Todos Santos Hunt
Stone and cross, sun overhead,
A mission stands where prayers are said,
Begin where echoes kiss old walls,
the first step in love’s quiet calls.
Story- Father Joseph arrived with a divine purpose - to rekindle the spiritual flame of this quiet town. His journey began where all seekers find silence…. On the sign, you’ll find a year - jot it down for future reference and enter it below for your next clue.History - The mission dates back hundreds of years when the Jesuits came to establish a regional outpost (visita) Mission.
Above the palms, the air turns gold,
he stood alone, with thoughts grown bold.
Find the bar that kisses skies,
where hearts look down with questioning eyes.
Above a place to rest one’s eyes,
a rooftop pool herein does lie.
Story - After a long day of service, Joseph climbed to the rooftops to watch the palm grove sway. There, among the wind and sunset, his heart stirred, not with doubt, but with desire to live freely. Make note of how many cacti line the wall across from the pool. Also, what is the rooftop covered with?History - Some of the ranches we know today, such as Guayabitas, were once Indian settlements. The Indians were entranced by the Holy Saints days, along with the special adornments they were given to wear, but they rebelled at many changes, including monogamy. They also did not like to wear clothes to church.
A place of saints and sins by name,
where flavors dance and none blame shame.
He learned to mix, to taste, to feel,
the path from priest to man grew real.
Approach the bartender, inquire about the drinks,
mixing margs may be fun, don’t you think?
Story - Joseph wandered into Santos Pecados for a simple meal, but left with a new skill - and a job offer. ‘You’ve got a good hand,” said the bartender, handing him a shaker and a wink. What is the one piece of fruit used in your margarita?History - Margaritas use water - historically, rebellion and epidemics destroyed the inter-cultural relationships and the Jesuit effort at conversion failed, though the pueblo continued to prosper. A major reason for this prosperity was the abundant water and fertile soil that the newcomers found in this special oasis.
Bright and bold, these letters shine,
they spell a town and love’s first sign,
she waited there, unsure, afraid –
and found him there, would his vow fade?
Story - Joseph first noticed Maria at church, but it was by the bright Todos Santos sign that they truly met, her laughter over a spilled coffee, his awkward apology, and then….stillness.
What is painted on the wall next to the sign? Counting from the left, which number of letter is the one painted by Eric Ochoa?History - Todos Santos was named a Pueblo Magico in 2006- did you know most of the pueblo Magicos have this style of name somewhere in their town?
A bench that holds what words won’t say,
where lovers leave their hearts to stay.
Find the spot where metal clings,
and promises rest on tiny rings.
Story - Joseph sat beside her in the shade one day, the town warm and slow around them. Neither said the word ‘love’ but neither needed to. When they returned to this quiet bench weeks later, Maria brought a tiny brass lock. ‘So we don’t forget’ she said, Joseph smiled and clicked it shut. Find the J+M lock and use the first 3 digits of the year from the church to unlock it, put it in your pack for safe keeping - for danger may lie ahead and our lovers may need the reminder. In the same square is a statue of one of Baja’s most beloved animals. Jot down this famous being for future reference.History - Did you know the Spanish word for kiss is Beso?
A road runs out of town from here,
where partings cause the heart to fear.
A bench, a sign, a shaded place,
he left too soon, she missed his face.
Where buses and taxis alone will park,
loving departures leave the heart stark.
Story - Just as Joseph began to imagine a future in Todos Santos, a letter arrived from the mission order. He was to return briefly to Cabo San Lucas. As he and Maria walked past the dusty station, he hesitated, but duty still whispered in his ear. Across from the bus station is a place where children play – there is a receptacle for plastic lids there, what is the shape?History - The pueblo was re-discovered in 1984 when the road from Todos Santos to Cabo San Lucas was paved.
With sweetness melting in her hand,
she tried to hope, to understand.
Find the flavors cold and true, where lonely hearts choose what to do.
A name that also defines a drink,
made of grapefruit and tequila, it may help her think.
Story - Days passed. Maria wandered the streets, carrying more questions than answers. She sat outside her favorite ice cream shop - La Paloma, the cone dripping in the heat, wondering if she’d imagined it all. Had he truly felt the same? What many people call a ‘popsicle’ has a different name in Todos Santos - made with your choice of milk or water, jot down the name of this local treat. In fact, why not sample one?History - The sugar cane industry flourished until a great drought befell the area in the early 1950's. The underground water table dried up; in 1974 there was only one molino left in operation, which is now the site of the El Molino Trailer Park.
It’s not a theater, but it sounds like one,
where stories pause and hearts come undone.
Numbered like a scene from a silent show,
find the bar where lost lovers go.
Story - Maria was unsure if Joseph would return. She wandered the town, heart half-hopeful, half resigned. She ended up at the place they used to joke about - Teatro 6 - the bar with a name that made it sound grander than it was. But tonight, it was exactly grand enough. Joseph found her there, as if drawn by the pull of one last scene that hadn’t played yet.History - The Teatro Manuel Marquez in the main square was built in 1944 after the Governor of Baja was impressed by the local talent during a festival. It is now a central venue for the town’s cultural events including the International Film Festival. It stands as a testament to the town’s artistic spirit.
He gave up robes, for hopes and foam.
A barstool now the place called home.
Where beer is brewed, music played,
An outdoor patio, you may find shade.
Where pints are poured and stories flow,
your final stop is where cold dreams grow.
Story - There was no ceremony. No church bells. No last sermon. Just Joseph, standing beside Maria, smiling with a sense of peace he hadn’t known before. They walked hand in hand toward the place in town where people toasted everything, beginnings, endings, and everything in between. Where beer is created from hops, malt and barley - it wasn’t holy water, but it would do. Todos Santos Brewery for the final brew. You’ll need to solve the (incomplete) puzzle to turn into the crew, and solve the key, for your final clue.History - One of the most famous illustrious figures was Dionisia Villarino "La Coronela" was an exemplary woman of valor as she organized a strong women's auxiliary group which played a major role in espionage. Another extraordinary woman (along with her partner) brought the first brewery to this magical pueblo in 2017. When she was visiting and craving some Air conditioning and a good beer.