BajaNomad

Want to Convoy South to ?

AspenMeadowRanch - 12-24-2008 at 02:10 PM

We will be heading South down Baja some time in late January .We would like to convoy down with some others. We have a Dodge Pick-up & truck camper.This will be our first time down.Just want to camp, fish, swim .Open to all suggestions.Help us out and we can help you on your North West vacation some time.
Have a Good Day
John in Montana

Hook - 12-24-2008 at 03:12 PM

Bring a wetsuit for swimming, unless you can handle swimming in the Missouri right now.

AspenMeadowRanch - 12-25-2008 at 08:11 AM

Thank you for the advice Hook.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
Merry Christmas
John

Diver - 12-25-2008 at 09:51 AM

Tell us how long you have in Baja, do you dry camp or need services, etc. ?
Do you want to see it all or just find a nice spot ?

AspenMeadowRanch - 12-25-2008 at 10:05 AM

Thanks for the reply Diver
We are not locked in any time frame.I plan on about 1 month down there.I am used to roughing it with my horses and a wall tent up in the mountains my whole life ,so a camper is pleasant conditions to me.We would like to see a few places and settle down and enjoy the fishing and snorkeling, and camping on the beach if possible.I was a diver in my younger days. I am 53 now and had a back operation so I am hesitant about diving as it has been a few years since I went.The down side of getting old.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Merry Christmas
John on Montana

Pompano - 12-25-2008 at 10:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Bring a wetsuit for swimming, unless you can handle swimming in the Missouri right now.


Hook, sometimes 'swimming' in the Missouri is not quite the right term..as AspenMeadowRanch probably knows.

Sometimes the kids made it more fun ..A Therapuetic Mud Bath:



John, when you get to Conception Bay, come look me up at Coyote Bay. I'll show you some great beach camping spots around Mulege and The Bay, maybe wet a line with you...talk about some good days packing in. Look for Km 108 south of Mulege.

Debra - 12-25-2008 at 10:59 AM

Bahia de Los Angeles is nice, Dagget's or Archlon is the best bet for camping $5pp. hot showers, nice people. Water temp was 72F when I left a few days ago.

Mulege the water should be warmer. Playa Santispac is about 12 miles south (we like staying at the cove to the right) avoid at the full moon unless you don't mind getting out of your camper into 2ft. of water in the AM. 2 places to eat right at Santispac (if Ray's is open, I'm told it is) further south is El Coyote and several other beaches, each more beautiful than the other last, pick your spot!

What is a "wall tent"?

Bob H - 12-25-2008 at 11:16 AM

Go to Coyote Bay... just south of Mulege.... along the Sea of Cortez. We love the place for solitude. Every morning, Tamale Lady will come by to sell her goods. Great beach and wonderful views along the water.
Bob H

DianaT - 12-25-2008 at 11:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
We will be heading South down Baja some time in late January .We would like to convoy down with some others. We have a Dodge Pick-up & truck camper.This will be our first time down.Just want to camp, fish, swim .Open to all suggestions.Help us out and we can help you on your North West vacation some time.
Have a Good Day
John in Montana


Since this is your first time down, I suggest that you purchase the Frank and Teri Church Book, Camping in Baja, and another guide book, like the Lonely Planet, or one of the Moon publications.

Things change in Baja and all of the information is never up-to-date, but it gives you some good ideas, tips, etc. Then you can take it from there and if there is a place that sounds good, ask on this forum about the place---but beware, on this board, the same place can be rated from rat hole to paradise.

If you so desire, you can order the books from one of the Baja Nomads, bajajudy----here is a link to her Book and Map Store. And I am sure she would help guide you to the best choices.

Welcome and beware---Baja can become addictive. :yes:

And if you decide to go off the main path and don't mind taking your camper on a dirt road, come out to Bahia Asuncion and if we are in town, stop by and say howdy.

