BajaNomad - When was your first visit to Baja?

When was your first visit to Baja?

Pages: 1 2

oxxo - 8-23-2008 at 01:18 PM

I remember the date of our first visit to Baja very well. We were married on June 10 in Santa Barbara, CA. We spent our honeymoon night at the Holiday Inn in San Diego. The next day, June 11, 1966 we drove my VW bug across the border at Tijuana at about 10am. The trans peninsular highway was not a reality at that time, and wouldn't be for another 6 or 7 years. I think the paved road went down as far as San Quentin. The paved "road" was so rough, it popped a hubcap off my left front. The Mexican guy behind me drove over it, dead on, and smashed it flat. We bummed around Ensenada for a while with our "Mexico on $5 a Day" book (I still have it), drove over to Mexicali, and eventually made it as far as Guaymas on the mainland. I remember that "hotels" were about $5 per night for two. Pepsi's were 10 cents and tacos were 10 for a dollar. Mexican gasoline was around 25 cents a gallon, and it was really nasty stuff. Women could not wear shorts in public (and neither could men)! Women had to wear a dress, no pants. Oh, if you had a foreign plated car, you didn't have to put money in the parking meters in downtown Ensenada. We spent a lot of time at the beach and both of us were burned very bad. We had to sleep in twin beds we were in so much pain! But not to worry, we made do.

I don't have any pictures because we couldn't afford a camera then, but we do have some cheap Mexican trinkets from that trip packed in a box someplace.

Ah, those were the days! Memories, cherished forever.

Osprey - 8-23-2008 at 01:30 PM

Whoa, beats my first trip in 52. Me and two other high school buddies skipped school in Las Vegas, drove to TJ, got drunk at Housongs, made our way to the house of awesome repute. A memorable trip but one not laced with nostalgia. Maybe a rite of passage thing.

Udo - 8-23-2008 at 02:11 PM

Both stories are similar to mine.
My first Baja trip was to Tijuana, in 1965. Walked across, got shnockered. Took a taxi to check out the driver's seester. Ended up going to a black & white porn flick. Somehow we managed to walk back across.
In one of my subsequent trips, I remember taking an old bug to get it re-upholstered and tried to smuggle some tequila under the rear seat.
BUSTED!
My first bust. :saint:

Been busted 6 more times since.
Also remember during my early twenties, I was heavily into weight lifting and I was fairly large. Everyone wanted to take me on so I got busted at a bar in TJ and ended spending 1-1/2 days in jail, :barf:

and six moths later for the same thing in Ensenada.
:barf:

After that I decided to make San Felipe my Baja hang-out.
My first trip to La Paz was in 1967. Been back 5 times. Loved the place, and love it even more now

[Edited on 8-23-2008 by udowinkler]

Barry A. - 8-23-2008 at 02:20 PM

Roughly 1947, to TJ with my Mom, and her friends-----cruized the "tourist" streets, and took in the Jai Lai palace------I was 9, or so. My Mom (a widow) often went to TJ and Ensenada just after the war (and before) with her friends, but usually I was not allowed to go with them.

I fell in love with the place, even then-----------

BA

elgatoloco - 8-23-2008 at 02:30 PM

Memory is a bit foggy - I am fairly certain at least once on that first trip I crapped my pants and spit up all over myself and possibly others - it was my first birthday April 1959. :lol:

wiltonh - 8-23-2008 at 02:39 PM

My first trip to Mexico was to the main land in about 1958. We rented a trailer house in Tucson and pulled it to Guymas/San Carlos. Our starting location was Spokane Washington which is about a 1000 miles above the border.

We did the trip every other year until highway 1 was paved on Baja. The year after it was paved we drove to Cabo. We did Baja every other year until the late 80s when we started building a house in the Columbia River Gorge. We spent all our vacation time on the house and missed our trips to Baja.

In 2003 we decided to go back and have made 5 trips to the Lapaz area. We have stayed for a month each time but this year I plan to extend that to 3 months.

Baja does get in your blood.

Tomas Tierra - 8-23-2008 at 02:41 PM

'74 or '75 for me...8 years old or so...to TJ with my mom and new step dad.my only real vivid memory is of the kids that were about my age catching pennies from under a bridge we were walking over..they were so dirty and desperate..I remember one girl who was a little younger than the rest and very pretty, she just couldn't get to any of the pennies fast enough.she started to cry at one point.I remember feeling so sorry for her...

thebajarunner - 8-23-2008 at 02:44 PM

When we were kids the Old Man used to take us all from Tacoma down to SoCal every summer, and a few times just across the border.
Those visits were so benign as to stir absolutely no memories, just know that I was there.
Then, in 1971, my future racing partner asked me to accompany him to help with his Mexican 1000 (sic) effort.
He gave me his pickup, his young son, a AAA map and told me to go to El Arco and wait for them to come through.
Meanwhile, staying at the old Flamingo Motel in Ensenada, I was drinking warm Coke straight from the bottle (no contaminated ice for this boy) , and eating leftover sandwiches from San Diego.
Man, how times have changed!!

Long story short, we made El Arco, he did not,
I was hooked,
raced most of the 1000's and 500's for the next 12 years, adopted an orphanage at La Mision, took four boys home and raised them and the became "thebajarunner" and helped Bernie write a book.

By the by,
my handle comes from the Firestone tire we ran on the truck

"Baja Runners"

jeans - 8-23-2008 at 03:39 PM

In the late 60's with my mom & step-dad. I was in High School and had been taking Spanish classes every year. They would prod me to, "Say something in Spanish". I was painfully shy but the worst part was the lousy curriculum they used had us just memorize dialogue. I could only carry on the conversation I memorized. I've been waiting for someone to ask me what's for lunch so I could answer,
Seguro que albondigas! :lol:

A few years later I married a guy whose parents had a house at El Faro Beach below Ensenada.

BajaWarrior - 8-23-2008 at 04:18 PM

Surf trip, 1975, Rosarito Beach.

Skipped school with some older boys from my neighborhood (I was 15, parents didn't know where I was) to go on a surfing trip.

There was almost nothing in Rosarito Beach at the time...

Got bit by the "BajaBug" right then and there.

33 years later, I almost have Baja travel perfected, maybe another 30 years or so and I'll get the hang of it...

rpleger - 8-23-2008 at 04:30 PM

1954

Some friends and myself from Newport Harbor High jumped into a 41 Hudson and headed for TJ...checked out the bars, hoar houses, threw up all that we drank...some how found our way back across the border and made it home...Wow...youth is great..

Oso - 8-23-2008 at 04:38 PM

TJ, 17, on back of stolen Harley with Hell's Angels buddy, The Blue Fox, busted in Imperial Beach, buddy got time. I didn't know he was stealing the bike. They shipped my butt back to mom & stepdad in Maryland.

Barry A. - 8-23-2008 at 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
TJ, 17, on back of stolen Harley with Hell's Angels buddy, The Blue Fox, busted in Imperial Beach, buddy got time. I didn't know he was stealing the bike. They shipped my butt back to mom & stepdad in Maryland.

Ahhhhhhhh, the "Blue Fox"---------such memories!!!! :lol:

--------and Barry (aka "Oso") , the year was--------??????

Barry (aka Barry A.)

PS ---I first visited San Carlos Bay (Sonora) in 1955, and there was NOTHING there but a beautiful bay, and an outlying Rancho nearby. We camped alone for 8 days, skindiving in the pristine waters, and never to return-------I understand there is "more" there now??? :spingrin:

oxxo - 8-23-2008 at 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
PS ---I first visited San Carlos Bay (Sonora) in 1955, and there was NOTHING there but a beautiful bay, and an outlying Rancho nearby. We camped alone for 8 days, skindiving in the pristine waters, and never to return-------I understand there is "more" there now???

Yeah, we went out to San Carlos when we visited Guaymas in '66. Nothing much there except some pangas pulled up on the beach. We went back on our 40th, reliving our honeymoon trip. Didn't like it. It was like Bakersfield by the Sea and no offense to my Bakersfield friends. Baja is better.

If you think this Board has some squabbles, you should check out some of the San Carlos Boards....right Hook?

Paulina - 8-23-2008 at 06:40 PM

My first trip was in 1964. My mother and I accompanied my grandfather on one of his last fishing trips to Baja. We stayed at Papagayo's, north of Ensenada. He always stayed in the two story house, just to the right as you drive in past the guard gate.

