BajaNomad - 2-22-2007 at 02:45 PM
A forum reader has emailed me the following. I inquired why he did not post it himself, to which he replied that he was still very new to using a
computer. Here's what he sent...
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TO: DOUG MEANS:
First of all, I love your WEBSITE!!! (it's like my soap opera) Have to read everyday. That said, I will get to the point of this e-mail, it's in
reference, to a post by Shark's Baja, on "Circumnavigating Baja by truck". This too has been a dream of mine. I would like to hear from you and your
reader's comments on my plan trip. (Could you post this email on your website for me)
INTRODUCE MYSELF
- Gary from Sun City, CA
- Member of Discover Baja Travel Club
- Conductor for Union Pacific Railroad (Retired) free to do what I want any old time.
Here are the pluses for the trip.
1. I have the time and ability to acquire equipment I would need for the trip - but not necessarily as much information as I might need at a minimum
to make/attempt the trip.
2. Current Rig - 2007 GMC truck.
3. Boat - 2006 Gregor - 17' Baja & 40 HP Honda outboard on a pacific big wheel trailer with a spare tire that turns into a (tricycle) for hand
beach launching. This is a sweet little boat with all the goodies for fishing.
4. Honda 2000 EV Enverter generator for Air compressor also for making coffee, charge batteries, etc.
5. Camping equipment (tent, etc.)
6. Fish tackle (two milk crates full), Shimano reels - spinning to 2 speed 30's Rods - Calstar - lite to the Baja boomer's, fishing maps of Baja both
sides.
7. Thirty-eight years travel and surfing and fishing from (T.J. to Cabo) never had any trouble.
8. Digital Canon Power Shot S50 Camera with extra batteries and cards.
NOW THE NEGATIVE.
1. My education - High School grad., some college. It has been a long time since I've been to school . My writing and spelling are bad to say the
least. But I will try a daily report, maybe weekly instead.
2. Computer - (Laptop) I assume I would need training in sending emails with photo attachments. Need input from readers. I'm willing to drive to
do training for this. (Also email video to the website).
3. Satellite Dish - Internet Uplink. Again need training and input from you and your readers!!! Maybe Baja Blaster portable internet Satellite
System by Orbital Enterprises as seen on your website.
OUTLINE TRIP PLAN.
Leave when all equipment and training are done and bought. I'm thinking maybe Satellite phone and call-in trip report to members to post on your
website.
For me, start trip at Mexicali working my way down, keep going on down Sea of Cortez side then back up the Pacific side. I will stay out of big towns
just as La Paz Cabo and stay in smaller towns of Puertecitos, Baja Verde maybe Las Arenas San Jose del Cabo. This is just a rough outline of the
trip. I will probably use the above mentioned pueblos as base camps and make day trips to unchartered areas.
Thank you and hoping to hear from you or your readers.
baitcast - 2-22-2007 at 04:47 PM
Hi Gary Whats holding you up? From the looks of things you know your way around already pretty good,I thought that trip sounded good myself.That
jimmy a 4/4 I would think a guy should have one for a trip like that.
One problem I might mention the boat and trailer,wash board roads and trailers do not get along well,thats why I always car topped mine,these
are only thoughts of one old dude to another
Whats education got to do with it?......Its all I can do to keep this thing running let alone send pic,s
Health good?.........If this is what you really want to do don,t wait to long.I,ll leave for now and check in from time to time.
BAITCAST
Along the shores of Baja
Sharksbaja - 2-22-2007 at 09:54 PM
Hi Gary, welcome. Thanks for finding inspiration from my post.
Don't underestimate this trip. I emphasize caution here because this kind of venture would require a keen eye toward safety and survival. You would
be driving some very seldom used roads as well as having to back-track and make detours at any turn. This is a trip for the hardy!
I like your idea of day trips but always allow for more time. A day trip can take three sometimes
If you have the gumption for such an ordeal you have my blessing. 
I have been studying routes and tracks for several years that would be used and some of those tracks are next to impossible to locate without very
good info,
Now, with that said I feel safer in the backcountry more than I did 30 yrs ago. Not because of more people and civilization springing up but because
if you are armed with modern tools and toys it makes it that much more doable.
You really do need a computer configured with a good GPS system and software & the knowledge on how to use it.
You really should have a good FM transceiver or Sat Phone.
If you do have a mobile sat system you can do somthing else. You can use Google Earth coupled to your GPS and find out visually and numerically where
you are. You could also upload your photos and trip report like you suggested.
Check out Nomad "Bajabus" . He is an authorized mobile internet sat dealer and will help you all the way to understanding how to get it up and
running fast.
Don't be afraid to ask relavant questions , just be sure you are there to answer. This forum moves along rapidly. If you post something you need to
stay tuned to receive feedback & give your replies . Otherwise it would be best to check-in here once or twice a week with a new post....or.... do
what Graham McIntosh does, by sending emails to a Nomad for posting every couple of weeks or so.
Vehicle upgrades are way too many to discuss now but if you research well you can find solutions and recommendations from this place.
Boats should be on the vehicle. No way to back up some roads with one. We have towed military trailers off-road and it can be quite a pain somtimes.
Go w/o if possible. Boats are not necessary to catch fish. 
Here are a few things I think would be some fundamental criteria for such a trip
1. Become a Nomad to help plan your trip, talking to you without your
participation would be a difficult thang.
2. Familiarize yourself well with your vehicle off-road by taking some
shakedown cruises to BCN if you already haven't
3. Be sure you can deal with backcountry breakdowns or bring along someone who
can.
4. Study and research your trip thoroughly. Gather books, maps, trip reports
from others, GPS waypoints and the ability to navigate.
5. Prepare for the worst case scenario(s).
6.Pray to the surf and fish gods daily!