Interview with Lanae Johnson

From JOIN US, December Edition 2009
Lanae was raised in Tucson and grew up visiting Las Conchas with her family. She is now a happy mother of three and is moving into a Diamond Residence at Tessoro with her husband, Darry.

Q: So when did you first visit Rocky Point?

Over thirty years ago, our family started taking vacations to the beach at Las Conchas. We rented different beach houses and always enjoyed spending time at the estuary. The beautiful wide-open spaces offered something for everyone in our family. We enjoyed body surfing, walking the beach, collecting shells, fishing, exploring the coral reefs, building sand castles, frisbee, picnics, bonfires, and cruising the sand dunes.

Many locals walked the Las Conchas beaches peddling fresh shrimp, jewelry, paintings, blankets, etc. Friendly locals! We would frequently get stuck on the sandy Las Conchas road. Young men who were working on homes under construction would run over and push our car out of the sand. We would offer to pay them but they refused.

Q: That sounds like some good memories.

Yes. All these years later, the five of us kids and our parents still enjoy reminiscing about the fun times we had as a family and with friends. Back when we were playing on the dunes, I certainly never imagined that I would have a home there someday.

Q. How did it happen exactly, deciding to own a home?

Two years ago, I brought my family down to Las Conchas for the first time. We were excited to spend time at the estuary since I have so many fond memories there.  I was surprised (and initially disappointed) to discover the early stages of a building project in what had always been a gorgeous, undeveloped area. Curious as to what was happening at “our” beach, we checked out what was the first Tessoro model. The architecture, design, attention to detail, and overall vision of Tessoro was, to say the least, breathtaking.  If that land had to be developed, we are so glad it is being done so well.
Hey, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

Q. I understand that when you came down to take delivery at Tessoro in October, your father came with you and reconnected with an old favorite.

Yes, in early October Harry (my father) told Beverly Arrowood, a sales associate at Tessoro and long-time Puerto Peñasco resident, about the great little bakery we used to visit from about 1979 until the late 80’s. A former Las Conchas homeowner, Jack Ward, had told us about the place. Years ago when we visited this bakery we would bring the elderly gentleman who (we think) owned it a can of beer nuts. Don’t know if he liked them but he sure smiled when he accepted them!

On our recent trips to Las Conchas, we were unable to find this special bakery. My dad was obsessed with finding the bakery every time we went down there!  Trust me, we ALL wanted him to find the bakery so he wouldn’t keep talking about it! Plus we remember the really good rolls our mom would fried in butter. Sometimes with spun honey on top…yummy.

Beverly knew where it was and graciously drove us to the great little bakery with the beehive oven heated with wood. The very same bakery!  Needless to say, we will be visiting there in the near future.

Q. Your’s is such a nice story. Your father brought you here and now you are making Las Conchas and Tessoro a part of your family’s lifestyle.

We are thrilled to now own at Tessoro and make Las Conchas a part of our children’s life experience. We look forward to making more memories and feel blessed to be able to share this special place with the people we love.  Taking breaks from our hectic schedules and busy lives to relax here is simply good for one’s soul…..