BajaNomad - Baja Travel - caravaning nomads

Baja Travel - caravaning nomads

edm1 - 8-23-2006 at 09:44 PM

Would there be a wide interest in a free "matching service" to arrange Baja caravans, e.g. from San Diego into Baja and back. This of course would meet a new "need" brought about by the recent Baja highway safety incidents.

Conceivably, it would go like this. I'll put up a free website/page where:
1. anyone interested would be able to create a "Baja trip window" (for example: Sept 9-16 2006, Farthest destination: Puertecitos).
2. Then anyone interested in a created trip window would be able to "enlist" in that trip (with no obligation, just a show of interest) with email address
3. The creator of the trip window would then contact the list of interested people for the purpose of reaching a consensus as to routes, etc. etc.

What do you guys think? Suggestions? Issues? Concerns?

BajaNomad - 8-23-2006 at 09:57 PM

For something that simple, I would think you could just use the Baja Travel Companions forum here.

If you had some more complex thoughts on putting something like this together (and I'm not sure it would be worthwhile for either the short or long term), then maybe something that was out on its own might be the better choice.

Just my $.02.

--
Doug

Doug

edm1 - 8-23-2006 at 10:12 PM

The added feature (that the travel companion forum does not have) would be that the webpage would show the created trips and the number of people who already enlisted. For example, if I wanted to caravan to Baja in September and I see that sept 23-30 already has a couple vehicles listed, I would enlist in that trip, instead of creating say a new 9/9-16,2006 trip AND WAIT till someone else enlists.

In the travel companion forum, one posts and wait with uncertainty if someone responds in the affirmative.

Anyway, just a thought.

shari - 8-24-2006 at 07:46 AM

As I suggested in an earlier post, this is something that it seems we need to get organized. Now, I don't have alot of time for alot of internet stuff and I often just limit my time online to check mail and Nomad Today's Posts so I personally would like to see this as part of this particular Forum if possible. If not, I shall certainly participate in whatever goes....Having said that, I need to get to the airport on Sept.22 so would like to travel from say Guerrero Negro to TJ on the 20 or 21st. Anyone going north then? I'm happy I have Mexican plates for sure! Anyone know if Larry and Raquel(bless her soul) had mexican plates?

Bajame - 8-24-2006 at 08:21 AM

Planning to leave right after Labor Day heading to San Ignacio. Sure would like to caravan down with someone. Let me know if your heading down that way.

fandango - 8-24-2006 at 11:57 AM

i was planning on a run to bahia de los angeles from ensenada on 23 september, returning a few days later. i don't feel comfortable making that drive now without a few friends, maybe not even then. i think a serious message was sent to us with raquel and larrys incident. now feel compelled to caravan back to the US with friends who are visiting. i would definately participate in a forum to caravan for different trips. and drink,er, suffer in silence if i had to extend my stay by a week to match the plans of my caravan companions.

Al G - 8-24-2006 at 03:08 PM

Doug, can we have a sticky at the top of today's post? Something like "Crossing dates"

BajaNomad - 8-24-2006 at 03:20 PM

Al,

Cannot sticky the posts on the today's posts page - that can only be done in the specific forums.

--
Doug

jimgrms - 8-24-2006 at 04:17 PM

I was advised at one time to just wait somewhere safe on hwy 1 for a few gringos to pass and just follow and get a cb and communicate lots of travelers have them but it is a very good idea also carry a can of bear pepper spray

Caravan-2 vehicle-3 vehicle-4 vehicle.......whatever

Bedman - 8-25-2006 at 12:17 AM

Even after 40 years of travelling across the border, I'd be interested in a caravan.

Bedman "ampersan" aol.com

surfer jim - 8-25-2006 at 08:15 AM

This is an interesting idea even without the "violence" issue.....just having other vehicle(s) traveling together would be good....

DianaT - 8-25-2006 at 09:38 AM

Never thought we would be looking for other cars to follow, but now we might. The idea of a web-page, IMO, is good.