I fished in the bait tank, using the sleeve of my sweater to catch the bait fish. The fish were slippery and fast, falling out of my sleeve before I could catch them in my hands, landing in between the slats of the floorboards of the boat. I'm told that I insisted on trying it topless hoping to make a difference. (I still try that trick to this day.)

I also remember dancing in the restaurant, my feet on top of his. He was such a smooth dancer. Our family photo was taken at the dinner table.

I made a memory box from the photos of that trip after finding them in his tackle box in my grandmother's garage, this was almost 30 years after he died. Also included in the box are the old peso notes as well as a couple of lures and the bottle of Bufferin that probably came to his aid a few times. You'll see me sitting on my mom's lap as well as fishing in the bait tank.

We also drove out to La Buffadora where I chose this lovely hat. I also talked my mom into a pinata that I have to this day.

P<*)))><

[Edited on 24-8-2008 by Paulina]

David K - 8-23-2008 at 07:28 PM

Great stories!

Most of you have heard mine... for the new Nomads:

1965 (8- ish years old): Jeep Wagoneer to Gonzaga Bay with parents... Dad heard it was awesome for fishing and you need a Jeep to get there, so he bought the Wagoneer and away we went!

We were hooked on Baja... the next year was the big adventure, Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas then back to La Paz to ferry across to Mazatlan for a speedy return on highways.

In 1966 the pavement ended a couple miles north of Colonet and didn't start again until a hundred miles north of La Paz, and ended again 10 miles south of La Paz! Basically 800 dirt miles and most of that was unimproved (not graded) track through the desert!

Photo from the '66 trip of me off of Cabo San Lucas and my first dorado (dolphinfish, mahi mahi)!

66-67 pics 006.jpg - 50kB

Bajaboy - 8-23-2008 at 07:38 PM

I'm right there with El Gato Loco....some time before I was one years old so that would be in 1968 or so...

Zac

CaboRon - 8-23-2008 at 07:58 PM

According to my Mom it was 1947 .... whenever relatives came we always had to bring them to TJ or take the drive to Ensanada .... Here is a pic of me , my Mom and my aunt Lucille in TJ in 1949 .... I am Pancho age 4 ...

CaboRon

Ken Bondy - 8-23-2008 at 08:22 PM

Paulina that memory box is priceless. My first visit south of the border (Tijuana) was in 1957, the summer between high school and college. In 1962, at the ripe old age of 22, I got married in Ensenada (Paulina we honeymooned at Quintas Papagayo - small world). My first trip south of Ensenada was in 1968 to Rancho Buena Vista. Flying trips started in 1974. ++Ken++

aha baja - 8-24-2008 at 12:08 AM

1968- I was 15 and going on my 1st out of country scuba safari w/my older brother to Bahia Kino and Isla Tiburone (mainland) almost directly accross the Cortez from Bahia de Los Angeles (almost). 1st time in Baja was 1975 to Husongs in Ensenada. Drank and became somebody (?) got into a fender bender spent the night in jail, paid for damage(my bad) All in all was hooked on Baja... it REALLY does get into your blood. Still madly in love with it all :yes:

baitcast - 8-24-2008 at 06:16 AM

1964 found I and the family making our way to Gonzaga Bay in our new VW bus,tough drive,very hot,no AC,stuck 3 times,lots of digging,the family walking up 1 hill that I couldn,t make

I know what Lewis and Clark must have felt like after that drive,lucky to get out alive but you know what we couldn,t wait to go again :lol:

Rob

acadist - 8-24-2008 at 06:42 AM

I love ALL your stories! Mine is neither as old or adventurous. 7 or 8 years ago I had been fishing only a couple of times in my lifeand my wife's cousin (our next door neighbor) and our friend around the corner were going fishing and my wife encouraged me to go with them. We were loading the truck and they asked me if I had brought my birth certificate, I had never even seen it before. Very nervous crossing the border, paid the attendant an extra $20 to get my tourist visa. Drove to Loreto and had an awesome time, giant Humboldt squid and schooling Dorado. Been back at least once a year ever since, it has gotten harder since moving to CO but I will never stop. Have many great memories of fishing trips with the guys but the best ones are the few trips with my family, my daughter catching her first fish, a 30# dorado in Loreto then getting to see grrey whales up close and personal. Casting a trout rod for my boy (4 years old) in the Bahai Concepcion, him saying "I got a fish"...no you just have more seaweed, Dad was wrong! Well I am trying to get there next weekend, don't know if I can pull it off but once again I am dreaming of baja every waking moment.

Ken Bondy - 8-24-2008 at 07:45 AM

My first visits in a little more detail:

I think I was a Mexican in another life. I have a strangely powerful attraction for Mexico and all things Hispanic. The attraction is particularly strong for that part of Mexico known as Baja California. Perhaps it was just proximity; I grew up in the Los Angeles area, less than 200 miles from the Mexican border. I can’t remember exactly how I got interested in Baja (the other life, maybe?) but I started going to Tijuana shortly after high school. I am uncomfortable admitting this, but one of the initial attractions I had to Latin culture was bullfighting. I was a huge Hemingway fan and “Death in the Afternoon” was a strong influence. The Latin pageantry, the whole spectacle of the Tijuana “Bullring by the Sea” grabbed me—but eventually the brutality and cruelty of the “corrida” outweighed the fun parts of the afternoon and I lost interest. I do remember loving the cultural shock of crossing the border, the mostly friendly chaos of the Tijuana streets, the drive out Calle Segunda to Playas de Tijuana, the colors, the smells of the mesquite fires. It was amazing that everything could be that different by just passing a few feet over some imaginary line. It was an attraction for me that would last a lifetime.

I made my first trip to the southern part of the peninsula in the late 1960s. It was a fishing trip to the classic “east cape” resort Rancho Buena Vista. On that trip we flew commercially to La Paz, and then took an air taxi flight in a high-wing single (I think it was a Cessna 206 or 207) from La Paz airport to the dirt strip at Buena Vista.

The experience was literally life-changing for me—flying in a small airplane, landing on a dirt strip, the first taste of the Sea of Cortez where the desert just became ocean—the whole “Baja experience” back when it was still young, simple, and pristine. Back then Cabo San Lucas was a dusty little village. When I got back I started collecting and reading everything I could find on Baja California. I went crazy over Ray Cannon’s classic book “The Sea of Cortez.” Baja would become a major part of my life and experience for the next 40 years; it remains so today.

I learned to fly in the early 1970s and earned my private pilot’s license in 1973. Within a year I had my instrument and multiengine ratings. Baja influenced my decision to take flying lessons. I knew flying would open up my access to the peninsula, making everything easier to get to and in much less time. In 20 years of flying I eventually logged over 1,700 hours, flying a wide variety of single-engine airplanes (Cessna 150, 152, 172, 177, 182, 210, Beechcraft Bonanzas F33, V35 and A36) and several multiengine airplanes (Beechcraft Travelair and Duchess, Piper Aztec.) In 1979 I bought a beautiful 1963 Beechcraft Baron, and in the next ten years logged over 1,000 hours in it, more than half of my total time. The Baron was like a family member.

My four kids kind of grew up in Baja. They loved Baja and the Mexicans loved them. The kids all thought they were Mexican…eventually that had to be explained. There were several places we particularly enjoyed and visited often—Hotel Punta Pescadero on the “east cape” near the southern end of the peninsula, Meling Ranch in the mountains north of San Quintin, and the cities of Loreto and La Paz.

But our favorite place was Punta San Francisquito, “PFQ” for short, a small basic Sea of Cortez resort about halfway down the peninsula on what must be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a difficult drive on marginal dirt roads it is accessible by land (we have driven in several times in recent years) but it is known primarily as a “fly-in” place.

We made over 100 flying trips there from the mid 70s to the mid 90s. We would make it down to San Francisquito for long weekends at least once a month in the summers. We could be there in less than 4 hours from Van Nuys airport, where I kept the Baron. Driving takes two full days. We kept a locker there, with two inflatable boats, scuba tanks, a small compressor, and an ungodly stash of fishing, diving, snorkeling and other beach, camping, and kid gear.

