Couple.

Then there was “Casa Blanca” owned by a Mexican doctor.

And “La Paz Trailer Park”.

All of these trailer parks have been closed.


One reason being that only in Wintertime RV’ers showed up.

Making the trailer parks economically a money losing business.

And over the last years it became very profitable to use the land of the trailer parks for building houses.

Hence, nowadays, for the person travelling in an RV to La Paz there is no more a place to stay.


One may consider of course to boondock somewhere in this town.

For example on the large parking of a shopping centre.

However, in La Paz this is very unusual and very likely the police will make trouble.


This is all very sad because La Paz is such a nice town.

It is perfect for dining, shopping and having broken vehicles repaired.

It is relaxed, modern and the population is very friendly.


Fortunately, there still is an option for RV-visitors to La Paz.

North of La Paz is a town called El Centennario.

About 11 km (7 miles).

Over there a “Campestre” is found called “Maranatha”.

A “Campestre” is a place where people go to when they have a free day.

Sometimes there is a swimming pool.

Things to play with for children.

Pick nick facilities.

And trees with shadows.


“Maranatha” has all this and also the option for RV’ers to spend the night.

A very rudimentary trailer park where the vehicles are positioned next to each other without any separation.

But there are full hook-ups and clean bathrooms with warm water.

To spend one night at “Maranatha” costs $ 20 (€ 14).


Campestre “Maranatha” is run by José and Lucinda Núñez.

They are missionaries.

Mennonites.

Mennonites are a Christian faith group that began in the 16th century. Currently there are over one million members worldwide.

Mennonite beliefs and practices vary widely, but following Jesus in daily life is a central value, along with peacemaking.


The father of Lucinda was a Mennonite missionary.

And used to fly in his airplane to La Paz to do his missionary work.

He owned his own airstrip and that is where the RV-park and campestre is now.

This is why the place is called “Maranatha”.

It means: “Our Lord has come”.


Of course, “Maranatha” is quite a distance from the centre of La Paz.

And it is too close to the main highway so traffic noise is disturbing.

But it is clean, well maintained and a most friendly staff.

Even Bhudists are welcome.


These days they are getting bookings of caravans: large groups of RV’ers travelling in Mexico together.

Who make reservations for the coming winter.

As “Maranatha” is the only trailer park left in La Paz, they get all the business now.

It is to be expected that possibly in December and January “Maranatha” will be booked full.



A tip for the fervent and loyal blog readers who happen to travel to La Paz in their RV.

Where is the turn off to enter campestre “Maranatha” is a coffee shop called “Exquisito”.

Not only do they have very good coffee and white chocolate chip cookies.

But they also offer you can make FREE phone calls to the USA with your coffee!!!!




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