BajaNomad - MIKE YOUNGHUSBAND/ DON-KAY NEEDED ASSISTANCE, but not anymore!

MIKE YOUNGHUSBAND/ DON-KAY NEEDED ASSISTANCE, but not anymore!

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Skipjack Joe - 11-21-2010 at 12:42 AM

Spent a bit more time this evening examining the terrain and his destination.

I can see why he didn't follow the shoreline as it's all rock cliffs right up to the water's edge. And unlike the earlier hike the near shore is crossed repeatedly by a set of deep arroyos. So he tried for the mesa but went inland too far to where the mesa was unscalable by the burro.

But there are a few spots where it is scalable. This route would be workable.

#1 is where he leaves his large arroyo by the beach
#4 he ascends the mesa
#7 he leaves the mesa
#9 he enters the next large arroyo leading to road
#11 he is at the road

It will be interesting to see which route he actually takes. I'm wondering if he has these 3 dimemsional google earth maps to navigate with.

bajahike.jpg - 45kB

windgrrl - 11-21-2010 at 01:09 AM

Rock on, Ron. Thank you.

just waded thru all this drama

capt. mike - 11-21-2010 at 05:52 AM

wow, i couldn't tell if it was an episode of Lassie or Superman.

Lencho has it right. :lol:

That animal needs more water. :light:

if extraordinary public means were to have been needed he should be billed. Good reason to take out a rescue policy if you plan a similarly risky stunt. :!:

mcfez - 11-21-2010 at 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Just got home finally and thanks to everybody for their very kind words including those who called and left messages of concern/support on my phone. It was a very long 24+ hours on just a couple of hours sleep but in the end I am just glad to know that Mike and Don-Kay are OK and continuing on.

If you have never been out to that region it is hard to understand what a difficult area and situation Mike was/is in. The mesa is huge, steep above the beach below, with almost no access for miles and miles and very difficult to get around. Every road/trail/riverbed we tried ended up on a dead end or steep, impassable ledge, leading to a 20+ mile trip around to get to another point of attempt.

Giving up on reaching Mike via the upper route from the Catarina side we headed down to the Blue Point fish camp. We parked where the road ends and loaded up with some supplies, walking north along the beach for a few miles until we finally reached a point where it was impossible to continue with the rising tide. Before turning back we yelled out ahead, calling Mikes name in hopes that he might hear us but to no avail.

At that point I was really getting concerned and so we made the decision to head to Cataviña to meet with Chava at the Delagacion who was quite helpful, immediately grabbing his radio. In 20 minutes we had a complete team to head out in two pangas at first light in the morning with water, food, a stretcher and a paramedic with an ambulance standing by at Puerto Cataviña should Mike require medical aid. I was totally amazed at the support offered and if any of you pass through Cataviña and see Chava, offer him a warm handshake for his support he obviously provides to us while in his territory. He was even kind enough to invite us to dinner at his restaurant in town - great guy!

We did ask at every stop around the Catarina area about Mike and Don-Kay, including the fish camp and puerto in case anybody had seen them. I am sure that in the days that follow Mike will hear a lot of stories of a couple of guys trying to find him from the south end as he continues on.

We did get a lot of weird stares when we explained that Mike was coming from San Carlos, walking with a burro along the coast below the mesa. Nobody could believe it.

I hope that the road ahead is not quite so difficult.

God speed Mike...

[Edited on 11-21-2010 by BajaGringo]

Definition of a good human that holds care and respect towards others: BajaGringo

My hat is off to you Sir.

U2 me if you need assistance for funds spent by you.

shari - 11-21-2010 at 08:11 AM

wooohoooo...great news bajagringo has been found!!hahahaha...great work everyone. This has been a good learning experience on many levels...I learned alot about the spot device and reinforced our belief that the local fishermen in the area know best how to access remote areas...they know every nook and cranny in their respective places.

About staying put when in distress...hmmm...one must make the best decision in each scenario and I believe Mike did the right thing getting to the shore...his best chance at rescue.
It's like the old adage....stay with the boat...it isnt ALWAYS the safest thing to do...one must take each case individually and make an informed decision.

Thanks again to all who responded...baja gringo saved my butt once too...he is a true hero.

man I sure hope someone took a picture of Don Kay in a panga!!! que lo via muy bien Mike.

