BajaNomad - Baja Rosario Festival 2005 activities!!!

Baja Rosario Festival 2005 activities!!!

BajaCactus - 6-27-2005 at 10:20 PM

Hi everyone...

Finally sometime to sit down and post some info for the Festival...we have been really busy setting all this up and ready.

We are planning a series of activities so anyone coming may choose when and where to go...let me give you some details on them.

Scheduled events....

Friday 22nd

2:00 pm.....Opening ceremony at the first Mission site in town.
4:00 pm-7:00 pm.....Jaripeo (kind of a small rodeo show).
8:00 pm-10:00 pm.... Story telling by elders from town around a bon fire at La Bocana beach.
8:00 pm-2:00 am.....Opening dance and party in town with "norte?o" live music.

Saturday 23rd

4:00 pm-7:00 pm.....Jaripeo (kind of a small rodeo show).
8:00 pm- ?:?? am.....Beauty pageant dance and party, also live "norte?o" music.

Sunday 24th

2:00 pm-5:00 pm..... Horse races and maybe also some people racing.
5:00 pm-7:00 pm..... Jaripeo (kind of a small rodeo show).
8:00 pm-2:00 am..... Closing dance party.

Expos and sites to see around town

Art and History Expo

It will be open from 2:00 pm on friday until 8:00 pm.
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Besides other things, in here you will be able to see old antiques from very old local families as well as old photos along with descriptions.
Also we are having a fossil exhibition here, displays and explanations of all the Baja missions, and local artists making their fine art right in front of you.

Local Industry Expo

Also open from 2:00 pm on friday until 8:00 pm.
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Local industries exhibit what, where and how they produce diverse materials from local resources, you will be able to sample some of these products.

Sites in town

Two old mission ruin sites, the local cemetery, a small local museum and the local "tree fossil forest" will be available as sites to see...you can visit them on your own or take the bus tours we will have for you on the Festival.

Mechanical Fair

A small mechanical fair is also planned to be available in town.

Cattle Exposition

Some local ranches will exhibit some of their finest animals only for your enjoyment. Open all day.

La Lobera

Guided tours will be available for you to La Lobera and back in a couple of vans...yu can either ride with us or follow them in your own car.

Food

Food booths will be up and running from friday morning until sunday night.
Most will be open from 10:00 am until 2:00 am next morning.
In those you will be able to taste some food made by local families as well as some local restaurants...

These are some of the activities we are planning for you....

Also... if enough people get organized and would like an out of town off road trip, like for example El Cardonal... I can make that happen... as I am very busy with the other events details, I have asked DavidK, my "US liaison" to assist me...any questions about off road guided tours please e-mail him...

Well... I hope this gives you a better idea of what we have organized for this first time ever festival...AND YOU CAN BE A PART OF IT...JOIN US!!!

I am now finalizing the specifics for the rooms/rv/camping reservations... I just e-mailed everyone who I had on my list to confirm... If you wish to come along and I did not e-mail you, please send me a message to festival@bajacactus.com and I will secure a spot for you.

We still have room available...!!!

:bounce:

Antonio M.
BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream..."

[Edited on 6-29-2005 by BajaCactus]

David K - 6-27-2005 at 11:09 PM

Thank you Antonio... my email is info*at*vivabaja.com (for those of you in Rio Linda, change *at* to @) I have already posted most of the details here on Nomad, but there will be more... maybe a special map?

Debra - 6-28-2005 at 12:00 AM

Thanks Antonio,

This sounds like it is going to be a special event and I thank you for all the effort you are doing to make this happen for us! CAN'T WAIT!

PS: I get to hold the baby right???? :biggrin:

[Edited on 6-28-2005 by Debra]

[Edited on 6-28-2005 by Debra]

Good to see a schedule of events

Hook - 6-28-2005 at 08:48 AM

Much to see and do.

Based on this, if there is going to be any type of organized off-road adventure, Saturday morning would seem the likely choice.

I guess I am leaning towards doing a boonie camp at La Bocana on Friday night and, if permitted, La Lobera on Saturday night. If not allowed, then it's probably La Bocana again.

wilderone - 6-28-2005 at 01:23 PM

David, is there an idea of where people will be able to park and leave their cars and then walk around, and/or use the buses to the various tours? I'm getting an idea that with the exhibits and food and other vendors the streets may be restricted to traffic somewhat.

