pierguy - 9-14-2008 at 01:45 PM
We have gone down the road from San Diego to BOLA a few times, no problems, but for next year's trailer boating caravan, we wanted to try another
route.
That route would start from crossing Tecate or Calexico to San Felipe and dropping the boats off from there and end up in BOLA and stopping here and
there.
Any suggestions on places to stay along the way or just shoot straight down?
This is in the early planning stage now for spring-summer 2009.
Boats will range from 16' to 25' and most likely 4 minimum on the water. We know to bring a few jerry jugs of gas per each boater and can fill up in
BOLA.
Hook - 9-14-2008 at 02:11 PM
I would make for AT LEAST Gonzaga and even that anchorage would make me uneasy in certain winds.
Puerto Refugio, at the northern end of Isla Angel de la Guardia is your first true all-weather anchorage before BOLA.
Are you returning via the water or is someone bringing down your trailers?
Hook - 9-14-2008 at 02:22 PM
Given the marginal fishing in that area of the Gulf, as well as the limited anchorages, have you guys ever done the circular tour of the islands south
of BOLA?
Launch at BOLA, head to San Francisquito, out to San Lorenzo, maybe Isla Esteban, Salsipuedes, La Raza, up to Isla Estanque, along the back side of de
la Guardia to Refugio and then back to BOLA. Boats with limited range could easily return to BOLA before hitting Estanque and then rejoin the group
for the backside run around La Guardia.
capt. mike - 9-14-2008 at 04:48 PM
talk to Carlos Fiesta. 1st.
bajamikey - 9-14-2008 at 05:53 PM
that would be a cool trip.i would like to hear from any one that has done this trip or other's on the s.o.c
marv sherrill - 9-14-2008 at 06:43 PM
A little steinbeck and ricketts trip - sounds fun - have a reliable boat and heed the advice above - met some adventurers a few years back in hobie
cats making the same trip --took them two weeks to get from gonzaga to BOLA! Have lots of supplies - and research the possible camp site between here
and there!!! been there done that - Marv
boe4fun - 9-15-2008 at 07:59 AM
You might check with the Vagabundos del Mar. They may have a trip in the offing.
Crusoe - 9-15-2008 at 09:20 AM
Hi pierguy....Its a great trip. Just be sure to take double the amont of food and WATER just incase you are wnded in !!!!! ++C++
bajabum - 9-17-2008 at 12:55 PM
I dont think the 16 footer is up to the challenge and will really impede the progress of the larger boats, I wouldnt attempt it in anything less than
a 21 footer. I would launch in Puertocitos, fish the islands on the way down to the first nighs anchorage in back bay at Gonzaga and stay at
Alfonsinas hotel and enjoy a few cold ones and some fish/shrimp tacos with Antonio. Then head south to Refugio, there are alot of cool places to
explore and fish on the way. Fish your way around the back side of LaGuardia the next day and head south to Las Animas (south of BOLA) for the third
nights anchorage and then head in to BOLA.
Hook - 9-17-2008 at 02:22 PM
There are two 16 foot boats that come to mind that could make this, assuming they carried sufficient fuel.
A C-Dory and an Arima.
Both would require extra fuel cells of some kind.
Is there safe parking of tow vehicles and trailers in Puertecitos?
pierguy - 9-21-2008 at 11:04 AM
Wow, thanks for the wealth of information, I have passed the 411 to others, it will make us re-think the plans. Lots of good points to be taken in.
Most of us have done the TJ to BOLA before, but the idea was to go for some other venture.
There will be one truck and trailer going down (no boat), but rather carrying most of the extra fuel jugs and camping equipment.
Part of the idea was to time part of the trip with the mothership operations (Tony Reyes, etal), but not fish on the same dates but close enuf' as
then there's too many boats in the water.
With the roads going to Puertecitos being a bit rocky for some of the other trailers was a deterrent from going down that far, thus the decision to
launch from San Felipe.
The two 16's are Baja Runner type boats. The idea is to buddy boat as we go along, no speed racing and keep in visual contact at all times, coast
along the shoreline as much as possible. Lead boat always checking with the last boat.
I have seen and read Carlos Fiesta's adventures and that was also partly the reason some wanted to try, but we only have 10 days from SF to back home.
Barry A. - 9-21-2008 at 11:32 AM
The highway from San Felipe to Puertecitos is newly paved, and no problem for boat trailers if you go slowly and carefully to avoid speed in the
vados, I believe. Launching at Puertecitos is dicey at anything but high tide, I believe.
The "support" points between San Felipe and Gonzaga are many, and should be no problem if you plan accordingly with support.
The "support" points between Gonzaga and BOLA are few (2 that I can think of---both long dirt trail mileages) and this is a wild and wooly coast with
cliffs, deep water, and few (if any??) protected places to secure boats for the night------study and research this stretch well before you embark.
What a fantastic adventure, tho. I would have no problem taking my 16' tin boat with a 15ph motor, on this trip if packed very light (max 2 people),
and if I could carry enough fuel-----you need support, I think.
All the previous advice is good and should be heeded.
I am jealous, or at least envious. 
Barry
Hook - 9-21-2008 at 12:15 PM
Still unclear..........are you boating down and boating back to SF?