BajaNomad - Need help, first Baja NORTE Exploration

Need help, first Baja NORTE Exploration

edm1 - 5-8-2007 at 06:16 AM

Vehicle: High-Clearance off-road/sand-proven RV, self-contained
Interests: Serenity, seafood, strictly dry-camp and subsist on "home/RV prepared" food, NO RV parks.
Duration: 10 days

Preliminary itinerary:

San Ysidro border crossing
SOUTHBOUND Mex3 - Ensenada to San Felipe
Puertecitos/Calamajue/Coco's Corner

Optional (if time and interest permit) - Bahia de los Angeles

NORTHBOUND Mex1 - Catavina to El Rosario/Ensenada
Back to San Ysidro Border crossing

Looking for Baja Nomads' favorite (GPS waypoints please if available):
1. Secluded/safe spots Sea of Cortez-side between (or around) San Felipe and Coco's Corner - to dry-camp overnight
2. Secluded/safe spots Pacific-side between (or around) El Rosario and Ensenada -to dry-camp overnight
3. Nice/Safe places to visit between (or around) Coco's Corner and El Rosario
4. Nice/Safe places to visit between (or around) El Rosario and Ensenada
5. Grocery store within my itinerary for buying supplies and for gasoline
6. Fish/seafood markets/stores/sources (preferably fresh catch by the shore)

[Edited on 5-10-2007 by edm1]

TMW - 5-8-2007 at 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
Need help with first Baja Sur Exploration

Vehicle: High-Clearance off-road/sand-proven RV, self-contained
Interests: Serenity, seafood, strictly dry-camp and subsist on "home/RV prepared" food
Duration: 10 days

Preliminary itinerary:

San Ysidro border crossing
SOUTHBOUND Mex3 - Ensenada to San Felipe
Puertecitos/Calamajue/Coco's Corner

Optional (if time and interest permits) - Bahia de los Angeles

NORTHBOUND Mex1 - Catavina to El Rosario/Ensenada
Back to San Ysidro Border crossing

Looking for Baja Nomads' favorite:
1. Secluded/safe spots Sea of Cortez-side between (or around) San Felipe and Coco's Corner - to dry-camp overnight
2. Secluded/safe spots Pacific-side between (or around) El Rosario and Ensenada -to dry-camp overnight
3. Nice/Safe places to visit between (or around) Coco's Corner and El Rosario
4. Nice/Safe places to visit between (or around) El Rosario and Ensenada
5. Grocery store within my itinerary for buying supplies and for gasoline
6. Fish/seafood markets/stores/sources (preferably fresh catch by the shore)

Not to be picky but Baja Sur is a long way further south. However everything your looking for is right where your going. Stop often and enjoy all around you.

edm1 - 5-8-2007 at 11:59 AM

TW, sorry, I meant Baja NORTE (edited post above).

cbuzzetti - 5-8-2007 at 01:59 PM

Post pics of RV, would like to see what you are driving. I am looking for a good offroad camper that is not going to break the bank.

Of the places you are going I have only overnighted in San Quitin. I stayed at the Old Mill RV Park.

I hear alot of good things about Punta Baja. The turn off is in El Rosario I believe.

larry - 5-8-2007 at 02:00 PM

You have chosen a route that I have traveled several times in recent years (except that I cross at Mexicali or Tecate). I recommend that you stock up on groceries in Tijuana or Mexicali. After you get south of San Felipe, there is not a great selection of fresh food in stores until Bahia de los Angeles, and though adequate there, you may not be able to find everything you want (if you have your heart set on a particular item).

Bahia Gonzaga, south of San Felipe, is one of the most attractive spots that I have visited. In part this is due to the fact that the road there from Puertecitos south is extremely challenging. Be prepared to travel very slowly and be prepared for flats. Because this road is so difficult, many people don't come to Gonzaga---and that is just fine.

There are two formal campgrounds there with palapas, outhouses and cold showers. I have stayed twice at Campo Beluga. It is clean and well maintained. There is a mini market there which sells fresh seafood. There is a mini market (Rancho Grande) on the road as well. Both have a very limited selection (although Rancho Grande has a fairly big liquor section).