David K - 6-28-2005 at 06:51 PM

Well, before Antonio heads back to Rosario (I notice he never says El Rosario, when speaking) I hope he gets back on the board to answer that.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As stated before, camping at La Bocana (sandy beach) will have security, so you can come into town for the events or tours and not worry about your camp.

Let's make a decision about the camping okay?

a) La Bocana: organized by BajaCactus, sandy beach, security, porta potty, trash cans, old timers story telling around the bon fire one night... group bon fire other night, perhaps?

b) La Lobera: cliffs, tide pools, scenic coast, out house, trash cans, maybe an open restaurant, maybe security... BajaCactus not responsible here.

c) El Cardonal or anywhere else in the desert: no facilities... peace and quiet perhaps (but you can get that on your other Baja trips).

Frankly, I am in favor of utilizing La Bocana since Antonio is going to the trouble to bring in those mentioned items... and it is closer to town, and no military checkpoint (it is on the mesa between town and the La Lobera road).

I am staying at Baja Cactus motel, but plan on going to La Bocana for the bon fire and socializing, story telling Sat. and Sun. nights... I don't think I will get into Rosario much before midnight Friday night/ Sat. am.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday morning may be a good time for a dirt road trip? Perhaps head up the Rosario river valley, see el cardonal, climb La Vibora grade, past the cactus gardens, cross Rio San Juan de Dios, Sauzalito copper ghost mine, then back to town on Mex. 1 (if the desire is there, the Camino Real is only 2 miles from Mex. 1, as well.) LOOK at: pictures starting with the third at http://vivabaja.com/1104/page3.html and going to the next page, taken along this road. The next page (5) has the El Camino Real section I found last November.

The two 'organized' caravan tours to the missions, museum, La Lobera, etc. (vans provided for those coming by moho or low car) can happen later on Sat. and Sun.

David,

Hook - 6-28-2005 at 07:34 PM

How long would you estimate it would take to do the off-road trip you are describing EXCLUDING the side trip to the El Camino Real?

David K - 6-28-2005 at 09:32 PM

Maybe a 3 hour tour? Of course Gilligan's Island was supposed to be only a 3 hour tour!

The entire loop starting and ending in El Rosario is about 65 miles (31 dirt)...

Let's see:
Mile 0 El Rosario (at the curve/Mama Espinoza's) 9am?

Mile 5.1, turn left off highway, far side of bridge, head up valley... se El Castillo, across valley. Miles approx. from here... I was using GPS to record the trip mostly.

Mile 14, stop at trees near Cardonal, in side valley 9:30-10?

Mile 18, after climbing up the Vibora Grade, stop by mine, note spanish moss on boojum tree

Mile 23, driving along top of ridge, pass road going down left to Rancho Los Martires

Mile 31, join with main road to Los Martires (Baja 2000 race course). 11 am?

Mile 32, SPLASH! Cross the San Juan de Dios river

Mile 33, Sauzalito copper mine ruins 11:15-11:45

Mile 36, Hwy. 1

Mile 64, El Rosario 12:30?

OK, so a 3 1/2 hour tour?

that sounds pretty interesting....

Hook - 6-29-2005 at 10:44 AM

....and not too long. Thanks.

Bob H - 6-29-2005 at 01:19 PM

David, could I do that 3-hour loop in my F250 4x4 supercab long bed - or am I too large?

We plan on checking out those beach areas, but would enjoy electricity available at that motel RV park to run our A/C in the cabover (I have a hard time with the heat sometimes).

We leave early Friday morning and will just mosey on down.

What are the directions to the beachs of La Bocana and La Lobera?

Parking and tours...

BajaCactus - 6-29-2005 at 02:19 PM

Debra... it is our pleasure to have all this done for you guys... and yes... you can hold our baby girl all you want... she loves to be hold... :smug:

About parking... we are cleaning up a big space right in the middle of town for parking... from there you will be able to walk around all the exhibits and dances and shows...

About tours... we are planning to have our bus and van tours to visit all the motels in town before beggining a guided tour... so, you may leave right from your room and once the tour is done, be dropped there as well.

