David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64480
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Baja Weekend Part 2 - Santa Ynez to Camp Gecko
It was 1:30 Saturday afternoon when I finished my taco plate at Rancho
Santa Ynez (Ines). I was elated over my success at finding historic Agua
Dulce and driving the pre Highway One, main peninsular road from there
almost to Catavina. I toyed with the thought of going back to Mision
Santa Maria, but I decided to wait until I had new BFG All Terrain tires
and another vehicle along. So, I headed to Bahia de los Angeles, only
100 miles away.
About 7 miles from Santa Ynez and just past Cafe San Ignacito, is Rancho
San Martin. San Martin now offers gasoline for sale, should you pass
Alfonso's gas stop at Catavina and have a need. Alfonso also sells
Premium in addition to Magna Sin (regular).
Passing El Crucero (where the old gulf road via Calamajue joins Highway
One) I noticed some serious off road racing pit vehicles, as El Crucero
is on the Baja 1000 course (Nov. 21). The course parallels the highway
then uses the old L.A. Bay road to where it joins the new L.A. Bay road
for about 30 paved miles into L.A. Bay.
Leaving Highway One on the new L.A. Bay road, I was surprised that brand
new pavement now extended 14 miles east and the next dozen miles were
being totally re-paved , with the old pavement removed and new base dirt
rolled on. A federale bust was taking place at Agua Amarga with the
black uniformed police arresting some would-be smugglers. I was searched
here, for the first time on this trip. The last 16 miles into town was
badly potholed, so some dodging was necessary.
The view of the bay, islands and Sea of Cortez was spectacular, as
usual. Except for a few pre-runners, the town seemed empty. The new
Internet cafe is at the intersection where you turn left off the asphalt
for Camp Gecko and San Francisquito, across from the 'super market'. The
four miles to Gecko was normal washboard, which smooths out at 50 mph
with my Bilstein shocks. Along the way, I was passed by two quad
pre-runners!
Doc has a new iron gecko lizard sign advertising the entrance to Camp
Gecko. Neither Doc or Sylvia were there, so I drove next door to say hi
to Beach Bob.
Beach Bob was quite surprised. He was in San Diego recently and had
emailed me about his truck purchase. So, I said I had to see his new
truck... since I was in the 'neighborhood'! We went to Las Hamacas for
an excellent dinner. I had the Pescado Las Hamacas (includes bacon
wrapped shrimp) and Bob asked for a cheese enchilada but they brought
him the full dinner plate of 3 enchiladas, rice and beans. Both our
dinners came with some great soup, plus our four beers, all for $20.50.
I slept well on the beach under the stars, the weather was perfect!
Sunday morning I said my goodbyes to Bob and his friends, after Bob had
fixed us a great breakfast. I stopped at Alfredo Diaz' gas depot and
bought 5 gallons at $3/gal. The federales were gone and it was an easy
trip back to Highway One.
I had some exploring to do about eight miles north of the
intersection...
To Be Continued...
[Edited on 14-11-2002 by David K]
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reefrocket
Nomad
Posts: 224
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: Idaho
Member Is Offline
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Question DK
On the New Internet Cafe. Have you used? What can be done from it? Is it a sat. up link? It might be quite usefull if I am able to escape HERE!
As I haven't quite figured out how to pay bills while on the road yet.
Sound like you had a nice adventure. 
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64480
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Kelly, I didn't stop to use the Internet cafe. But, yes it is satellite uplinked. L.A. Bay has no phone lines (wire or microwave), so a satellite is
the only way out of there. Now, get away from that snow... Baja is waiting for you!
[Edited on 14-11-2002 by David K]
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reefrocket
Nomad
Posts: 224
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: Idaho
Member Is Offline
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Thanks DK for the response. Vehic. problems and equip. repairs are holding things up. The fuel price is encouraging news.
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Diklang
Newbie
Posts: 19
Registered: 10-18-2002
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Post Baja unstr
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Beach Bob
Hey David, I knew Bob was up here to get a new truck. What did he end up getting?
Dik
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64480
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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A Ford Ranger, not brand new. He wanted something else reliable if his Bronco wasn't 'feeling well'.
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