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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Serious Off Road Day Trip, just south of the border!
Yesterday (Sunday, April 10, 2005), my amiga Elizabeth and I went on an off roading day trip in my Tacoma. We were invited by Baja Nomad
'TheSquarecircle' and his amiga Blanch in a 4Runner along with their friends Richard and Jeri in a Range Rover.
The plan was to begin with breakfast in Tecate... which was great at a place Squarecircle has been to before, west side of town ('Casa Vieja' see
Restaurant Review forum). The dirt roads today ranged from wide graded to very difficult rock and gully-steep climbing (LOW RANGE 4WD).
99% of this trip is covered on Baja Almanac Map 1. GPS is set at Map Datum NAD27 Mexico.
From Tecate, we headed south on Hwy. 3 about 15 miles to VALLE LAS PALMAS and turn right at 32-21.99', 116-36.87' elev. 944'... This is the wide
graded road heading northwest.
A sharp left turn was made at 32-24.85', 116.40.07' elev. 835' and we pass RANCHO SANTA MONICA. TheSquarecircle has been this way before and was
surprised to see the gate locked on the road we hoped to use, through RANCHO SANTA ALICIA.
As we are not about to give up with so little an obsticle, we seek another way around the ranch in order to continue west. The first road ended at the
edge of the flowing ARROYO LAS PALMAS. Richard was in front and got about halfway before sinking in the deep sand bottom river... He was able to back
out under his own power. The Range Rover had narrow/stock size tires... and any vehicle would not have fared much better.
We tried a second location where I drove across, but before I could report it was a dead end on the opposite bank, TheSquarecircle plowed into the
river (in 2WD)... with super big tires... as I was backing up to turn back. He burried the back tires, but only for a moment... Once the hubs were
locked, and 4WD engaged, he drove the 4Runner right out.
The third road we tried ended in a washout... Walking ahead to see if there was a way across, Richard discoverd something! Here is The Squarecircle
and Elizabeth (Baja Angel) looking down into the gully... (What do they see, that Richard discoverd?... Stay Tuned for the next report)...
[Edited on 5-10-2005 by David K]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Yup.... it is April in Baja! The biggest month for... Rattlesnakes! Without molesting him, this is the best shot I could get...
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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We eventually drove around the mountain, the opposite side of the quarry that you see, by going north from RANCHO EL DORADO, then, just before the cut
on the ridge top for the graded road, we veered left and up a steep quad trail... This got us around the peak, and then we worked southwest down what
the Baja Almanac calls CANADA EL CIPRES and crossed the river, which the map shows draining into PRESA RODRIGUEZ reservoir. We pass RANCHO SANTA
ANITA.
The country in here is beautiful, with lots of green grass, and blooming flowers!
[Edited on 4-12-2005 by David K]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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We pass a small rancho in a beautiful little canyon at 32-21.85' 116-47.97' elev.837'... This might be what the Baja Almanac calls RANCHO SANTO
DOMINGO...? The roads are a bit off from what we discovered, but that is not a surprise. However, in defense of the Almanac... there still is no
better map. Soon our little caravan climbs an easy hill (compared to some of the previous grades to this point), where a bull and white horse watch
us... We drop down into a big green valley, and see a small cemetery on a hill, just right of the road. The Squarecircle has seen it before and noted
that it is the 'GILBERT' family graveyard...
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The Gilbert Ranch has been around since the gold rush day in the late 1800's. Valle las Palmas was once the center of the Gilbert Ranch. This cemetery
overlooks RANCHO BUENOS AIRES and is located at 32?20.96' 116?49.48' elev. 1,330'
[Edited on 10-7-2005 by David K]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The view southwest from the graves, looking at the road we continue on... Many quads and dirt bikes were on this entire run we also were on... one is
on the road below...
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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At the top of the next ridge, we turn left (32-20.76' 116-50.92' elev.1,771') Down the road, we see a sign which tells us we are heading the right
direction (Rancho el Gato and Cantamar)!
[Edited on 4-12-2005 by David K]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The road turns from south to west at 32-19.38' 116-50.79' elev. 1,825' (this is the highest waypoint of the trip). A sign points the way we came...
and we didn't come from THERE!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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CERRO EL CORONEL is quite dramatic, as we drive straight towards it, before veering south of it and drop to Hwy. 1, between PUERTO NUEVO and CANTAMAR.
The bottom of the long grade where pavement begins is reached at 32-15.39' 116-54.96' elev. 337'.
Over the bridge above the toll road and curl down to FREE ROAD Hwy. 1 at 32-14.07' 116-55.48' elev. 45'
We drive south on the free road to say hi to Keri at the Pyramid Resort!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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This was just one of many colorful sites along this day's drive...
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Here is my 'Baja Angel', Elizabeth, at the Pyramid Resort...
