BajaNomad - Guerrero Negro or ????

Guerrero Negro or ????

bajabob - 9-28-2005 at 06:34 AM

Hi Nomads
I just found an old sweatshirt from my M/C days that states:
"I must hurry up and catch up to the others, for I am their LEADER"
What's even worse is that I'm leading a bunch of other Baja newbies on a 6-7 day trip and need some help with info on where to stay in or around Guerrero Negro. Researching the Nomad and other sites leads me to believe that this may not be a great destination for tourists/travelers (but then again I may be totally wrong). We will be coming up from San Ignacio, staying overnight in the vicinity of GN and then haulin back to our starting point in San Felipe. Any suggestions on favorite places to stay on the pacific side north of San Ignacio in the GN vicinity but south of the cutoff heading back over to Gonzaga/SF? Any places to avoid? Many thanks!
BTW we are going to be in SF, Gonzaga, BOLA, SF, San Ignacio from Oct 1-5. I would like to meet any nomads hanging out and find the best spot for a hefty margarita!

Diver - 9-28-2005 at 06:47 AM

Are you camping or hoteling ?
I would stay in GN anyway then head north.
No Place in Between !

So how do you plan to be in 5 or 6 places at once ?
Make sure to have your camera shutter speeds set to fast speed so the photos from the speeding car won't be blurry !! :lol:

If I were you, I would travel less and relax/enjoy more !! :biggrin:

David K - 9-28-2005 at 06:49 AM

See http://www.malarrimo.com for one option. That is Enrique Achoy's motel, restaurant, tour company, in Guerrero Negro... The restaurant once got extremely high ratings as one of Baja's best (by Greg Niemann)...

Personally, I would stay in San Ignacio (as it is only 90 miles from Guerrero Negro) at Ricardo's Internacional Rice and Beans (just off Mex. 1 at entrance road, on side paved road) OR Ignacio Springs Bed & Breakfast (on the river) http://www.ignaciosprings.com

San Ignacio is one of Baja's best special places, an oasis in the middle of the desert with a great Spanish mission, a river that comes out of the ground nearby, then goes back underground again...

Guerrero Negro is a salt mine company town... not real exciting.

[Edited on 9-28-2005 by David K]

bajajudy - 9-28-2005 at 06:56 AM

Ok in Guerrero Negro there is a bird refuge which is fun for a walk and has some interesting information on the birds that you will see. The last time I was there we saw white pelicans.
There is the old lighthouse/pier for sunset over the dunes. Quite a beautiful scene.
There is a tour of the salt factory which sounds kinda blah, but I enjoyed learning about the process.
We almost always stay at Malarrimo because you can walk to dinner. The restaurant has farmed oysters, lion's paw scallops and a pretty good steak. There are a number of stands along the main drag that are good. I have pix of a couple will post them next.
I enjoy GN for the above reasons. Also there is a pretty good grocery store...Tinge no that's not right but close. They have a good selection of produce, great chicken and Nery jack cheese, which is the best jack I have ever had.
No time for the photos right now. Have to take the dogs to the beach. Will post later.

bajajudy - 9-28-2005 at 08:12 AM

This is a stand on the right side of the road headed west. Excellent fresh seafood. The guy who owns it has had a neck brace on forever, dont know why. But he always makes some comment about his wife!?!?!?

GN

bajabob - 9-28-2005 at 08:13 AM

Diver,
We are actually on motorcycles, going from one place to the next, only about 100-120 miles/day. Oct 1 in SF, Oct 2 in Gonzaga, etc. Day 5 in San Ignacio. We may pass on staying in GN, we will be staying in motels.

bajajudy - 9-28-2005 at 08:15 AM

And this is the bird refuge

All that said I would stay in San Ignacio at Ignacio Springs B&B. Right on the river, killer breakfasts and Terry will cook dinner for you upon request.

http://www.ignaciosprings.com/main.html

Thanks for the pics and tips!

bajabob - 9-28-2005 at 08:18 AM

David K and BajaJudy
Thanks for the pictures and tips. The seafood sounds great but perhaps we would be better off staying south in San Ignacio for another day sightseeing or heading back to BOLA or Gonzaga for some R&R. Those places are really more suited to our group and would probably be more enjoyable. I do want to try my hand at catching some fish in BOLA so maybe we will change our plans. Looking forward to meeting you all. bob

ursidae69 - 9-28-2005 at 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
And this is the bird refuge

