BajaNomad

San Diego to Cabo Feb 16th, 17th or 18th

Mtndewtime - 1-19-2009 at 12:11 PM

looking for convoy south to Cabo or just to BCS. Leaving San Diego bright and early with a couple of days to get there. We are two guys in our early thirties from Tacoma and will be travelling in a 4x4 pick up with camper. not in a hurry but would like to see a little of the baja before hitting the resort town. Coming back to SD by 28thish.

[Edited on 2-7-2009 by Mtndewtime]

Mtndewtime - 1-19-2009 at 12:12 PM

Cabo= San Lucas:)

Bajahowodd - 1-19-2009 at 06:00 PM

Why do you think you need a convoy? Just to be social? I make that trip with my wife a couple of times a year.

Mtndewtime - 1-19-2009 at 06:12 PM

I don't mean convoy in the military sense. More of a road buddy.

Considering it is a road I have nevered travelled, and that I spent the last two weeks reading the horror stories in the media and commentary from website forums regarding the recent spike in violence, not too mention just the danger of vehicle traffic on the road I belive "convoying" to be a good call.
I am trying to err on the side of caution.

Now, if they would let me take my AR........

Bajahowodd - 1-19-2009 at 06:28 PM

Sorry to have to tell you this, but it is a safe drive. The most dangerous thing that could happen is that you don't pay attention to the road. All I can say is that if you are that fearful, maybe you should fly to Cabo. The violence you mention is really restricted to the border area. And just driving from the border to the toll road during the day will be a walk in the park. What I would suggest is that you solicit suggestions from the folks here about where to go, what to see and where to stay and eat. You got some kind of timeshare week down there?

Mtndewtime - 1-19-2009 at 06:47 PM

I am very glad to know you believe it to be a safe drive.
Actually, most of the forum postings I have read from individuals that travel the Baja agree with you but I still think it is prudent to be cautious. Especially in an unknown part of the country I have never been.
The trip is something I have longed to do since a few years ago when I saw the baja from the Pacific Ocean.
Fearful and cautious are not the same.
Look it up, and thanks for the replies.

Bajahowodd - 1-19-2009 at 06:59 PM

Just don't want you to be fearful. And do not carry any weapons. The Army checkpoint/ inspections are primarily there looking for weapons

Sallysouth - 1-19-2009 at 07:11 PM

Jeez howodd, give the guy a chance!He is just asking if anyone is going down at that time.Me thinks it is the word "convoy" that makes you tell him "no weapons".It is a drive unlike any other for a first timer!Mtndewtime, do some research on this forum and you will find a wealth of information.Flying is one thing if you are restricted with time but driving down Baja is not to be missed if you are informed ,respectful and cautious.Don't drive at night!!!Use the search button at the top right, and have a great trip!

David K - 1-19-2009 at 07:41 PM

Spend a day in San Ignacio... about half way to Cabo... Get a feel of real Baja before you get blasted by the Cabo thing (which in no way resembles anything 'Baja').

Check out http://www.ignaciosprings.com

Casa Leree is also a good option for a real Baja treat! http://www.murrietawebdesign.com/test/leree/index.html

[Edited on 1-20-2009 by David K]

Bajahowodd - 1-19-2009 at 07:54 PM

Sally- If you go back to his posts, he started out talking about the violence, and implied that he wished he could take his "AR...." which I construed to be referring to a weapon. Maybe he was talkng about his armadillo.

I have nothing against convoys. Maybe it's just me, but I felt like he was feeling more fearful than he should.

Sallysouth - 1-19-2009 at 08:25 PM

Ah, got it howodd.You have a good point there, and we all know that "AR's" are Not allowed across the border!Hopefully he has done some research.;)

Bajahowodd - 1-19-2009 at 08:45 PM

David- Two very unique places in San Ignacio. Mtndewtime should be warned that each place has only a small number of rooms, so if considering them, reserve in advance. I always use Ricardo's if all else fails. Rooms are spare, but the bonus is the restaurant. Also, Desert Inn remodeled in 2007. Rooms are pretty nice.

Packoderm - 1-19-2009 at 11:46 PM

I think it could be better to feel emboldened with a healthy posse and head further south if that makes one feel more comfortable. He could get some good advice from some co-travelers. The social aspect sounds fun. Also, there might be some solo travelers lurking here who might not otherwise travel but would in a convoy situation. If I had the chance to be a solo traveler next month, I'd join them if they would have me. You could meet some new friends that way.

Mtndewtime - 1-20-2009 at 07:19 AM

Okay, So the AR comment was a bad joke. I have no intention of spending any time in a mexican jail.
Thank you all for the advice, insight and reassurances. I will keep you apprised of my travels . You can get my fresh NOOB perspective.

bajajudy - 1-20-2009 at 08:03 AM

Just so you know
There is plenty of Baja here in Los Cabos. Just get out of town. Ride up an arroyo, take a dirt road to who knows where, take a picnic to one of our beautiful beaches, take a glass bottom boat to the arch, go to the Pueblo Magico, Todos Santos, come to the San Jose Estuary to see all the birds, take a surfing lesson, have a fish taco at Cabo Mama at the Mega shopping center, shop and lunch in the charming town, San Jose del Cabo.....to name a few.
If you make it to San Jose, drive across the arroyo to La Playa/Puerto Los Cabos and stop in to see me!