Paulina - 8-24-2008 at 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy
...We made over 100 flying trips there from the mid 70s to the mid 90s. We would make it down to San Francisquito for long weekends at least once a month in the summers. We could be there in less than 4 hours from Van Nuys airport, where I kept the Baron. Driving takes two full days. We kept a locker there, with two inflatable boats, scuba tanks, a small compressor, and an ungodly stash of fishing, diving, snorkeling and other beach, camping, and kid gear.

Great story Ken! Four hours!!! I would be wanting to go EVERY weekend!!

Grover, thanks for that link.

P<*)))>{

Ken Bondy - 8-24-2008 at 08:55 AM

Thanks Paulina. Four hours from takeoff to touchdown was possible but it all depended on how things went in Mexicali. We could make Van Nuys to Mexicali in about an hour. If there weren't many airplanes on the ground at Mexicali we could gas up, do the paperwork, and get in the air in another hour. Then it was 1 hour 45 minutes from Mexicali to PSFO. Sometimes we were on the ground in Mexicali for two hours or more. But it still beat driving!! ++Ken++

Paulina - 8-24-2008 at 09:01 AM

Ken,

Dern and I will meet you in Van Nuys in about four hours!!!

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride!

Thanks for the visual, loved it! I want to be there right now.

P<*)))>{

baitcast - 8-24-2008 at 09:03 AM

The long version,I hope

posted on 11-22-2003 at 10:30 PM

Gonzaga Bay 1964.....My first date with three sisters

This was a trip report I made a year or so ago on the old Amigos board and thought maybe some of you nomads might get a kick out of it.
A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to know a good spot to go fishing,you bet I said where?....a place in mexico on something called the sea of cortez,lived in huntington bch in those days,jest a hop skip and jump and I would be there great!!!
My friend drew up a map for me,just bought a 64 vw bus and he said I was ready to ,all I had to do was drive down to a bay called Gonzaga and meet a old guy by the name of papa he would show me where to fish,so I packed up the bus,wife two kids and a friend......He also said I might have a problem or 2 on the road but everything should be fine,I thanked him.
I have always thought that stupidity must be blessful,for in those days I was my late 20,s and still stupid but happy and was always game to try anything if it had anything to do with fishing!!.....My friend had also mentioned it might get a little hot it was july and I should plan on it ,no problem I borrowed one of those window coolers you hang on the outside of the rig,there I took care of the heat problem,went out and bought a map which gave mileage and some other stuff,we were ready to go.
The trip........left huntington bch late on night ,should be in san felipe by morning, puertecitos a couple of hours later ,Gonzaga for lunch,everything went smoothly,arrived in san felipe on time , and now the dirt I can,t wait finally the trip starts,not 10 min,s later we were stuck in a sand pit,I could still see san felipe,this is not what I had in mind,I did bring a shovel,half hour later we were on our way again........the going was a little slower than I had planned but no matter we were headed south,finally puertecitos dead ahead,getting a little tired,the kids are a bit loud,my wife is talking to herself not loud something about this #$%^ road I couldn,t make out the other things ,my friend is saying nothing by now,stopped for some gas in town,while there a gringo came by and asked where we were going I said Gonzaga Bay its just down the road a ways from here!!!
Left the window cooler at the station,does,nt work going 10 15 miles anyway,he thanked me.......Not2 mins out of town I lost track of the road saw nothing but rock,know its here somewhere.....going is slow ,its very hot,my oldest daughter is getting sick.......and my wife ...I can hear her now she is getting mad it me,how could I do this to to her and the kids.......I was very reasurring and told her the bay was just over the next rise,having no idea what I was talking about,the map I just bought mentions something about three hills that must be climbed and we are in them....God help us.....the first two we just made,we are at the bottom of the last and my wife wan,ts to go home,she wan,ts to get out and walk,no problem dear we will get over this we,ll have it made,I put my foot in it and up we go,going slower I see a rock ledge dead ahead must slow down,now stopped can,t make it over,put my foot on the brakes and start to slide back down the hill.....at the bottom of the canyon my spots several wrecks,poor souls never made it,we are now backing down the hill,my hands are shaking,kids are crying,my friend is white faced,tried once more but could not get over the ledge.....one thing left to do back down to the bottom,told everyone to get out and walk,just what my wife wanted to do in the first place.......Well this time I made it ,felt like rocky on top of that mountion.......flat lands dead ahead,I am numb between the ears but know we are getting close.....No sooner than we get to the bottom of the hills and I,m stuck again in the sand,will this never end???
Digging and more digging,starting to get pretty good at this though...can,t be to far,daughters temp. is still up,monster headache,finally arrive at papa,s late in the day but find just a couple of old house,s and a shack or two and no trees,I check my map my friend gave me,I,m suppose to go down the canyon just before papa,s,he said the fishing was best there and a nice beach so I turned around and made for the canyon,found a set of tracks to follow,you guessed it stuck again only this time no amount of digging is going to get us out,my friend said he would watch the family for me so now I,m walking back to papa,s,sometime later I arrive in camp and this little old man come,s up to me smiling and said something,he already knew what the problem was ,first thing you know chichi his son and a man with a big rig shows up ,things appeared to be a little slow in camp anyway this would everyone something to do ......Didn,t take long for them to get us out.......Guess we will stay at papa,s place,the ground looks firm and I,m not moving,the wife got the kids in the water for a cool down and I and my friend enjoyed the best and the coldest beer we have ever drank to this day.
After a wonderful nites sleep we got up and started looking for shade,no trees what do you do for shade I asked he smiled and pointed toward his front porch........Lucky for us papa had started to build a big cabana all it needed was a roof,so my first day of vacation we finished the roof.....still lots to this vacation but you get the idea,lots to learn but having fun,going home no problem all the up hills were now down hills and I knew what firm ground looks like,when we hit the highway at san felipe we all smiled and my wife leaned over and gave me a big kiss and said when we come down next vacation maybe we should go a month or so sooner,might not be so hot

BAITCAST

Von - 8-24-2008 at 09:03 AM

November 23,1972 2:16pm in Tijuana somewhere around seventh street my mom said.... :yes:

Phil S - 8-24-2008 at 10:19 AM

About 18 years ago when my brother & I flew down to Loreto to see what was so facinating to drag a 33' Airstream down every year & stay there for six months out of the year on a beach call "rattlesnake beach"??????
We found out the first 15 minutes coming out of Oregon in a huge rainstorm, and landing in blue skies, 75 degree temps, and cold beers waiting on the beach when we arrived. Three days later saw our first rattlesnake under his trailer. We had it for dinner two days later. Was 5' 8" long, and 9 buttons (if I can remember the exact number of buttons) Been going back every year ever since. Brother gave it up about three years ago. Sold his boat & house full of property. We eventually bought a home in Nopolo. Sold it last year. But still drive down every winter for two weeks visiting friends in Loreto/Nopolo and on to Cabo for two weeks of Thanksgiving. Then back to Oregon for Christmas & 9 grandkids. No more FM3's. Only Tourist passes. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jeans - 8-24-2008 at 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
Ken,

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride!

P<*)))>{

If wishes were horses, I'd clean up! :lol:

(sorry...couldn't resist)

Gonzaga Grades

David K - 8-24-2008 at 10:49 AM

Baitcast, your story is great... I placed some spaces in it to ease the reading... Below is a photo coming down one of the Gonzaga Grades ("Sisters") in my dune buggy, 1974...

Quote:

Originally posted by baitcast
The long version,I hope

posted on 11-22-2003 at 10:30 PM

Gonzaga Bay 1964.....My first date with three sisters

This was a trip report I made a year or so ago on the old Amigos board and thought maybe some of you nomads might get a kick out of it.

A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to know a good spot to go fishing,you bet I said where?....a place in mexico on something called the sea of cortez,lived in huntington bch in those days,jest a hop skip and jump and I would be there great!!!

My friend drew up a map for me,just bought a 64 vw bus and he said I was ready to ,all I had to do was drive down to a bay called Gonzaga and meet a old guy by the name of papa he would show me where to fish,so I packed up the bus,wife two kids and a friend......

He also said I might have a problem or 2 on the road but everything should be fine,I thanked him.
I have always thought that stupidity must be blessful,for in those days I was my late 20,s and still stupid but happy and was always game to try anything if it had anything to do with fishing!!.....