All that said I would stay in San Ignacio at Ignacio Springs B&B. Right on the river, killer breakfasts and Terry will cook dinner for you upon request.

http://www.ignaciosprings.com/main.html

Cool, a bird refuge! I know I'll have to stop there next time I'm that way! Thanks for the info!

wilderone - 9-28-2005 at 08:30 AM

You will find that all you're doing is DRIVING PAST Baja. There is plenty to enjoy - slow down and open your eyes to what is around you.

jr nomad

bajabob - 9-28-2005 at 08:49 AM

Hey look,
I'm a junior nomad! No longer a newbie

bajajudy - 9-28-2005 at 09:23 AM

I dont blame you. I do believe that I am the only person in the world who enjoys stopping in Guerrero Negro.

San Ignacio is a beautiful mission town. I know this wont sound great but you can go up through the dump and get up on the mesa above town and the view is spectacular.
You can also arrange for a trip to the cave paintings in the office next to the museo. Your bikes would be perfectly safe at the B&B.

Have fun...we will be expecting a trip report complete with pictures!

yes jr nomad commands quite a bit more respect...

eetdrt88 - 9-28-2005 at 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabob
Hey look,
I'm a junior nomad! No longer a newbie

than a newbie :lol:

wornout - 9-28-2005 at 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabob
Hi Nomads
I just found an old sweatshirt from my M/C days that states:
"I must hurry up and catch up to the others, for I am their LEADER"
What's even worse is that I'm leading a bunch of other Baja newbies on a 6-7 day trip and need some help with info on where to stay in or around Guerrero Negro. Researching the Nomad and other sites leads me to believe that this may not be a great destination for tourists/travelers (but then again I may be totally wrong). We will be coming up from San Ignacio, staying overnight in the vicinity of GN and then haulin back to our starting point in San Felipe. Any suggestions on favorite places to stay on the pacific side north of San Ignacio in the GN vicinity but south of the cutoff heading back over to Gonzaga/SF? Any places to avoid? Many thanks!
BTW we are going to be in SF, Gonzaga, BOLA, SF, San Ignacio from Oct 1-5. I would like to meet any nomads hanging out and find the best spot for a hefty margarita!

We have gone to GN a couple of times, from San Felipe, to watch the whales. There are a couple of good places to stay and a little cheaper than SI. I don't remember the names but they are easy to find. They are both on the right side of the road in to town, off Hwy 1, and BEFORE you get to town.

The first one is either the first or second motel on that road. You will recognize it by the fact you have to drive between the Office and the Restaurant to enter the compound. It has good security and good food. When we stayed 2 years ago, he said he has the best lobster or it was free. The rooms were around 20-25 and clean. It is a motel with a few RV spots inside the compound.

The other place is not too far past this one and it is a Motel with an RV Park in the rear. It was pretty reasonable but not as reasonable as the first place.

I am sure either will do after a days ride on a bike. They worked for us when we came in on our dune buggies and were looking for a hot shower and a clean room.

Good luck.

[Edited on 9-28-2005 by wornout]

comitan - 9-28-2005 at 10:30 AM

I agree with wornout the first restaurant on the right (Cazaderos) good food inexpensive, 200ft more on the right is the Motel, There is someone in the parking area all night, Iv'e seen Pickups loaded with stuff parked there. 200 pesos.

Hook - 9-28-2005 at 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabob
David K and BajaJudy
Thanks for the pictures and tips. The seafood sounds great but perhaps we would be better off staying south in San Ignacio for another day sightseeing or heading back to BOLA or Gonzaga for some R&R. Those places are really more suited to our group and would probably be more enjoyable. I do want to try my hand at catching some fish in BOLA so maybe we will change our plans. Looking forward to meeting you all. bob

If you want to try fishing at BOLA, it would be wise to build in two days there as the wind can wipe out an entire day. If you get lucky and can get out the first day, so much the better.

At that time of year, no reservations needed anywhere.

BOLA fishing

bajabob - 9-28-2005 at 02:34 PM

From some of the previous posts about the winds of BOLA, I'm heading in at the first sign of a breeze. No mas Muerto Nomads..I'm not a nautical person although I do love to snorkel, but getting caught and driven out to sea is not beneficial. Remember, I am their LEADER... :spingrin:

woody with a view - 9-28-2005 at 03:03 PM

Quote:

All that said I would stay in San Ignacio at Ignacio Springs B&B. Right on the river, killer breakfasts and Terry will cook dinner for you upon request.

can't agree more. the rooms are great. kayaks on the river are included. best breakfast in baja waiting when you wake up. all for 200 pesos a head...

