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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64480
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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MISION SANTA MARIA 2010 TRIP REPORT (Part 1 & 2 + CG's report)
MISION SANTA MARIA 2010: An Epic Adventure by David K
Memorial Day Weekend 2010 will be one that is firmly ingrained in our memory!
Mision Santa Maria de los Angeles, founded in 1767 and abandoned (as a mission) just 2 years later because the location was just too difficult.
Difficult in many ways, but difficult getting to is one of them!
When the Franciscans founded Mision San Fernando Velicata in 1769, their supply route from Bahia San Luis Gonzaga even avoided Santa Maria, detouring
to a canyon north of the Camino Real, which goes through Santa Maria.
In the 1950s to 1970s, the owner of Rancho Santa Ynez, Doña Josefina Zuñiga and her ranch manager Fred Hampe constructed a road to the mission and
beyond. The goal was to make the historic oasis valley accessible and continue on to Punta Final on the gulf coast south of Bahia San Luis Gonzaga.
Josefina also owned Punta Final Resort and a road between the two places would have been convenient.
The Mexican government finally built the last segment of the Baja Highway from San Quintin to Santa Rosalia in 1973, making access easier to Punta
Final from Santa Ynez, albeit still not a direct route. Josefina courted the president of Mexico to have her direct route via Santa Maria be built and
paved. All she got was a paved driveway off Highway One. The engineers no doubt considered the Santa Maria route to be far too difficult or expensive
to build and they instead constructed the road to Gonzaga Bay from Laguna Chapala, some 31 miles south of Santa Ynez. Road building efforts by the
ranch ended.
Part 1 Friday:
Since the 1970s, the road to Mision Santa Maria has become somewhat famous as a four wheel drive challenge. Often earning the route the nick name
Mission Impossible. 40 years of erosion and lack of maintenance (except from travelers moving rocks) have made the short trip to Santa Maria a
multi-hour ordeal that can leave a lifetime of memories. This latest trip was no exception!
The explorers were members of Internet forums, one for Baja travelers Baja Nomad and one for Toyota Tacoma drivers Tacoma World. The original leader
of this group was going to be BajaCat, but a late change prevented his leaving and caused him to ask me to post the details and promote the run. I had
been to Mision Santa Maria three times before (1999, 2003, 2007).
My wife Elizabeth 'Baja Angel' and I were in a totally stock 2010 Tacoma Off Road 4WD double cab and met up with Paul 'HB Murphy' and his lady Zoom,
in a 2009 Tacoma Off Road 4WD double cab but with a lift, oversize tires and a front locker. We crossed the border together about 11 am Friday. Paul
got called over for inspection by Mexican customs. We pulled over and waited just ahead. In a few minutes we were again southbound on Highway 1-D with
beautiful views of the coast to Ensenada.
Some off road racing activity was noticed as the Baja 500 was just a week away and many racers were pre-runnin' the racecourse to familiarize
themselves with this year's route. The normal farm activity traffic was found from Camalu to San Quintin. Other than that it was an easy drive to El
Rosario and the wonderful Baja Cactus Motel operated by Antonio Muñoz. We arrived about 4:45 pm and topped our fuel tanks. I noted the best mileage
yet on my new Tacoma of 18.7 miles per gallon.
Already in El Rosario for the overnight stop was Neal Johns in a 2003 Tacoma with pop-up camper, Chris (CG) in a Dodge Dakota with a rear locker and
off road mods, Kurt G who rode with CG, and Teddi 'Baja Bucko' who rode with Neal.
We all went to dinner at Ed Lusk's Bed & Breakfast restaurant, called Baja's Best and enjoyed his fresh squeezed orange juice tequila sunrises,
margaritas, and cold beer with dinner. We enjoyed lobster, scallops, and chicken burritos before returning to our deluxe rooms at Baja Cactus.
Neal Johns & Baja Bucko (Teddi)
HB Murphy (Paul) & Zoom
CG (Chris)
[Edited on 4-22-2021 by David K]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64480
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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DAY 2 Saturday
A great night’s sleep at Baja Cactus had us up early Saturday morning for breakfast next door at Mama Espinoza’s. We were on the road before 9 am and
had a beautiful drive to Santa Ynez. There we met Bajatripper (Steve and Zully) and edm1 (Art and his daughter Maya). The adventure began at 10:30, on
schedule… and that is a rare thing to try and keep in Mexico. Being that we had 6 vehicles it would be a long day with stops, etc.