My friend had also mentioned it might get a little hot it was july and I should plan on it ,no problem I borrowed one of those window coolers you hang on the outside of the rig,there I took care of the heat problem,went out and bought a map which gave mileage and some other stuff,we were ready to go.

The trip........

left huntington bch late on night ,should be in san felipe by morning, puertecitos a couple of hours later ,Gonzaga for lunch,everything went smoothly,arrived in san felipe on time , and now the dirt I can,t wait finally the trip starts,not 10 min,s later we were stuck in a sand pit,I could still see san felipe,this is not what I had in mind,I did bring a shovel,half hour later we were on our way again........

the going was a little slower than I had planned but no matter we were headed south,finally puertecitos dead ahead,getting a little tired,the kids are a bit loud,my wife is talking to herself not loud something about this #$%^ road

I couldn,t make out the other things ,my friend is saying nothing by now,stopped for some gas in town,while there a gringo came by and asked where we were going I said Gonzaga Bay its just down the road a ways from here!!!
Left the window cooler at the station,does,nt work going 10 15 miles anyway,he thanked me.......

Not2 mins out of town I lost track of the road saw nothing but rock,know its here somewhere.....

going is slow ,its very hot,my oldest daughter is getting sick.......

and my wife ...I can hear her now she is getting mad it me,how could I do this to to her and the kids.......

I was very reasurring and told her the bay was just over the next rise,having no idea what I was talking about,the map I just bought mentions something about three hills that must be climbed and we are in them....

God help us.....

the first two we just made,we are at the bottom of the last and my wife wan,ts to go home,she wan,ts to get out and walk,no problem dear we will get over this we,ll have it made,I put my foot in it and up we go,going slower I see a rock ledge dead ahead must slow down,now stopped can,t make it over,put my foot on the brakes and start to slide back down the hill.....

at the bottom of the canyon my spots several wrecks,poor souls never made it,we are now backing down the hill,my hands are shaking,kids are crying,my friend is white faced,tried once more but could not get over the ledge.....

one thing left to do back down to the bottom,told everyone to get out and walk,just what my wife wanted to do in the first place.......

Well this time I made it ,felt like rocky on top of that mountion.......

flat lands dead ahead,I am numb between the ears but know we are getting close.....

No sooner than we get to the bottom of the hills and I,m stuck again in the sand,will this never end???

Digging and more digging,starting to get pretty good at this though...can,t be to far,daughters temp. is still up,monster headache,finally arrive at papa,s late in the day but find just a couple of old house,s and a shack or two and no trees,

I check my map my friend gave me,I,m suppose to go down the canyon just before papa,s,he said the fishing was best there and a nice beach so I turned around and made for the canyon,found a set of tracks to follow,you guessed it stuck again only this time no amount of digging is going to get us out,

my friend said he would watch the family for me so now I,m walking back to papa,s,sometime later I arrive in camp and this little old man come,s up to me smiling and said something,he already knew what the problem was ,

first thing you know chichi his son and a man with a big rig shows up ,things appeared to be a little slow in camp anyway this would everyone something to do ......

Didn,t take long for them to get us out.......Guess we will stay at papa,s place,the ground looks firm and I,m not moving,the wife got the kids in the water for a cool down and I and my friend enjoyed the best and the coldest beer we have ever drank to this day.

After a wonderful nites sleep we got up and started looking for shade,no trees what do you do for shade I asked he smiled and pointed toward his front porch........

Lucky for us papa had started to build a big cabana all it needed was a roof,so my first day of vacation we finished the roof.....still lots to this vacation but you get the idea,lots to learn but having fun,going home no problem all the up hills were now down hills and I knew what firm ground looks like,when we hit the highway at san felipe we all smiled and my wife leaned over and gave me a big kiss and said when we come down next vacation maybe we should go a month or so sooner,might not be so hot

BAITCAST

baitcast - 8-24-2008 at 11:33 AM

One of my early attempts at story telling :lol:

Rob

David K - 8-24-2008 at 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by baitcast
One of my early attempts at story telling :lol:

Rob

I love it... any story about a real Baja experience is a treasure! The pre-pavement days of Baja made it such a special palce to visit... a real adventure... and Gonzaga Bay was the best, as it was reached after climbing those severe staircase grades... which got worse after Highway 1 was finished!

All supplies came in from Hwy. 1 to the south and no more work was done south of Puertecitos to keep the road open... until the new graded road was built in '86 and for the first time passenger cars could drive south of Puertecitos without risk of severe damage.

Cliff Cross's 1970 Baja Guide map of the grades...

Copy of crossgonzaga-r.JPG - 49kB

Baja&Back - 8-24-2008 at 12:49 PM

In '69, drove with a newly-met girlfriend from Vancouver to Ensenada in a Triumph Spitfire. Did Hussong's, a roach motel near the old naval base, fabulous supper at La Cueva del Tigre restaurant, tented just above the blowhole at La Bufadora, and learned to drink Kahlua in the morning instead of yeech Mexican coffee - a habit not yet fully lost :tumble:

THE GRADES BELOW PC

Barry A. - 8-24-2008 at 01:47 PM

In the late 70's, or early 80's (not sure) I drove the "grades" in my 1969 Ford F-100 2-wheel drive 4-speed tranny pickup with my son. I had huge tires. We twisted the motor off it's motor mounts on the last grade south (we were headed north on our way home) and had to chain the engine to the frame to keep going-------the engine and tranny twisted so far that the gear shift lever came over and nearly broke my upper right leg. We made it home to El Centro, tho. Them's were the days alright. :lol:

I later installed "solid" motor mounts and never had any problems again, tho the truck vibrated some from then on. That '69 Ford is still going strong in Owens Valley under my son's watchful eye and loving care.

Barry

Mango - 8-24-2008 at 02:33 PM

My first trip to Baja was in 1996; but, I had not really explored it until a few years ago.

On my first trip to Mexico I had originally planned to bus down Baja from TJ and take the ferry over to the mainland.. but a hurricane changed my route to: Mexicali, Mazatlan, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, Los Mochis, Creel, and finally TJ where I walked back to the USA.

Not much Baja in there on my first trip.. but I was hooked on traveling in Mexico. I have since criss-crossed the mainland on buses (mainly) one to three or more times a year ever since. Some trips would last months, others only a few weeks, all were great in their own ways.

Drinking tequila while riding on the luggage rack on the roof of a bus (it was only going 5mph on a crazy dirt road) to the bottom of the copper canyon was one of the highlights of my first trip.

In the last few years I have made several trips down Baja as far as Loreto. Most of my explorations have been up in the north as of this time, rambling around the Sierra Juarez, wandering the local street markets in Mexicali, the old Colorado River delta, trips to San Felipe, Valle de Guadalupe, etc..

Thanks for all your stories.. its neat to see and hear about the history of Baja.

Cypress - 8-24-2008 at 03:14 PM

Three maybe four years ago. :tumble:

baitcast - 8-24-2008 at 04:05 PM

As a follow up on the first trip,I went out and bought a 3/4 ton Dodge power wagon 4/4 pick-up 6 months later right off the show room floor for 3250$,took a beating on that deal but I had to get back down there as soon as possible :lol:

Still had problems tho,we were just motoring right along when I heard this noise,stopped the truck lifted the hood and there was the battery up-side down,the bracket had broke completely off

,wire and rope fixed that for the time being.

Aways down the road this explosion takes place and a roaring sound, stopped the truck again,a quick look under the truck and there is the whole exhaust system on the ground,more wire!!

I often thought what fools would tear up their gear just to maybe catch a fish,play on the beach,swim in warm clear water and just sit and look,there as been many of us!
Rob

Vince - 8-24-2008 at 04:25 PM

In the late '40's my parents took us kids to Rosarito and points south fishing from the rocks. While Dad fished, I shot rock crabs with a BB gun. We ate lunch several times at the Half Way House. Many trips including one to San Quinten were very memorable. Later in high school we started going to San Carlos for Easter week like Barry did. All formative years for sure. Then my flying trips started in 1974 also, mostly to Serenedad.

BajaGeoff - 8-25-2008 at 11:35 AM

My first trip to Baja was in 1989 when I was in high school. It was a day trip down to Raul's to surf with "Doc" Morton, who eventually opened Baja Bound as a drive through in the mid-nineties. We did those weekend trips a couple times a month, which led up to a couple of longer trips down to Scorpion Bay. Great memories!