BajaGringo - 11-21-2010 at 08:29 AM

Thanks mcfez for your very generous offer but I continue to hold onto the idealistic view that I do for others what I hope someone might do for me in return one day, should the need ever arise. It really was a fun day with Duro, my copilot who really made the day an adventure. He is an old time racer / Baja offroader with experience in the area going back to the 50's. It also gave me a chance to test out my old Baja beater F250 4x4 that I purchased recently. It really held up well when going through sand and silt via some of the river bed routes we attempted and the HD front end suspension took the beating over the lava rock without a problem.

Here is a photo of Duro I took during a quick pit stop while looking for an access along the Catarina mesa yesterday and another taken from the south side of the mesa so you can see how huge it really is. It looks fairly flat from this distance but trying to get across it proved to be virtually impossible.

Looking back now I wish we had just headed to the beach first as we might have reached Mike before the rising tide cut us off. I chose the mesa approach first as it appeared that Mike was heading in that direction and everybody we asked told us the beach route would be very difficult with a burro because of the rocks.

I hope Mike can reach the fish camp with no problems...

Santiago - 11-21-2010 at 08:51 AM

I'm confused - some are saying that Don-Kay and everyone else was loaded in a panga and taken somewhere but I don't see in any post. Weren't they given water and then they were on their way down the coast?

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
I'm confused - some are saying that Don-Kay and everyone else was loaded in a panga and taken somewhere but I don't see in any post. Weren't they given water and then they were on their way down the coast?

I think that's what happened. Hard to imagine a Donkey in a Panga with their well know propensity for sea-sickness.

KASHEYDOG - 11-21-2010 at 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Thanks mcfez for your very generous offer but I continue to hold onto the idealistic view that I do for others what I hope someone might do for me in return one day, should the need ever arise. [/img]

You're a hero in my book too, Ron.. :yes:

.. Should the need ever arise please let me have the honor of returning your "idealistic view". I'd like to be on your list of first responders for your needs. Call me @ 619 224 0808 home or 619 990 0270 cell or Nextel direct connect 125*136811**8.....

Since I'll probably be coming down for my annual visit in the next few months please u2u me with some contact info so I can let you know when I'm there. I'd really like to buy you a drink. :tumble:

.Dick..

[Edited on 11-21-10 by KASHEYDOG]

astrobaja - 11-21-2010 at 09:46 AM

What an awesome thing you did Ron! But then we always knew you were a super guy

Don kay did what donkeys will do when they are being overworked or when they are lacking water. they go on strike!

Hope Mike has learned that he needs to plan stops on ranches by his route.

LancairDriver - 11-21-2010 at 10:10 AM

In addition to SPOT, mandatory equipment should include a satellite phone when attempting a stunt like this. Would have saved Baja Gringo a lot of gas and wear and tear, as well as a lot of angst for everyone else. These phones can be rented and you have communication from anywhere in the world.

astrobaja - 11-21-2010 at 10:19 AM

I agree LancairDriver, I would have had a sat phone with me too considering the very difficult path he chose. We are still considering a Iridium phone for our location considering internet is our only real communications.

Curt63 - 11-21-2010 at 10:20 AM

If Mike had been carrying a handheld VHF and known the local Pangero frequency, would he have been able to contact them?

solosancarlos - 11-21-2010 at 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LancairDriver
In addition to SPOT, mandatory equipment should include a satellite phone when attempting a stunt like this. Would have saved Baja Gringo a lot of gas and wear and tear, as well as a lot of angst for everyone else. These phones can be rented and you have communication from anywhere in the world.

Yesterday was not a "stunt". What Ron went through probably but on this end far from it.

solosancarlos - 11-21-2010 at 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Curt63
If Mike had been carrying a handheld VHF and known the local Pangero frequency, would he have been able to contact them?

maybe curt. VHF will work with "line of sight" transmission but after so many miles it weakens. It definitely would have helped for sure. A lot cheaper than a sat phone.

The Feds installed a repeater on top of the San Carlos mesa this year greatly strengthening transmissions

[Edited on 11-21-2010 by solosancarlos]

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by solosancarlos
Yesterday was not a "stunt". What Ron went through probably but on this end far from it.

Why would Ron's efforts be considered a "stunt?"

LancairDriver - 11-21-2010 at 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by solosancarlos

Quote:

Yesterday was not a "stunt". What Ron went through probably but on this end far from it.

I was referring to Younghusbands adventure as a stunt, not the efforts of the Nomads in pitching in to assist him.

stunt 2 (stnt)
n.
1. A feat displaying unusual strength, skill, or daring.
2. Something done to attract attention or publicity.
intr.v. stunt·ed, stunt·ing, stunts
To perform stunts or a stunt.

elgatoloco - 11-21-2010 at 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LancairDriver

Quote:

Originally posted by solosancarlos

Quote:

Yesterday was not a "stunt". What Ron went through probably but on this end far from it.

