BajaNomad - Any nice campos in Bahia San Francisquito?

Any nice campos in Bahia San Francisquito?

Ken Cooke - 10-18-2008 at 09:56 PM

Russ (pictured, foreground) is taking over as Bay of LA-area g

guide for our Baja Grande 4WD tour in November, and I wanted to know if anyone knew of any nice campos in Bahia San Francisquito? Everyone will be dry camping, and we plan to stay in the bay for 2 nights. I'd rather know about current accomodations rather than just show up and see what we find. Any suggestions will be a-ok w/us! (& Russ)...

Bajaboy - 10-18-2008 at 10:00 PM

Ken-

I strongly suggest you stay a day at Playa San Rafael with Pancho. There are two nice palapas and plenty of white sandy beach. There are plenty on this board that will vouch for Pancho as well.

Zac

Ken Cooke - 10-18-2008 at 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Playa San Rafael with Pancho.

Playa San Rafael? Isn't that near San Felipe??? :?:

[Edited on 10-19-2008 by Ken Cooke]

Bajaboy - 10-19-2008 at 07:53 AM

Playa San Rafael is on the road from Bola to PSF. In fact, if you look at the map, it's where the road briefly comes to the Sea of Cortez. You can do a search here and find a ton of info. Or let me know and I can send some pics.

Zac

bajajudy - 10-19-2008 at 08:59 AM

I agree 100% with Zac. You will love San Rafael. Great shore fishing, great hiking, great sunrises and sunsets and the most important feature....Pancho.

Well then, Pancho it is!

Ken Cooke - 10-19-2008 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
I agree 100% with Zac. You will love San Rafael. Great shore fishing, great hiking, great sunrises and sunsets and the most important feature....Pancho.

This will make for a great 2 day stop for our crew. Thanks for the recommendation!

Bajaboy - I was snooping around your website last night, but I didn't see any photos of this campo. Can you post some? Thanks,

Ken

Bajaboy - 10-19-2008 at 11:39 AM

Ken-

If you go the photos link on my log you can access a number of our recent trips. To check out some of PSR, follow this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZAJohnston/SpringBreak08#

They are towards the end of the slide show.

zac

Ken Cooke - 10-19-2008 at 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Ken-

If you go the photos link on my log you can access a number of our recent trips. To check out some of PSR, follow this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZAJohnston/SpringBreak08#

They are towards the end of the slide show.

zac

Thank you, Zac! I will take a look and share with all of the guys.

-Ken

Martyman - 10-20-2008 at 08:39 AM

Last time I saw Pancho he said he needed some pants. He is a skinny guy maybe waist size 30?? he also enjoys a good stogie. Have fun. Pancho is my guru!!

motoged - 10-20-2008 at 09:29 AM

Ken,
San Raphael has a nice beach and that's about it. San Francisquito has palapas w/beds and a cocina w/ beer& water....a bit more "infrastructure than San Raphael. If you guys are carrying all your own stuff, either place is a good choice

BAHIA SAN RAFAEL: Sí

David K - 10-20-2008 at 06:15 PM

Bahia San Rafael: Nice beach, and a really friendly man you will admire: Pancho! The 'Baja Feeling' is here!

San Francisquito: A very beautiful beach, so-so 'resort' from latest reports, $$$ for anything (designed for fly-in guests).

motoged - 10-20-2008 at 11:33 PM

San Raphael:

OR....

San Francisquito:

Hmmmmm.....YOU decide..... :yes:

[Edited on 10-21-2008 by motoged]

Packoderm - 10-21-2008 at 12:01 AM

Road conditions to San Rafael? Could my VW bus make it? Not the one in the avatar. My bus runs a bit better than that.

[Edited on 10/21/2008 by Packoderm]

motoged - 10-21-2008 at 12:20 AM

P.
Yep....To get there from Bahia de los Angeles is shorter than through El Arco...

roads are like this:

Just north of San Raphael:

South of Bahia de LA looking north:

Ken Cooke - 10-21-2008 at 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
San Raphael:

OR....

