bacquito

How cool would that be!

Desert Rat was so inspired by Graham's first book, he attempted to follow the route of Graham, in 1994: http://www.vivabaja.com/desert_rat/index.html

Picacho del Diablo, 10,154'

I remember Campo Noche and the big day from there to the peak. I had some climbing shoes and they worked on the big rock slabs. The guide hugged me at the top and broke my $100 glasses. Will knew the route and it was a good hike. We bivouac'd at the peak and I had a bag that wasn't up to the test. Was into a 25 minute cycle where I put my head in the bag, slept and then woke up paranoid in the dark, repeat, repeat... The next week a guy got hit by a snake 1.5 inches between the fangs. I never saw a snake there, but they are supposedly more aggressive than most. The terrain is so similar that it was hard to get your bearings without the aids of gps etc. This was in the early 80's.



Juanito

[Edited on 4-5-2013 by JohnMcfrog]

Great picture John... inspiring to see you there at the top.

When you see Picacho from across the park it looks like a relatively simple approach from the plateau.



But as you get closer you realize there is a dizzying descent to Canyon Diablo to be tackled first.




And in places it looks almost impossible - not a good place to get lost. This picture with Picacho in the background gives a good idea of how steep the drop is from the park side into the canyon.



Once you're down all you have to do is climb thousands of feet up an almost sheer wall of boulders and rock.

To be able to stand on top and see what John saw will indeed be a fantastic achievement.

And if all else fails... it's good to know the condors will be looking out for you!

A bit of info for the Picacho crowd, there is a guy by the name Francisco Detrell certified with the park he is in Ensenada, Ecotours is the name of his outfit if ever interested to tackle the "hill" from the West he is the person to go to, his fee is very reasonable for what he offers. I personally can vouch for his services, I have summited twice unfortunately I am very compu challenged so I don't know how to post pictures

This is how Picacho Diablo appears before dropping into the canyon... almost seems close enough to touch!

But looking down into the awesome expanse of Canyon Diablo will quickly free your mind of the illusion.

Ron, you have a big cheering crowd wishing you success or just good adventure!

Quote:

Originally posted by nandopedal A bit of info for the Picacho crowd, there is a guy by the name Francisco Detrell certified with the park he is in Ensenada, Ecotours is the name of his outfit if ever interested to tackle the "hill" from the West he is the person to go to, his fee is very reasonable for what he offers. I personally can vouch for his services, I have summited twice unfortunately I am very compu challenged so I don't know how to post pictures

Desert Rat & Graham Mackintosh on the mountain!

Got the first SPOT signal last night:

On Blue Bottle 5-27-13

I received the second SPOT signal today from Graham (a bit after 2pm) and it looks like thay are on Blue Bottle Mountain/ Peak... Note the topo map below shows two Picacho del Diablos. The true one is the top-right/ northern one with 'Cerro' in front.

What we don't yet know is if they made the climb and forgot to send a spot until getting back to Blue Bottle (which is on the main ridge)... or they have yet to try...???

It didn’t go quite according to plan but what a fantastic Baja adventure.


Roger (Bacquito)and Ronnie (Desert Rat)

And what a pair of tough old Nomads for companions. About now Ronnie (Desert Rat ), Roger (Bacquito) and I were hoping to be safely returning to camp after standing on top of Picacho Diablo, Baja’s awesome high point.

Roger was good enough to let us leave our vehicles at his house in Ensenada and then drove us to the park. Ronnie had driven all the way from his home in Laredo, Texas.

We arrived at the San Pedro Martir on May 23, and set out mid-morning on Friday, May 24 to begin the long, heavy haul from the Padre Kino campsite with 5-6 days supply of food and a few pints of water each.


Roger and Ronnie

We intended to camp at the Botella Azul trailhead, and then next evening down at the bottom of Canyon Diablo, at Campo Noche, where there is plenty of water.

Temps were in the upper 70s during the day as we made our way through the pine and aspen forest. It was predictably tough going with rugged, steep slopes and many fallen trees to deal with.


Roger again leading the way.

As agreed, we settled on an easy pace to minimize risk of injury and we all knew the odds were long that we would make it all the way to the summit, and we might not even make it to Campo Noche.



Five hours or so into the attempt, at a spring before we reached Blue Bottle, we caught up with a party of Mexican hikers who were en route to Picacho. While they pushed on we filtered water and assessed our situation. Thinking about what we had passed through and the long steep drop to the canyon bottom ahead, and the rapidly deteriorating condition of his boots, Roger reluctantly but very wisely decided to abandon his quest, camp for the night by the spring and return to camp next morning.


Purifying water at the spring

Ronnie at 70 knew if he didn’t go for the summit now, it would probably never happen. So we agreed that he would continue, hoping to hook up with the Mexican party ahead, and I would return with Roger the next morning.