There is also a Pemex Station on the road in Gonzaga. It has had gas both times that I have been there (in December). You should certainly fill up before you leave San Felipe, and again in Gonzaga if gas is available. There are no more Pemex stations until Bahia de los Angeles (I understand a second Pemex just opened there).

I highly recommend Daggetts campground in Bahia de los Angeles. It has hot showers, clean flush toilets and a beautiful location. There are other nice places to camp nearby as well.

BajaWarrior - 5-8-2007 at 04:33 PM

Bring two empty gas cans, fill them in Baja (technically they wont let you bring them in), load on your roof, tie off to rack railing, lock up with cable and lock. It will be a nice little reserve, pour them into the tank on your way home if not used.

Shop at your home store, freeze beef and chicken, your on a mission, you don't have time to shop at three differant places to fill a grocery list and you don't want to leave your rig in a parking lot unattended. Buy fish in Baja, bring filet knife. Buy lots of limes, they're cheap.

Bring LARGE cooler to store ice and beer in. I mean large, like Costco large, like so big you can't pick it up large. The price of Ice has gone up a bit, $10 will fill one of those baby's at an ice house, or spend twice that at your grocery store and your done. Replenish in L.A. Bay with ice.

It has turned hot in Baja already.

Have a great trip!

edm1 - 5-8-2007 at 06:42 PM

Thanks for all the input everyone. Keep them coming!!!

Cbuzz, see your U2U for pics of my RV.

Larry, your suggested spots all look great. I'm even looking at entering via Mexicali border. What's the advantage?

For flats, I DON'T have a spare wheel/tire per se BUT on trips like this I bring my tire irons along with two bare/unmounted tires and the repair kits. I don't want to carry the whole assembly, one wheel/tire assembly alone weighs 150lbs; I'll dismount/mount them.

BajaWarrior, won't I have time to grocery shop? With 10 days around Norte only? Hmmm, I thought that'd be plenty. And I am not going to be alone; I'll bring someone to stay in the vehicle, along with my 100lb Doberman. As for fuel cans, you got that right - I have two, only they are mounted under carriage (I have room under there).

Everyone, please keep them suggestions coming. AND remember NO PARKS, just desolate places. I'll be sleeping inside the RV and showering in or outside the RV!

Thanks.

[Edited on 5-9-2007 by edm1]

David K - 5-8-2007 at 07:19 PM

Click on the links that appears at the bottom of all my Nomad posts... the one for finding photos of Baja places for a self guided tour is one that will help you decide on what you want to see in various Baja Norte areas...

Find Baja Location Photos Fast: http://community-2.webtv.net/vivabaja/tours

[Edited on 5-9-2007 by David K]

larry - 5-8-2007 at 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
I'm even looking at entering via Mexicali border. What's the advantage?

edm:

There may be no advantage for you coming from San Bernardino except that you will probably be coming back through Ensenada so you won't duplicate too much if you go straight to Mexicali and then to San Felipe.

Coming from northern California, I usually try to avoid the sometimes grinding traffic of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Tijuana.

Even if you go to Ensenada on the way south, the road from Tecate to Ensenada over the mountains is very serene compared to traveling through Tijuana and Rosarito. Last December I returned from Ensenada to Tecate. I crossed the border at Tecate and drove up to the US Border official WITHOUT STOPPING. There was no wait at the border at noon on December 23.

I usually buy groceries in Mexico just because I like the Mexican cuts of meat (which you can buy in supermarkets there rather than making an extra stop at a Mexican butcher in the US) and because keeping the food in a cooler, it will be one day fresher.

I highly recommend you check out David K's vivabaja website. It has been a great resource for me in exploring the area you are headed to.

BajaWarrior - 5-8-2007 at 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1

BajaWarrior, won't I have time to grocery shop? With 10 days around Norte only? Hmmm, I thought that'd be plenty. And I am not going to be alone; I'll bring someone to stay in the vehicle, along with my 100lb Doberman. As for fuel cans, you got that right - I have two, only they are mounted under carriage (I have room under there).