San Francisquito:

Hmmmmm.....YOU decide..... :yes:

[Edited on 10-21-2008 by motoged]

Ged,

I will put this one on the table for the guys to decide. Both spots look great. I am leaning towards San Francisquito with the Mexican food you displayed. I'm always cooking for myself, and I enjoy having someone else cook the food, especially when I'm traveling.

David K - 10-21-2008 at 07:32 AM

On a trip searching for the lost mission with Chris and Sarah (a few years ago), we stopped at Pancho's place (Bahia San Rafael) and had fish and chicken tacos, Pacificos for me and sodas for my kids...

ie. Mexican food at San Rafael, too...

Ken, you pass San Rafael on the way to San Francisquito... So, stop at Pancho's, meet the man, see the beach and palapas, and decide to go on that day or camp there.

Ged, thanks for your photos... of San Francisquito and San RAFAEL

Paulina - 10-21-2008 at 07:43 AM

Ken,

Might I suggest that even if your group decides to stay at PSF, it's not that far off the road to cruise on in to say hey to Pancho on your way and take in the view.

If you guys have crew t-shirts, he would probably love one.

This is/was the marker for Playa Rafael:

Pancho:

Pancho's house to the right, his Sperm Whale throne to the left:

Pancho's house:

P<*)))>{

[Edited on 21-10-2008 by Paulina]

David K - 10-21-2008 at 08:20 AM

Yes, and if his batteries are charged, you might get to watch some TV (from Hermosillo)!

I think we must have missed something

thebajarunner - 10-21-2008 at 09:11 AM

:?:

Baja Vida and I stopped at San Rafael in late Spring and it was, by any measure- BLEAK!!!

Deserted and bleak.

It is the epitome of the stereotype of really 'run-down, back-woods Mexico' IMHO.

Just my two cents worth,

We got on down the road without a glance back,

PSF was also pretty deserted, meal was just o.k. and of course priced for the aviators (as in a bit pricey)

Barry A. - 10-21-2008 at 09:17 AM

In defense of both places------------it is really tough and expensive to get any supplies into both those remote areas--------for that I always cut them some slack-------besides, I love "old time baja".

Barry

motoged - 10-21-2008 at 09:33 AM

Nomads,
PSF is handsdown my favourite beach and destination....because of my first trip in there, the simplicity of it, and the chance to get off the beaten path....

It is a bit saddening to see it maybe being taken over by resort developers or cartels (like WHO owns that hacienda just north of El Barril????)....and the food is not as good as before (no fish last two times there....so eggs and machaca for breakfast and dinner was the routine....but not a complaint was uttered, because if anyone starts to whine while there, they will be used as a road marker :lol:

It sometimes has gas....and in the times I have been there (Dec-March....week at a time), very few planes came and went, so I don't think they are setting prices just for pilot$...

San Raphael is primo if you are self-contained, but a much less protected bay...

Enjoy the loop...

David K - 10-21-2008 at 05:52 PM

Ged, please... it is 'RAFAEL' (there is no ph in Spanish for the f sound)... :biggrin:

You know, just like ALFONSINA'S instead of Alphonsina's (sic)! :bounce:

Photo of Pancho and me in the center with two kayakers waiting out the wind (April, 2002)...

[Edited on 10-22-2008 by David K]

TMW - 10-21-2008 at 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
In defense of both places------------it is really tough and expensive to get any supplies into both those remote areas--------for that I always cut them some slack-------besides, I love "old time baja".

Barry

Exactly. These places are remote with no electricity and usually no running water unless their generator is working, maybe gravity for some. If you want the Ritz Carlton stay on the paved road.

Punta San Francisquito

David K - 10-21-2008 at 05:57 PM

It is one of the prettiest beaches in Baja!

