I am planning a two or three week trip to central Mexico. This will be my first. I'm 65, retired and will be traveling alone, if you don't count my
small dog.
I hope to make the trip in two days and was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for the half-way stop. (GN, Catavina, at potentially Rancho Santa
Ynez ), etc) I have relatives in San Diego and can stay with them the night before.
I'm planning to leave sometime in December and wonder if this will be a safe move this time of year. Thought if I keep a low profile, There will be
so many others making fools of themselves I should be OK.
I will be traveling in an odler30 foot motorhome that is in great shape.
Any advice would be greatly appreciatede.
AllanDavid K - 10-24-2007 at 10:15 AM
If you get an early start from San Diego, Guerrero Negro is 450 miles from the border and should be no problem in a moho doing an average of 45 mph
(10 hour drive).
Remember to stop at secondary in Tijuana (stay in far right lane I-805 easiest) marked 'something to declare'... to get your tourist card... It will
be checked at the Eagle Monument, 2 miles from Guerrero Negro.
Rancho Santa Ynez is 300 miles from the border and if you need to stop there, it is an excellent place to park the moho overnight...dccf - 10-24-2007 at 10:23 AM
David K
Knew you would be a responder, seem like you have been everywhere on the Baja. What no pictures!
Thanks.Diver - 10-24-2007 at 10:25 AM
I would plan a few options depending on how far you make it.
#1. El Pabalon just south of San Quinton. No power but a nice secure beach camp with baths, hot showers and sewer dump.
#2. Rancho St Inez just south of Catvinia. No hook-ups but secure parking in a quiet desert parking area. The Cantina has pretty good food near the
rancho.
#3. GN. Parking lot camping behind the Malaramino Restaurant is secure and the restaurant usually gets pretty good reviews.
#4. Viscaino. Shari can give you the name of the RV park/restaurant.
I do not know #4 but you will find numerous other gringos pulling into the other camps by late afternoon.
If you are alone, try to call Shari and at least leave a message with you ETA. In your rig, allow 2 1/2 hours from Viscaino if the road is not freshly
graded or if you get a flat. Perhaps bring another spare tire with or without rim as your size may be hard to find in Viscaino or Asuncion.
.
Keep fuel in your tank and travel in daylight.David K - 10-24-2007 at 10:29 AM
I have tons of photos! What do you want to see?
You mentioned Asuncion... is that the second night's destination? You may not want to leave!
If you have specific questions, ask away...
Remember to top off the fuel tanks at Baja Cactus Pemex, El Rosario...
dccf - 10-24-2007 at 10:40 AM
I was being a smart a.. when I said "what no photos" I know from lurking this site that you are pretty much the photo guy. The final dettination is
Bahis Asuncion and Shari's . I sent her a U2U but she must have been pretty bust 'cause some of my questions were missed.
I,m sure the fires are on every bodies mind and I apologize for adding an insignificant topic. Any phots of Shari's area would be great.
David, just come across, keep a low profile and try not to do anything stupid, right? Thanks!!
AllanDavid K - 10-24-2007 at 10:49 AM
I know Allan... thanks for the nice words...
I take a lot of photos, but they mostly just tease you to get you to go see for yourself... There are really great photographers on Nomad (like Ken
Bondy, etc.) and I am not one of them!
Yes, keep a low profile, etc. You got it... and smile a lot, too! So, you will be returning from Central Mexico before going to Shari's? Two trips on
the ferry, huh? Looking forward to your trip report!!!dccf - 10-24-2007 at 10:49 AM
Diver,
Shari said her road is in pretty good shape so I guess either Vizcaino or Rancho Santa Inez would be appropriate.
Google Earth show it in pretty poor shape but the phot0s are old and I hope most of the paving is done.Mango - 10-24-2007 at 10:54 AM
Where are you planning on going in Central Mexico? Where will you be taking the ferry from/to?Hook - 10-24-2007 at 10:56 AM
I think all the way to Vizcaino in one, short winter day is stretching it.
If I were you, I'd shoot for Santa Ines and if you find you have the daylight, continue on to GN.
It's nice to arrive at Santa INes with some daylight to walk the wash. Night will be chilly up there; they can get freezes in December.Diver - 10-24-2007 at 10:57 AM
The last 20 miles or so, especially the last 10 or so miles, can get pretty washboardy pretty soon after grading. Check in with Shari right before you
go or plan ahead for extra time.
When are you going ?
We'll be driving into town around December 20 for a few weeks.
Feel free to ask or U2 any questions.