Everyone, please keep them suggestions coming.

Thanks.

Oh it's just that I'm a huge planner and get all of my shopping done before I leave on a trip. I will start with fuel for my vehicle and then start loading from there a day or two before I leave.

My coolers have to fit in the truck before anything else so they go in first loaded. Also, I will freeze any meat, poultry, or fish I am taking along, therefore helping out the cooler. Now mind you, the coolers I use are like small coffins, and can hold enough ice if shaded in hot weather for up to 7 days, and these are not expensive coolers, just those great big Igloo's from Costco. I can pack em, stack em, and tie them off with Motorcycle tie downs.

Also, I am familiar with my grocery store at home (Vons) and don't have time to scan every shelf in a new (and foreign) grocery store that may or may not have the products I am looking for. Multiple stores are usually required to fill a grocery list in Mexico. I want to get there, even if I have a month to be in Baja, I will be about 98% ready before I hit the border. I usually stop for a couple of items, limes, beer, and Kahlua. But I do look for Shrimp when in season.

That's my story, it works very well for me.

That road to Gonzaga is pretty rough for an RV, take it slow.

[Edited on 5-9-2007 by BajaWarrior]

Neal Johns - 5-9-2007 at 12:03 AM

"Looking for Baja Nomads' favorite:
1. Secluded/safe spots Sea of Cortez-side between (or around) San Felipe and Coco's Corner - to dry-camp overnight
2. Secluded/safe spots Pacific-side between (or around) El Rosario and Ensenada -to dry-camp overnight
3. Nice/Safe places to visit between (or around) Coco's Corner and El Rosario
4. Nice/Safe places to visit between (or around) El Rosario and Ensenada"

Neal's choices:
1: La Turquesa (a few miles north of Coco's Corner). Shell Beach south of San Felipe..
2: La Bocana beach at the mouth of the river east of El Rosario. 14.9 miles east of Ensenada on Hwy. 3 toward San Felipe, turn south toward Agua Caliente and camp where ever.
3: La Turquesa (a few miles north of Coco's Corner. The canyons in the Sierra San Pedro Martir west of San Felipe.
4: La Lobera a few miles north of El Rosario. Hwy. 3 Wine Country north of Ensenada.

edm1 - 5-9-2007 at 08:24 AM

David K, the link you gave is the perfect tour of Baja Norte. Thanks! Looking at the photos, I feel like I've been there with you during the past 10 years. It gives away the surprise factor; why do I still have to go?

- I know I have to actually be there to experience it. But with my limited 10 days, it's information overload.

Then comes Neal Johns to alleviate the information overload with his on-target suggestions. THANKS!!! La Turquesa, Shell Beach, La Bocana are THEM spots. If I stay 2 day/nights in each spot (while exploring the areas around them), would that be enough/worth the trip?

Many Thanks!!! Keep 'em suggestions coming.

[Edited on 5-10-2007 by edm1]

The only thing that would concern me is..

John M - 5-9-2007 at 09:24 AM

...not carrying a spare. The road between Puerticitos & Highway one can be a section with surprises. We usually lower air pressure significantly for those 90 or so miles

In the event of a tire problem, having a standard - or common sized tire/wheel will help if you need to purchase a used tire along the way.

John M

Mexitron - 5-9-2007 at 10:27 AM

Also, about the tire--I'd carry a fully assembled spare/wheel rather than hassle pulling tires off the rims in that heat...

larry - 5-9-2007 at 01:47 PM

I have to agree. The only time I have had to change a flat in years was between Puertecitos and Gonzaga. It is a brutal road and there have been many reports on this board of people having to change flat tires. It is also essential to air down your tires when you leave the pavement in Puertecitos.

tire pressure

John M - 5-9-2007 at 01:59 PM

I said that I significantly lowered tire pressure, but realize that isn't very informative.

In the Jeep CJ-7 we drove for umpteen years in Baja, it was common for us to lower to 15 pounds (from a highway 30 or 31 pounds) on this particular section of Baja road. Tires were both BFG K/O All Terrain & later BFG Mud Terrain - both in size 31x10.50x15.