In this photo from about 1982/3, we camped just past the resort's property marker at the east end of this south facing beach... dolphins and mantas jumped by day and whales sang to us at night!

mailedD50.jpg - 38kB

Ken Cooke - 10-21-2008 at 06:09 PM

When you guys say, "Pricey" exactly how much per night did you pay? $20? $40? $80? :?:

Paulina - 10-21-2008 at 06:46 PM

I can't remember what we paid two years ago at PSF, and the place has gone way down hill since then. I've only made day trips to see Pancho, but I'd bet that it's next to nothing, if nothing at all to camp at Playa Rafael. Zac or EGL would know for certain.

As far as PR goes, it's not "run-down-back woods Mexico". It's Pancho's home. It is also a beautiful, undeveloped beach as far as the eye can see. It's "old school Baja". It's never been more than you'll find it, and hopefully never will be more than what we know it to be today.

The label of "run-down" seems to fit more with the "resort" at PSF that has seen better days. It began as something special and has fallen way short of that description.

If you choose to visit/stay at PR, then plan to be totally self sufficient. Pancho would appreciate any extras you may be able to spare. You will have a true Mexican friend for life with this man. That's not to say because of any dontations, it's just the character of the man, period.

PSF will give you a roof over your head at night, should you choose to pay for it, but the food is iffy as well as the availablility of fuel, beer/sodas.

P<*)))>{

Ken Cooke - 10-21-2008 at 07:07 PM

"Old School Baja" suits me well. Not sure what the guys will think, but I prefer "Old School" vs. "New School Cheese".

Howling winds might change opinions VERY FAST, but Not sure to what extent. Russ and Mike are both military vets, as are Team Isreal (4 Jeeps full of Isrealis). I cut my teeth in Baja & Death Valley, so that's my preference as well.

Thanks for the 411! 4 more weeks, and I'm goin' to BAJA!

Oh, Pancho WILL get a t-shirt. Just like the image of the avatar in Navy Blue. He looks to be about a size 'Large' - perhaps 'Medium' depending on his height.

-Ken

Bajaboy - 10-21-2008 at 07:14 PM

Pancho does not charge to use his palapas but will gladly accept a tip. He is an excellent resource for certain. In the past, he has gotten us firewood for grilling and firewood for burning. If divers or fishermen are there, he will arrange for us to purchase scallops, fish, or what ever the daily catch is. I consider Pancho a friend and as such we act as friends do.

If the wind is blowing, you can camp on the back-bay behind the dune. You'll still have an ocean view and the back-bay is incredible with the water fowl and fish. A few years ago we camped there during the Christmas holidays. I took down an inverter, battery, and Christmas lights. Boy what a party we had that night.

I think if your group is set up to camp, you'll have an excellent time at PSR.

Zac

David K - 10-22-2008 at 08:31 AM

Ken, listen to Paulina and Zac... they are spot on with their information! :bounce:

cpg - 10-27-2008 at 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
When you guys say, "Pricey" exactly how much per night did you pay? $20? $40? $80? :?:

PSF is 10 dollars per person per night camping.
20 dollars per night per person in the cabana.

I am pretty sure there are "0" palapas at San Rafael.
There whale chair is now in San Franciquito and the tire for the turn off is gone.

Also There may be half a palapa standing in San Francisquito.
The rest have blown away so if you camp bring your own shade.

capt. mike - 10-27-2008 at 12:31 PM

"PSF is 10 dollars per person per night camping"

i love that place but when it was $5 per couple per nite for a tent spot on the beach that was worth it. Quadruple that is a huge disappointment.

hell we used to pay only $20 to $30 for a palapa when everything worked.

sad state of affairs. i wish a condo operation would take over.

motoged - 10-27-2008 at 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpg
.....
Also There may be half a palapa standing in San Francisquito.
The rest have blown away so if you camp bring your own shade.

Two years ago there was only one palapa whose roof had blown/fallen off...the other palapas remained intact.
How current is your info that all the palapas were "down"?

Mike,
You really want condos there?

