DeMinimis - 10-13-2008 at 09:42 AM
Hey Gang,
Heading down to Baja a bit earlier this year. Probably crossing after Christmas (wife wants to be home for Christmas, but I'm working on her) -NOW
CROSSING ON CHRISTMAS MORNING. We're going to Gonzaga for our first night (first time to Gonazaga too). If anyone wants to caravan to Gonazaga,
etc., drop me a note. I understand the last 60-ish miles to Gonzaga is rough (if coming from San Felipe), but I think we can handle it.
[Edited on 12-21-2008 by DeMinimis]
Bruce R Leech - 10-13-2008 at 09:43 AM
nice rig
Bajaboy - 10-13-2008 at 09:59 AM
Your rig shouldn't have any problems. I've spent a number of holidays in that area and Gonzaga can be great or horrible that time of year. I'd watch
the weather and leave accordingly. If the winds are blowing, I'd wait a few days or better yet find something on the Pacific for a few days. Either
way, you'll have a great time.
Zac
DeMinimis - 10-13-2008 at 10:03 AM
Thanks. I love it. 7.3 turbo diesel, solar panel, microwave, 4cu fridge, LP Range, seats six and sleeps four. Two spare tires (for Baja), Dynatrac
Pro Rock front axle, Atlas transfer case, Dynaloc hubs and adding Bilstein res shocks all around (I've got the shocks, I just need to make the
mounts). Was at Cabo Pulmo last year snorkling and these gals from Oregon showed up in one. Had seen them before, but never up close (Sportsmobile,
not gals). I had about 15 minutes to kill, so eyeballed their rig during that time. After 15 minutes, I knew I had to get one. I had a nice
Westfalia camper van at the time (Jetta motor conversion) that I was starting to outfit for Baja, but it just didn't have the get up and go I needed.
Needed something that didn't get blown all over the road, could haul a loaded trailer, and still sleep four. Wanted 4x4 too, just in case. Wife took
some convincing, but she agreed after she got the tour of one we came across in Hood River, OR. Found this one in Houston on the cheap, so flew there
and drove it back to the PNW in two days. Its been great. Unfortunately, its my daily driver, so restoring on an old convertible Bug right now to
use as my daily so I don't go broke buying diesel. Still had some tweaking before the Dec trip (Lowrance Baja 540c, Toyo Mud Terrains all around).
Gonna skip the TV for now. Thanks again.
David K - 10-13-2008 at 10:37 AM
It is closer to 45 miles to Gonzaga being rough... see my trip report from last month: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33564
[Edited on 10-13-2008 by David K]
DeMinimis - 10-13-2008 at 02:44 PM
Thanks David. Funny thing, I'm always checking your website for Baja maps and info and poof! Here you are. Great website David. This one too.
DeMinimis - 12-21-2008 at 11:14 AM
Well, we plan on crossing on X-mas morning. Mexicali (unless the bank near immigration isn't open) or in the alternative TJ. Heading to Gonzaga for
our first few days. However, the weather up here might have different plans (all this snow with a heater running non-stop inside the van).
And 12 hours later and it won't stop coming down
[Edited on 12-21-2008 by DeMinimis]
Diver - 12-21-2008 at 12:01 PM
The next potential break in our weather might allow us to leave on Tuesday, crossing at Tecate the day after Christmas.
We now have over 30 inches and it's still snowing ....
And they have closed all our highways due to icing and high winds.
DeMinimis - 12-21-2008 at 01:19 PM
We're not too far from you Diver. HWY 97 to Weed is our planned route. I ran down to Redmond/Bend and back yesterday in wife's car (studs) and it
wasn't too bad. But yea, I-84 is a mess. Trying to load the Sporty now and my toes are cold. Still have to install a Hi-Lift on the front bumper
and change out the diesel fuel filter today. Thing is, I usually love snow, just not right now.
[Edited on 12-21-2008 by DeMinimis]
[Edited on 12-21-2008 by DeMinimis]
Udo - 12-21-2008 at 01:57 PM
Very nice rig!
Is that an engine heater I see plugged in?
DeMinimis - 12-21-2008 at 03:23 PM
Thanks. Yup, plugged in to keep that diesel nice an liquid. Plugged into shore power too to keep the inside warm without using all the propane.
DeMinimis - 12-21-2008 at 08:12 PM
Braved the zero degree temps and installed the Hi-Lift. Installed a Lowrance last week and got the Baja map for it. Almost ready to roll. Suppose I
ought to relocate the license plate, but don't really want to.
[Edited on 12-22-2008 by DeMinimis]
CaboHenry - 12-21-2008 at 10:12 PM
I'm heading south on x-mas day (25th) and am looking to join a convoy through TJ border area to Ensenada. I'll be going as far as GN or S.Ignas that
day. Does anyone know if the border bank is open x-mas day to pay for the tourist cards? Would rather take care of the cards in Ensenada but I'm sure
that office will be closed.
DeMinimis - 12-21-2008 at 10:21 PM
TJ is 24/7/365. We may be going that route ourselves if I can't get good 411 on the Mexicali crossing (east). If we cross at TJ, we'll be staying in
one of the pay lots at the border on x-mas eve..