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The wind, an invisible force, transforms the beaches of La Ventana, Buenavista, La Ribera, and Los Barriles into premier global destinations for kitesurfing. Travelers from around the world, equipped with bikes, motorcycles, kayaks, camping gear, and kitesurfing equipment, embark on a journey to savor this exhilarating sport.

Venturing to La Ventana and Los Barriles, two top spots in East Cape for kitesurfing, you can explore the geography that makes the Bay of La Ventana special. Sheltered by Isla Cerralvo to the east and warmed by desert winds from the southern peninsula, the bay is an ideal learning ground with its closed structure ensuring safety from strong currents.

La Ventana
In La Ventana, life revolves around wind, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. The spot, discovered in the 1980s, hosts major competitions such as La Ventana Classic, La Ventana Windfest, and the Kite Foil Cup during the season. The geography, with northern winds and warm southern winds, creates an ideal setting for learning and advanced kitesurfing.

El Triunfo
After a couple of days in La Ventana, a scenic drive leads to Los Barriles. Passing through San Juan de Los Planes and exploring El Triunfo, a former mining town, where you can marvel at the historic chimneys and ruins from the colonial period. In 1878, the El Progreso Mining Company was established, attracting many foreigners who came to work in the mine as engineers, operators, machinists, bakers, or smelters.

When you arrive in El Triunfo, the first thing that catches your eye is the smelting chimney, known as La Ramona, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Due to its prosperity, this town was the first to have electricity and telephone services. El Progreso ceased operations in 1912 when the mines were no longer profitable.

San Antonio De La Sierra

San Antonio, like El Triunfo, was a town rich in silver, initially in full bloom in the mid-18th century and depleted in the early 20th century. Today, it is a visiting spot accessible via the Camino Real. Designated as a 'Historical Town' to preserve the heritage, and to rescue the traditions and values that identify and make the region unique, while spreading the roots of Baja California Sur among national and international travelers.

Los Barriles

Located between Cabo Pulmo and Sierra La Laguna, this is where the Lord of the Wind competition showcases kitesurfing excellence. With its vast white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it's a year-round destination for sports fishing. Whether you're after Marlin, Dorado, or Tuna, the possibilities are endless. With over 200 boats ready to set sail, it also offers diving, sailing, and underwater biodiversity.

If you are not so much into adrenaline, you can go for walks or mountain biking, as there are numerous trails and paths in the surroundings. You can also go scuba diving, try paddleboarding, kayaking, or go whale and dolphin watching.

As we conclude this aquatic and aerial adventure, we hope you'll find inspiration in the thrilling world of kitesurfing, or just take it as an invitation to go explore Baja California Sur and its magical surroundings with lots of historical treasures!

This cherished observance is a poignant tribute to loved ones who have passed away, a testament to the enduring connection between the living and the deceased. At the heart of the Day of the Dead festivities are the meticulously crafted altars, known as "ofrendas." These altars are adorned with vibrant marigolds, intricately designed sugar skulls, and an array of the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. This ritualistic offering serves as a symbol of the belief that, during this sacred period, the spirits of our loved ones return to visit the world of the living. The ofrendas provide a loving and welcoming space for these returning souls, offering not only sustenance but also an atmosphere steeped in fond memories and the spirit of celebration.

Some essential elements to consider when setting up the ofrenda include:

1. Salt and White Tablecloth: The color white symbolizes purity, and salt is the primary purification element, which helps the body transition between the world of the living and the dead.
2. Water: It quenches the thirst of the souls after their long journey.
3. Candles: The flame symbolizes guidance for the departed to find their way back to their former home.
4. Calaveritas (Sugar or Chocolate Skulls): These represent death according to the tradition of Mesoamerican cultures and pay homage to the pre-Hispanic tradition.
5. Copal and Incense: These fragrances are used to cleanse the area of malevolent spirits, ensuring the soul can enter their home without danger.
6. Flowers: They decorate and perfume the area during the soul's stay. The marigold (Cempasúchil) is a symbol of the celebration.
7. Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead): Prepared in various forms, this bread is one of the most cherished elements on the altar, signifying fraternity and affection for departed loved ones.
8. Papel Picado (Cut Paper): This element not only adds color and joy but it also represents the air, one of the four essential elements in any ofrenda.
9. Food: The purpose of food is to delight the visiting spirits. It is prepared in honor of the remembered individuals, and their favorite dishes and beverages are traditionally included.
10. Portrait: A photograph of the loved one signifies their visit to the ofrenda.

At Club Ninety Six, we are honored to embrace this beautiful tradition and invite you to share in the experience. Our Day of the Dead altar display, gracefully positioned in front of our Club Concierge's desk, serves as a visual tribute to the centuries-old customs of Mexico. It is available for your contemplation and reflection until November 3rd.

We encourage you to visit our altar, partake in the spirit of the Day of the Dead, and take a moment to cherish the memories of your own loved ones. In doing so, we come together not only as a community but as a testament to the shared human experience, honoring the ties that bind us all.

A partial list of desert plants include Cirio, Cardon, Century Plant, Ocotillo, Prickly Pear, Candelabra Cactus, Old Man Cactus, Barrel Cactus, Cholla Cactus, Creosote Bush, Datilillo, Elephant Tree, Organ Pipe Cactus, Palo Blanco, and Palm tree. More than this Todos Santos is home to seven amazing coastal beaches. Whether you’re out enjoying nature or shopping for art there’s an amazing array of things to do and experience in Todos Santos. We are proud to announce we will be bringing local roasted coffee from Todos Santos to Market 96 when we reopen. 

You can
1. Savor local roasted coffee
2. Release sea turtles into the ocean
3. Visit the Hotel California
4. Go surfing
5. and/or enjoy 7 of the very top beaches in Mexico

Selkirk made friends with the cats and goats who were also stranded on the islands by pirates. Clothed in Goat Skins and telling time by carving notches in trees, Selkirk was rescued to Cabo San Lucas by Privateer Woodes Rogers in 1709. Cabo was an important port for the Spanish. The Galleons sailed directly from Manilla in the Philippines to America's entry port – Cabo San Lucas. Pirates would prey on these brand-new ships as they brought exotic treasures and riches from Asia. The story eventually inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe.

Click below to learn more about Cabo and Selkirk with author Laura Bueno.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcGUDJXCyys&t=38s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW1j0PgwPXc