Martyman - 10-27-2008 at 01:26 PM

I could not drive south of BOLA in my loaded down Honda Odyssey. It is a low clearance vehicle. No problem with a high clearance vehicle

cpg - 10-27-2008 at 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

Originally posted by cpg
.....
Also There may be half a palapa standing in San Francisquito.
The rest have blown away so if you camp bring your own shade.

Two years ago there was only one palapa whose roof had blown/fallen off...the other palapas remained intact.
How current is your info that all the palapas were "down"?

March 2008.

This is what I was calling a Palapa.

And this is the cabana

There used to be 5 or six palapas over near the restroom/shower on the north side.

They no longer there and the restroom has been non working and roofless for years.

Hear are a few shots of the working shower south end.

Here some shots of the cabanas.

[Edited on 10-28-2008 by cpg]

Those look like luxurious digs!!

Ken Cooke - 10-27-2008 at 06:30 PM

Our group will be driving modified 4WD vehicles, so no chance of bottoming out...unless, we decide to take the route at speed. We want to see something new, so we're taking our time and seeing everything for the 1st time.

I can't wait!!

cpg - 10-27-2008 at 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Our group will be driving modified 4WD vehicles, so no chance of bottoming out...unless, we decide to take the route at speed. We want to see something new, so we're taking our time and seeing everything for the 1st time.

I can't wait!!
[

I wish I was going with you guys. You are going to wish you spent more than 2 nights in SF.

David K - 10-27-2008 at 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpg

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
When you guys say, "Pricey" exactly how much per night did you pay? $20? $40? $80? :?:

You missed this post by Zac, in this thread:

"Ken-

I strongly suggest you stay a day at Playa San Rafael with Pancho. There are two nice palapas and plenty of white sandy beach. There are plenty on this board that will vouch for Pancho as well.

Zac"

Ken Cooke - 10-27-2008 at 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpgI wish I was going with you guys. You are going to wish you spent more than 2 nights in SF.

I will wish I was spending 1 week in San Francisquito. But, the guys bore easily, and they get that itch to keep moving. I like staying put, having a drink, listening to my PsyTrance music, looking at the stars, but the group dictates our actions, so we keep moving, viewing the beauty through the dust.

David K - 10-28-2008 at 08:37 AM

Ken, if you are in no hurry... don't use the new graded road south of L.A. Bay...

Use the original 'Gulfo Camino' that the Erle Stanley Gardner party opened in 1966! You will see the tallest Cardons in Baja and some sections of ROUGH road your Jeeps were made for! The access is between Las Flores and the Las Animas road (a car door with stickers and a no hunting sign once marked the road)... This was the 1973 Baja 1000 route, too. It re-joins the new graded road a few miles south of Bahia San Rafael.

Here are some photos:

David K - 10-28-2008 at 08:44 AM

Oh, if you do go that way and see this, this is the 'Lost Mission' site I have been trying to find!:

What we were looking for... an ancient wall, stone piles, and native sleeping circles,
as shown in these photos from a 1966 Desert Magazine story by Choral Pepper.
The site was discovered by the Erle Stanley Gardner expedition.

motoged - 10-28-2008 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpg

This is what I was calling a Palapa.

And this is the cabana

CPG,
Gracias,
Yo comprendo...I was worried there for a minute....

I am looking forward to an overnight there in January with a few ride buddies...
Ged

Ken Cooke - 10-28-2008 at 06:59 PM

Thanks for everyones input. I really appreciate the time people took to upload photos, and lend advice to me - this being my first time in the San Francisquito region. Muchas Gracias a todos Uds.!

cpg - 10-28-2008 at 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by cpg

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
When you guys say, "Pricey" exactly how much per night did you pay? $20? $40? $80? :?:

Hi David,

If the tide is low I drive the entire beach to or from Panchos house.

Start heading south.

Heading South on the beach

Pancho and his house

Heading north

This is the only structure left on the beach. Maybe it is the Palapa?

[Edited on 10-29-2008 by cpg]

David K - 10-29-2008 at 12:59 AM

Those are some really great photos cpg!!!

