BajaNomad

All answered! : Where is this in Baja game:

David K - 2-3-2024 at 05:39 PM

Lacking many new trip reports and photos, we can look back on fun times in the past.

Guess where, and maybe also when?

1) windgrrl [Road to San Juan de Dios]


2) BornFisher (view north to San Quintín Bay volcanoes)


3) RnR (Santo Tomás valley, by the final mission site)


4) RnR (Las Arrastras gold ore mill, next to new Coco's Corner)


5) KurtG (Road west from Mulegé)


6) KurtG (San Borjitas)


7) 4x4abc (Playa San Bruno, north of Loreto)


8) StuckSucks [Playa Frambes Lighthouse Resort]


9) 4x4abc (San Francisco de la Sierra)


10) RnR (The Grandpa's home at San Jacinto, near Camalu)


11) advrider [Baja Cactus Motel, El Rosario]


12) advrider [Coco's NEW Corner]


13) Bajazly [Shell Island]


14) bajaric [Mission San Fernando de Velicatá]


15) Maderita [WWII Pole Line Road]


16) David Nuevo (El Cardón or Punta el Diablo)


17) Bajazly [Cameron's Secret Beach/ Morro Santo Domingo]


18) BornFisher [Wet Buzzard Bar/Gypsy's RV Park, South San Quintín]


19) AKgringo [end of north river road, Mulegé]


20) Bajazly [Mike's Sky Rancho]


Hints will be added, if needed.


Just #1 remain to be answered!

SCOREBOARD:
RnR: 3
Bajazly: 3
RnR: 3
KurtG: 2
4x4abc: 2
BornFisher: 2
Maderita: 1
advrider: 1
AKgringo: 1
David Nuevo: 1
bajaric: 1
windgrrl: 1



[Edited on 2-7-2024 by David K]

Bajazly - 2-3-2024 at 08:05 PM

12 is the old Cocos Corner and 17 is Camerons secret beach just north of Jesus Maria. 13 is Shell Island.

20 is the pool at Rancho Mike.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by Bajazly]

Maderita - 2-3-2024 at 08:06 PM

With a quick glance at your wonderful photos:

#6 - Sierra San Francisco. I don't recognize the cave pictographs from the Santa Marta side. So I'm guessing west side.
When: several centuries before my time, jajaja

#13 - Laguna Percebu - "Shell Island". Sierra San Pedro Martir & Picacho del Diablo in the distance, above the hood of the truck.
When: sometime after you bought your Tacoma...

#15 - southern Sierra de Juarez, "Pole Line Road"
When: post-WWII

#20 - Mikes Sky Ranch, northern Sierra San Pedro Martir
When: After a day of offroading?

David K - 2-3-2024 at 08:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly  
12 is the old Cocos Corner and 17 is Camerons secret beach just north of Jesus Maria. 13 is Shell Island.

20 is the pool at Rancho Mike.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by Bajazly]


Nice to see some postings...
#12 NO (but you are so close)
#17 Sure, but from before I knew Cameron had dibs on it!
#13 YES
#20 YES

David K - 2-3-2024 at 08:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  
With a quick glance at your wonderful photos:

#6 - Sierra San Francisco. I don't recognize the cave pictographs from the Santa Marta side. So I'm guessing west side.
When: several centuries before my time, jajaja

#13 - Laguna Percebu - "Shell Island". Sierra San Pedro Martir & Picacho del Diablo in the distance, above the hood of the truck.
When: sometime after you bought your Tacoma...

#15 - southern Sierra de Juarez, "Pole Line Road"
When: post-WWII

#20 - Mikes Sky Ranch, northern Sierra San Pedro Martir
When: After a day of offroading?


Thanks for playing!
#6 NO
#13 YES (but Bajazly beat you by 1 minute)
#15 YES
#20 YES (but Bajazly beat you by 1 minute)

Maderita - 2-3-2024 at 08:58 PM

I shouldn't take so long to type! Good work Bajazly.

#6 A second guess, if not in the Sierra de San Francisco, then perhaps closer to Santa Rosalia/Mulege? Sierra de Guadalupe maybe?

advrider - 2-3-2024 at 09:00 PM

11, is Baja cactus. 12, coco's new corner, with his old toilet collection.