I dont think what he is doing fits the definition.

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco
I dont think what he is doing fits the definition.

Nor do I. Perhaps "Rebirth" would better classify his efforts. As unstudied as it may be at times, it's still a noble effort in my eyes.

mtgoat666 - 11-21-2010 at 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco
I dont think what he is doing fits the definition.

Nor do I. Perhaps "Rebirth" would better classify his efforts. As unstudied as it may be at times, it's still a noble effort in my eyes.

it's an adventure. if he took a phone it would no longer be an adventure.

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
it's an adventure. if he took a phone it would no longer be an adventure.

That, as insane as it is, would have been fitting advice for Lewis and Clark. Safety doesn't dilute the venture. It would only enhance it by freeing the mind to attend to all else.

astrobaja - 11-21-2010 at 11:41 AM

Dennis noble it may be but not at the expense of the donkey. I seem to be the only person belaboring this point so this will be my last attempt and then I'll shut up.

Now that they are out of danger Mike needs to check the condition of Don Kay. If it were me I'd have a good large animal vet give him a once over. Dehydration they can get over pretty quickly but if hes been losing condition (muscle mass) over the last few weeks then he may have to give him a rest with good quality hay (not protein bars!). If he starts laying down a lot out of the blue again then for gods sake give him a rest!
My Wife and I could tell in a minute if hes in need of a rest but Mikes a city guy it seems and this sort of thing takes time to develop.

DianaT - 11-21-2010 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by astrobaja
Dennis noble it may be but not at the expense of the donkey. I seem to be the only person belaboring this point so this will be my last attempt and then I'll shut up.

Now that they are out of danger Mike needs to check the condition of Don Kay. If it were me I'd have a good large animal vet give him a once over. Dehydration they can get over pretty quickly but if hes been losing condition (muscle mass) over the last few weeks then he may have to give him a rest with good quality hay (not protein bars!). If he starts laying down a lot out of the blue again then for gods sake give him a rest!
My Wife and I could tell in a minute if hes in need of a rest but Mikes a city guy it seems and this sort of thing takes time to develop.

For the sake of Don Kay, I wish there was a way for Mike to hear and heed your message.

[Edited on 11-21-2010 by DianaT]

BajaBlanca - 11-21-2010 at 11:47 AM

I am guessing Mike didnt take a satellite phone for the same reason Graham abandoned his way back when...they are bulky and heavy. but, I still think they should be used when traversing such wild terrain with difficult access.

Ron, what you did was fantastic and my hat is off to you. If we am ever in a pinch, would everyone please call Ron first, altho' we have never had the pleasure of meeting him !!

:lol:

Our communication nowadays is via sat phones and cell phones and it is no different than the smoke signals, telex, morse code, pony express used way back when. times change and you advance with the times. We know from history that all explorers all called crazy adventurers by their peers: do you think Cristopher Columbus, Juan Cabrillo, Pedro Alvarez Cabral, Marco Polo were praised by their families, at least at first ???? I very much doubt it.

When I read about the American Shepherd, who went to Batopilas with his whole entire family and pets and friends with burros carrying ALL THEIR HOUSEHOLD items, clothes, food, drink etc., I thought he was nuts. certifiable. This is how I feel over 200 years after the fact. I don't know how they did it ....

so, congrats everyone for a challenge met. and congrats to those who have the courage to attempt what only one other of us have done.

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by astrobaja
Dennis noble it may be but not at the expense of the donkey. I seem to be the only person belaboring this point so this will be my last attempt and then I'll shut up.

I agree, Mike. I can only assume a lesson was well learned about the well-being of the animals.
I wasn't trying to be offensive by ignoring that fact, but points about Mike's motivation for this journey were brought up.
Thanks for pointing out the ommision. It's well taken.

Barry A. - 11-21-2010 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
it's an adventure. if he took a phone it would no longer be an adventure.

That, as insane as it is, would have been fitting advice for Lewis and Clark. Safety doesn't dilute the venture. It would only enhance it by freeing the mind to attend to all else.

Very wise statement, Dennis-----------one needs as few worrys as possible to truly enjoy the many facets of an "adventure", unless you have a death-wish. It is those nagging fears that really detracts from any adventure that I have embarked on. You just except the worrys you can't eliminate, but plan for the one's you can, at least I do. To each his/her own, tho.