Diane

kingpin - 8-25-2006 at 10:57 AM

This is a great idea! AND, a nice way to meet other Nomads. I am not so sure about advertising departure times though.

Lots of details to work out, but a great start to discussion.

[Edited on 8-25-2006 by kingpin]

shari - 8-25-2006 at 12:43 PM

Perhaps we could U2U departure times then and just give approximate dates on this board. I'm generally not the paranoid type but...it's weird, I find I'm even questioning the Newbies!!! I feel I can trust many of the super nomads of long standing and I like how you vouch for each other. Is there any way we could somehow figure out a personal recommendation system...perhaps on our profiles or something like that. I always wonder what people have to hide when they don't list their home port or anything. I would feel better about contacting someone to caravan if I knew they were OK and some other Nomad knows them....ya cant' be too careful these days.

Skeet/Loreto - 8-25-2006 at 03:29 PM

If I may suggest, if you have to go thru TJ go the Free Road and stay off the Toll Road.
As I posted in another Thread, go thru Tecate and then South and in the Daytime, stay in San Quintin at the Los Ciros, depart early and travel to GN all in Broad Daylight.
If you really want an Adventure go through Guyamas, take the Ferry across to Santa Rosalia then you will be in the Great State of Baja Sur and by Pass the Crowded Areas of the North. It is not a long trip across Baja to the Pacific.

Skeet/Loreto

caravaning to Loreto

Julie - 8-25-2006 at 03:37 PM

Mike and I traveled from Loreto to Rosarito last Sunday, our only complaint was there were too many trucks and cars, took 15 hours. We were sick to hear about Larry and Rachel, friends we looked forward to seeing several times a year in Loreto.

We are planning to return in late Sept, early Oct, we are a somewhat flexible,. We reopen the Iguana Inn after a much needed vacation on the 7th of Oct. Anyone headed down around that time, email us at iguanainn@yahoo.com maybe we can arrange a convoy.

Julie Ramos
Iguana Inn

edm1 - 8-25-2006 at 06:34 PM

Thank you all for the warm reception of the idea.

Shari, I can understand your mistrust because it's one of my concerns that need to be dealt with before such an idea can be implemented, for example:

1. Legitimacy/trustworthiness of a person you're caravaning with - what if it's a planned trip where one vehicle is in cahouts with the bad guys? How do we get legit ID information on participants?
2. What if the bad guys are watching the trip schedules and setup an ambush? How do we "hide" the schedules and yet make it available for people to enlist for the trips?
3. Do we trust a newbie to host a service and house trip/people's information? (I would not object to let Doug host the service, though; I'm willing to develop the website application for him).
4. If this free service gets implemented, how does it affect the Nomad forum? its travel advertisers, will this service be competing with them?

I'm sure there are other issues that you guys can come up with. It is not paranoia, they are legit issues that need to be addressed when designing a system. Let's keep those issues coming out, and the suggestions to deal with such issues.

And Shari, I updated my profile - this newbie is from Southern Ca, if that hepls, and I haven't been to Baja. The only thing that's keeping me from Baja now is the safety concern raised by the recent violence.

HuH!!

Al G - 8-26-2006 at 03:57 PM

Sounds a little paranoid to me. I know most criminals are not to bright, but I summit that no one would be so stupid to leave so much evidence to hide for so little reward.
Let us say you want to be very careful to make people feel better.
Require:
1)People to color fax a) Passport or b) D.L. and birth cert.
To a volunteer "known" Nomad. This Nomad would email the I.D.'s (photos only) to lead Nomad.
What do you think? Can you refine it better?

[Edited on 8-26-2006 by Al G]

Ken Cooke - 8-30-2006 at 09:45 PM

For $99.00 you can carry a cardboard cut out of me sitting in your front seat. Trust me, noone in their right mind would bother you from TJ to Cabo and back!

For $119 you can get two for one!