Maderita - 2-3-2024 at 09:18 PM

#1: Giant cardon cacti, so perhaps a few miles south of San Felipe at "Valle de los Gigantes"? Or somewhere in the desert, east of the Sierra San Pedro Martir and west of the gulf.

#5: Looks like the plateau above could be the southern Sierra de Juarez or southern Sierra San Pedro Martir. But there is so much similar topography and geology in Baja. Perhaps southeast of San Felipe in the Matomi area?

AKgringo - 2-3-2024 at 09:20 PM

#19 looks like the north side of where the river hits the Sea of Cortez in Mulege.

David K - 2-3-2024 at 09:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
11, is Baja cactus. 12, coco's new corner, with his old toilet collection.


YES & YES

David K - 2-3-2024 at 09:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  


#1: Giant cardon cacti, so perhaps a few miles south of San Felipe at "Valle de los Gigantes"? Or somewhere in the desert, east of the Sierra San Pedro Martir and west of the gulf.

#5: Looks like the plateau above could be the southern Sierra de Juarez or southern Sierra San Pedro Martir. But there is so much similar topography and geology in Baja. Perhaps southeast of San Felipe in the Matomi area?


#1 NO

#5 NO

Don't be bummed, you get a A for effort and trying!!

David K - 2-3-2024 at 09:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
#19 looks like the north side of where the river hits the Sea of Cortez in Mulege.


Excellent guess!
Yes, that is El Patrón Cantina, our favorite place to eat in Mulegé... Sadly, it has only been open two of the four times Baja Angel & I were there.

BoenBaja - 2-4-2024 at 07:44 AM

#6 Santa Teresa Canyon, San Francisco de la Sierra, B.C.S.?
Btw, how’s your recovery going? Bueno, yo espero.

StuckSucks - 2-4-2024 at 09:14 AM

8: Punta Arena, specifically Playa Frambes

David K - 2-4-2024 at 09:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks  
8: Punta Arena, specifically Playa Frambes


The Playa Frambes part is correct. Bob & Susan's Lighthouse Resort.

David K - 2-4-2024 at 09:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BoenBaja  
#6 Santa Teresa Canyon, San Francisco de la Sierra, B.C.S.?
Btw, how’s your recovery going? Bueno, yo espero.


NO (different mountains, amazing cave, I wrote about it for Baja Bound)
Post back surgery:
Thanks for asking!
Surgery healing pain... Keeps me from doing much or driving at all. I don't mind if the results are an end of the sciatica ordeal!


RnR - 2-4-2024 at 12:20 PM

# 4 -- Las Arrastras, (or something close to that name).

An old mill site adjacent to a bridge and located on the east side of Mex 5. In the first arroyo south of the new Coco's corner.



[Edited on 2-4-2024 by RnR]

RnR - 2-4-2024 at 12:28 PM

# 3 -- The arroyo and fields adjacent to Mex 1 just south of Nuevo Rosarito.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by RnR]

RnR - 2-4-2024 at 12:30 PM

# 10 -- The "Old Men's" (Grandpa's) assisted living home near San Quintin.

David K - 2-4-2024 at 02:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RnR  
# 4 -- Las Arrastras, (or something close to that name).

An old mill site adjacent to a bridge and located on the east side of Mex 5. In the first arroyo south of the new Coco's corner.



[Edited on 2-4-2024 by RnR]


CORRECT! (next to the new Coco's Corner, as well)
Read more: https://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/las_arra...

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by David K]

David K - 2-4-2024 at 02:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RnR  
# 3 -- The arroyo and fields adjacent to Mex 1 just south of Nuevo Rosarito.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by RnR]


No, sorry.
HINT: this is a mission site visible from Hwy. 1. Very little remains.

David K - 2-4-2024 at 02:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RnR  
# 10 -- The "Old Men's" (Grandpa's) assisted living home near San Quintin.


CORRECT!
The Grandpa's Home at San Jacinto, north of Camalu on the road to the shipwreck of Punta San Jacinto.
Read more: https://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/grandpas...

KurtG - 2-4-2024 at 03:13 PM

#5 is the continuation of the Mulege ice house road that can take you to Mission Guadalupe or across to La Ballena.