Barry

David K - 11-21-2010 at 12:18 PM

Gee... I feel a sense of adventure the minute I cross the border into Mexico!

:lol:

Now, how about we give let this episode rest. Mike and company got the water they needed and a BIG THANKS to Neil and the people at San Carlos for arranging the water delivery that saved them. Ron was a hero for going into action so quickly and he got to explore some remote parts of Baja trying to get to Mike... I wish I could have been there too!

wessongroup - 11-21-2010 at 12:29 PM

Good show, BG... and glad that Ford did what you wanted... ya got a good deal, it would appear...

Best wishes....

KASHEYDOG - 11-21-2010 at 12:34 PM

Quote:

Yesterday was not a "stunt". WHAT RON WENT THROUGH PROBABLY BUT NOT ON THIS END FAR FROM IT..

"solosancarlos, Newbie"

Please qualify this statement. I hope you don't mean what it appears to say.

If so, go back and re-read what he did to organize a search party comprised of the local authorities, having left his house at 6:00 friday night. Then went out on his own and drove 90 minutes with a local contact and began another search at 0 dark thirty Saturday morning and got to within a half KM of the unknown location of Mike.
:fire:

..I think an explaination or retraction of your statement is in order.

DON'T MAKE ME HAVE TO COME DOWN THERE :mad:

[Edited on 11-21-10 by KASHEYDOG]

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Now, how about we give let this episode rest.

Threads such as this end when all the pressure is released. It will die of it's own accord after it winds down. :yes:

David K - 11-21-2010 at 12:39 PM

You mean like the turtle soup episode...?? :rolleyes:

DianaT - 11-21-2010 at 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Gee... I feel a sense of adventure the minute I cross the border into Mexico!

:lol:

Of course the people from San Carlos and Ron are to be commended for what they did---and I hope Mike can make it around the area about which Ron is concerned.

But I disagree that this should be put to rest after reading all of astrobaja's posts, mostly on this thread. For the sake of Don Kay, I still hope Mike can receive the message and advice. Yes, they were all rescued, but it sounds like Don Kay may not have what he needs.

[Edited on 11-21-2010 by DianaT]

bajafam - 11-21-2010 at 12:40 PM

I find it somewhat (read:very) irritating that we have been following Mike's journey thus far, rooting him on, rah rah rah! until he finds himself in a bit of trouble...and now his journey is a "stunt" as is the valiant attempts to help him out.

Sounds very similar to the coverage of young Abby and her attempt to circumnavigate solo until she ran into some trouble and then the fingers started pointing, accusing her and her family of being irresponsible and financially obligated for the rescue efforts.

I hope Mike, Don-Kay and Solo continue their journey....danger, difficulty and naysayers be damned!

astrobaja - 11-21-2010 at 12:42 PM

Can someone please talk to Mike and let him know 200 Lbs is TOO MUCH!
40-50 kg for a 150 Kg animal! Thats 95-110 lbs!

http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Infopaks/donkeys.htm#safety

Also if someone can get him a bag of alfalfa cubes that would help

David K - 11-21-2010 at 12:45 PM

Mike loves his donkey... if you read Graham's posts or the newspaper account you will know he won't mis-treat his burro and will rest a few days if needed... He isn't on a time schedule. Remeber they rested 3 nights at El Rosario.

DianaT - 11-21-2010 at 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajafam

I hope Mike, Don-Kay and Solo continue their journey....danger, difficulty and naysayers be damned!

People make a choice to face danger when they head into the wilderness----when we have backpacked into the wilderness, there was always that since of total responsibility and knowledge that there were risks.

The welfare of Don Kay is Mike's responsibility and I am sure that he loves that donkey. So I hope he will hear and heed the messages of warning about Don Kay from astrobaja.