 Stickers at Rancho Santa Ynez
The caravan started with my 2010 Toyota Tacoma, followed by HB Murphy’s 2009 Tacoma, then Bajatripper’s Toyota 4Runner, Neal John’s Tacoma, CG’s Dodge
Dakota, and finally edm1’s giant 4WD van converted into a motorhome. We had the most concerns with the motorhome. Oscar at Santa Ynez said he wouldn’t
get more than a couple kilometers in it and none of us could reach the mission, as the water was five feet deep in the bog!
The first obstacle on the drive was the deep gully crossing just 1.8 miles from Santa Ynez, but when the motorhome crossed it we gained new respect
for Art’s abilities. A couple miles ahead those of us in the lead paused for the last ones (motorhome of Art and Dakota of Chris) to catch up. We
waited quite a long time and believed it was the motorhome that must have had the problem. In reality, when they arrived it was Chris’ Dakota with a
sidewall cut rear tire. He wondered if he should go back to Cataviña and get another tire for a spare and catch back up to us. We suggested he motor
on with us and we would help him if he had another flat… (he didn’t)!
 Bajatripper, Suly, Baja Angel
 Neal Johns, HB Murphy
The gang arrived at the peninsular divide, 9.8 miles for Santa Ynez, where the Sea of Cortez and Punta Final can be seen. This makes a great lunch
stop and rest for the really tough road ahead.
 Baja Angel & David Kier
 Group photo L to R: Bajatripper (Steve & Zully), CG (Chris), Baja Angel (Elizabeth), Kurt G, Neal Johns, Baja Bucko (Teddi),
edm1 (Art & Maya), HB Murphy (Paul & Zoom).
 The road ahead.
The next 4.3 miles to the mission are down several steep grades (including the infamous ‘Widowmaker’) and then into the bog, a water filled road in
the oasis canyon beyond the Widowmaker. The bog was most difficult for the 4Runner as it was the only vehicle without a rear locker or traction
control. Many of the other vehicles had winches and I saw Paul go into action and make a U turn in the bog to help out.
Now, down the Widowmaker!
Through the bog…
We were all blown away by Art and his motorhome!
Paul had a very well equipped Tacoma and as soon as we heard a vehicle needed helping the bog, he headed back in for the rescue.
Making a U turn in the bog
The mission finally came into view with a steep rock drop-off that would catch the back bumper of my Tacoma and Art’s motorhome. Art also had a rear
tire come off the bead after driving into a palm tree stump in the bog. He was able to repair it just before reaching the mission and joined us as we
were setting up camp.
 Neal and Maya
 Paul, Zoom and Neal
 Art, Kurt and Chris
 Paul dealt with the gnats
 It was an awesome day!
A grand bond fire was a great time to talk and have fun. Chris had an Australian didgeridoo for musical affect and after some of Art’s tequila I
joined in with a pair of rocks (and some dance moves I don’t recall)! We all slept very well, I think…
[Edited on 6-7-2010 by David K]
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
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Location: Bat Cave
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that is insanity.... 
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64480
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by capt. mike
that is insanity.... |
No, that just good 'ol Baja fun! 
The insanity happens the next day with exploding gasoline in a tire to pop it back on the rim and pulling Neal's camper back up the mountain all night
and to 1 am+ when the tie rod end failed.    
[Edited on 6-3-2010 by David K]
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
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Location: Redding, Northern CA
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So David, who won this crazy off-shoot of the DAKAR race?
That is one TOUGH road! The bog would have stopped me----don't like "bogs" (or muck)------you guys better check all you diffs/trannys for
water----the oil will appear clowdy if water contamination got in-----if so drain them and refill with fresh diff. oil, otherwise you will have
problems down the road with corrosion and pitting of the gears, etc..
How much of a hike is it to the Mission site from the "bog"? i.e. how many miles?
Barry
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David K
Honored Nomad
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The bog is less than a mile from the mission.
The top of Widowmaker is 1.1 miles from the mission, many park there and walk.
If we were alone, I don't think I would have gone into water that deep! Paul was lead truck going in, and we followed... neither of us had any
problems or water in the cab... either direction.
It was great... I do need a new off road bumper! Paul recommends Armor Tech... bolts right on.
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Barry A.
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Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Thanks, David---just a stroll.
Water in the cabs is no problem-------it's the diffs that are the problem. All diffs have vents, and if the vents are not elevated (which most are
not) then water gets in the vents and into the diff oil.
Beautiful pics, David (and others)---------thank you so much for the vicarious expedition, and causing planning for the future. What a beautifu and
enchanting place!!!