Bajagypsy - 8-25-2008 at 11:47 AM

Our first trip was in 2004, when Mr. gypsy was sad that we couldn't afford the air line tickets and hotel costs to fly from saskatoon - cabo, that is when I told him we could drive. We have both been hooked ever since.

web size.jpg - 34kB

Bajagypsy - 8-25-2008 at 11:51 AM

we took the gypsy kids for there first trip in 2005. The youngest is now hooked on baja as well.

Ali and kids by truck.JPG - 25kB

shari - 8-25-2008 at 12:42 PM

Wow, this is a terrific thread...such interesting stories and really neat to hear about baja before the highway was built. It is especially meaningful to hear the stories from our beloved nomad elders...gives me some prespective.

My first baja experience was sailing down here in I think it was 1979...just after the big hurricaine in CAbo where lots of yachts got beached. I was totally baffled and kind of grossed out by the puerto in Ensenada where we cleared customs...you miss that crossing the border thing in a boat...and I remember how stunned I was at the chaos in the market where we provisioned.

I crewed on a Bristol channel cutter named "Cosmic Dancer" for an old Dane who ate only sprouts and was a nudist but a darn fine sailor and artist. He painted sexy ladies on peoples wind vanes for his cruising kitty.

We sailed nonstop to Cabo and I will never forget how beautiful it looked when the cape came into sight with the famous arches. The anchorage was pretty empty and the beach was littered with wreched boats and had people camping in them. Cabo was totally awesome with only one restaurant that we knew of....a big palapa place close to the anchorage(first palapa I'd ever seen)...and some funky beach clothes stores, beer stores and a couple bars where I tasted my first margarita too...heaven. But there were alot of lot markers everywhere....a hint of what was to come.

Martyman - 8-25-2008 at 01:59 PM

1964 Puerto Penasco when I was seven. My dad loved Mexico and we went to Half Way House 3-4 times a year as it was a quick trip from LA. Flew down to Loreto, Mulege, BOLA, Bahia Ballenas with my rich uncle in his Beechcraft Bonanza when I was 12.
Got all our money stolen out of my brothers VW van promptly after setting up camp south of San Felipe (don't go swimming!!)
I have trouble convincing people that I'm part mexican with my red hair and freckles!

Bajalover - 8-25-2008 at 07:20 PM

Paulina, David, Caboron
Great photos. I can only wish I discovered Baja in those days. My first trip was in a newly purchased Landcruiser in 1989 (FJ62). Fun years and now "finally retired" looking to lease a lot in BOLA or Bahia Conception or??? Shall see. Hope to get this done this winter.
You folks really have had the best of ALL Worlds !! Congratulations to all.
Rudi

Bajalover - 8-25-2008 at 07:25 PM

Okay alittle more details. I was petrified to trave into Baja. Had a friend and her brother come along to BOLA as protection. Driving down was an adventure, lots of pot holes, big trucks, and cows on the highway - everywhere!!! Arrived at Celito Lindo for the first night.......wow -- the waves glimmered green "like neon lights" - couldn't believe it. They rolled in and it lit up like christmas lights. The SAND it also lite up like lightning. Fun times. Once in BOLA.....2 nights and felt comfortable " a couplbe of maggies,,,,,,,," Wow. Fun indeed - also alot younger. Spent 10 days down there discovering Fransisquitos, Guerro Negro, and the beaches.
Great fun. That hooked me forever !!!!!!!!

Mike99km - 8-25-2008 at 08:13 PM

These are killer stories. My first trip was is1961 and I was 4. My mom hated all 4 days we were there, camping on the beach. Started going down with friends to la bufadora at 9 years of age mostly camping and snorkling. In high school we would drive 2 hours party all night and go home with my parents not knowing what we doing.
The first time south was to drop off a sewing machine to a couple in Santa Rosalia in 75. It was a very eye opening. I met very poor people were very giving and warm.
2 years later a friend and I spent 2 flat weeks at Punta Pequena and drove home not talking to each other.
I took a girlfriend camping at San Miguel for her first time. We drove to la paz for honey moon and have a place in San Miguel today.

El Camote - 8-25-2008 at 08:56 PM

Had almost forgotten about this brief taste of Baja since the real exploring didn't start until 14 years later.

Summer 1982. Passing time at Santa Barbara City College I had met 3 pals in a Human Sexuality class who were up for an adventure...I mean a traveling adventure.

One pal, a spicy Latina classmate, had relatives in Mexicali and often visited during the summer. Another buddy had a sister with an empty apartment in El Centro who was a school teacher and got the hell out of Dodge for the summer. Having never been to the Imperial Valley in July, we found out why.

Since I was the only one who owned a vehicle, we loaded up my '67-69 Volkwagen squareback. It was a real Frankenstein which had been assembled at a junkyard called Wright's Parts and Pieces - a fitting name although it should have been Wrong's Parts and Pieces.

South of LAX on the 405 the Volksy starts sputtering and coughing but since it didn't stop, we were a third of the way into the trip and young and stupid, we continued on. It started really sucking up gas but we on and somehow made it to El Centro. Turns out it was an engine temp. sensor for the crappy fuel injection system which was always blowing injectors. I later had it all ripped out and replaced with dual carbs.

We hung out in exciting El Centro for several days, soaking in the apt. pool and generally being 3 juvenile, spastic marooons and all that entails. One of our many favorite practical jokes was to wait until someone was in the shower, sneak in the bathroom with a camera and violently pull back the shower curtain while the third stooge snapped a picture. If you want to capture pure terror on someones face, give it a try.

Saturday night rolls around and we make plans to cross the border and pickup our amiga in Mexicali for a night on the town. We had never been in Mexico but what the hell. She tells of a hot night spot so off we sputter to the Lucerna Hotel nightclub. I don't remember a lot of details of that evening, there was mucho cerveza involved. But everytime I drive through Mexicali to the border and past that hotel, I think of that night, the blind luck of youth and driving all over Mexicali in the sorry condition both the car and I were in.

mulegemichael - 8-27-2008 at 12:49 PM

gosh, sooooo long ago...hitchhiked down to baja with a buddy and erected a driftwood shelter on the beach at punta banda....literally NO ONE there on the beach...stayed there for 10 months living off the land; digging clams with our hands, spearing and catching fish in the surf and off the rocks....befriended some locals and they would join us in our camp at night for cervezas and other stuff...just a blast!...would help pull surf nets with the local fishermen for a meal of pescado...would hike into maneadero to the bakery and get loaves of fresh bread for 10 cents....we had $22 total when we crossed the border heading south and had money in our pocket when we crossed back over 10 months later....that was in 1970....seems like yesterday...just great memories!....now headed down to our casa in mulege to dig out from hurricane julio...whatta change!....lovin' baja!

Cypress - 8-27-2008 at 12:59 PM

mulegemichael, Good story! "Seems like yesterday." Hope your casa wasn't hit too hard.

Good luck with the recovery.

Fred - 8-27-2008 at 02:20 PM

1959.....High School........only to TJ...........but just after that many surfing trips. Been going for the past 17 years camping in my own rig instead of a sleeping blanket on the beach............with cooler of course.

Fred

Oso - 8-27-2008 at 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Ahhhhhhhh, the "Blue Fox"---------such memories!!!! :lol:

Hola Tocayo,
Sorry I didn't respond right away, I just now looked over this thread from work. All the later pages showed up but this first one was blocked by our firewall which thinks there's porno here.???

I believe that was 1962. I also thumbed thru San Carlos sometime in the mid-60s. There were a few houses, not much else. About the only people there were gringo scuba divers.

stimbo - 8-27-2008 at 07:48 PM

Wow! Fun thread to read....

My first trip to Baja was in the mid to late 60's with my dad. Weeks before our departure, my dad started constructing a coffin sized, home-made ice chest, which filled the back end, side-to-side, of an old Dodge, 1/2 ton, 2 WD pickup truck. After many layers of fibre glass and hand rubs to a sheen, we left for Mexico, hoping to fill the ice box full of fresh fish. We camped in San Felipe the first night, at the time, a sleepy fishing village. Then we left for the long drive to Gonzaga Bay and Papa's. To this day I can still "hear" and "feel" the sounds; grinding, scraping and the shuddering of the truck as it bottomed out along the old road.... I tip my hat with respect to Dodge, we survived.