This year, our first trip in a Toyota 4x4 with the stock factory BFG Trail (whatever it is) tire in a 265x16 - we went from 32 pounds highway to 17 pounds - don't know why 17 pounds but it seemed to be the thing to do.

Of course I probably drove slower than most folks - especially in the rough riding Jeep - 10 to 15 mph -vs- 15 to 20 mph in the much better riding Toyota.

I may need correcting but I believe that at those slow speeds there won't be too much heat generated thus causing other concerns.

John M

[Edited on 5-9-2007 by John M]

Neal Johns - 5-9-2007 at 02:57 PM

John M has the right pressures for a Jeep-Jeep. With my Tacoma (33x12:50x15 BFG T/A) I run 20-25 lbs in the rear and 20 lbs in front carrying a pop-top camper on bad roads.

At 150 lbs per tire assembly, I have not figured out what RV you have, maybe a Pinzgauer?

[Edited on 5-9-2007 by Neal Johns]

Pinzgauer2.jpg - 30kB

Wheels/tires concern

edm1 - 5-9-2007 at 05:30 PM

Neal, John M, Mexitron, I share your concern regarding spare wheel/tire. And I have been debating the pros and cons and have been going from one side of the fence to the other back and forth. My big concerns are sidewall damage and sweating it out (if I don't) VS weight(if I do). My tires are 14 ply tires (R19.5s) very thick tread and regroovable BUT they could get hurt on the sidewall just like any other tire. I've driven them from 100psi down to 15psi on sand. I just think carrying 300lb spares (2 pieces) would be too much. Maybe I could just bring one? Or maybe, bring two regular sized (16-inch) much lighter (but not as sturdy) wheel/tires spares.

It's a matter of probabilities. And based on your input the probability of sidewall damage is very high!!! Am I right?

Anyway, it's something that I have to decide and live with whatever decision I make.

Here's my rig.

[Edited on 5-10-2007 by edm1]

BajaWarrior - 5-9-2007 at 05:41 PM

Ok, now I know what you're talking about, nice rig!

Yes, deflate them in the front to a comfortable pressure (for you). Lower one then record the pressure and match the other side. Those 19.5's are strong tires and have much sidewall strength. As far as the rear, you don't want your duals to rub, long distance that is, so I wouldn't take too much out of those, again, just a comfortable pressure (for you!) It will really make a differance, you'll be more comfortable , and your cabinets won't fall off of the walls.

As far as spares, you have two right there under the rear of the vehicle. If you were to have a second flat, you can always rob on of the duals and only run the outer wheel.

Good luck with your trip, your vehicle looks real good.

David K - 5-9-2007 at 05:56 PM

edm1, the photos and any road milages/ GPS are just to get you into an area that is of interest to you. The photos do not take away from the experience of being there... You will see that I have returned to many Baja places, and each time they seem 'new' and special to me.

Cool rig, thanks for posting the photo!

FYI, when you edit to make a correction, you can delete the previous 'edited on...' lines which will leave the one, last edit line showing instead of all of them.

Looking forward to your Baja trip reports!!!

edm1 - 5-9-2007 at 06:39 PM

David K, thanks for the edit tip.

BajaWarrior, so you think my original plan is OK (no spares, just tire irons, bare/only tires and repair kit). That's why I keep flip-flopping - carry a full-assembly spare or not, that is the question! Some thinks, I'll be OK without, some strongly feel against it.

I'm leaning towards my original plan BUT I want to hear more from the naysayers and what they have to say, espeially if they're based on actual driving experience on the rough Baja offroads.

Thanks both.

BajaWarrior - 5-9-2007 at 06:56 PM

Well if you know how to bust tires off of rims, go for it! Are they split rims, or do you just know what the hell your doing? :lol:

edm1 - 5-9-2007 at 07:03 PM

BajaWarrior,

On tires rubbing:

Believe it or not, at 15psi, the dually tires sidewall bulges maintain a full inch apart (full 3 inches at normal inflations). And that provides a full 12 inches of tread length in contact with the ground (much longer on soft ground). The danger is when something sharp gets wedged between the tires.