Diane

Diver - 12-25-2008 at 11:59 AM

1. Get you Mex auto insurance in advance - a 1 year policy will be cheapest; check Lewis and Lewis, Bajabound and Discover Baja.
2. You can get your FMT visas in advance as well through Discover Baja club.
3. If you plan to fish from a boat you will also need fishing licenses - not neccessary for shore fishing.
4. Cross at Tecate' - stay at Potrero County Park the night before you cross.
5. Cross with enough gas to get through Ensenada, at least, and get some pesos from a bank ATM as you head south - pay for gas etc with pesos or you will not get the current exchange rate.
6. Make for San Quintin the first night - El Pabalon is right on the beach with hot showers - look for the red/yellow signs south of town.
7. Head south to El Rosario and gas up at the Bajacactus Pemex before you head south to Catavinia for the night. Spend some time hiking the rocks and cactus. Camp at Santa Inez ranch a mile or so south of town on the left.
8. Head south again to Bahia De Los Angeles - the view as you drop into town is amazing. Camp at Archelon or Daggets just north of town.
9. Head to Guerrero Negro and out to the whale lagoon south of town. Camp on the water fro a day or 2 and watch the whales and dolphin.
10. Head south to Viscaino and take the road our to Bahia Asuncion. I warn you that if the weather is warm, you may not go further. Great fishing, beaches, biking, etc. Shari and Juan will set you up !
11. Maybe the beach road to Abreojos if its' in good shape - Shari will know.
Otherwise head to San Ignacio and stay at either the B&B yurts or at El Padrito and check out the historic town.
12. As you head south, stop and walk the streets of Santa Rosalia and don't miss the bakery and some local fish tacos.
13. From there you could stop at San Bruno or Chivato areas but Mulege is the goal. Stock up in town and then head to one of the beaches south of town for a relaxing campsite on the water.
14. The next stop south is Loreto, the across to Cuidad Constitution and back across to La Paz.
15. 45 min. south of La Paz is La Ventana and El Muertos for more good camping and fishing.
16. Etc, etc ....

There are tons of places in between all of these - ask away !!!
.

Pompano - 12-25-2008 at 12:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
.....

Mulege the water should be warmer. Playa Santispac is about 12 miles south (we like staying at the cove to the right) avoid at the full moon unless you don't mind getting out of your camper into 2ft. of water in the AM. 2 places to eat right at Santispac (if Ray's is open, I'm told it is) further south is El Coyote and several other beaches, each more beautiful than the other last, pick your spot!

What is a "wall tent"?


Debra (and John in Montana)...Ray's Cafe at Santispac is not there any longer. The only cafe now is Ana's and that is very good, with a great Cheer's-like cantina. Ray's is now out on the ice-house road west of Mulege and well worth the drive.

Debra..a 'wall tent' is just that...usually a larger, tough canvas tent, not a pup tent or such. These tents are built to withstand the elements. A more permanent wall tent will have wooden floors and all the fixin's...like outfitter's line camps. They're 'comfortable' for a few nights or long stays..in all seasons. Generally heated with wood burning stoves...
..like this one I used in the bush about 40 years ago.
.



[Edited on 12-25-2008 by Pompano]

Wall tents.

Pompano - 12-25-2008 at 12:27 PM

Ahh..ahem....Some wall tents were also used on the movie set of...
.."Brokeback Mountain"

...but they forgot the tent poles and had to use lodgepole pines...now how did I know that?..just guessing. :rolleyes:
.

AspenMeadowRanch - 12-25-2008 at 12:48 PM

John, when you get to Conception Bay, come look me up at Coyote Bay. I'll show you some great beach camping spots around Mulege and The Bay, maybe wet a line with you...talk about some good days packing in. Look for Km 108 south of Mulege. [/quote

Thank you for the invite.We definitely will look you up.I will send you a pm.
Everyone here is very friendly.
If I can bring you anything let me know.
If I can be of any help on a vacation up North to Montana get in touch with me.
Thank you and Merry Christmas
John

DianaT - 12-25-2008 at 01:01 PM

John,

Received a U2U from you but there was no message? Somehow the message disappeared?