[Edited on 9-28-2005 by woody in ob]

bajajudy - 9-28-2005 at 03:54 PM

Woody
When was that photo taken. The last time we were there they were cleaning all the growth from the river. Is that the new Yurt?
Cool.

woody with a view - 9-28-2005 at 04:30 PM

this past june. i had the BEST sleep i've had in a long time on the way down. maybe the straight thru from s.d. had something to do with it, but i can't recommend enough!!!

there were four in our group so we actually slept closer to the kitchen in a bigger yurt than in the foto.

woody with a view - 9-28-2005 at 05:08 PM

view towards the yurt across from us at sunset:

[Edited on 9-29-2005 by woody in ob]

bajajudy - 9-28-2005 at 05:12 PM

Hard to tell much from that. But that does look like Gary's fold up boat in the foreground.
I do love that place. It is truly an oasis within an oasis.
When the dates are falling from all those date palms, Gary takes them to his farm and feed them to his hogs....well I will tell you that you will never have better pork in your life. We were fortunate to be there for a pork roast dinner. To die for.
Do make a reservation...was it Bob...as they fill up pretty fast.

bajajudy - 9-28-2005 at 05:14 PM

This was taken from the dock there.

David K - 9-28-2005 at 05:57 PM

bajabob, why not go straight north from San Ignacio/Vizcaino to L.A. Bay and avoid the double crossing of Baja via Guerrero Negro?

Also, you can scope out San Francisquito that way... a truly beautiful place!

Do you know how I mean?

A few miles past Vizcaino, take the graded road northeast to Guillermo Prieto. Then straight north across the border to the San Francisquito-El Arco road (at Arroyo La Purificacion on the maps). A side trip to Mision Santa Gertrudis is easy from this road, as well.

Just a thought!? :wow:

GPS data for this road is in my web site's GPS page.

Anonymous - 9-28-2005 at 07:42 PM

With no camper - stay in San Ignacio. You could also take the Pacific coast route after that- Abreojos - Tortugas - Vizcaino.

WEveryone has the favorite routes - some promote them more than others. Just explore and find yours!

great photos and tips

bajabob - 9-29-2005 at 07:51 AM

Woody and BajaJudy,
thanks nice photos and excellent advice. Sounds like a great place, But with all that said, the info I have gleaned from this post has left me with a feeling that the B&B in San Ignacio is someplace I must take my wife to for our anniversary. That's a romantic place!

El Arco

bajabob - 9-29-2005 at 07:56 AM

David K,
I know what you mean and I'll check out the alternate route. Some of the fellows wanted to check out the missions and El Arco, my friend Ric wanted to try to cross the uncharted goat trail from El Arco to BOLA but thankfully I talked him out of it. Ol' Corky may still make a go of it; hope to see him in BOLA or Gonzaga. Thanks, bob

David K - 9-29-2005 at 08:47 AM

Hmmm... uncharted goat trail huh?

Well, the eastern branch of the El Camino Real (The Gulfo Camino) starts near El Arco and goes northeast to Tinaja Santa Maria, then curves northwest passing Rancho La Bocana and heads up Arroyo San Pedro to San Gregorio and Mision San Borja.

I have been on parts of it, and I do not think it is entirely rideable on a m/c... a mule yes!

Here's Tinaja Santa Maria on the Gulfo Camino Real:

Here's La Bocana's workout center (behind the ranchhouse)

Here's the road between La Bocana and Tinaja Santa Maria, very near the Gulfo Camino... Note giant cardons!

You guys will have fun no matter what you decide!

Uncharted goat trails

bajabob - 9-29-2005 at 08:58 AM

Yes, that's it! Uncharted on the Baja Almanac but not the Baja Nomad! No burros coming with us this trip so I will pass on the gnarly boulders. I will send this photo to my friend Ric to remind him of what he will be missing out on. Gracias!

bajalera - 9-29-2005 at 09:21 AM

The Melarrimo [sp?] is a pleasantly funky place that doesn't follow the usual hotel game-plan, with rooms neatly arranged around a central hallway. It's been added onto here and there, sort of helter-skelter. The decor is different, too--one room we stayed in had a whale-tale stairway that led up to a loft bed--my young granddaughter loved it!--and some of the lamp shades are made out of cirio tree skeletons. Cool place.

Great photos, Judy, along with a lot of interesting info. You really do get around!