On busting beads and rims:

No, they are not split rims but I've had some practice, it's not really that bad with two tire irons and a strap for around the tire to help seat the bead when mounting. Of course, I could try the "pour some gasoline and ignite" method (I read here in this forum) to seat the bead

BajaTrooper - 5-10-2007 at 08:45 AM

My wife and I just Drove the San Felipe / Puertocitos road and then to Coco's and on to BLA. What a blast we had, I am going to write a trip report when I can steal some time. I have made a google earth "map" that you might find helpful. You must have Google Earth downloaded on your computer to use it. I highly recomend that you check it out if you haven't. Here is the link: http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/850414/...

I hope you find this helpful.

BajaTrooper - 5-10-2007 at 08:54 AM

:?:

Sorry that was the old link...here is the updated site:

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/889504/...

edm1 - 5-10-2007 at 05:03 PM

Neal Johns,

"La Bocana beach at the mouth of the river east of El Rosario"

Neal, you mean west, right?

David K - 5-10-2007 at 05:11 PM

Neal loves the desert, so on the Pacific side of Baja he always goes east to stay away from that ocean!!! LOL

From page 4 of my La Bocana Beach and Petrified Forest web page ( http://vivabaja.com/206 )

EL ROSARIO to LA BOCANA (High Road)

0.0 mi. Turn Right off highway at the sharp bend in town.

Continue west passing by the road left to El Rosario de Abajo and Punta Baja.

0.8 mi. Fork, go right.

1.2 mi. Fork, go right... road heads uphill.

1.5 mi. Pass palapas and banana trees, climb hill.

2.2 mi. View point, see La Bocana beach.

2.6 mi. Go straight, left is a poor road.

2.9 mi. Fork, go left... Ahead is a locked gate.

3.0 mi. Fork, go left... Right is the entrance gate to Diamante Del Mar.

3.6 mi. Fork, go ahead/ left. Right is a poor road.

3.9 mi. Fork, go right, to the beach.

5.3 mi. La Bocana Beach

EL ROSARIO to LA BOCANA (Valley Road, 4WD)

0.0 mi. Turn Right (west) off Highway 1 at the sharp curve in El Rosario.

In about 100 yards, turn left on road for El Rosario de Abajo and Punta Baja.

Cross over El Rosario river culvert pipe and soon turn right in the river valley, some water crossings before reaching the south bank of the river and entering the town of El Rosario de Abajo.

1.5 mi. El Rosario Museum, on left. Photos taken inside at http://vivabaja.com/505/page6.html

1.6 mi. Rosario de Abajo mission ruins, on right.

2.5 mi. Road left for Punta San Antonio and the coast south of Punta Baja.

2.9 mi. Road left for Punta Baja, continue ahead (west).

3.1 mi. Turn right for La Bocana, deep water crossing soon.

4.2 mi. Come to a fence, turn left to opening then continue west, Deep sand ahead.

5.1 mi. La Bocana Beach

[Edited on 5-11-2007 by David K]

edm1 - 5-10-2007 at 08:45 PM

David K, THANK YOU for the directions!!! I wondered how could it be a beach if it's the desert?

Neal has to explain; I may meet him this coming weekend.

I wish to meet you all at the El Rosario Festival ; however, I have to be in Long Beach that weekend. I'm sure there'll be another time, maybe even sooner who knows.

Art

P.S. how do you get that avatar to appear. I have an avatar in my profile but no showy

David K - 5-10-2007 at 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
David K, THANK YOU for the directions!!! I wondered how could it be a beach if it's the desert?

The pleasure is all mine Art! I have a LOT of photos and information in my web site VivaBaja.com and notebook page that will be of interest to you and all Baja explorers!

Neal and his current wife Marian are really GREAT people and they love the desert, too! Their home is out of this world and Neal's Baja book collection is second to just one... not mine, I may be a distant 3rd!

If you get near Oceanside, maybe you can stop over for some research time!

"Baja, it's not just for breakfast anymore!!!"