On a calm day, the waters around La Bufadora turn Mediterraneanwith cool, clear turquoise hues that anoint the eyes of the weary.

Weekend and retirement cottages are interspersed with the austere, tack-board houses of less affluent local residents.

A crescent-shaped bay south of Ensenada's famous blow-hole, La Bufadora

The grandiose dream of a seaside hacienda stagnates as unfinished masonry sits on a neglected lot filled with scattered stones and chunks of hard, dried mortar.

Many of the homes are situated on a sloping bluff above the ocean, crowned by small windmills and black solar panels that help the frugal residents fully utilize the area's natural amenities.

The earth behind the little sea colony quickly rises several hundred feet to form a huge, dusty brown hill from which the marvels of many miles of wild coastline can be observed.

To the east, the hill provides an unobstructed view of the massive Sierra Juarez that stands as a barrier between Ensenada and the Sea of Cortez.

Years ago, the road out to the end of Punta Banda consisted of little more than graded stones, and was challenged mainly by those who were lured by visions of scallops, abalone, and huge fish.

Standing on the hill today, it is apparent that the well-traveled, twisting line of neglected asphalt, which feeds La Bufadora's tourist industry, has done little to affect the overall feel of the surrounding landscape.

Over time, a few colonies of neo-pioneers have settled in the area, but they have been unable to totally dominate the wildness that encircles them.

Copious numbers of quail, rabbits and rattlesnakes still blend into the rough chaparral, as the skies are patrolled by soaring Red tail hawks in search of a quick meal.

The two-legged mammals that live on Punta Banda are generally sturdy, fiercely independent nonconformists who are refugees from the eternal battle between those who like to be told what to do, and those who don't.

There are many course gravel roads that wind their way through the dry brush, over mounds of dust, and then disappear into unseen depressions; paths that often lead to a dead end when they meet with a thick wall of sagebrush and cactus.

The bold, thrusting lances of flowering yucca plants stand in stark, solitary challenge to the brilliant blue canopy above them.

When the sun hangs at a certain point in the westerly afternoon sky, the surface of the ocean seems to erupt into a sparkling carpet of diamonds, which fills the fortunate onlooker with a feeling of untold wealth.

In spring and early summer the hillsides are often smeared with a mustard yellow hue from scores of small wildflowers that bloom as brightly in the sunshine as if they were freshly wiped from the brush of Van Gogh.

The broad, stretching arms of a variety of succulent cacti bake in the midday heat, their moist, fleshy insides protected by many thorny soldiers that are ready to offer acute pain to any intruder foolish enough to encroach upon their domain.

It is hard to believe that the stressful overcrowding and traffic gridlock of Los Angeles,California, lies just over a hundred miles to the north of this magical hideaway…but that is an eternity away from here.

Up on the hill, the breeze blows freely through your hair.

The pelicans dive into the ocean for their breakfast, and all the creatures of the sea and land are filled with a wild lusting for life.

It is a life that is sometimes violent and cruel, but devoid of the many entanglements related to modern, human society.

It is a more primitive but, somehow, more credible world.

How to get to this magical hideaway?

Follow the Transpeninsular Highway, though Ensenada, past Meaneadero, and past Baja Country Club.

There will be a fork in the road, and a sign pointing right to La Bufadora.

Just following this road that curves with the bay, and runs along the base of the foothills.

From the turn-off, expect another 15-20 minute drive to get to Punta Banda and La Bufadora.

What to expect when you get to Punta Banda? Nature, and the authentic feel of Baja.

Wetlands and estuary surround you, as do fun beach restaurants (like Sharkeys and Juniors).

Organic farms and stands selling honey and olives are everywhere.

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