We gorged ourselves on Baja catch... sauteed in butter, garlic, onions, and herbs, roasted on the campfire. AND we made it home with an ice chest full of fish and tall tales.

Now, with my own kids, we usually make it down south a couple of times a year. We are all "hooked." Jim

Bitten by the Baja bug

Yakfishing - 8-28-2008 at 12:21 PM

I cringe at telling this story, but:
It was in ’82 with my girlfriend at the time. Some of the details are a bit fuzzy; I was 22 and quite a stoner back then.

The trip started out bad – my girl didn’t close the car door on my old Datsun 510 when she got out to open the driveway gate and when I backed up, the door swung open and caught the gate. It bent the hell out of the door and screwed up the hinges. We used a bungie cord to secure it and then headed south. We stopped in TJ to get something to eat. It was in an industrial area and I remember the locals laughing as we tried to order some food using our non-existent Spanish. After we ate, we got in to our car and drove away with some guy from an auto body shop chasing us with a hammer offering to fix my car real cheap. I declined.

We stopped at a beach between TJ and Ensenada – not exactly sure where. We were hanging out on the beach and drinking with another gringo couple we had just met when a handful of local guys showed up. We started drinking our mescal with them and toasting each other’s country, family, etc. As the drinking progressed, the local guys were getting “very friendly” with our girls, so the other gringo guy and I decided to send our girls on an errand to ensure their safety. The girls disappeared and we continued to party with the locals until the cops showed up. The locals took off, but apparently we exchanged base ball caps as a goodwill gesture – I don’t remember what I gave them, but I ended up with a Bomberos Ensenada cap. I think I still have it somewhere in the house.

The girls came back hours later falling down drunk – much like the state their guys were in. The rest of the night is a blur, but I remember waking up on the beach in my sleeping bag to the sound of horses galloping toward us, nearly getting trampled.

That was our cue to leave. Apparently I was bitten by the Baja bug – literally. I (but not my girlfriend) ended up with a case of the crabs! I freaked out when I discovered them, but got rid of them quite easily by using some special shampoo.

We stopped in TJ and bought some trinkets, but I should have gotten a t-shirt that said:

“I went to Baja and all I got was crotch crickets.”

Good times…

Sallysouth - 8-28-2008 at 08:46 PM

I was about 6 or 7 years old when my Mom and Dad took me to Estero Beach .My Great Uncle was the first of my family to venture to Baja.My Dad has fotos of Estero with old model T's parked right up to the beach, which is now a breakwall of sorts, where the restaurant is now.Soon after my Grampa put a little trailer in there, left it year round, and my parents follwed suit.Our first trailer was pretty much where the patio is in front of the outside bar at Terrazas.Mom and Dad would go to Pta. Banda and meet up with the local fishermen, but could not purchase any bugs until a round of Dominos was played.Didn't matter who won...50 cents a peice back then, alive, fresh and frisky! At nightime, us little brats would go Grunion hunting, filling our shirts, buckets, and sneak back up (from No-No beach) and dump them in the shallow wading pool in front of the restaurant.We were BAD, very Bad kids!!In those days, I spent all my Summers there.When Mom and Dad had to go back up to work, I would find some kind family to keep me there with them.God I loved that place and the freedom we had.Used to ride horses every day, almost all the way to Ensenada, on the beach.Many of our days were spent on the penninsula, waterskiing, swimming and surfing. When I got married at the ripe age of 16, My x hubby and I went to live there and my first born was delivered in Sanatorio Del Carmen in Ensenada, 1968. Much more history after then, had a permanent place for decades, lived in Loreto for some time. Mija has been living in Baja much of her life, at one time, a few years back, captaining her fishing boat, charters , out of Loreto.I love Baja, it is a huge part of my soul and who I am. :yes:

Ken Bondy - 8-28-2008 at 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sallysouth
I was about 6 or 7 years old when my Mom and Dad took me to Estero Beach .My Great Uncle was the first of my family to venture to Baja.My Dad has fotos of Estero with old model T's parked right up to the beach, which is now a breakwall of sorts, where the restaurant is now.Soon after my Grampa put a little trailer in there, left it year round, and my parents follwed suit.Our first trailer was pretty much where the patio is in front of the outside bar at Terrazas.Mom and Dad would go to Pta. Banda and meet up with the local fishermen, but could not purchase any bugs until a round of Dominos was played.Didn't matter who won...50 cents a peice back then, alive, fresh and frisky! At nightime, us little brats would go Grunion hunting, filling our shirts, buckets, and sneak back up (from No-No beach) and dump them in the shallow wading pool in front of the restaurant.We were BAD, very Bad kids!!In those days, I spent all my Summers there.When Mom and Dad had to go back up to work, I would find some kind family to keep me there with them.God I loved that place and the freedom we had.Used to ride horses every day, almost all the way to Ensenada, on the beach.Many of our days were spent on the penninsula, waterskiing, swimming and surfing. When I got married at the ripe age of 16, My x hubby and I went to live there and my first born was delivered in Sanatorio Del Carmen in Ensenada, 1968. Much more history after then, had a permanent place for decades, lived in Loreto for some time. Mija has been living in Baja much of her life, at one time, a few years back, captaining her fishing boat, charters , out of Loreto.I love Baja, it is a huge part of my soul and who I am. :yes:

Sally you are a real treasure. I love reading your stories about your experiences in Baja. Thank you for just....being you! With great affection, ++Ken++

Sallysouth - 8-28-2008 at 09:38 PM

Wow Ken! That is one compliment that I will never forget! Coming from you, one of your biggest fans!!No culo kissing here, just the facts! I think I may be inspired to share more of my history in Baja now. :yes:

JaraHurd - 8-28-2008 at 09:47 PM

1981 when i was in sonar school in the USCG. I ended up helping all of my drunk buddies back across the border (I don't drink). Had to do a lot of fast talking with my broken Spanish to keep some of them out of jail......

bajagrouper - 8-28-2008 at 11:09 PM

1948...........

Baja-Brit - 8-29-2008 at 04:47 AM

Reading through your posts tells me I'm a Baja newbie.

My first visit to Baja proper (save for a day trip to Tijuana) was in 2002 when I flew over to la Paz from Guadalajara for a few days.

I fell in love! .....in more ways than one! :biggrin:

As you were.

woody with a view - 8-29-2008 at 09:03 AM

9th grade ditching school to surf popotla and baja malibu with Jerry L. and Marty J.

edit: 1979

[Edited on 6-24-2011 by woody with a view]

tripledigitken - 8-29-2008 at 09:21 AM

with parents 1956 Ensenada :saint:

with college friend 1968 San Felipe :cool:

David K - 6-24-2011 at 08:14 AM

A great thread and maybe some new Nomads would like to add their first trip to Baja story? :light:

sancho - 6-24-2011 at 08:33 AM

For us old timers, 1970 surfing San Miguel Ensenada,
That was considered an adventurous Surf trip
My first real Baja memory was coming down the Sta
Rosalia grade in a Bus from TJ, the sun was just
coming up, 1983, that was good adventure

[Edited on 6-24-2011 by sancho]

BillP - 6-24-2011 at 08:57 AM

I believe it was '66, I was 12 or 13, went with a friend and his family, and another family, spent two weeks at Estero beach. We had two travel trailers plus rented a cabin at El Faro. Fished mostly off the rocks at the hotel catching calicos, sandys and halibut. Had some great bottle rocket wars on the beach, good times.

Osprey - 6-24-2011 at 09:02 AM

1969 flew into what is now Los Barriles in a Piper cub. Hooked good, there and then.

Eli - 6-24-2011 at 09:19 AM

My first trip was to Gonzaga Bay, Easter vacation 1958. I was 7 years old. Dad took us down in Esmeralda Dodge.

Walking the beach hand in hand with Papa Fernandez, digging my feet in the sand, I knew that the Sea of Cortez was where I most certainly belonged. It took me until 1989 to find away to make Baja my permanent home.