When you arrive into town, we are planning to give out detailed schedules for the tours as well as printed maps of the town with location of the sites to visit.

Any other questions I will be happy to answer them...

:bounce:

Antonio M.
BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream..."

David K - 6-30-2005 at 10:43 PM

Bob, yes... it is all graded dirt road except for the mile over to El Cardonal, but that is level road.

La Bocana: Just follow the river course to the ocean... Leave pavement at the sharp left curve (Mama Espinoza's corner), by turning right (west)... then you come to a split... go left (across river) for El Rosario Abajo, La Bocana 4WD route, & Punta Baja. Go right for the 2WD longer route to La Bocana.

La Lobera: See directions in the photo caption here: http://community-2.webtv.net/TheBaja/505/page4.html
Just a reminder that you take the left branch at the only fork, driving in (the nice graded road).

[Edited on 7-1-2005 by David K]

bajaandy - 7-1-2005 at 06:40 AM

Sure looking forward to seeing all you Nomads down in the Baja for the Rosario Festival. Sounds like a lot of fun. Not sure if we'll come down late Thursday or early Friday, but we'll be there! The "three hour tour" sounds like fun too. Anybody else planning to bring something "especial" to drink around the campfire?

Bob H - 7-1-2005 at 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Bob, yes... it is all graded dirt road except for the mile over to El Cardonal, but that is level road.

La Bocana: Just follow the river course to the ocean... Leave pavement at the sharp left curve (Mama Espinoza's corner), by turning right (west)... then you come to a split... go left (across river) for El Rosario Abajo, La Bocana 4WD route, & Punta Baja. Go right for the 2WD longer route to La Bocana.

La Lobera: See directions in the photo caption here: http://community-2.webtv.net/TheBaja/505/page4.html
Just a reminder that you take the left branch at the only fork, driving in (the nice graded road).

[Edited on 7-1-2005 by David K]

This is good stuff man! Thanks. I'm putting everything on one document and that will be my guide.
Gracias,
Bob H

[Edited on 7-1-2005 by Bob H]

Debra - 7-1-2005 at 03:57 PM

Anyone that believes David's "3 hr. tour" is going to end up like Gilligan and "the rest" ......everybody has that dang song in their head now right?!!! :lol:

David K - 7-13-2005 at 07:06 PM

How about a sampling of Nomads who would like to caravan on this 3.5 hour?

Sat. AM or Sun. AM?

This is some pretty country seldom seen by 'gringos'... lots of cactus, mines, a rare desert river crossing (saw ducks here in July, 2000)...

The entire loop starting and ending in El Rosario is about 65 miles (31 dirt)...

Mile 0 El Rosario (at the curve/Mama Espinoza's) 9am?

Mile 5.1, turn left off highway, far side of bridge, head up valley... see El Castillo, across valley. Miles approx. from here... I was using GPS to record the trip mostly.

Mile 14, stop at trees near Cardonal (cardon cactus forest), in side valley 9:30-10?

Mile 18, after climbing up the Vibora Grade, stop by mine, note spanish moss on boojum tree

Mile 23, driving along top of ridge, pass road going down left to Rancho Los Martires

Mile 31, join with main road to Los Martires (Baja 2000 race course). 11 am?

Mile 32, SPLASH! Cross the San Juan de Dios river

Mile 33, Sauzalito copper mine ruins 11:15-11:45

Mile 36, Hwy. 1

Mile 64, El Rosario 12:30?

IF interested, the Camino Real can be seen just a couple miles from Mex. 1... on the way back to Rosario...

I think we would be game for this

Hook - 7-14-2005 at 01:45 PM

Either Sat or Sun would probably work for me.

I am in a heavy Ford diesel 4x4 with a Lance on the back. Not a dually. Is there really deep sand that might give me trouble? I have an airpump and can go as low as about 20 lbs. but not much lower as they are 10 plys.

David K - 7-15-2005 at 07:48 AM

Hook, no sand... all pretty firm road from what I recall last November when Antonio and I drove it.