[Edited on 11-21-2010 by DianaT]

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
You mean like the turtle soup episode...?? :rolleyes:

Could be. 94 pages of posts and growing says something. How many times did someone suggest it come to a merciful end? Many....and no one listened.
You can add your suggestion above to that list. It'll fit right in.

solosancarlos - 11-21-2010 at 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by astrobaja
Can someone please talk to Mike and let him know 200 Lbs is TOO MUCH!
40-50 kg for a 150 Kg animal! Thats 95-110 lbs!

http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Infopaks/donkeys.htm#safety

Also if someone can get him a bag of alfalfa cubes that would help

when I last saw Mike he had reduced Don-Kays load to 150 lbs including water

KASHEYDOG - 11-21-2010 at 12:51 PM

.. :lol:

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
DON'T MAKE ME HAVE TO COME DOWN THERE :mad:

What are you implying, that he issue a retraction or you're going to go down there and beat him up? The crisis is over, now let's all whip out our egos... :rolleyes:

Actually, I was hoping for an explaination. I suppose you think Bajagringo's efforts were a stunt too. Ya know, I'd like to be on your list of first responders too. :rolleyes:

If you ever need help call me first. Then "stay put" and wait.........and wait .........and wait........... I'll be there any minute.......really...

.......no really... :lol:

[

[Edited on 11-21-10 by KASHEYDOG]

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by astrobaja
Also if someone can get him a bag of alfalfa cubes that would help

It would also be a good thing if someone could truck him and his entourage inland to the road. Walking the length of Baja doesn't necessarily mean along the beach. It can't be done.

wessongroup - 11-21-2010 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
You mean like the turtle soup episode...?? :rolleyes:

David K - 11-21-2010 at 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by astrobaja
Also if someone can get him a bag of alfalfa cubes that would help

It would also be a good thing if someone could truck him and his entourage inland to the road. Walking the length of Baja doesn't necessarily mean along the beach. It can't be done.

He needs to walk to the closest road... Punta Blu/ Santa Catarina Landing and then he can (and may) stay on roads that parallel the coast the rest of the way south.

ELINVESTIG8R - 11-21-2010 at 01:16 PM

All I can say is I am happy that Mike and his donkey are ok. A big thank you to the first responders from San Carlos who got to him and to Ron BajaGringo and his co-pilot Duro for giving a valiant effort to get to them too. You all went above and beyond the call of duty giving of yourselves by putting yourselves in danger to rescue others without thought of reward. You guys are my heroes. I'm just so very happy everyone made it out ok.

David K - 11-21-2010 at 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ELINVESTIG8R
All I can say is I am happy that Mike and his donkey are ok. A big thank you to the first responders from San Carlos who got to him and to Ron BajaGringo and his co-pilot Duro for giving a valiant effort to get to them too. You all went above and beyond the call of duty giving of yourselves by putting yourselves in danger to rescue others without thought of reward. You guys are my heroes. I'm just so very happy everyone made it out ok.

X2 (ditto)

BajaGringo - 11-21-2010 at 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by astrobaja
Also if someone can get him a bag of alfalfa cubes that would help

It would also be a good thing if someone could truck him and his entourage inland to the road. Walking the length of Baja doesn't necessarily mean along the beach. It can't be done.

I had breakfast with Duro and my good friend Reyes this morning who both know the area well. Reyes has worked the coastline all the way down to Guerrero Negro since he was a young boy and Duro was one of the first "locals" to get into the offroading scene down here with his father as far back as the 50's.

Both agree that the coastal route will become increasingly difficult for Mike as he continues on and will likely be setting himself up for future problems / situations like this one. They both asked me to convey the message that Mike needs to move inland a bit, following access roads to ranches and camps and not simply the coastline as there are too many impassable points he will encounter ahead; many that are far from any help or means of contact.

I also agree with astrobaja that Mike needs to give some extra time to Don-Kay with some rest and upgraded food after he has made such difficult treks as the past few days. Don-Kay is a key element to the success of this journey and that point cannot be overstated IMHO.

I know we all wish him the best and it's OK to disagree at times - we seem to do that well here on Nomad. But the real strength of this forum is the ability for folks (even those who strongly disagree with each other on occasion) to come together in times of need and this was no exception.

BajaNomad is a unique place and I am proud to be a part of this community as well as fortunate to have met some really great people along the way. What I tried to do for Mike these past couple of days was something I could only accomplish with the help of others. I just hope that should Mike fall into need again - further down the road, that other Nomads will heed that call as well.

Life is an adventure and a driving force to what keeps me here. Something I think most of us here share in common...

KASHEYDOG - 11-21-2010 at 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
I suppose you think Bajagringo's efforts were a stunt too.

Dunno where you got that idea....?

--Larry

DENNIS - 11-21-2010 at 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
I suppose you think Bajagringo's efforts were a stunt too.

Dunno where you got that idea....?

--Larry

Why don't you guys get together and run out into the desert and get lost so we can send someone to save you. The experience seems to have a bonding quality to it. :lol:

Jes kiddin', fellas.