As to #17 being "secret" that is far from accurate. Many years ago my partner Kathy referred to it as "Sea Lion Arch Cove." It is a spectacular spot and migrating whales are very close to shore there. The climb back up to the road is a bit challenging but our old Explorer with 15#'s in the tires climbs it with no problem.

#6 looks like Borjitas.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by KurtG]

4x4abc - 2-4-2024 at 04:20 PM

#9 27.597941°, -113.015819°

RnR - 2-4-2024 at 04:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by RnR  
# 3 -- The arroyo and fields adjacent to Mex 1 just south of Nuevo Rosarito.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by RnR]


No, sorry.
HINT: this is a mission site visible from Hwy. 1. Very little remains.


Okay. Then how about the fields to the left side of Mex 1 (heading south) just before entering Santo Tomas.

(Just after the long downgrade south of the Las Cañadas Rv/camping area.)

4x4abc - 2-4-2024 at 04:34 PM

#7 26.216099°, -111.378442° looking south

BornFisher - 2-4-2024 at 05:21 PM

#2 looks south of San Quintin looking north.
#3 looks like the area near San Vicente Mission.

David Nuevo - 2-4-2024 at 06:30 PM

#16 El Cardon...or "Crowd-On", these days.

David K - 2-4-2024 at 07:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by KurtG  

#5 is the continuation of the Mulege ice house road that can take you to Mission Guadalupe or across to La Ballena.

As to #17 being "secret" that is far from accurate. Many years ago my partner Kathy referred to it as "Sea Lion Arch Cove." It is a spectacular spot and migrating whales are very close to shore there. The climb back up to the road is a bit challenging but our old Explorer with 15#'s in the tires climbs it with no problem.

#6 looks like Borjitas.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by KurtG]


Hi Kurt!
#5 is correct, the road between Mulegé and Mission Guadalupe (or La Ballena)

#6 is correct, San Borjitas cave

David K - 2-4-2024 at 07:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  

#9 27.597941°, -113.015819°


Yes, Harald... and for the rest of us, the abandoned church at San Francisco de la Sierra.

David K - 2-4-2024 at 08:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RnR  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by RnR  
# 3 -- The arroyo and fields adjacent to Mex 1 just south of Nuevo Rosarito.

[Edited on 2-4-2024 by RnR]


No, sorry.
HINT: this is a mission site visible from Hwy. 1. Very little remains.


Okay. Then how about the fields to the left side of Mex 1 (heading south) just before entering Santo Tomas.

(Just after the long downgrade south of the Las Cañadas Rv/camping area.)


Exactly correct! The 4 tall palms are just north of the El Palomar RV park and on the grounds of Mission Santo Tomás (the final site from 1799 to 1849). It was raining on this 2019 February day. I was riding with Scott Wolter of America Unearthed and other history TV shows, on our way to Tijuana after filming at the San Fernando petroglyphs.

David K - 2-4-2024 at 08:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
#7 26.216099°, -111.378442° looking south


Exactly correct, the beach at San Bruno, where Padre Kino & Admiral Atondo came ashore for a second attempt to begin a colony in California, in the year 1683: https://vivabaja.com/san-bruno-1683-1685/

David K - 2-4-2024 at 08:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BornFisher  
#2 looks south of San Quintin looking north.
#3 looks like the area near San Vicente Mission.


You are correct for #2: Before Hwy. 1 leaves the Pacific shoreline for El Rosario, the America Unearthed TV crew stopped for some sundown photos. The hills are the volcanoes around San Quintín Bay.

RnR beat you to the answer for #3 (see above).

David K - 2-4-2024 at 08:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David Nuevo  
#16 El Cardon...or "Crowd-On", these days.


Very good... I also would accept Punta el Diablo.
A pretty little sand beach just north of Rancho El Cardón.

BornFisher - 2-4-2024 at 09:38 PM

#18 is Buzzards, south of San Quintin.

David K - 2-5-2024 at 12:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BornFisher  
#18 is Buzzards, south of San Quintin.


That's pretty close and obviously you know..
The Wet Buzzard Bar at Gypsy's RV Park, 'next' to the Cielito Lindo Motel.
Laura ran the cantina and my kids and I loved the chorizo breakfast burritos.

