David K - 8-22-2005 at 09:17 AM
Hola Nomads y otro amigos,
Just a quick note on the past 3 days here, then look to the trip reports forum for details and photos...
Trip Purpose: Try out the new Toyota and have some time with Chris and Elizabeth, in Baja.
1) New Toyota: Yup, I exchanged my gold 2001 Tacoma for a silver 2005 four door Tacoma (TRD, 4WD) and what a dream machine it is! So much power, and
so much inside room (passenger space) for my growing kids or friends who want to join us. I got the truck at 5 pm Friday and we were in Baja a couple
hours later... What a way to start off my new Baja rig... in Baja!
2) Dinner at Tacos el Yaqui in Rosarito... YUMMY! We were starving and each easily devoured two of their perrones (super loaded carne asada tacos).
3) Oh what a feeling... the 2005 drove like a dream maching clinging to the curves and accelerating to pass without a strain... 245 hp, dual OHC, 4.0
VVT-i, yadda yadda yadda
5) Arrived Baja Cactus Motel about 2 am... 24 hour open reception is nice! Room 204 this time... great room (see photos later).
6) Antonio ('BajaCactus'), Lorenia, and Baby Lorenia are there and we have breakfast together at Ed's place 'Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast' down the
highway (Starbucks logo painted on the restaurant). They have the best chorrizo and egg breakfast burritos (not on menu) which I like... But, the
place will keep you busy with flys... So, if that 'rancho atmosphere' bothers you, then go to 'Bocana Beach Restaurant' in front of the Sinahi Motel
run by a nice man known as 'Primo'. That is where we ate Sunday morning.
7) We went to the beach to four wheel and enjoy the afternoon... got photos of the new truck, Baja Angel, Chris and I... The weather was outstanding!
8) Took photos inside and out of the Baja Cactus Motel, including the original small rooms that where previously known as the El Rosario Motel, which
will eventually be torn down as Antonio expands the motel.
9) Coming home, Antonio and family followed us. They had been at Baja Cactus for 15 days, installing phones in each room (yes you can call anywhere in
the world from your room there, now) and seeing to the training of the staff.
We went to the Wet Buzzard Bar at Gypsy's (Rancho Cielito Lindo, San Quintin) for tacos. The tide was super high yesterday and flooded almost to the
RV spaces.
10) We parted ways in Ensenada and took Hwy. 3 to Tecate to avoid a huge wait like we experienced last Sunday evening in Tijuana (2.5 hours). There
was much passing of slow vehicles behind semi trucks, but the line at Tecate was much better, and we were in it for 25 minutes around 9 pm.
Okay, so I told you more than I planned for this post... I can't help myself because Baja is just so exciting and fun!
Stay tunned for photos....
David K - 8-22-2005 at 02:44 PM
Okay, I just made a four part trip report with the photos over on the Trip Reports forum, here on Baja Nomad... enjoy!
rpleger - 8-22-2005 at 02:55 PM
Fun trip.
I started staying at the Baja Cactus Motel my last two trips to the north.
The Best, No Doubt.
Neal Johns - 8-22-2005 at 02:58 PM
I hate people with new Toyotas! 
A curse on you: WHEN YOU WAKE UP TOMORROW, MAY IT HAVE TURNED INTO A JEEP! 
David K - 8-22-2005 at 03:03 PM
Neal, it is sooooo sweet!!!
I thought my last Tacoma was well powered... this baby hauls a** with that 4.0 FIVE SPEED auto tranny... better gas milage too.