Send the money to: :biggrin:

jorgie - 8-31-2006 at 05:08 AM

Sounds good but I and many others would like a caravan site east of S D.
A number of Canada types like myself travel through Yuma and would like to pick up a caravan at the best possible crossing. I plan the first week in November as a crossing and would be interested in meeting up with a caravan in that area .
I couldn't handle a site but would participate and spread the word.
I hope everyone takes good care and has a great day
jorgie
geo@nethop.net

jorgie - 8-31-2006 at 05:13 AM

this is a great idea. I have made note of it
Have a great day.....................................................jorgie

shari - 8-31-2006 at 12:18 PM

Ken Cook, you are brilliant bro! Now that is the best idea I've heard yet that addresses the violence problem...plus I'd be honored to have your cutout as my copilot! Can he share the driving?

Ken

Baja Bernie - 8-31-2006 at 01:29 PM

Do you suppose you could give discounts during the winter months???? You might think of advertising like those bouncing 'baby on board' things---just change it to "Mr. T on board"---now that is double protection.

Ken Cooke - 9-1-2006 at 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Do you suppose you could give discounts during the winter months???? You might think of advertising like those bouncing 'baby on board' things---just change it to "Mr. T on board"---now that is double protection.

DISCOUNT??? THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC, NOT A REPLICA 0F THE REAL KEN COOKE. HOW DO YOU EXPECT MY COMPETITION TO STAY IN BUSINESS WITH A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS IF I AM GOING TO DISCOUNT MY $99.00 "Cardboard Cutout-Brother?" Hmmmm?

Here is Farley Jackmaster Funk showing the world that I am the original, not a cheap imitation! :lol:

Ken Cooke - 9-1-2006 at 09:09 PM

$29.99 and you can have a Chinese-produced replica of Chalino Sanchez. No guarantees the Mexican military will get the joke though... :lol:

pierguy - 9-2-2006 at 09:39 AM

Long time lurker, first time poster here....we're leaving from Sandie Eggo on the early morning of Sept. 23 to La Paz, and leaving La Paz on either the 29th or 30th.

If your destination doesn't go that far, no problem, still hook up with us, as far as you can go.

We're trailering down a 22' boat, with 4 other boaters in tow (two for sure, two not yet committed).

PM for more details.

[Edited on 9-2-2006 by pierguy]

DianaT - 9-2-2006 at 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

But what is the price for a 3-d model---maybe an inflatable one?

Natalie Ann - 9-2-2006 at 12:56 PM

Ken, I haven't stopped laughing since I began reading your posts to this thread. Real coffee-splurter kind of image - riding with the cardboard Ken.
I'm wondering if perhaps I might order the inflatable version of Farley Jackmaster Funk... :rolleyes:

Diver - 9-2-2006 at 01:40 PM

How much for the one of you sitting in the jeep.
We can paste it in the side window with your elbow mounted outside.
It will also help keep the sun off my wife ! :lol:

Ken Cooke - 9-2-2006 at 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
How much for the one of you sitting in the jeep.
We can paste it in the side window with your elbow mounted outside.
It will also help keep the sun off my wife ! :lol:

This is more realistic - it is going to cost you bigtime...

Diver - 9-2-2006 at 09:09 PM

I'm looking forward to meeting you some day, Ken Cooke !!
Thanks for being you !

pierguy - 9-11-2006 at 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
i was planning on a run to bahia de los angeles from ensenada on 23 september, returning a few days later. i don't feel comfortable making that drive now without a few friends, maybe not even then. i think a serious message was sent to us with raquel and larrys incident. now feel compelled to caravan back to the US with friends who are visiting. i would definately participate in a forum to caravan for different trips. and drink,er, suffer in silence if i had to extend my stay by a week to match the plans of my caravan companions.

Fandango, sent you a U2U msg, hope you got it, but if not, trailer down with us on the 23rd and we are staying for a near week. PM me for more details. Hope you can make it happen. But we're going down a bit further, you can certainly turn off at the BOLA junction tho' or better yet, hit up La Paz with us.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=19049

[Edited on 9-11-2006 by pierguy]

[Edited on 9-11-2006 by pierguy]