Antonio may have something going on one of the days for us Nomads, and that will determin when we do the driving tour (SAT or SUN). I would suggest being at the Pemex station no later than 9 am to join the caravan. I will try and post which day before next Wednesday... Otherwise, be there Sat. at 9... If not the desert drive that day, then we will go somewhere like La Lobera or the museum or missions or ??? A rancher has invited us to visit his place, south of town as well.

As for the desert drive:
I put my truck into 4WD on two places (the steep climb up La Vibora) and crossing the San Juan de Dios river, but that may not have been needed. I will suggest that no 2WD passenger cars go, however.

David K - 7-15-2005 at 07:01 PM

EL CAMINO REAL near Mex. 1 (Km. 80-81)

On the way back to town, should anyone want to, I will pull off on the Punta San Carlos road (near Km. 81) and drive just 0.4/0.5 mi. on it, and then turn right (on the only side road) going 1.4 miles to see the Camino Real heading towards El Rosario. The old trail was obliterated by farm cultivating where it crossed the San Carlos road, so going the 1.4 miles on this side track will take you out of the tilled field and to the hills.

The GPS for the point where the mission trail can be seen heading straight for Rosario is: 30-01.167', 115-33.260' (NAD27). It is just a dirt path mind you, photos of it here at: http://vivabaja.com/1104/page5.html

Photos taken along the 3.5 hour tour route are at http://vivabaja.com/1104/page3.html and continue on the next page (4).

[Edited on 7-16-2005 by David K]

surfer jim - 7-15-2005 at 07:34 PM

Sat 9 am sounds good to me....

Bob H - 7-16-2005 at 03:59 PM

I'm up for the 3-hour tour (a three-hour tour!!). The weather started getting rough, the tiny truck was tossed... ugh.. can't get the song out of my head!!! :rolleyes:

Sat at 9am would work best for us, as we plan to head back to San Diego Sunday morning.
Bob H (and Audrey H)

Bob H - 7-27-2005 at 07:02 PM

Many thanks to Antonio for planning such a fantastic event. We didn't get to see a lot of the things going on, but this means we have a great excuse for coming back to see more of this great area!
Bob H

Thank you El Rosario and BajaCactus!

David K - 7-29-2005 at 06:55 PM

We are back... Friday.

What a week! What a great festival. Antonio was outstanding... He went 48 hours without sleep seeing to everything that needed to get done.

Arrived Friday about 10:45pm

Saturday:
We had a great desert tour with up to 9 vehicles, as mentioned by Bob H. Got to meet Frigatebird and Hook... The 3.5 hour tour was closer to 5, but no complaints!

The beauty pageant was packed and all were excited... good job by the judges... we didn't see it much of it. The winner was at the rodeo on Sunday riding a horse.

Did the petrified forest tour on Sunday, saw a bit of the rodeo, also a great special Baja Nomad breakfast hosted by Baja Cactus on Sunday!!!

Monday had breakfast with TheSquarecircle at Baja's Best (great food), visited with Rob and Anthony at Diamante Del Mar... stayed an extra day in Rosario. The food was outstanding...

More details in a trip report coming soon... LOT'S of pictures...

Spent the rest of the week on Shell Island.

What about the El Rosario celebration?

jrbaja - 7-29-2005 at 09:44 PM

Saturday in the hills eating dust? Thought this fest was about the community and what they have to offer???

Looking forward to the "Rest of the story"

Bedman - 7-30-2005 at 01:00 AM

"What about the El Rosario celebration?

Saturday in the hills eating dust? Thought this fest was about the community and what they have to offer???"
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Was that a Poke? Jab? Slap?
I truly don't understand the purpose of the negative connotations.

When I go somewhere, I do what I WANT.

If that's a drive off into the desert, interact with other people, go fishing, take a nap, make dinner for my friends or give my wife a massage.
It's "MY" choice and I don't give a damn what someone else thinks. I seldom follow suggestions, insinuations or maps and do just fine.

So, David.... When do we get to see all the pictures? And here the rest of the trip detials?

As always,

Bedman

[Edited on 7-30-2005 by Bedman]

Didn't mean you shouldn't have done what YOU did

jrbaja - 7-30-2005 at 08:36 AM

I was just hoping for some info. history of the town of El Rosario. Isn't that what the festival was about? Or was I mistaken and the festival was about something else entirely?