.dccf - 10-24-2007 at 10:57 AM
Wasn't thinking as usual, my trip will be down central Baja. Right to Shari's and then when the mood strikes me right back home
Sorry, right now, Baja is Mexico. Mainland Mexico isn't on my radar.David K - 10-24-2007 at 11:00 AM
L.A. Bay has a good paved road and should be part of your trip... Central Baja will be more fun... 2-3 weeks for a central Mexico trip would be
stressful!
[Edited on 10-24-2007 by David K]
Skipjack Joe - 10-24-2007 at 02:13 PM
Guerrero Negro in December is pushing it. Don't forget that it'll take you an hour to navigate through Ensenada and you'll have stops for lunch,
buying gas, immigracion, and bathroom breaks. At that time of year it gets light at 7 and dark at 6. Don't just rush through the desert. Savor and
enjoy it. It's one of the best things about baja. In baja the journey is a big part of the vacation, not just the destination.
Santa Ynez is a very realistic midpoint with 2 full days of driving. It's very restful there and we always like their ranch food. Wait till you see
the dirt road into Asuncion. You'll be doing 5-10 mph in a motorhome in that stretch. Although driving that leg of the journey in the dark is fine in
my opinion.Sunman - 10-24-2007 at 02:19 PM
Having just done it recently, I wouldn't plan on anything past Catavina, esp. in an RV.David K - 10-24-2007 at 02:23 PM
I agree, because it will be after Daylight Savings ends, it will be dark about 5 pm... and you do loose an hour when you cross into Baja Ca Sur
(Mountain Std. Time).
Of course it does depends on how early you start and when you feel like stopping! If you have 2-3 weeks and are only going into central Baja and not
central Mexico, then by all means, slow down and smell the cactus flowers!
I agree with the other Nomads and suggest doing the trip in baby steps, 200 miles or less a day... Pabellon is well spoke of, south of San Quintin...
L.A. Bay next (Daggett's or Archelon camps) for a few days... Then an early start for Bahia Asuncion...
Try and get to San Ignacio before you head home... A beautiful oasis!
[Edited on 10-24-2007 by David K]
dccf - 10-24-2007 at 04:52 PM
You guys are all great. Lots of information. Pays to ask.
I just picked out two to three weeks. I really don't have a schedule I'll play it by ear. That time of year are any reservations needed?SiReNiTa - 10-24-2007 at 05:00 PM
if you are planning to get to guerrero negr that day, and if you want to stay at the hotel you should make a reservation since it's the start of whale
season, but other than that if you r not coming here then enjoy your trip and i'll see you soon...shari - 10-24-2007 at 07:11 PM
I agree with the Catavina/st. Inez stop....take it slow and definately take a cold 6 pack for the last leg which you might take at a crawl....so be
patient...if you are a religious man ya may want to pray for the grader to work it's magic....or close your eyes and wish REAL hard...maybe on a
falling star...but we've got a nice spot here for ya....gonna be a big party on the holidays!
[Edited on 10-25-2007 by shari]Paulina - 10-24-2007 at 07:31 PM
Your hosts at Rancho Santa Ines are Oscar y Matilda. I'm going to jump on the band wagon and suggest you stay there as well. This is your first time
driving in Baja, you'll be more tired than you think.
P<*)))><
Edit: too many ways to spell R.S.I. or is it Y. ??
[Edited on 25-10-2007 by Paulina]Diver - 10-24-2007 at 07:45 PM
And if you have any mechanical problems when you get to Catavinia just ask for Ralph. He is a great welder/mechanic from New Mexico that lives with
his wife in the hills off the St Inez rancho.
He also removes cactus from dog paws for free !!!
.Paulina - 10-24-2007 at 07:51 PM
Rancho Santa Ynez - Great Mexican Fud if you ask me!wilderone - 10-25-2007 at 08:45 AM
"Wasn't thinking as usual, my trip will be down central Baja. Right to Shari's and then when the mood strikes me right back home."
You should consider going to Mulege and just a bit beyond to experience the Gulf - so much different than the Pacific Ocean. Los Naranjos has
accommodations for your rig. You have the time - only 1/2 day beyond Asuncion. Have fun.Bob and Susan - 10-25-2007 at 09:49 AM
and...if you go to naranjos in mulege you'll ONLY be a 1000 feet away from "visiting" usSkipjack Joe - 10-25-2007 at 09:53 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
Yes, that's the lady that makes those delicious beef tacos. And that's the menu pasted on the wall behind her.
There's a courtyard of sorts behind the photographer with chairs and sofas under the overhangs. I like to stretch out there after a meal and rest a
bit from all the driving it took me to get there.DianaT - 10-25-2007 at 12:59 PM
Have to vote for Catavina----we just arrived back to Bahia Asuncion and stayed the night before in Catavina----it really makes the drive here more
relaxing and you can take your time.
When we had our trailer, we stayed at Santa Ynez---never crowded unless a caravan is there.