Lera

bajajudy - 9-29-2005 at 10:41 AM

Thanks, Lera
My area of expertise is definitely BCS. Dont often go north of Guerrero Negro, although we did spend a good bit of time in Bahia de Los Angeles and points south along the coast and inland. One of the most interesting days I have ever spent in Baja was in Posa Alaman(not sure on the spelling...its an old mine) I am saving those photos for publication as I got some unbelievable shots there.
BTW...did you check you u2u?

turtleandtoad - 9-29-2005 at 03:12 PM

If you're into fresh water fishing, while you're at SI toss a line into the first lagoon. You might be surprised at what's in there.

bajajudy - 9-29-2005 at 03:32 PM

My picture is from that lagoon which is river fed. You can fish from the dock at San Ignacio B&B. They even have tackle. You can fish from one of their kayaks.
I guess you can tell that I really love the place.

bajalera - 9-29-2005 at 04:06 PM

Judy, I'm right withya on that! Those friendly Canacians have done a wonderful job of adapting the accommodations to the situation instead of vice versa.

Yep, got the U2U. Thanks again.

What type of fish are there in the river?

Anonymous - 10-1-2005 at 12:40 AM

Fresh water fish in Baja? Pirahnna?

Anonymous - 10-1-2005 at 07:25 AM

i have just joined the nomads, altho for some reason cannot log in. i am 67 live in denver formely san bernardino ca, been to san felipe lots and puerto penasco, just bought a jeep cherokee , that is pretty much stock, and am planing to go to baja sur for a extended camping and fishing trip, i need some advice . i am on supplemental oxygen aand need to know where i can get bottles filled in mex ? i am able to carry a 10 day supply with me i figure on camping 3 days then a motel for a day or so . i want to go to l,a,bay loretto conception bay, is the camping safe there also want to stop in san quintin but hear about campers being robbed thier so don't know about that altho my cherokee is in great shape and has just had a 60,000service new brakes and shock ,it is stock. should it be modified in any way for the trip ,also read somewhere you can't bring extra gas down to baja is that true? enough for now i hope some one can help me and answer by my e mail , till i can log in thanks jim :lol:

Type of fish in lagoon!!

Corky1 - 10-1-2005 at 07:58 AM

The fish in the lagoon are both salt and fresh water swimmers.
ie- They go both ways such as some enclaves known to frequent San Francisco.

They are mud sucking bottom feeders that are afraid to show their faces to the light of day for fear they may have to stand up and defend what they print but won't sign.

I call them "Anonymous Fish"

My .02

:fire:

Corky

P.S. Not meant for Jim from Colo.

turtleandtoad - 10-1-2005 at 05:48 PM

Actually they are Israel Carp and Bass (I met the guy who's responsible for the bass being in there on my last trip)

turtleandtoad - 10-1-2005 at 06:23 PM

Jim from CO.

Welcome to the group; I'm an old SB High alum myself (among other places).

I'm afraid I can't help on the O2 but I can give you my opinion on some of the other questions.

1) safe camping - yes, it's safe. I boondock in a lot of the places, including Bahia Concepcion and haven't had any problems or heard of any. (I haven't heard of any problems at San Quintin, I stopped there last year but maybe someone else has newer info). That said, I can't recommend boondocking/camping on the beach at San Quintin because of all the migrant workers employed at the produce plants/farms. I would recommend you stay at one of the RV parks.

2) Jeep - Should be OK, the only mods would be good tires and a good spare (two if you're into serious off-roading).

3) Extra Gas - Why would you want to bring the expensive US gas into Mexico? It's a lot cheaper in Baja. Unless you plan on getting really off the beaten path, and you can get 250 -300 miles on a tank, you shouldn't need extra gas. But if you do, just bring the gas cans and fill them up on the Mexican side of the border. The worst streach is the 'gas gap' between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria, a distance of 195 miles (but you might want to continue on another 22 miles to Guerrero Negro for fuel as there has been reports of people being ripped off at the JM Pemex station.) Of course, the turn-off to LA Bay is along this 'gas gap' and there is a new Pemex station at LA Bay now.

Ask lots of questions here and pick up a copy of Mike and Terri Church's Travelers Guide to Camping Mexico's Baja. (www.rollinghomes.com) and you'll be all set.

David K - 10-1-2005 at 07:28 PM

Independent gasoline distributors sell gasoline at the L.A. Bay turnoff for about $3/gal. and at Catavina when the Pemex pump in front of the hotel is closed.