I have not been to Pancho's in a long time, so I trust Zac ('bajaboy') and others with newer trip reports... Per Zac, there are two palapas on the beach... I saw his photos showing one a year or two ago... I just did a Nomad search for 'palapa' by 'bajaboy' and found this bit from his April, 2007 trip report:

"We arrived at Panchos around 6:00 pm and said our hellos. I first met Pancho in 1997. He lives at PSR full time and is a great man. He immediately said he had been building two palapas on the beach and wanted to show us. One was about 75% completed while the other was completed. We decided we'd try it out.

I've camped at PSR a number of times and always enjoyed myself. Pancho is quick to deliver fire wood, offer fishing gear, or anything else he thinks you might need. In fact, after seeing our fire pit, he decided that we needed a bbq. So, we proceed to build one out of metal water tubing from the road. Anyways, Pancho wanted me to invite all Nomads down for a visit. He does not charge for his services or the palapas but does take tips."

cymeryss - 10-29-2008 at 09:25 AM

We will be in PSF or at Pancho's around that time, so we might see you there. Taking the boat this time so no offroading for us. Sounds like a fun trip. Our next destination is MSM so it's going to be nice to hear how the road is doing.

elgatoloco - 10-29-2008 at 10:00 AM

Pancho is a Baja treasure and to be a able to spend a little time with him is a treat. He is an engaging, interesting fellow.

Resize of Resize of Resize of Resize of IMG_2934.JPG - 39kB

Resize of Resize of Resize of Resize of IMG_2934.JPG - 39kB

David K - 10-29-2008 at 04:09 PM

Nice palapa photo Matt... Is there two or just that one?

David K - 10-29-2008 at 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cymeryss
We will be in PSF or at Pancho's around that time, so we might see you there. Taking the boat this time so no offroading for us. Sounds like a fun trip. Our next destination is MSM so it's going to be nice to hear how the road is doing.

MSM? Mision Santa Maria?? >> http://vivabaja.com/msm

Was great fun last year... what with the bighorn sheep visiting us and all! Ken and company will be going in 3 weeks.

Event t-shirts listing in 'Baja Misc.'

Ken Cooke - 11-14-2008 at 07:18 PM

front

back

We visited...we liked!

Ken Cooke - 11-29-2008 at 09:46 PM

San Francisquito was a nice stopover. We received some rainfall, but this cut down on the amount of dust on the trail a little. Playing with our 4WDs on the sand just downslope from the cabañas was quite interesting. The sand was deep. Almost as deep as in El Barril (The Barrel). One interesting item was the plane that was stuck above the runway at Puerto San Francisquito. We took photos, and nothing else. We believe one engine lost power during takeoff, and the thing slammed into the side of the hill. Check 'Baja Trip Reports' on Sunday. I will upload photos to show everything. I'm going to sleep now (yawn).

baitcast - 11-30-2008 at 05:13 AM

Bleak is good as long as the water is warm and clear and the sand stretches for miles.
Rob

[Edited on 11-30-2008 by baitcast]

Ken - the plane has a diff story.

capt. mike - 11-30-2008 at 08:29 AM

it was on a medical evac flight headed south from the states and developed a...... serious problem.

it attempted a forced landing on the old crumbling paved strip at PSFO but came in hot and overran, tearing off the gear and props on the hill - a total loss basically due to location. That was a $6M plane!

i have the complete and most riviting story and pics thx to a nomad here who has a connection to the guys who also enroute heard their distress call and actually guided them in.
four lives were likely saved as the medivac crew were clueless as to where they could go for a landing try - nothing else around but rough terrain and they were headed down at 2000 Ft. per min and out of options.

glad you experienced PSFO - it is a classic place.

Ken Cooke - 11-30-2008 at 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
it was on a medical evac flight headed south from the states and developed a...... serious problem.

Mike, The plane looked as if it could be repaired. The body looked to be intact. Sad to see it resting there at the top of that hill.

David K - 4-13-2011 at 08:14 AM

Bump for McFez to show him Pancho and Bahia San Rafael!