Where in Montana are you from. We have a son who lives in Missoula?

Diane

Pompano - 12-25-2008 at 01:16 PM

Okay, John...got your message and returned same..ck U2U and see you here. Keep the greasy side down.

Debra - 12-25-2008 at 02:01 PM

Thanks Pomp, I forgot all about the old Army tent my G-Pa had back in the 60's, I guess that would be a wall tent, DUH! :?:

AspenMeadowRanch - 12-25-2008 at 02:46 PM

Debra
I lived in Thompson Falls Mt. for the last 29 years.
I built a log home from the trees of my property to be a Bed-Breakfast. Missoula would be my 1 red light. If there is anything you need drop me a line.
"This place is like one Big Family"
Merry Christmas
John





[Edited on 12-25-2008 by AspenMeadowRanch]

[Edited on 12-25-2008 by AspenMeadowRanch]

DSC02673.jpg - 42kB

DianaT - 12-25-2008 at 02:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch

"This place is like one Big Family"
Merry Christmas
John


Yup---wait until you read all the disagreements---just like any family, it gets rather dysfunctional at times. :lol::lol:

Diane

AspenMeadowRanch - 12-25-2008 at 03:02 PM

Merry Christmas to all!!

DSC02708.jpg - 36kB

rhintransit - 12-25-2008 at 03:03 PM

Free Beach (Playa Libre which actually means something a little different, but the first translation is what most gringos know it as...) and Rattlesnake Beach circa El Juncalito/Pto Escondido. many long term campers. good water/island access. no fees, no services.

Debra - 12-25-2008 at 03:41 PM

Thanks John, but, I'm back in Port Orchard now. Got back late Sat.

AspenMeadowRanch - 12-26-2008 at 10:02 AM

Thank You everyone for you posts and Ideas..
You made us feel at ease , and made the trip much easier to plan.I feel I meet some good Friends here. I can't thank everyone enough for your help and ideas. Your pictures are beautiful and we cant wait to see it ourselves. All I think about is Baja ,and I am still in the land of the snow.
Keep the ideas comming , we enjoy reading them and putting them into our plans.
John & Rita

Lindalou - 12-26-2008 at 03:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
Bahia de Los Angeles is nice, Dagget's or Archlon is the best bet for camping $5pp. hot showers, nice people. Water temp was 72F when I left a few days ago.

Mulege the water should be warmer. Playa Santispac is about 12 miles south (we like staying at the cove to the right) avoid at the full moon unless you don't mind getting out of your camper into 2ft. of water in the AM. 2 places to eat right at Santispac (if Ray's is open, I'm told it is) further south is El Coyote and several other beaches, each more beautiful than the other last, pick your spot!

What is a "wall tent"?
Rays burnt down almost 3 years ago.

[Edited on 12-26-2008 by RichnLinda]

