Gonzaga Bay Oct 2014 Trip Report

We just got back from a very quick trip to Gonzaga Bay. We were dealing with our friends schedule and only had the weekend. The weather was fantastic, very low to no wind. Water temp was perfect.

7:30am Fri - Crossed Border

9:30am Fri - Gas up in San Felipe

There was a inspection checkpoint at Laguna Percebu. They waved us through. I think it was mainly for north bound traffic. The checkpoint was not there on our return trip on Sunday.

Stopped at Nuevo Mazatlan to check it out. We have never been. The camp area has some potential but the toilets and showers are disgusting. Used diapers, food and general garbage lying around. It is $25 per day per car. So much potential but I would not camp there.

Stopped at Cow Patty for hot dog and beer.

The inspection checkpoint right before Rancho Grande was easy. They waved us through. However, they made our friends with kids get out of the car and do the full inspection. Another reason not to have kids . LOL

The inspection (nice guy. not the bad one we had returning. read below) told us to be careful and come get them if there was any trouble. That's what they were there for. The was the first ominous warning we have ever had down here.

Camped at Beluga. The kids caught some poison puffer fish. Catch and release.

Visited some friends that have a house over by Alfonisia's. They told us of all the meth problems they have been having in the area. I guess they stealing everybody's light bulbs (and of course big stuff) to cook meth in. I never heard of that. However, we found a broken light bulb in on of the Campo Beluga's palapa's that looked like something was cooking in it. Bummer. I hope they clean up the meth problem.

Campo Beluga has changed their rates. $20 palapa/night or $10 per car if I understood correctly. The owner gave us the old rate of $25 per palapa (both cars included) since that is what we have always paid. I assume we will be going to the new rates next year Showers and toilets are still fine. They are also building some 2 story plywood mini cabana's that will be rented out. I didn't get any more info.

Picnic and snorkel at Punta Final Saturday. Water was a cloudier than normal but still decent. Punta Final have changed their access rates again. $12/day or $6 for half day per car. However, he only charged us $5 LOL

The one really disappointing part of the trip was on returning through the checkpoint at Rancho Grande the inspector took our friends bananas which they were saving for the kids lunch as well as stealing some kid's pesos which they had in their door pocket. Everybody just kept their mouth shut.

I was next through the inspection and didn't know of the shakedown before me and the same guy went through our coolers and "acquired" my Gatorade. No biggy he can have it but I left my wallet on the dash and was getting a little nervous.

After all these years without an issue I guess I will have to put my guard back up. I hope this is not indicative of things to come.

It only took us 45min from Rancho Grande to Cow Patty.

Had a nice lunch at Taco Factory.

Crossed Mexicali East Border at 3pm. It only took 9 minutes with Sentri. Our friends that don't have sentri took 55 minutes. I thought it would take much longer. The line was a half a mile down the street before you turn into the border crossing lanes. They accidentally got in the Ready Lane without the correct type of passports. The border agent let them through even without yelling at them. I guess that is a benefit with having kids with sad puppy faces. LOL

A good but way to short trip.

Light bulbs

Yes. It was a bad time to let my guard down. I usually do what you say but pushed the trusting envelope this time. It could have been much worse.

I could care less about the gatorade. I think that particular bottle has been brought down 3 times and never used . But stealing a little kids pesos. Come on!

lately we're seeing more and more soldiers asking for beers and always happy to hand out a few, hey we were soldiers once too! but yeah, yesterday coming home we discovered the boys had rifled the change compartment for maybe 100 pesos. the same guys we just bought a 2 liter coke for!
we got chased out by the flies at papa's, worst we've ever seen

Bobos or jejenes (no-see-ums)

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy we got chased out by the flies at papa's, worst we've ever seen

Quote:

Originally posted by haddock Quote: Originally posted by willardguy we got chased out by the flies at papa's, worst we've ever seen How bad are the flies at Gonzaga Bay? What kind are they? Bobos or jejenes (no-see-ums)? We are planning a camping trip with my toddler next weekend at Papa's and we are concerned about the bitting flies.

Sorry bout the misfortune not the fortunate trip. Love the area love moost of the folks.
Bad apples and kooks spoil the brew. You do have to stand up to the disrespect... most soldiers at the post will stand up for you.
Great trip report ,thanx