We had dinner at the nearby La Fonda Del Rio's (just below Hotel/Reataurant La Mision's parking lot, on the southside of La Mision Restaurant/Hotel...
Park on the street or in the ally for Del Rio's...
We hope to see many Nomads at the THIRD ANNUAL Baja Book Signing event... April 23, noon to 6.
GPS at the Pyramid Resort is 32-08.05' 116-53.22' 
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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Great day trip David
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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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Thanks Lou! It was a great day trip that combined beautiful country, history, good food, and serious off roading. TheSquarecircle said it's difficult
portion was tougher than the Pole Line Road and Basketball Hill.
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Bajagato
Nomad
Posts: 129
Registered: 4-19-2004
Location: Laguna Hills
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How'd you like La Fonda Del Rio's?
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8922
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Its Pole Line Road time
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David,
33" Tires aren't "Super Huge." IROK 49" Tires are "Super Huge". Looks like Richard got his Rover up and running. Must have been fun out there.
Will you be considering a Jeep soon???
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8922
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Its Pole Line Road time
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
TheSquarecircle said it's difficult portion was tougher than the Pole Line Road and Basketball Hill. |
The
Basketball Hill was perhaps a '3' out of 1-5 with 5 being 'hazardous'. There were stretches on the road up the summit that were a 3+ with deep
v-notches and camber sections though...
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Well, no Jeep... the Toyota has been far and away the most superior vehicle I have ever owned... 126,000 miles at 4 1/2 years, no problems... can't
beat it!
I owned a new Jeep Cherokee Chief (from '75 1/2-'77 1/2)... while it was the nicest vehicle (fully loaded, Quadra Trac, 401 V-8)... and I love Jeeps
(the history thing in me)... it was the worst in quality control... nearly everything failed. When it wasn't in the shop, it did great and out
climbed/drove all other 4WDs... But, as most American cars in the late 70's, quality was crap... For what I sold the now used Jeep for, I bought a new
4WD Subaru wagon... it was the first of three... all with over 100,000 miles (mostly Baja trips). I got a Mitsubishi truck and a Mazda van and they
were fine...
I gave an American mfg. one more chance when I bought a Plymouth Grand Voyager van... THREE FREEKING transmissions!!! NO MORE! 
Anyway... the road last Sunday was not hazardous, unless you are an idiot or drunk... So, I guess it is a 4 on your scale? I used low range on about
three grades, and engaged my lockers on one climb. It was close to the Mision Santa Maria road in difficulty, but only for a couple miles... not most
of the 14.5 to the mission... and not at all like the 'Widow Maker' in difficulty.
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Desertbull
Senior Nomad
Posts: 558
Registered: 8-27-2003
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Good Post...
Tire size really doesn't mean a whole lot anyway...unless you're in the Artic ice exploring on 4 wheels or crossing really deep mud...but for Baja and
canyon climbing a good 35" or 37" tire will do you outstanding...
Here World Champion Dean Bulloch climbs his Suzuki over the top of a big obstacle...with no problem running 37's
And I have to agree with David on the Yota versus Jeep thing...I keep wanting to buy a Cherokee to kick around with in Baja, the dez etc...but you
just can't beat a Yota when comparing apples and apples etc...
[Edited on 4-15-2005 by Desertbull]
[Edited on 4-15-2005 by Desertbull]
DREAM IT! PLAN IT! LIVE IT!
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8922
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Its Pole Line Road time
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Personally, I would take an '05 LWJ UNLIMITED over an '05 4 Runner for trips into the backcountry. The bolt-on parts and the aftermarket are all there for the Jeep vehicles. I'd keep my '05 4 Runner for
commuting,etc. You have to keep that leather interior nice and neat!
John Vera + family on the Summit Road in their '05 Unlimited
Give this guy a 4" lift, 33" tires and all of the aftermarket bolt-on equipment, and he'll be unstoppable for many trips into the Baja backcountry!
P.S. - Tim, I'm subscribed to Dirt Sport Mag. Keep up the great work!!!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajagato
How'd you like La Fonda Del Rio's? |
Hi Denise, sorry I missed this question before... We liked it a lot... we saw the sun sink into the Pacific (no green flash, alas) before we left.
The food was excellent, except what Elizabeth and I had (lobster) I will not order lobster there again... It was the most expensive item at $28... so
I expected a nice 'one'. We got three tiny ones (6 halves) instead... If that was explained, then I would have ordered something else. If they keep
killing baby lobsters for meals, then what will the future be?
Other's had fish, filet mingon, enchiladas... all was good... service was good... live music was good... atmosphere was good...
Parking is the only issue... They are next to (west of) the big (mostly empty) Hotel/Restaurant La Mision paking lot... But are not allowed to let
their customers use it. So, park up on Hwy. 1 or in the alley leading south from the La Mision parking lot.
I would go again... and recommend it... just no lobster there (go to Chela's in Puerto Nuevo or ?).
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