Baja.BBQ - 6-24-2011 at 09:50 AM

First trip in 1958.. Dad was an avid fisherman and we lived in the Imperial Valley (Brawley CA.) so it was only a 3 hour car trip to San Felipe on the newly paved road from Mexicali.. No Malecon or sea wall then, center of activity was at Reubens. Sea Turtle soup and Turtle Tacos. Visited every year till 1973 then spent time on the Pacific side. Retired and living in San Felipe for 8 years..Love Baja!!

Bajamatic - 6-24-2011 at 10:14 AM

In 1984 I went with a friend and his mom and his brother to Ensenada. and near the end of the old road coming into Rosarito we were stopped at a red light; all four lanes were stopped and across the street, headed north, an old mexican (blind drunk) barreled into the stopped cars and coasted across the intersection and hit the car right next to us. The light was still red and she floored it, swerving through the stopped cars in the intersection and high-tailed it out of there. Were were pretty f-in scared in the back having witnessed the whole thing front row. We were also freaked out that she bailed - we thought as good Samaritans (and about 13 years old) you're supposed to stop and give an account of what was seen.

"First rule in Mexico boys - if you're an american, and you're anywhere near something like that, it's going to be your fault so get the hell out of there".

Von - 6-24-2011 at 11:14 AM

When i was born~right dead smack center of TJ :lol:

DanO - 6-24-2011 at 12:12 PM

Christmas 1969, in the cabover camper on my Dad's pickup. Drove down from Norcal and camped our way down, ended up at Playa Coyote. Left a real imprint.

The Wonderer - 6-24-2011 at 12:40 PM

Summer of 1970 I was about to go into 6th grade. My family was invited to attend a camping trip to the Punta Banda area with several families from our hometown. I remember we drove south and arrived at a trailer camp (Tony’s camp) way after dark. We slept in our VW bus. In the morning we woke up to a sleepy little trailer camp and a dock that was stuck in the mud. We had to wait several hours for the tide to rise, and once it did, we loaded up several boats to cross the bay. We sailed, swam, played in the dunes, I even learned to water ski on that trip. I remember getting dropped off at the Estero Beach Hotel and walking up the hill to the little shops to buy fireworks and M-80’s. We would bring this loot back to out little camp and head out to the dunes and have bottle rocket wars, or go to the dump and blow stuff up. I was in heaven! We stayed there for about 10 days, and for the next 4 years we would go right after school let out. I have been hooked ever since.

mtgoat666 - 6-24-2011 at 12:58 PM

1973 A.D.

bajafreaks - 6-24-2011 at 03:56 PM

LaPlayita 1992 my wifes uncles place right next door to the hotel playita, its still there but alot has changed.

bajabass - 6-24-2011 at 04:57 PM

Left Michigan in 1973, family moved to Orange County. Summer of 74, YMCA surf trip to K55. 3 "counselors" and 8 kids in a Ford van. How the heck we talked our parents into it I'll never know. Two glorious days of waves, sun, and my first hangover!
About 2002 I ended up at my little house in La Mision, looking right down on the beach I was at in 1974.
2005, met Mrs. Dra. Bajabass, 2007, August, huge wedding at Papaguyos, now we live in La Paz. So far, a 37 year love affair with Baja, her people, and mi muy bonita esposa!!! :biggrin:

DENNIS - 6-24-2011 at 05:36 PM

.........1956........Somewhere between TJ and Ensenada on the beach for a three day camping trip. Not sure where as there wasn't much there then.
On to Ensenada for a couple of days.
It was magical and the hook was set.

Dewey - 6-24-2011 at 11:17 PM

Earliest I can remember was 1952 when I was 4. My dad used to take my brother and I down for haircuts at El Principe. He would always get a beer at the old Long Bar and my brother and I would get a coke and check out the mirrors after we were done.
First surf trip was 10 years later to 381/2 then known as ule (spelling?) rock because of an interesting rock formation, later destroyed by Geoff Logan after his board got stuck on it at the end of the point. I was smuggled over the border in the trunk since at that time you had to be 18 to enter Mexico unless escorted by your parents or a "responsible" adult.

volcano - 6-25-2011 at 06:53 AM

about 1980, drove a beater vw squareback all the way down, camped at Cabo Pulmo....no restaurants yet, just a ranch; hauled a bunch of onyx back from El Marmol. Now getting same onyx slabbed for outdoor space at my cabin S of Cabo Pulmo

bajamedic - 6-25-2011 at 10:00 AM

1965 was the first for me, I was ten years old; my father and uncle were helping to build a small church in San Felipe, as my father was the manager of a building supply establishment in the bay area (of California), the local builders were aware of his project in Mexico and they kept a corner stocked with supplies to take on his next trip.

If my father and uncle were not working on the church, they were fishing, I can remember them unloading two garbage cans (when they were metal) “full of fish”, well maybe not full, but there were a lot of fish. They kept enough fish for our dinner and gave the rest away to the locals. My time was spent exploring the area, making friends, fireworks and time on the beaches, finding strange little creatures in the tide pools that needed my entertainment, walking up to the local bar for a warm coke and there was this very pretty local girl that was about my age, that I enjoyed spending time with, our communication was very limited, but our actions and play time was memorable (I think it was one of my “first loves”). One of our trips, I fell asleep on the beach, lying on my stomach and burned my back until there were blisters… ruined the rest of the trip for me… o well next time. I recall the launching and retrieving my uncle’s small fishing boat and just how willing the locals were to help weight down the old 4X4 truck as it backed out so far into the sea, now I understand just how glad the guys were to take fish home for their families.

I remember just how poor the local pastor was, he and his family were living in a tarpaper shack (literally) and still, the whole family was happy. They were pleased to offer us dinner with their family, although at the time I just was not ready for what they could afford to serve. I did not understand them sweeping their dirt floors and being happy to bring us into their home. It took a long time for me to understand that their happiness and pride did not come from what they possessed or their positions in the community, their happiness was deep inside and it was about being a family. JH

bigboy - 6-25-2011 at 12:14 PM

My buddy and I went to Ensenada in 1964. We drove out to Punta Banda, camped and did some scuba diving. We also discovered Hussong's Cantina where I had my first legal drink.
I now spend about half of my time in the Punta Banda area!

vgabndo - 6-25-2011 at 03:26 PM

1962 on liberty from Camp Pendleton. I rode with a guy in an old DeSoto beater and the water pump started going out north of San Diego. We kept drinking and turning up the radio. On the way back the pump gave up, we left the DeSoto on the side of the road with the pink on the seat and hitched back to the base.

Marc - 6-25-2011 at 06:52 PM

Was 1959 and stationed in San Diego. Went to TJ. Don't remember a thing.

dean miller - 6-26-2011 at 12:06 AM

December 1951
Was on a college break
Went south to Ensenada to find clear warm water for spearfishing
Found clear water but certainly wasn't warm water.

The Bridge

mcfez - 6-26-2011 at 10:51 AM

First time...was in 1972. I too....was stationed at the US Naval Fleet.

We all headed over to TJ with our fresh military haircuts and the "G I Joe walk"..........and once we were at the old bridge....it was hookers and beer time. Being young and stupid at time......that was the only time for me with the ladies. Marc .......I think you were at the bar with us

wessongroup - 6-26-2011 at 11:13 AM

1950 .... Ensenada ... deep sea fishing with my Dad.. 8 years old.. then starting going further down ... to Johnson's Ranch... just camping out ... surf fishing and digging clams.. and some belly boarding with homemade stuff... from popular mechanics ...

Bob H - 6-26-2011 at 02:19 PM

Thanks for bumping this thread up David... I missed it the last time around.

Many interesting stories.

1984 for me... directly to Hussongs in Ensenada! I don't remember the rest of that trip... :lol:

Marc - 6-26-2011 at 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
First time...was in 1972. I too....was stationed at the US Naval Fleet.

We all headed over to TJ with our fresh military haircuts and the "G I Joe walk"..........and once we were at the old bridge....it was hookers and beer time. Being young and stupid at time......that was the only time for me with the ladies. Marc .......I think you were at the bar with us

Yes, that was me face down on the floor.

AmoPescar - 6-27-2011 at 06:44 PM

1962...

To Ensenada...with my Mom, brothers and future stepdad. Stayed at a trailer on the beach owned by my Mom's BFF.

We rode horses on the beach, swam at a secluded beach south of town and visited the tourist shops in town.