David K - 7-30-2005 at 08:59 AM

Were you asleep JR? Haven't you been reading the past month's posts on activities to do from El Rosario? Why didn'y you go and see it for yourself, you live closer to El Rosario, afterall? The desert tour was one of the activities Antonio asked me to do... On Saturday (or Sun.) morning when there was NO town activities.

The festival was a celebration of the birth of a town... with the establishment of a mission there in 1774.

Seeing what El Rosario area has was part of why we "gringos" went there during the festival. You see JR, there isn't a beauty pagaent or rodeo every weekend there. But there is a desert with cactus, beaches, geology, restaurants and more that we money spending gringos can enjoy ANY day we go.

Bedman, thanks for your interest... Photos are coming soon... I have made a file for them... next is to reduce them to under 50 KBS to meet Nomad requirements... then I will post.

Oh brother

jrbaja - 7-30-2005 at 09:24 AM

Look knuckleheads, I've heard plenty about the activities planned. Cool. Perfect for the DK group.
I was more interested in the stories, history of the town, fishing industry, Japanese factory, etc. that I know was part of the history of El Rosario. I thought that just might be part of the celebration of the town and events.
I still haven't heard anything about this kind of stuff which to me would have been a major part of an event like this. I read about the storytelling prior to the event?

WTF? Maybe you guys missed it? It didn't matter?

One thing for sure though, yer back! :lol:

David K - 7-30-2005 at 09:49 AM

Well, I am only one gringo JR... There were many others there and I can only report on what I saw and did.

Go to the trip reports forum and look for my photos if you wish, posting next. I did visit the Industry Expo in town, and have photos... Just have some patience...

Others took photos too, and it was a 'Nomad' group on the desert tour, not a DK group... The only knuckleheads were the ones who didn't go, but have no problem trying to cause problems from their keyboards...

By the way JR, one of 'us knuckleheads' left a big box of baseball equipment with your name on it, at Baja Cactus motel.

Knuckleheads don't

jrbaja - 7-30-2005 at 09:59 AM

leave donations for kids. Was it you that left the donations David?
And with your usual whining, you still haven't said anything about the history of El Rosario?
Perhaps I am impatient but I have been very curious as to parts of the history down there. I thought that this event would answer some questions. Obviously David, I would have gone if I could have.
Fortunately, some people who aren't in it for self promotion, like you, are sending me the info.
Now, let's see how many eyes you managed to pull the wool over during this latest event.

David K - 7-30-2005 at 10:44 AM

JR, you just don't stop. You want history??? It has been in my web site for years! http://vivabaja.com/bajamissions just click on El Rosario or any other mission you want photos and dates for.
I promote Baja, not me.

Who is the one who has advertised to take people into Baja for $$$. Who has some travel rescue outfit promoting same for $$$. Who is promoting himself here???

Did I say anything about Missions?

jrbaja - 7-30-2005 at 10:51 AM

There is a lot more history to El Rosario than Missions David. Obviously you were too busy doing whatever you do to find out about it.
Pretending to be somebody perhaps?

soulpatch - 7-30-2005 at 11:37 AM

Excellent protagonist/antagonist writing here :wow:

. Is somebody making all that petty one upmanship up as a joke or is the lame backbiting for real and not just a split personality having an external debate?

Bedman - 7-31-2005 at 12:55 AM

I must be one of the Coup Groupers, Picnche Gringos, DK Group. I'm tired of it and won't be silent anymore.

Smoke and Mirrors fail you miserably in your attempt to hide your petty poking and jabbing at anything anyone does that you deem Gringo-esque.

If, on the other hand, you have something positive to add to the thread, I'll read it and Thank You for your input. I truly think you have much more to offer this forum than spewing epithets like "Coup Groupers and Picnche Gringos". I can only presume your reference to "the DK group" was negative?

I don't believe the festival was about the history of El Rosario. I believe the festivals main purpose was to promote the city of El Rosario, the people, the places, the industry, and increase tourism. To show those, who in the past, who have thought of El Rosario simply as a refueling point. That there is More to see there than a gas station (sorry Antonio, it is a Wonderful station). Perchance, they might stay a day or two or more and enjoy. Maybe even have an opportunity to learn a little El Rosario history? Knuckleheads isn't very positive either.