KASHEYDOG - 11-21-2010 at 02:17 PM

Sounds like an adventure to me, Dennis. Call Bajagringo for me and put him on standby. .. :lol:

Just one problem. In all my years, I have never been able to get lost in the desert. So give Ron a good discription of "Larry " :lol:

..... He's still waiting, I think.

[Edited on 11-21-10 by KASHEYDOG]

KASHEYDOG - 11-21-2010 at 02:44 PM

COOL. :yes:

..It's all in fun, Larry...

... Love ya ,man..

BajaGringo - 11-21-2010 at 03:20 PM

OK, group hug.

Well, maybe not with Don-Kay until he gets a bath...

:lol:

Baja&Back - 11-21-2010 at 03:27 PM

We gotta put together a "Nomad Heros" award or something, and the first awards go to Solo Sport Neil, BajaGringo and David K!!!

Three cheers for those exceptional people!

What's the matter with turtle soup?

mcfez - 11-21-2010 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
You mean like the turtle soup episode...?? :rolleyes:

vgabndo - 11-21-2010 at 05:26 PM

WOW, you folks really know how to have fun! Welcome to the Board of boards.

Von - 11-21-2010 at 05:39 PM

Hey he even made the paper today! section D2 in the Union tribune~

Don-Kay on strike! lol~

bajaguy - 11-21-2010 at 05:58 PM

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/20/baja-adventur...

SoloSports - 11-23-2010 at 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ridge
Hear, hear; thank you fellas!

Izzat you, Neil?

-Solo Staffer Neil Foley -driving hard at the point

And mucho thanks to Kevin Trejo as well: you rock!

http://solosports.net/

Yes the first photo is our hero Neil doing what he loves, riding awesome waves on his windsurf gear! The second shot is me doing what I love, riding awesome waves on my kitesurfing gear.

We all know the incredible experiences and beauty Baja has to offer including risk and danger but we all love it just the same.

I have been visiting and traveling Baja my whole life (thanks mom and dad) and most likely will until I die! I have met the most wonderful people, experienced the most incredible and most beautiful things in my travels. My first visit to Punta San Carlos was in 1985 and I knew I would return again and again!

Of course I do embrace technology as we have used it many times in PSC to save lives and help many a fellow human as well as animals and other of earth's creatures and will do so anytime the need is there but one of mine and SoloSports' philosophies is that myself, my staff and our guests experience the best Baja experience we possibly can and at this moment in time that means using internet technology as little as possible to get out and experience the amazing things Baja has to offer so I apologize for myself and I'm sure Neil as we are not on the Nomad or any other site very often if at all. Please understand this is not that we don't love the site and the people, stories, information etc. but I believe just like for whatever reason Mike Younghusband needs to do Baja the way he chooses we have chosen to use the internet on a very limited basis. So fellow Nomads will not be hearing from SoloSports Kevin Trejo or Neil Foley very often.

Of course we are more then ready and willing to help in the time of need and can be reached at

949-289-7779
baja@solosports.net
www.solosports.net

Thank you all for your efforts to help Mike, Don-Kay and Solo!
Kevin Trejo

Ps. I have been deeply touch buy Mike's story and the camaraderie of all you Nomad's and find myself more and more checking the Nomad site. I guess I will have to look at it as part of my Baja Experience. Thanks guys (and girls) and sorry for the long post!

TMW - 11-23-2010 at 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Both agree that the coastal route will become increasingly difficult for Mike as he continues on and will likely be setting himself up for future problems / situations like this one. They both asked me to convey the message that Mike needs to move inland a bit, following access roads to ranches and camps and not simply the coastline as there are too many impassable points he will encounter ahead; many that are far from any help or means of contact.

Once he gets to Puerto Catarina he can follow the roads down hitting fish camps as necessary to just north of Guerrero Negro.

Graham - 11-24-2010 at 12:14 PM

If Mike sticks to roads and tracks his trip ought to be more routine from now on. As routine as a walk to Cabo can be for a man of 62 with a burro and dog.

Some great stuff on this thread. A lot of the issues around the SPOT device have been well covered but just to sum up my understanding for future reference. And I'm learning a lot here, so happy to be corrected.

His SPOT has an SOS button under a flip up plastic cover on the right, so hard to set off accidentally. If pushed, an SOS message is sent to just two people, including his daughter. But it also sends a signal to an International Emergency Response Center who will initiate a search and rescue effort. All appropriate authorities will be alerted and Mike's medical history and info on all the medications being currently taken will be made known. As a part of his package with SPOT, he signed up for insurance to cover the costs of Search and Rescue and any med-evac needs, such as flight or helicopter extraction.