I remember being quite scared on the drive home Sunday night. The old highway ran through the hills on a very dark, narrow and windy road.

I liked it though and visited Ensenada and TJ over the years. Then in 1991 My son and I took the first of numerous trips to the East Cape for fishing at Palmas de Cortez. I was definitely 'hooked' on Baja at that point.

Miguelamo :yes:

mcfez - 6-28-2011 at 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc

Quote:

Yes, that was me face down on the floor.

You did get the best looking one of the group :lol:

1st Baja

EdZeranski - 6-28-2011 at 08:53 AM

Summer 1965 to TJ and a bit south. Really started to explore in 1968 after my all expense paid SE Asian vacation. My friend Tom had a WWII Army ambulance, Dodge Power Wagon, that we took to Baja and Borrego. Down South we bought gas at ranches and strained it through chamois to trap some of the water and there was a big filter on the gas line. I bought bricks of .22 long rifle ammo in San Diego then gave boxes to the gas selling rancheros as a tip. They were stoked! Back then it was no big deal.

EdZ KG6UTS
OB, Borrego and Baja!!

805gregg - 6-28-2011 at 07:11 PM

With my family to TJ in 1957, then on my own starting in 1963, over 100 trips so far.

Phil S - 6-29-2011 at 08:13 AM

Aarrrgggghhhh!!!!! I'm a 'newcomer' more or less. First time was about Feb. 1987 when my brother & I flew into Loreto from Oregon to see what was so great about 'Baja'!!!! We left Eugene Oregon in a rain storm. We arrived Loreto in a 'sunshine' storm. What a difference. Our cousin had been coming down for a number of years in his 33' Airstream, and he did nothing but 'brag, brag, brag' about his experiences. Mostly about the fishing & camping on 'Rattlesnake Beach' near Puerto Escondido. Well, we were 'smitten'. We spent the next two weeks there in his tent, drinking Pacifico's, fishing, sunbathing, meeting incredible campers at evening campfires, shaking hands with 'Mexican dogs', meeting Mexican 'peddlers' selling everything from Ironwood carvings, to lobster, scallops, clams, and fresh veggies. Came back camping. I eventually bought a home in Nopolo we had for seven years. Sold it, and still drive back to Loreto to visit friends and then on to Cabo for two weeks at a resort/timeshare. There is nothing like this experience, short of sex that does the heart so good. I'm looking forward to many more years of experiences. cousin nor my brother come down anymore. Their loss.

David K - 6-29-2011 at 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phil S
... We spent the next two weeks there in his tent, drinking Pacifico's, fishing, sunbathing, meeting incredible campers at evening campfires, shaking hands with 'Mexican dogs', meeting Mexican 'peddlers' selling everything from Ironwood carvings, to lobster, scallops, clams, and fresh veggies... .

Very cool... and when they come up selling their stuff while we are camping on Bahia Concepcion, I love the reply when I ask: 'How Much?"... the reply is always: "For you, my friend, ALMOST FREE !"

luv2fish - 6-29-2011 at 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajamedic
1965 was the first for me, I was ten years old; my father and uncle were helping to build a small church in San Felipe, as my father was the manager of a building supply establishment in the bay area (of California), the local builders were aware of his project in Mexico and they kept a corner stocked with supplies to take on his next trip.

This is so true... We tend to take things for granted, with our new motorhomes, new cars,trucks, jet skis the big over priced house we can't afford, and dig ourselves into very deep holes with debt. To pay for the debt we find ourselves living to work rather than working to live and provide what we need. This is one of many factors contributing to the rise in divorce rates n.o.b. 50% by last count. Any who great post, love the church building.

AmoPescar - 6-29-2011 at 09:51 PM

bajamedic...

First...I like your pics, love the old B and W's!

Second...if they were going to make a movie about your story...Tom Hanks
could play your dad! (or is that your uncle?) I showed the picture to my buddy and said who does the guy in sunglasses look like? Without hesitation he said "Tom Hanks"

Miguelamo :yes:

KurtG - 6-30-2011 at 08:34 AM

1974, at age 30. After selling my business in Minnesota I found myself in California with a new Honda 750. I had spent Minnesota winters reading about the races in Baja and since the new highway was complete I decided to aim the bike south. Got an auto club map and took off. It was a great bike road when new, fresh asphalt with great scenery and no traffic to speak of. Stopped in Mulege for a week staying at the Hacienda then rode on to La Paz which I thought was one of the nicest towns anywhere. Took the bike on the mostly dirt road to Cabo San Lucas which was vastly different than now and absolutely beautiful. My plan had been to take the ferry that at that time ran from Cabo to Puerto Vallarta but after thinking about it decided that I wouldn't fine any place that I would like better than Mulege. Returned there and found a nice little house to rent then returned to the states and returned to Mulege with my pre-school age daughter (3) and my son (6) where we spent most of the next year and a half. My boy was already doing well in school and I did a home school program for him while we were there which also helped my daughter since she sat in on the lessons. A single Dad with little kids was quite a novelty in Mulege at that time and we were treated very well by the community. My children remember it as a great time and they still return when they can. 37 years later I still ride to Mulege a couple of times a year and Kathy and I spend as much time there as we can, just limited my the fact that she isn't retired yet. Lots of great memories.

dizzyspots - 6-30-2011 at 09:09 AM

a real new guy here...we made the 1st Baja trip about 5-6 yrs ago.

We had been on a short off road trip out of Puerto Penasco with a group of about 16 vehicles, across the RR tracks and salt flats to the beach, then an amazing run up 40 miles of vacant beach to El Golfo...had a blast, ...

about a year later when on the internet to see if they were gonna do it again, but found another group over at www.4wdtrips.net that were planning a BAJA trip....which included whales at San Ignacio

the group was VERY accomodating...re-arranging their departure to match up with my paramedic schedule...so now we are headed to Baja for the 1st trip with 8 folks that we have never met (turns out that one lived literally 2 blocks from us!)

We joined up in Yuma, crossed at Algodones and headed south...we wound up with a very late start and wound up in San Felipe in the dark during Semanta Santa...introduced to my first bowl of ceviche at the liitle roadside stand just as you exit south..FABULOUS...then spent the night at Punta Estrella

the next morning we departed early for Gonzaga Bay.....WHOA...I like off road travel, but was not prepared for 50 miles of that!! (nor was my wife)...made the stop at Coco's....then Mex 1 to San Ignacio, resupplied, then on into Antonios (again arriving at dark) camped on the beach...early AM onto the Lagoon and playing with and touch the whales...stroking the baleen inside the calf's mouth was the highlight of the trip

....stayed in Guerrero Negro on the return...when we got to the Chapala turn off...my wife REFUSED to go back up that road!!! we didn't have enough time off to go around thru San Diego...sooo (after learning about airing down AND proper washboard speed) we arrived at Gonzaga Bay about 1030...wow...we finally dropped our kayak in the water (been on top of the FJ since we left AZ)

and the rest is history...great kayaking, great fishing we fell in love...we have been back once or twice a year since (if I had the time it would be monthly)

great people (locals and ex-pats), no travel fears...checkpoints more professional then some of ours, great food...

.love this site, so I can travel along vicariously with you early Baja travelers...I grew up on the east coast (LI,NY) and had heard great stories about the Baja 1000, etc...but it was almost 30 yrs AFTER moving to Tucson that we actually got to go

Thanks

pappy - 6-30-2011 at 11:40 AM

1968 with parents. first solo was in '73 with some high school buddies, one of whom had a aunt or something that lived in tj. we stayed in her house the first night-after making the obligatory rounds of bars and "sideshows". we stumlbed into the room around 4am, happy to have shelter. a lot of activity was goijng on at that residence during the rest of the night. turned out it was a, weel, no-tell motel that she operated. rest of time was spent in ensenada and at san miguel.

the following weekend, which was the 4th of july, i went back to san diego to visit a girl i met in hussongs the week prior. we went to hussongs for a sunday brunch, so to speak, and barely made it back home...

anyway, i was hooked ever since that first trip in '68.

Cypress - 6-30-2011 at 12:56 PM

About 50 yrs. after the thrill was gone.

805gregg - 6-30-2011 at 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
About 50 yrs. after the thrill was gone.

I hear you, I'm going to Fiji next, cheap like Baja used to be and they speak english.

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