fixtrauma - 12-26-2008 at 06:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Diver
1. Get you Mex auto insurance in advance - a 1 year policy will be cheapest; check Lewis and Lewis, Bajabound and Discover Baja.
2. You can get your FMT visas in advance as well through Discover Baja club.
3. If you plan to fish from a boat you will also need fishing licenses - not neccessary for shore fishing.
4. Cross at Tecate' - stay at Potrero County Park the night before you cross.
5. Cross with enough gas to get through Ensenada, at least, and get some pesos from a bank ATM as you head south - pay for gas etc with pesos or you will not get the current exchange rate.
6. Make for San Quintin the first night - El Pabalon is right on the beach with hot showers - look for the red/yellow signs south of town.
7. Head south to El Rosario and gas up at the Bajacactus Pemex before you head south to Catavinia for the night. Spend some time hiking the rocks and cactus. Camp at Santa Inez ranch a mile or so south of town on the left.
8. Head south again to Bahia De Los Angeles - the view as you drop into town is amazing. Camp at Archelon or Daggets just north of town.
9. Head to Guerrero Negro and out to the whale lagoon south of town. Camp on the water fro a day or 2 and watch the whales and dolphin.
10. Head south to Viscaino and take the road our to Bahia Asuncion. I warn you that if the weather is warm, you may not go further. Great fishing, beaches, biking, etc. Shari and Juan will set you up !
11. Maybe the beach road to Abreojos if its' in good shape - Shari will know.
Otherwise head to San Ignacio and stay at either the B&B yurts or at El Padrito and check out the historic town.
12. As you head south, stop and walk the streets of Santa Rosalia and don't miss the bakery and some local fish tacos.
13. From there you could stop at San Bruno or Chivato areas but Mulege is the goal. Stock up in town and then head to one of the beaches south of town for a relaxing campsite on the water.
14. The next stop south is Loreto, the across to Cuidad Constitution and back across to La Paz.
15. 45 min. south of La Paz is La Ventana and El Muertos for more good camping and fishing.
16. Etc, etc ....

There are tons of places in between all of these - ask away !!!
.




Well Diver.........you just changed our plans!! We are more newbies making first trip down. In mid January. We will take more time after reading your list! I agree with AspenMeadowRanch that this is a friendly site. I have appreciated it a lot.

Thanks Diver

amirravon - 12-27-2008 at 01:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Diver
1. Get you Mex auto insurance in advance - a 1 year policy will be cheapest; check Lewis and Lewis, Bajabound and Discover Baja.
2. You can get your FMT visas in advance as well through Discover Baja club.
3. If you plan to fish from a boat you will also need fishing licenses - not neccessary for shore fishing.
4. Cross at Tecate' - stay at Potrero County Park the night before you cross.
5. Cross with enough gas to get through Ensenada, at least, and get some pesos from a bank ATM as you head south - pay for gas etc with pesos or you will not get the current exchange rate.
6. Make for San Quintin the first night - El Pabalon is right on the beach with hot showers - look for the red/yellow signs south of town.
7. Head south to El Rosario and gas up at the Bajacactus Pemex before you head south to Catavinia for the night. Spend some time hiking the rocks and cactus. Camp at Santa Inez ranch a mile or so south of town on the left.
8. Head south again to Bahia De Los Angeles - the view as you drop into town is amazing. Camp at Archelon or Daggets just north of town.
9. Head to Guerrero Negro and out to the whale lagoon south of town. Camp on the water fro a day or 2 and watch the whales and dolphin.
10. Head south to Viscaino and take the road our to Bahia Asuncion. I warn you that if the weather is warm, you may not go further. Great fishing, beaches, biking, etc. Shari and Juan will set you up !
11. Maybe the beach road to Abreojos if its' in good shape - Shari will know.
Otherwise head to San Ignacio and stay at either the B&B yurts or at El Padrito and check out the historic town.
12. As you head south, stop and walk the streets of Santa Rosalia and don't miss the bakery and some local fish tacos.
13. From there you could stop at San Bruno or Chivato areas but Mulege is the goal. Stock up in town and then head to one of the beaches south of town for a relaxing campsite on the water.
14. The next stop south is Loreto, the across to Cuidad Constitution and back across to La Paz.
15. 45 min. south of La Paz is La Ventana and El Muertos for more good camping and fishing.
16. Etc, etc ....

There are tons of places in between all of these - ask away !!!
.


very helpful info ...... i will use it in my trip next week
thanks and happy new year

David K - 12-27-2008 at 09:40 AM

John, did you see my reply over on the Baja Bound forum, where you also asked? It is a lot quieter over there and it is good to spread the answers around. Baja Nomad 'BajaGeoff' runs that forum... and the Baja Bound Mexican Auto Insurance service that has a banner ad here on Nomad.

I read Nomad first, so I haven't checked BajaBound.com yet.

Hope you have a fun trip... and I like Diver's suggestions, too!