If he activates the SOS... Nomads will NOT get the signal, at least not directly, but I'm sure his daughter will let us know pronto. By then, the rescue effort should be well under way.

The other button, under the plastic cover on the left is the Need assistance button. That goes out to a list of ten designated email addresses. David K, Shari, and myself being three of them. People who may be in a position to help, or help get the word out.

As Mike only has about a three day supply of water, if that button is pressed odds are, as I said above, Mike needs water and "lots of it." If I were in his boots, and I have been of course, I'd be happy to get thirty, forty, fifty gallons or more. A thirsty burro, as Astrobaja said, can quickly dispose of 10-15 gallons.

If Mike has water he can rest up and rest Don Kay for days if necessary, scout trails ahead, retreat, relax, do some fishing or whatever. With limited water he will be forced to push on or leave the donkey or take other drastic action.

Anyway a big difference between the SOS and Need assistance buttons. But the NA signal sure needs to be acted upon, and it's great to know that so many Nomads were willing to help.

Mike has fishcamps, ranches, occasional road traffic ahead, and he has over 20 buried stashes of food and water at strategic points. He has a lot to give thanks for this Thanksgiving!

mtgoat666 - 11-24-2010 at 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham
he has over 20 buried stashes of food and water at strategic points. He has a lot to give thanks for this Thanksgiving!

graham,
interesting info on the spot.

i'm curious. how did he stash his water and supplies? bury plastic containers? containers hidden behind rocks? seems like a lot of work to create a stash, and seems risky that people would find and mess with them, or animals would dig them up. what's most feasible stash solution?

grappler - 11-24-2010 at 01:04 PM

What a class act the boyz from solosports are.

As for David K ~ you sir, *** ** *****.

p.s. to David K's worshippers, dont waste your time bashing me with your walking canes. I really dont care :smug:

Happy Holidays all...

[Edited on 11-24-2010 by grappler]

[Edited on 11-25-2010 by BajaNomad]

BajaGringo - 11-24-2010 at 01:19 PM

Graham, I took Mike some more rechargeable batteries and another solar battery charger yesterday.

David K - 11-24-2010 at 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by grappler
What a class act the boyz from solosports are.

As for David K ~ you sir, are an idiot.

p.s. to David K's worshippers, dont waste your time bashing me with your walking canes. I really dont care :smug:

Happy Holidays all...

[Edited on 11-24-2010 by grappler]

How so? Are you usualy rude to people you don't know? Just joined Nomad to make enemies here?

If you don't want to see Mike's progress then ignore the thread with it.

Obviously a majority here do enjoy seeing his progress...

As for the other thing, after I made a phone call to verify the signal and people who received it, I did exactly what Mike wanted me to do if it was sent out... and that was to post it on the Internet where someone who was able and wanted to, could help.

Happy Turkey Day to you sir.

Graham - 11-24-2010 at 04:52 PM

A picture of my backpack along that coast in 1983. Not great but shows kind of terrain Mike had to negotiate with his burro... tough, tough country. Up and down, in and out.

Fantastic job Bajagringo. Your efforts were heroic. I could have done with you around when I was doing that stretch.

And thank you David for all your hard work on this thread. And with getting the word out.

Mtngoat... Mike buried his stashes near obvious landmarks, with GPS positions recorded, and accepted he may lose some... but I'm sure it's wrapped and bagged. He did a lot of hard work alone with his shovel in summer heat.

This is not some harebrained scheme... but a pasion he has thought out for over a year. And he's clearly learning fast about the load on Don Kay and what his limitations are. He's making the sacrifices to ensure that the burro finishes the trip with him. He won't find another like him.

David K - 11-24-2010 at 04:54 PM

Thank you Graham... see these photo of you (for the first time) is great!

BajaBlanca - 11-24-2010 at 05:08 PM

Grappler - I find it so offensive that you would openly attack someone. I know you said you dont care, but this is not about David, this is about you. go somewhere else. do not waste our time. get over yourself. so rude. so unnecessary. you dont have the right, imho, to write this where i am forced to read it.

do not answer me. you have wasted enough of my wondereful fantastic beautiful amazingly great life.

Brian L - 11-24-2010 at 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Grappler - I find it so offensive that you would openly attack someone. I know you said you dont care, but this is not about David, this is about you. go somewhere else. do not waste our time. get over yourself. so rude. so unnecessary. you dont have the right, imho, to write this where i am forced to read it.

do not answer me. you have wasted enough of my wondereful fantastic beautiful amazingly great life.

