Bahía San Rafael

Just west of San Francisquito is an unmapped trail north to a secluded sandy beach on Bahía San Rafeal that Mick (who I'd met at Laguna Salada) suggested I visit. The entrance is marked by a dilapidated lots-for-sale sign.   28.3913, -112.9237 

I spent the next 24 hours exploring the area.

Hearing an engine sound, I looked up and saw the strangest thing: what looked like some kind of experimental airplane or UFO being towed by a helicopter! It was too far away to clearly make out what it was, but I was to run into it again later....

I also visited an old mine in the area that Mick suggested I visit, where the rocks are loaded with fossil shells.   28.4412, -112.9694 

Then I wandered down a very rough trail the most westerly accessible part of the beach, and camped for the night. There were few tire tracks, but many animals!   28.4550, -112.9897 

There was a dead (baby?) whale on the beach that attracted many visitors, including this coyote and many turkey vultures.

It was also fascinating to watch the pelicans soaring, then suddenly dive for fish.

There were crabs crawling on the rocky cliffs. Like the nearby mining area, these cliffs were also encrusted with ancient shells.

Hiking up behind the cliffs, to see elephant trees, and a lagoon to the east.

The next day, I left to explore as far east as I could go along the shore of Bahía San Rafeal.

Walking east along the beach, past a colorful lagoon, to the end: Punta Ballena.   28.4748, -112.9035 

Just before I left the area, I saw the helicopter towing the UFO again!