David K - 1-20-2009 at 08:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajajudy
Just so you know
There is plenty of Baja here in Los Cabos. Just get out of town. Ride up an arroyo, take a dirt road to who knows where, take a picnic to one of our beautiful beaches, take a glass bottom boat to the arch, go to the Pueblo Magico, Todos Santos, come to the San Jose Estuary to see all the birds, take a surfing lesson, have a fish taco at Cabo Mama at the Mega shopping center, shop and lunch in the charming town, San Jose del Cabo.....to name a few.
If you make it to San Jose, drive across the arroyo to La Playa/Puerto Los Cabos and stop in to see me!


Exactly... get OUT of Cabo (town) to see 'Baja'!

Judy, what's the latest on the Santiago Zoo? Jeans used to give us updates, but haven't seen any in awhile...

qtystarr - 1-21-2009 at 10:31 AM

Don't miss the whale watching!!The best is in Magdalena Bay it is 30 miles out side of Ciudad Constitucion in Puerto San Carlos.It is amazing they take you out in a boat,on cristal clear water you see all kind of marine life it is beautiful and you can stop at Magdalena(an island)for a lobster lunch!!Look for Mar y Arena in San Carlos ask for Rafael. It is worth the drive,if you want a true Baja experiance this is a great one!And we do the drive down the Baja 2-4 times a year it is very safe just take it slow and look out for the cows!!!

Bajahowodd - 1-21-2009 at 04:31 PM

Actually, there are at least two other highly frequented places where you can get up close and personal with the whales. Of course, everyone on this forum has their own favorite. David K had previously recommended places to stay in San Ignacio. From there, you could drive to Laguna San Ignacio- about 40 miles, with at least 2/3 of that unpaved. Or in town, you could arrange transportation to the Laguna. Road is quite passable. Decision is more based upon how much punishment you are willing to have your truck sustain. Further north, these is very popular whale watching near Guerreo Negro. you can see the whales at Laguna Ojo de Liebre. That can be accessed several miles South of Guerrero Negro. You can't miss the sign on the West side of the road. Drive in is about 15 miles dirt, but easily to drive. Or, if you decide to stay in Guerrero Negro, people at both Los Caracoles hotel and Malarimo can take you from your hotel to the Lagoon. Personally, during whale season, I drive down just for that experience, and so have never ventured to Magdelena Bay during that time. Have been to Puerto San Carlos, mostly in summer. You can't go wrong at any of the locations. I recommend you decide where it will fit into your schedule best.

cftlet - 1-25-2009 at 09:07 PM

you guys are tough. Ijustmade my first trip down the baja (with a fifth wheel) and I was with a vagabundos caravan. I am so thankfull I was with the caravan I can't tell you. Now that I have done it and have learned some of the ins and outs, I would feel comfortable doing it alone. As a rookie at driving the baja I would strongly recommend your first trip be with a caravan or a experienced group.

DianaT - 1-25-2009 at 09:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by cftlet
you guys are tough. Ijustmade my first trip down the baja (with a fifth wheel) and I was with a vagabundos caravan. I am so thankfull I was with the caravan I can't tell you. Now that I have done it and have learned some of the ins and outs, I would feel comfortable doing it alone. As a rookie at driving the baja I would strongly recommend your first trip be with a caravan or a experienced group.


Great post. It is not familiar territory to many, and looking for support for the first trip down is VERY understandable. In your case, towing a fifth wheel, IMHO, help with the first time was a very wise decision.

It is easy to feel that our comfort level should be shared by all, but we were all first timers at one time or another, and with all the bad news that comes out of Baja, assistance to see that it is a great place to be is valuable.

We are planning another trip to drive to Central America and would not even think of asking for a companion. But, even after riding busses all over Mexico, we were happy to have companions on our first driving experience through Mexico. The people are great---it is just a matter of developing a comfot level with what is different. i respect all who ask for assistance.

Diane



[Edited on 1-26-2009 by jdtrotter]

DianaT - 1-25-2009 at 09:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Spend a day in San Ignacio... about half way to Cabo... Get a feel of real Baja before you get blasted by the Cabo thing (which in no way resembles anything 'Baja').



David, as a good Mexican friend told me, Cabo,Cancun an those places are as much Mexican and representive of Mexico, or Baja as is any other place. There are lots of different Bajas, but they are all real and are "real Baja".

[Edited on 1-26-2009 by jdtrotter]

ckiefer - 1-25-2009 at 10:05 PM

Whether you choose Cabo or getting "out of Cabo" you will not be disappointed. The drive down is a thrill. I always cross the border during business hours and I don't mind the wait. I take comfort in "safety in numbers". You'll want to bring a camera of course, and a box of girl scout cookies, a nudie magazine and a carton of smokes. Leave them out in plain sight and if you get stopped they may come in handy. Don't drive after dark.
Happy trails! :spingrin:

Mtndewtime

bajaguy - 1-25-2009 at 10:15 PM

Would you be willing to do a small favor and transport some fire clothing from San Diego to Punta Banda (Ensenada)?????

Mtndewtime - 1-28-2009 at 08:05 AM

Bajaguy,

What is fire clothing? If it is not likely to cause me customs problems, than, time permitting, yes.

bajaguy - 1-28-2009 at 08:07 AM

Please check your u2u message