A couple of hours later Ronnie made it all the way to the Blue Bottle trailhead and met the group there. They kindly agreed to let him join them… but Ronnie, worried that he might slow them down, decided to race the night all the way back to where we were camped.

It was dark before he found us and he eventually made camp alone just a few hundred yards from where we were.

Luckily, Roger and I were in no hurry to leave next morning, and Ronnie wandered up just as we were finishing breakfast and packing up.

Ironically, at midnight that night, by the light of a full moon, a couple of young Mexicans set out from Padre Kino attempting to set a record for the fastest roundtrip climb of Picacho Diablo from the Kino campground. They had support crew at Blue Bottle, at Campo Noche and up on Picacho. We heard the two record chasers rushing by around 1 AM. What took us five hours took them a little over one! [I’ll post the story and pictures in a separate thread]

In spite of our disappointment, it was a good feeling to be all back together... and after 4 or 5 hours safely back in camp.


Graham looking across Canyon Diablo

While Roger recovered, Ronnie and I explored the edge of Canyon Diablo and peered wistfully over at the peak, examining the route we hoped to one day take. And just for a few moments we caught sight of a figure standing triumphantly on the summit. We guessed correctly it was one of the party that Ronnie nearly joined.



We were back in camp to applaud the record setting duo’s triumphant return. They had made it there and back in just over 15 hours where they were greeted by their friends and family and “observers.” There was quite a party and celebration with beer and wonderful food. We were graciously invited to partake. The quesadillas and ceviche were great after a day subsisting on trail mix and cereal bars.


The record setting team and some of their support crew and gringo guests.

Last day, Ronnie and I hiked to the top of Blue Bottle to further contemplate the route to Picacho and dream and scheme about another attempt.


Desert Rat gazing down to the desert from Blue Bottle



Approaching the top of Blue Bottle

Roger felt terrible about not going further but at least he tried and bravely hiked as far as he did, a fantastic achievement at 72. He was sensible enough to know his limits and take heed of what his legs were telling him.

And I felt privileged to camp in the peace of the San Pedro Martir with two amazing Baja Nomads… listening to tales of Roger’s life as an agricultural inspector and Ronnie’s teaching and army service with a heavy mortar battalion and the 82nd Airborne.

As they say, the journey is sometimes more important than the destination. It was a peak experience even if we didn’t make it to the top of Baja.

Thanks for the post Graham... We were on Shell Island looking at Diablo at sundown Saturday and Sunday nights wondering if you guys were looking at us! Better to have enjoyed the time where you were than risk injury when you aren't sure. I was concerned when I only got the two SPOT signals, but glad to hear you and the other Nomads are safe. I traveled with Desert Rat for a week, back in 2001... isn't he a riot!?

So glad you were monitoring and sharing our Spot signals David. Muchas Gracias!

We had a great view of the desert and the Sea of Cortez from on top of Botella Azul... and probably were gazing right down on all the fun you were having.

Yes, Bacquito and Desert Rat were amazing. Hiking some of the wildest, most rugged country out there in their 70s.

I tell you, they breed them tough in the 82nd. I gave Ronnie an hour's head start when we went to Blue Bottle, thinking I'd catch him in an hour, two at the most. I didn't reach him till we were on the final rise to the peak. I was humbled by his stamina.

Hi there Graham, if I only would have known that you guys were up there on that weekend!.......I was up there the same time, we were hiking and mountain biking, I am happy for you guys, with the help of a little perspective you did summit....Botella Azul. Cheers mate! In case you are wondering I am Fernando from the College area

Hola Fernando. What a pity we didn’t meet up there… Hope you had a wonderful time. I was really grateful for all the good advice you gave us.

You’re right, the hike and view from Botella Azul was well worth the trip. Fantastic breathtaking scenery. Gave us a good perspective on what the climb to Picacho entails. I was able to take pictures of the steep slopes and challenges leading to the peak.


Ronnie on Blue Bottle checking out the approaches.



Detail of Picacho just below the summit


And before anything, you just have to drop down into the canyon... then find the energy to make it all the way up the other side... and then some!

Quote:

Originally posted by nandopedal Hi there Graham, if I only would have known that you guys were up there on that weekend!.......I was up there the same time, we were hiking and mountain biking, I am happy for you guys, with the help of a little perspective you did summit....Botella Azul. Cheers mate! In case you are wondering I am Fernando from the College area

nandopedal (Fernando) just emailed me his photos at the top of Diablo Mountain to share with everyone...

Thanks David, I forgot to describe so here it goes: The first two are looking NE and SE respectively, third one is looking straight towards the observatory, 4th one is.......wait a minute, what is that guy doing there? somebody probably gave him the wrong info he is too far from the border fence And the last one is looking straight South, enjoy!

Thanks David for posting Fernando's pics and the link to Baja Andy's panoramas and pics. Wonderful shots from the top of Baja.