#16

David Nuevo - 2-5-2024 at 02:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by David Nuevo  
#16 El Cardon...or "Crowd-On", these days.


Very good... I also would accept Punta el Diablo.
A pretty little sand beach just north of Rancho El Cardón.


We know a spot a bit north of there as "Punta Diablo".

bajaric - 2-5-2024 at 06:55 PM

14 must have been the only mission founded by the Franciscans. San Fernando? Looks like graves.

I had Las Arrastras and Buzzards. We trailer camped at that place in the late 1970'swhen I was a teenager with my family before Buzzards was there. It was Pismo clam heaven. You could dig them up by the dozen with a pitchfork. My dad was so stressed out from towing a trailer down there his back went out and he spent the vacation lying in bed.

David K - 2-6-2024 at 08:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric  
14 must have been the only mission founded by the Franciscans. San Fernando? Looks like graves.

I had Las Arrastras and Buzzards. We trailer camped at that place in the late 1970'swhen I was a teenager with my family before Buzzards was there. It was Pismo clam heaven. You could dig them up by the dozen with a pitchfork. My dad was so stressed out from towing a trailer down there his back went out and he spent the vacation lying in bed.


Excellent answer!
The adobe walls that remain standing are to the right of the photo. The concrete steps are a modern addition.

This was the first mission I photographed back in 1974 when I was 16 on my first drive. My high school friend and I camped here for the first night of the Spring break trip. We also hiked to the cliff, 1 km west to see the amazing petroglyphs, most famous for the 'ship' that some see there.

Of all the missions, I may have more here, over a longer timeline, than others.
Hwy 1 is just 2.3 miles away and was paved less than a year before my first visit. The rate of destruction to the walls seemed to really advance after the highway arrived. Treasure hunters? How ridiculous! The missions operated on the edge of poverty. Raising food occupied most of their time, not mining gold.

I have all my photos plus older ones on a page in the VivaBaja Locations section.
Stand by for the direct link!

David K - 2-6-2024 at 08:58 AM

https://vivabaja.com/san-fernando/ is the link I just mentioned to see the mission from 1926 to 2017, my last time camping there.
In 2019, Scott Wolter of America Unearthed, hired me to guide him to the ship petroglyph for his 'Vikings in the Desert's episode (the Season 4 opener). See the few minutes of Baja portion of the show. We filmed over three days and it was edited down to only four minutes on the show. :wow:
See those minutes in the Media section on my website.
www.vivabaja.com/media

[Edited on 2-6-2024 by David K]

David K - 2-6-2024 at 12:15 PM

If anyone playing were to go to my website, the answer to #1 is the first photo caption there. :light:

windgrrl - 2-7-2024 at 02:41 PM

On the road to Velicata?

Reference for the sore leg made for interesting reading:
https://sandiegohistory.org/sites/default/files/journal/v59-...

David K - 2-7-2024 at 03:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by windgrrl  
On the road to Velicata?

Reference for the sore leg made for interesting reading:
https://sandiegohistory.org/sites/default/files/journal/v59-...


Close enough for the contest!
Actually, it is on the road to San Juan de Dios. That was where Serra went from Velicatá. The answer was also in the the very first photo caption at www.vivabaja.com

towntaco - 2-9-2024 at 08:09 AM

The road west out of Mulege goes through some truly spectacular terrain. Highly recommended for anyone looking to cut across the peninsula.

AKgringo - 2-9-2024 at 08:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by towntaco  
The road west out of Mulege goes through some truly spectacular terrain. Highly recommended for anyone looking to cut across the peninsula.


I like that road and have driven it both directions, but it was badly washed out a few years ago. Some of the high banks that used to be river crossings are now detours down the river bed.

If there has been any significant recent rainfall, it could be a challenging crossing until a bulldozer flattens out some of the larger cobbles and small boulders.

I high-centered on one crossing and broke a motor mount! That happened on the west side of the divide, the east side was just a fun drive.

That pass is part of the "Baja Divide" bicycle route, and the few I met were doing their best to get through the cobble field.

[Edited on 2-9-2024 by AKgringo]

towntaco - 2-12-2024 at 11:26 AM

Its currently passable by any stock 4x4 with good tires. As with anything in Baja, that could change tomorrow.