Barry
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
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David K., Thanks. Wouldn't want to buy any of those vehicles off a used car lot.
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dizzyspots
Senior Nomad
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Location: Mescal AZ
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Mood: rather be on the beach at Gonzaga
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when we cant be in Baja...it is a joy to travel vicariously thru your prose and pics
Thanks David
Mike& Sharon in Vail
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Udo
Elite Nomad
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Art's motorhome is a beast, David.
He's got more balls than me to drive where he did with such a behemoth.
For art, this was a big an adventure as the three guys from the Right coast that took their kayaks from San Felipe to Mulege. All Nomads need to read
their account in the link provided.
Fabulous photos, David. (I know how long it took to transfer and download everything to Nomads, plus there is the fear of having to re-enter
everything again).
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
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Location: South of the broder
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Cypress
David K., Thanks. Wouldn't want to buy any of those vehicles off a used car lot. |
I have a friend who used to travel Baja a lot in his younger days. Always in a rental. And more than once the doors wouldn't open when it was
returned.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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hbmurphy
Junior Nomad
Posts: 59
Registered: 6-1-2010
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Videos - More to come...
Coming Down the Widow Maker
Edit: link fixed
[Edited on 6-4-2010 by hbmurphy]
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desertcpl
Super Nomad
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DK
thanks for sharing this with us all,, great job
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Udo
Art's motorhome is a beast, David.
He's got more balls than me to drive where he did with such a behemoth.
For art, this was a big an adventure as the three guys from the Right coast that took their kayaks from San Felipe to Mulege. All Nomads need to read
their account in the link provided.
Fabulous photos, David. (I know how long it took to transfer and download everything to Nomads, plus there is the fear of having to re-enter
everything again). |
I agree with Udo ... everything he said.
WOW, great photos and what a rough road. I know for sure I would not do the bog, walking is good for me.
Thanks for a great trip report. I'm sure there will be many great responses to this trip report.
Bob H
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Bob H
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| Quote: | Originally posted by hbmurphy
Videos - More to come...
Coming Down the Widow Maker
Edit: link fixed
[Edited on 6-4-2010 by hbmurphy] |
Loved the VIDEO.... great! Fantastic job!
Bob H
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edm1
Senior Nomad
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Location: Oak Hills, Ca
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Paul, do you have a video of the motorhome coming out of the bog, after it got stuck there in 30 inches of water for 10 minutes (to pressurize the
air tank) because I didn't have the lockers engaged, and after I locked all 6 wheels it literally jumped out of there a-blazing between the trees, and
in between I don't know what else, for a few hundred feet? I didn't wanna slow down until I was completely out of the bog. I thought I was gonna
flatten a few palm trees (2-foot trunks); instead a tree stump flattened my outer dually tire :-) LOL. That would have been an amazing video.
[Edited on 6-4-2010 by edm1]
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hbmurphy
Junior Nomad
Posts: 59
Registered: 6-1-2010
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| Quote: | Originally posted by edm1
Paul, do you have a video of the motorhome coming out of the bog, after it got stuck there in 30 inches of water for 10 minutes (to pressurize the
air tank) because I didn't have the lockers engaged, and after I locked all 6 wheels it literally jumped out of there a-blazing between the trees, and
in between I don't know what else, for a few hundred feet? I didn't wanna slow down until I was completely out of the bog. I thought I was gonna
flatten a few palm trees (2-foot trunks); instead a tree stump flattened my outer dually tire :-) LOL. That would have been an amazing video.
[Edited on 6-4-2010 by edm1] |
Art, I am saddened to say, I do not have that video. And if I had a decent up-stream pipe, I would have more videos up. I will soon but not tonight.
Sorry
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hbmurphy
Junior Nomad
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Registered: 6-1-2010
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Does anyone have an update on Neil? Did he need a third shipped down to him? Do we need to find one for him? I belong to a number of boards that
would have peeps with a stock one.
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geomike
Junior Nomad
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Location: Very near to the middle of nowhere.
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Mood: feeling an irresistable pull towards Baja...
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Great report DK One of the amazing things I recently found out is how a little adversity is good for the soul!
You need to let yourself out of The Box once in a while and Baja is such a great place to do so.
Thankfully the Mexican people tolerate "breakouts" a great deal more than we do North of the border.
Mike
You are entitled to your own opinions...not your own facts.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Breakfast of Champions????
Is Neil having a Pacifico with those Vanilla Wafers????
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