Helps me appreciate even more the achievement of those two young men who we met on our trip.

On May 25 they set out at midnight from the Padre Kino camping area planning to hike from the plateau down to the bottom of Canyon Diablo and immediately up to the top of Picacho del Diablo and back again to Padre Kino... all in under 24 hours!

Their goal was to establish an officially verified and sanctioned record, and possibly make it into the Guinness Book of Records.

Victor Manuel Lopez Meza, age 31, (Rayo de Ensenada) had been to Picacho peak 7 times, and has been traveling and guiding on and around the mountain for over 10 years.

His companion Luis Felipe Vea Ávalos, age 23 (Skywalker) had met Victor and committed himself to the project just a month before. But in that time he prepared and trained hard every day. It was his first climb of Picacho.

An unexpected and worrying problem they had early on was with their headlights. Night travel in such wild and rugged conditions was hazardous enough, but when their lights started to fail they lost 45 minutes finding a fix and were fearful they would not be able to set the record.

After they had reached the top of Picacho Diablo, and were heading back down tired and thirsty, there was another anxious time as Felipe developed cramps in his legs. Victor said he was motivated both by establishing the record and ensuring that Felipe made it safely back as his mother and father were waiting for him in camp.

After overcoming their problems and successfully completing their journey, both Victor and Felipe humbly expressed their gratitude to each other, and to all the people who helped them reach their goal.


Victor and Felipe greeted by Felipe's father on their return


Felipe and Victor enjoying some well-deserved ceviche


Victor and his 4 year old son and Felipe signing a poster for me... exhausted support team member in between


They acknowledged that they could not have done it without their six man support team out there awaiting them at Botella Azul, Campo Noche, and on Picacho itself with food, water, and medicine.


Two of the support team return and are united with their families


They were also grateful for the support and backing of the San Pedro Mártir park authorities who made available access to the Padre Kino area and all park facilities. And they were sending Spot location signals via satellite to the park authorities and also mountain rescue teams in the area who were ready to assist if needed.

But, above all, both men sincerely thanked their families and friends who were there to cheer them off into the night and anxiously await their return. That moral support clearly meant everything and it was wonderful to be there for the emotional cheers, hugs, and tears as the record setters (and later their support crews) wandered back from their exertions and adventures.


Event poster and official recognition certificate

Parque Nacional San Pedro Mártir personnel issued them an official certificate verifying that they had returned in less than 24 hours. Indeed, they made the journey in an amazing 15 hours and 25 minutes, much of it in the dark, a mind-blowing achievement to all those who know the terrain.



A privilege to be a part of it

The joy and celebrations were infectious… and these wonderful people kindly and graciously invited Roger, Ronnie and me – we had just returned exhausted from our own hike - to join them for a revitalizing delicious forest banquet of quesadillas, ceviche, beans and salsa.

It was a day and an event to remember, and I wish “Rayo de Ensenada” and “Skywalker” good luck and happy trails for all their future adventures and record setting events.

Their next is likely to be hiking up Canyon Diablo to the peak and then up to the park from there.

Also on the cards is an attempt to pedal all around the perimeter of Mexico.

I've been traveling to the San Pedro Martir for 20 years and it's been interesting to see the changes in the park and the increasing amount of regulation and enforcement... especially since the ease of access with the paved road.

It's been a place I've always enjoyed taking my dogs in the summer... plenty of cool places for them to run free and play... and I've never seen a rattlesnake or scorpion up there... though I have seen bobcats, a cougar, and numerous coyotes.

I've always found the park staff to be helpful and reasonable, and I've always felt very safe and secure parked inside the park - perhaps because of the need to sign in and out at the park gate and pay an entrance fee?

Not once has my vehicle or campsite been molested... and I spent four months in Padre Kino in 2001 when I wrote "Nearer My Dog to Thee."

As I mentioned in the book... I was sometimes the only guest in the park and once I even became the ranger in charge as the only official had to leave for a day or two! A few hours after this unexpected promotion I noted with alarm a large forest fire burning to the west! Such were the good old days!

The road to Padre Kino is generally OK but there are a couple of small arroyos to cross that would make car access difficult. You will need high clearance.

The main vehicle controls in the park are the locked gates... this is the one on the road to Padre Kino, about a mile from the main trailhead to Blue Bottle and Picacho




Because of all the activity Desert Rat mentions - May is perhaps the main month to climb Picacho from the park - it was open when we were there.

But don't be surprised if you find the chain in place and locked.

it seems the hike to picacho diablo and blue bottle peak area is now 1 mile longer

i have noticed that the park does more things each year to keep people from venturing much off the main road

thanks for info

I have not posted pictures in such a long time so I am stumbling along. Graham and Ron on our recent trip to Parque Pedro San Martir.

[Edited on 6-5-2013 by bacquito]

[Edited on 6-5-2013 by bacquito]