Here Here

What Blane said.

Mulegena - 11-24-2010 at 06:22 PM

tripledigitken - 11-24-2010 at 06:24 PM

What's his problem with walking sticks?

By the way they are 25% off at REI right now!

[Edited on 11-25-2010 by tripledigitken]

Skipjack Joe - 11-24-2010 at 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham

A picture of my backpack along that coast in 1983. Not great but shows kind of terrain Mike had to negotiate with his burro... tough, tough country. Up and down, in and out.

Wow!

It's worse than it appeared on google earth.

Still, there is something inviting about it.

toneart - 11-24-2010 at 06:39 PM

DavidK,

At times I have criticized you, but in the part you played in this rescue, instigator, coordinator, locater and communicator, you have my utmost respect. You have done a wonderful thing here. Good Man! :yes:

Marc - 11-24-2010 at 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
DavidK,

At times I have criticized you, but in the part you played in this rescue, instigator, coordinator, locater and communicator, you have my utmost respect. You have done a wonderful thing here. Good Man! :yes:

Amen to that Bro!

Neal Johns - 11-24-2010 at 07:31 PM

I'm a little late, but... Kudos to everyone involved in this rescue!

Mulegena - 11-24-2010 at 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham

A picture of my backpack along that coast in 1983. Not great but shows kind of terrain Mike had to negotiate with his burro... tough, tough country. Up and down, in and out.

Wow!
...

Still, there is something inviting about it.

Agree, its a stunning photo that speaks to the heart of all of us who love so very deeply the land that is of Baja California Norte and Sur.

There's an awakened resonance we feel here that is like nowhere else on earth or in our hearts.

Its a combination of a lyrical mysticism, of dream-like gossamer heaven-on-earth lightness of being in counterpoint to the raw, ragged realism of the sheer power of the land that will wake you and shake you to the very depths of your soul.

If it is your fate to know this, you are forever possessed, not entirely discreet unto oneself ever again. You belong to and are a part of that land forever and are cleft to it in the very ages of time itself.

wilderone - 11-25-2010 at 08:49 AM

oooo-whee, Graham - that photo tells it all.
Mulegena - did you just write that? Very profound.

tripledigitken - 11-25-2010 at 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

Agree, its a stunning photo that speaks to the heart of all of us who love so very deeply the land that is of Baja California Norte and Sur.

There's an awakened resonance we feel here that is like nowhere else on earth or in our hearts.

Its a combination of a lyrical mysticism, of dream-like gossamer heaven-on-earth lightness of being in counterpoint to the raw, ragged realism of the sheer power of the land that will wake you and shake you to the very depths of your soul.

If it is your fate to know this, you are forever possessed, not entirely discreet unto oneself ever again. You belong to and are a part of that land forever and are cleft to it in the very ages of time itself.

That is some wonderful prose Mulegena! I'm sure your passage speaks to a lot of other Nomads as well.

cudos

woody with a view - 11-25-2010 at 09:00 AM

^^^^^what Mulegena said^^^^^

wilderone - 11-25-2010 at 09:04 AM

"...how did he stash his water and supplies? bury plastic containers? containers hidden behind rocks? seems like a lot of work to create a stash, and seems risky that people would find and mess with them, or animals would dig them up."

He pre-ran the trip route and buried them in the ground. The one we dug up at Agua Blanca had a gallon of water and a cardboard box, taped with duct tape, containing various items. It had been partially dug up by coyotes (guessing), and a corner of the cardboard box was chewed open. We found that two pouches of tuna and a small package of cookies had been eaten. The caches are all part of the planning to install a measure of safety. Serendipity is one thing, but hard core strategy to the best of one's ability is a big factor of success.

Mulegena - 11-25-2010 at 09:40 AM

Thank, Nomads, and thank you Graham and Mike and Crew

Yes, these words came as I took in Graham's awesome old photograph.

All of us have had profound experiences in Baja and when I find a moment
to step out of my own way, well sometimes words filter up and linger a bit.

Ken Bondy - 11-25-2010 at 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
Thank, Nomads, and thank you Graham and Mike and Crew

Yes, these words came as I took in Graham's awesome old photograph.

All of us have had profound experiences in Baja and when I find a moment
to step out of my own way, well sometimes words filter up and linger a bit.

Muy buen dicho amiga!!

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