Caifornia - South

Description

This point is located on the US-Mexico border where is meets the Pacific Ocean at Imperial Beach, CA. The surrounding area is part of Border Field State Park, which was closed at the time of my visit on October 24, 2002 due to recent flooding of the Tijuana River and subsequent road damage. However, it was possible to drive to within about a mile of the beach and walk along the abandoned road, then about a half mile along the beach. The area is under constant surveillance by the US Border patrol, in 4WD vehicles, helicopters and boats. I found out why when I reached the boundary fence - really an iron wall. I was met by several Mexicans asking for money and help in getting across the border. There were several families waiting for nightfall to make their attempt at crossing the border, according to the people I talked to through the fence. Directly across the border, in Mexico, is a large bullfighting ring and a number of ramshackle hotels and restuarants. The beach is deserted on both sides of the border due to contamination by sewage flowing from the Tijuana River, heavy surf, and a very steep beach that probably generates a strong undertow. A large monument commemorating the friendship between the United States and Mexico is embedded in the iron(ic) wall at the top of a bluff above the beach, adjacent to a nice picnic area on the US side and a lighthouse on the Mexican side.

Photos (click to enlarge)

	Tijuana beyond the border fence. Border patrol tire tracks on Imperial Beach. Photo by Brian J. Butler
	Standing at the southernmost point in California with my right hand in Mexico. Photo by Brian J. Butler
	California dreamin'. Photo by Brian J. Butler
	Friendship monument embedded in the iron curtain between the US and Mexico. Photo by Brian J. Butler