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Fatboy
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Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  | | You really must read Edie's book. She describes the "trail" that has not been used in decades all overgrown with cactus - her clothes got ripped up,
etc. It will give you a sense of what to prepare for - even if you don't encounter it, you should be prepared. And you mentioned, "burro] would be a
good move for safety of having extra water". Burros have personalities and can be stubborn and run off and get sick and need food/water. It would be
great to have a burro for food and water, but if you do this, I'd suggest at least a couple weeks to pick one out and learn how to handle it. Graham
can help you on this, I'm sure. Sounds like a great trip. |
Edie's book is on the way, ordered last week. Looking forward to reading it even if the trip doesn't pan out.
Burro isn't gonna happen on this trip, for the reasons you pointed out and other reasons.
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Fatboy
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | Edie called me just over an hour ago about something else, so I did tell her about Fatboy's quest. She is more than happy to communicate with him and
I will send him her email.
She said getting guides at the ranches is critical to success and survival. Fatboy, I will get you the info in the morning. |
Thanks, David.
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Fatboy
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Based on CAMINOREALBAJA.COM email response the backpacking this section is doable.
It would be one of the harder sections and it does depend on current water conditions. This year does not sound like a good year for water based on
what several people have posted here.
Going to keep researching and looking for more information.
4x4abc was kind enough to offer to email his data on water sources in baja, so with his info, the waypoints from CAMINOREALBAJA.COM, and historical
reports from David K and others I should be able to cross reference the more well known sites and perhaps locate some other possible sources.
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4x4abc
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the center section between Rancho Los Corrales and Rancho La Compostela is without any outside road access
and it is the one with the least reliable water
about 35 miles
Rancho La Campostela to San Borja is 8 miles without water
Santa Gertrudis to Rancho La Union is 18 miles without water
Rancho La Union to Calmalli Viejo is 4 miles without water
water in Calmalli Viejo is uncertain
next source would be Rancho Nuevo - 9 miles
Harald Pietschmann
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advrider
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Might be worth doing some recon from each end this year and then put it all together next year? Might end up with a good winter and some reliable
water next year?
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Fatboy
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| Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc | the center section between Rancho Los Corrales and Rancho La Compostela is without any outside road access
and it is the one with the least reliable water
about 35 miles
Rancho La Campostela to San Borja is 8 miles without water
Santa Gertrudis to Rancho La Union is 18 miles without water
Rancho La Union to Calmalli Viejo is 4 miles without water
water in Calmalli Viejo is uncertain
next source would be Rancho Nuevo - 9 miles |
Thanks for this, need to spend some time on google earth and looking at maps to pencil all this in.
The 35 mile stretch is do able if EVERYTHING ELSE falls in to place. Including good weather, decent section of trail in that area, and reliable water
sources on both ends, among other things....
There is not much room there for any errors or problems.
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Fatboy
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| Quote: Originally posted by advrider | | Might be worth doing some recon from each end this year and then put it all together next year? Might end up with a good winter and some reliable
water next year? |
Possibly, received another email from the folks over at CAMINOREALBAJA.COM
with some encouraging news.
Will post it up later.
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Fatboy
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FYI as ADVRIDER surely knows, there are long sections of the PCT without water, in the 30 mile range also.
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Fatboy
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i had a follow up questions for the folks at CAMINOREALBAJA.COM ....
Thank for the detailed response! I seen your post/picture about Yubay and having been there myself I can imagine the feelings you guys must have had
upon arriving and not seeing any water!
Your pieces of advice confirmed a lot of what I was thinking already, 2 GPS's, pliers (and other thorn removal items), stashing water, and the fact
that there will be many portions without a visible trail.
We have do lots of back country trips with a portion of them being cross country in the desert with no trails, so hopefully this go well.
Two final questions, if I may....
Dropping down/climbing out of El Paraiso (sp?) , the southern rim appears to be a cliff with a trail through it that maybe washed out...anything
on that?
And finally, any thoughts or preferences on going north to south or south to north?
Again, Thank You for your time,
John
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Fatboy
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Here is their response.... the last paragraph can make a big difference....
The trail through the cliff band at El Paraiso should be fine for foot traffic. There was some slight trail reconstruction there in 2015 so that mules
could pass through.
I think that going from south to north might be preferable because of the simple fact that you'll be placing a car at San Borja on your way south and
then driving to Santa Gertrudis. Otherwise, you will need to do some extra driving. As far as the trail goes, I don't think there will be much
difference.
By the way, we already planned to be in the area we are discussing in late November/early December. I think we will be able to find out about the
water situation and pass it on to you when we return a little before Christmas.
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advrider
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WOW, that last part could be a game changer for you. You are correct about some of the dry stretches on the PCT, 30- 40 miles but often times now
there are water caches that people maintain. Still have to have the ability to haul what you need just incase.
Super excited for you to make this hike and maybe share your tracks after, I would love to retrace your steps in the future.
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Fatboy
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| Quote: Originally posted by lencho |
Note about water caches: I have personal experience with Coyotes getting into plastic water containers for their contents, make sure
any water cache is animal-proof. |
My concerns to....
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4x4abc
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| Quote: Originally posted by Fatboy |
Two final questions, if I may....
Dropping down/climbing out of El Paraiso (sp?) , the southern rim appears to be a cliff with a trail through it that maybe washed out...anything
on that?
And finally, any thoughts or preferences on going north to south or south to north?
Again, Thank You for your time,
John |
Edie's report is the most recent
there is a workable trail
but one needs to find it
difficult because of overgrowth (north side always has more vegetation)
don't worry - I have a good GPS track
Harald Pietschmann
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David K
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2015 is when Edie did her mule-walking trip through El Paraiso Canyon.
Harry Crosby's assistant did a lot of work on the south rim drop off when he was working on research for The Call to California (c1968) and The King's
Highway book (c1974).
The cover photo of The King's Highway in Baja California is the drop off into Paraiso Canyon...
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Paulina
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I was told today that Rancho Colmena and Rancho Compostela both have potable drinking water. There has also been Covid at both ranches.
I may be riding to/ passing by Compostela in a couple of weeks.
P>*)))>{
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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Fatboy
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| Quote: Originally posted by Paulina | I was told today that Rancho Colmena and Rancho Compostela both have potable drinking water. There has also been Covid at both ranches.
I may be riding to/ passing by Compostela in a couple of weeks.
P>*)))>{ |
Thank You for that!!!
You clearly spend time in the area... I have a question (for everyone, also) ....
Is there a little something I can bring as gifts for the more isolated Rancho's .... maybe salt? Sugar? Coffee? Candy? Aspirin? Just something kinda
light and small but would be nice? Remember we would be backpacking....
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4x4abc
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I vist remore ranchos a lot
what they love the most:
lighters
brushes
cloth for embroidery
paper
marker pens
in that order
see how the guy clutches his new brush?
Harald Pietschmann
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John Harper
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Tootbrushes might be welcome and easy to pack.
John
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Fatboy
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Brushes..... like cleaning brushes ?
Lighters, Pens, markers would be easy to carry.... was thinking matches...
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Paulina
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I am at a planning meeting with my RSG friends now. I showed 4x4's list to my friend. She was nodding her head as she read the translated list, then
when she got to the embroidery item her eyes lit up! She also said coffee and aspirin would also we a welcome gift. She said lighters as well as
matches are great. She also said "Zote" brand bar soap for clothes. Needles and thread. (I'm typing as she talks)
P>*)))>{
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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