Ballerina Farm has nothing on Rancho La Mesa, a traditional ranch located about a 30-minute drive from the heart of Loreto. It is one of a hundred or so family-run operations that dot the region. A local expert from Loretours took our group of food and travel writers to the ranch and served as a guide and translator.
Rene Cunningham, who owns and operates Rancho La Mesa along with his wife and grandson, was the first to greet us when we arrived early in the day.
We took a moment to take in the grounds before the tour got underway. Rene’s extended family is sizable, so there are saddles for every member whenever they visit the ranch.
Maximum cowboy clutter core as far as the eye can see. Perfectly lived in, well-worn, and functional.
Chicken coop.
The ranch is home to a herd of goats. Rene’s 13-year-old grandson, Eduardo, is in charge of milking them in the morning. According to our guide, Eduardo is currently taking a gap year between middle and high school to see if ranching life is his calling. If so, he may take over Rancho La Mesa from his grandparents in the future.
One of the activities that the Cunninghams allowed us to participate in was milking the goats. The endeavor requires really strong hands. I could only manage milking one udder at a time; the goat was patient enough as I tried my best.
The highlight of the morning was enjoying a mug of coffee with fresh goat’s milk.
I loved how the aerated milk created a natural foam top. The flavor of fresh goat’s milk is quite mild and not the least bit tangy — it went down easy.
La cocina.
The ranch’s cooking is completed on a wood-fired stove. The heat emanating from the stove is intense.
Rene’s wife, Socorro, spearheaded the morning’s provisions.
On the bill of fare were beans, flour tortillas, and…
…fresh goat’s cheese.
I tried my hand at making a tortilla. It was not round or thin, but it was delicious!
Breakfast is served. Just a bit of tomato salsa was all that was needed.
One of many horses that call Rancho La Mesa home.
I requested a cacti tour on the outskirts of the property before heading out.
I spied these huge Cordon cacti throughout my stay in Loreto. It was grand to finally stand next to one.
From fishing on the Sea of Cortez to experiencing a slice of pastoral life at Rancho La Mesa, Loreto’s charms know no bounds.
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Adventures in Baja:
- 72 Hours in Baja: Rosarito & Valle de Guadelupe
- 80 Hours in Baja: Puerto Nuevo, Valle de Guadelupe and Ensenada
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Adventures in Mexico City:
- Sud 777 – Mexico City
- El Borrego Viudo – Mexico City
- Mexico City Street Food Tour | Club Tengo Hambre
- La Churrería El Moro – Mexico City
- Pujol – Mexico City
- {swoon} Tuna Tostada at Contramar
- La Esquina del Chilaquil – Mexico City
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Adventures in Tijuana: