The scenery in Loreto is spectacular, as the rugged Sierra de la Giganta Mountains converge with the bright blue Sea of Cortez. The first mission was founded in Loreto in 1697 by the Jesuit priest Juan Maria Salvatierra, and eventually Loreto became the capital of the Baja region. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, the new Mexican government ordered all of the missionaries home, and the mission at Loreto was abandoned. A major hurricane in 1829 virtually destroyed the rest of the settlement, and the capital was moved to La Paz. Over a century passed before Loreto was built up again, this time because the government had tapped the area for development to promote tourism. The Trans-Peninsula Highway reached Loreto in 1973, and an international airport was built, along with resorts and golf courses.Sport fishing reigns supreme here, as the waters are teeming with dorado, sailfish and marlin. There are also plenty of water sports to try, including waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing. Whale watching tours and scuba or snorkeling trips can also be arranged for those wanting to get up close to the wildlife inhabiting these crystal clear waters. Those who wish to stay dry can take a relaxing stroll along the malecon along Calle de la Playa, or visit El Museo de los Misiones, which is located next to La Mision de Nuestra Senora. There you will find religious relics and displays on Baja's history.It is 20 miles to the Mision San Javier, but well worth the trip as long as the roads are dry. Arrange a tour or have a guide take you in a high clearance vehicle, as the dirt and gravel roads take you through palm groves and the cliffs of the Cerro de la Giganta en route to the mission village. Be sure not to miss the marked trails with caves and Indian paintings along the way. Once at the mission, you'll see the mission church which was built in 1699 of grey volcanic rock, along with religious vestments from the1700s and bells in the bell towers from the 18th century. If you happen to arrive at the beginning of December, you'll be joined by many of the residents of Loreto, who make a pilgrimage to the mission for the patron saint's feast day.
By: Stephanie Larkin
Cruising is the only way to discover the serene beauty of Australia's largest inland waterway. A Murray River cruise allows you to experience the magic of inland Australia in leisurely comfort.There's something special about cruising on a large river. It is a peaceful, relaxing voyage of discovery. Australia's longest river, the Murray stretches over 2500km from the Australian Alps to the Southern Ocean.Like the Mississippi and Rhine, it is an economic and tourist powerhouse. Sadly its future is clouded by drought and climate change.This mighty river has a catchment covering over 20% of Australia's land mass and supplies most of Adelaide's water as well as a huge fruit and wine industry. The river is also a major tourist attraction and no visit to South Australia would be complete without a boat cruise.Most Murray River cruises operate out of Adelaide and you have a wide choice. If you wish to spend a few leisurely days on the river, a number of companies run 2 to 4 day cruises, exploring longer stretches and mooring overnight at selected spots. On board meals and accommodation are provided and the beauty and serenity of sunset and sunrise are memorable holiday moments.If your time is short, a full day tour from Adelaide, including a short river cruise, is your answer. I chose Prime Mini Tours because of the tour features, the price and the fact that you can cruise on the Murray for a full 3 hours. Other cruises only spend an hour on the river and this is insufficient time for you to enjoy the true beauty of this lovely waterway.Prime is also a small, family run business based on personal attention. They provide tour coach transport to and from the river base at Mannum and have an arrangement with Jester Cruises, the boat operators.Helen and Geoff were amiable hosts, and as our cruise trundled up the river, we were provided with lunch, while Helen entertained us with a running commentary on the river, its interesting history and its abundant wildlife.The visual impact is stunning and there was an overwhelming feeling of serenity that only a cruise can provide. Helen pointed out places of interest as other cruise boats, vineyards and numerous varieties of water birds passed by. She also mentioned that as a result of the drought, the river level is constantly dropping and this lifeline, relied upon by so many people, may soon dry up.Further up the river, the old port town of Echuca is another base for cruises. Echuca is home to many houseboats and they can be hired for as long as you choose. These floating homes are the most comfortable way to explore the region.Many, including "Luxury 5", provide state-of-art comfort for those seeking more than a Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn adventure. Houseboats can be moored almost anywhere by securing them to a couple of stout trees.At sunset, you will be enveloped by the tranquility of the bush as the Murray casts its lazy spell. Time to sit on the deck, enjoy a sumptious meal, washed down with a glass of local red and experience the serenity of inland Australia.The message is clear. If you are visiting this part of Australia, go where the river runs, but do it soon. Experience and enjoy this Australian icon while you can.By: Graeme Lanham
