Cordova couple resorts to Mexican lifestyle

JOY LANDALUCE

October 30, 2008 at 10:43AM AKST

Cordova fisherman Bob Pudwill and his wife, Liz, from the Baja Taco in New Harbor have opened a horseback-adventure resort destination that’s a perfect escape for dwellers of Prince William Sound.

Pudwill said in an e-mail that they have survived their first summer in the Mexican state of Baja California.

“I was a hot one. Cool Cordova weather sounded pretty good to us on some days. It has been strange to be away after 23 seasons of hard work and great friends and we miss you all,” Pudwill said. “There has been a lot of rain here, so it is very green and beautiful. But so far no hurricane. Things are starting to cool down and we are enjoying a nice Mexican fall.” he added.

The Pudwills, who met in Alaska and married in 1985, had been making annual trips to Mexico for years prior to their decision to relocate and operate a resort.
Their first trip to the area was in 1988, their resort Web site says. It was the inspiration for the couple’s Baja Taco business in Alaska. Baja Taco received notoriety over the years, with reports in Sunset magazine and on the Food Network.

On their Web site, the Pudwills say the ranch located in Baja California Sur is one of the oldest ranch sites to be occupied continuously in the area. In the 1700s, Rancho LaVenta was used as a rest stop, roadhouse and a place for trade and sale of goods for the weary travelers, they say.

A Mexican adventure waits ahead with horseback trips and long hikes with Liz and Bob Pudwill as the hosts. Check out the website at www.rancholaventa.com for more information.

Joy Landaluce can be reached at 907-424-7181.