With reference to donations. I've written many checks in large amounts to many worthy causes. Even to you, I have the canceled checks if you'd like to see them. I've never told anyone I made a donation, not even my wife. Every time you poke, jab and sling those hateful words You make me feel dirty for those donations. Not any more.

Lets try to be a bit more civilized and possibly even Thank Antonio (Thank you Antonio) for all the hard work he and many other people put into the festival. Hopefully there will be one every year for many years to come.

One of The Group.

Bedman

[Edited on 7-31-2005 by Bedman]

could that "tour" have been done

capt. mike - 7-31-2005 at 06:41 AM

in a 4X2 sport truck like my explorer?
just curious about which kind of roads i may try one day.

surfer jim - 7-31-2005 at 07:08 AM

It would be fine for any pickup truck...for the most part just the usual baja dirt roads...just seldom used in the is case....only the one spot where steeper climb and some rocks in the road would require a closer look before going up......

turtleandtoad - 7-31-2005 at 07:35 AM

That's it! I've had it with JR. He can't get past 3 posts without relying on mud slinging and name calling!

I thought that he had been provoked and I had missed it on some of the other threads, but after doing a search on his postings and reviewing them I've come to the conclusion that this vituperative attitude has proven to be the major part of his mental make-up and all it takes is an opposing or alternate view to set him off.

Like Bedman, I'm making it a point to NOT do business with JR or anything he's attached to from here on. Anyone who's idea of a conversation is to start spewing invectives when disagreed with isn't someone that I want to be associated with.

Me No - 7-31-2005 at 07:54 AM

Bedman, and toad. You got it totally wrong, again. JR was the one that was attacked. He has to use the delete button to try and save his public persona. Of course you guys didn't get to read that stuff because the father of the year had it removed. Enjoy your existence with the wool firmly in place. :lol:

Yep, looking back through the posts

jrbaja - 7-31-2005 at 08:50 AM

I see that most all of the attacks made by the coop groupers were deleted. :lol:

Nevertheless, a couple of gringo characters threatening to not help me doesn't mean squat :lol:

One day perhaps you shallow minded individuals will see what's really going on with these coop groupers, as most everyone else already has.

What thread were you reading?

Bedman - 7-31-2005 at 10:59 PM

I copied the thread and sent it to my sister. We were having some big Yuks over it and the ONLY post that I see that was deleted was Me No's.

Who else deleted?

I'd like to know.

turtleandtoad - 8-1-2005 at 05:11 AM

Me too, since I get e-mail notifications of all posts that also show the date/time and who posted it. I can't find any other deletions.

Bedman - 8-2-2005 at 12:13 AM

jrbaja,

I really would like to know WHO deleted a post on this thread?

(Also, I only need one more post and I'll be a real Nomad!! and it only took me 3 years)

[Edited on 8-2-2005 by Bedman]

[Edited on 8-2-2005 by Bedman]

Bedman - 8-2-2005 at 06:00 PM

JR, You've made ann accusatory statement and I would like to see your response. I can understand if you can't back it up with facts.

Hook - 8-3-2005 at 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
in a 4X2 sport truck like my explorer?
just curious about which kind of roads i may try one day.

I think there was a section on the Vibora grade where a 4x2 vehicle would have trouble unless it had a closed diff.

In fact, there was one rice burner on this trip that attempted the grade in 2wd and was forced to switch to 4wd. At least that's what the radio chatter indicated.

Your explorer would have had more weight on the drive wheels than the Toy truck, so it might have fared better. But the problem with owning a 2wd vehicle is not that you will not necessarily get stuck more often.....it's how often you will have to turn tail at terrain that "may" give you trouble. It will be frequent in Baja.

That said, if you're determined to keep the explorer in retirement, look into getting some kind of locking rear differential. Only deep sand will stop you in most cases.....and that stops alot of 4wd vehicles, too, due to their weight.

[Edited on 8-3-2005 by Hook]

[Edited on 8-3-2005 by Hook]

Neal Johns - 8-3-2005 at 07:10 PM

Hook is right on. Also put the biggest tires on it that will fit under the front fender well. (this won't be a very bigger tire, alas)