BajaNomad

Why Caravans?

Daj - 11-4-2009 at 09:26 AM

Why do people want to caravan down in to Baja?

Just wondering what the +/- are...

-A

Martyman - 11-4-2009 at 09:30 AM

People feel safer in groups. This way they can avoid the real Mexico and keep complaining about everything. Those big guided RV caravans are a pain if your trying to get past them on the road.

k-rico - 11-4-2009 at 09:33 AM

One plus is having other folks that you know around when you stop at night.

One minus is having other folks that you know around when you stop at night.

:)

Paint by numbers

Lee - 11-4-2009 at 09:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daj
Why do people want to caravan down in to Baja?

Just wondering what the +/- are...

-A


Lots of reasons.

Some folks like the socialness of traveling with ''friends.''

Others feel safe in numbers.

It looks to me like there are lots of elderly RV'ers doing caravans. For those unfamiliar with Baja, this is a sort of ''guided'' tour and learn as you go trip.

monoloco - 11-4-2009 at 09:37 AM

It's really nice to get behind them at the Pemex.

fdt - 11-4-2009 at 09:40 AM

Not all caravans are RV's.

David K - 11-4-2009 at 09:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
People feel safer in groups. This way they can avoid the real Mexico and keep complaining about everything. Those big guided RV caravans are a pain if your trying to get past them on the road.


That was the negative... and I agree with it.

The positive is that allows people to see Mexico who would otherwise not go, because with a group leader, there is no (or less) chance of getting lost and knowing where to go for supplies, camping, etc.

Traveling with others takes a lot of the fear out of traveling in a strange place... and for some, it is fun to have lots of people around when they get there.

There is one caravan company leader who is a Baja Nomad, a nice person who tries to make the experience positive and has his group space far enough apart so passing them isn't so hard.

bajaguy - 11-4-2009 at 09:52 AM

If you want to be a sheep in the flock, caravan

If you want to experience Baja on your own, with all of the adventure, go solo

DianaT - 11-4-2009 at 10:00 AM

Some people need to travel in herds, and they quickly form a tightly woven clique.

Yes, there are exceptions, but we have had the misfortune of being in the same campground with caravans in Alaska, Baja and on the mainland of Mexico. In those places, most of the campers in tents, campers, trailers, or Motorhomes are very friendly and love to share adventure, information, tips about what to see and do----

Most of the caravan people will not even say hello. Many a time along with other solo campers we have decided we must be a threat to them.

But, it is what some people need and want and it does bring more business to these areas.

bajalou - 11-4-2009 at 10:09 AM

Sometimes a caravan is a good way of getting a over-view of a area/country. Then return solo to explore the areas that produced some interest.

Skipjack Joe - 11-4-2009 at 11:15 AM

I'm not a follower. And I'm not a leader. So caravaning is out for people like myself. The restrictions you have with caravaning are just unacceptable. In fact, they're the antithesis of what a baja vacation is all about.

It's fun to socialize with a group in an RV park. But next morning they go their way and we go ours.

durrelllrobert - 11-4-2009 at 11:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
It's really nice to get behind them at the Pemex.


At the pump or at the banos?
It's worse when a group of them all stop along side the road to take a whiz. :lol::lol:

Lindalou - 11-4-2009 at 12:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
It's really nice to get behind them at the Pemex.


At the pump or at the banos?
It's worse when a group of them all stop along side the road to take a whiz. :lol::lol:
RVers do not use Mexican banos!:no:

Skeet/Loreto - 11-4-2009 at 12:25 PM

I traveled the Baja Road for many years, passing Caravans, having to slow down a few minutes and finally getting ariund them. Yes and having to get fuel and wait in Line.

But Caravans are necessary for the older people who need help and feel more comfortable with some one directing them. Kinda like the Dumb, Loud Music, Drug using,nekid, Youngsters of today who have no respect for any thing including themselves..

After CB Radios were allowed, I carried one and when I came up behing a Caravan I called on Channel 16 and they all helped get around on the cures and go on my Way. Courtesy from the Older Americans who go their Butt spanked when they were young, thereby learning Respect for Other Folks.As opposed to these present day Dummies who drive SUV's.

Skeet

DENNIS - 11-4-2009 at 12:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert

It's worse when a group of them all stop along side the road to take a whiz. :lol::lol:


I can see it now. A chorus line of Good Sam shirts all peeing at the same time. It would be like "Mooning the Amtrak" in Mission Viejo.

DENNIS - 11-4-2009 at 12:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
As opposed to these present day Dummies who drive SUV's.

Skeet


You're right again, Skeeter. Actually it's not everybody who drives an SUV...it's just the girls and they all need a good spanking.
spankspankspank

Bajahowodd - 11-4-2009 at 01:00 PM

There are actual businesses that organize and lead caravans(for a fee). Personally, I have mixed feelings about them. As has been pointed out above, there are folks who otherwise would be too timid to travel to a place such as Baja if they did not feel security of the group. There are those social types- people who can't stand quiet and solitude. There iss a benefit in the event of a mechanical breakdown, especially along the stretch South of El Rosario where there is no cell service.

It did seem to me that a factor for caravans grew out of the fear of crime in the rural areas. Maybe it's just me, but not so long ago, it seemed that there were many posts on this forum about imaginary and real criminal incidents such as car-jackings. Not so much anymore. Just have to wonder if the Cartel crime caused people to become overly imaginative about those supposed crimes.

That said, I generally travel without other vehicles, and I have found some caravans to be a big pain in the culo, especially in the mountains.

DENNIS - 11-4-2009 at 01:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There are actual businesses that organize and lead caravans



Here's one operated by our Nomad bud, Barry.

http://bajaandback.com

Skeet/Loreto - 11-4-2009 at 01:35 PM

Many years ago in the States there were lots of Caravans.
These first got started when Airstream Travel Trailers became Affordable.
There were trips to Carlsbad Carvans, Yosemite and all over. Then Cruise Ships became the In Thing.

I must say theat i never had any trouble traveling that road in all my years. At one time nearly everyone carried a Siphon Hose and an Extra Gas tank. If someone was stopped on the road you could stop and see if you could help -Mexicano or Americano.

Times Change.

DianaT - 11-4-2009 at 03:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert

It's worse when a group of them all stop along side the road to take a whiz. :lol::lol:


I can see it now. A chorus line of Good Sam shirts all peeing at the same time.


Now that would be a real photo-op :yes::yes:

Why Caravans?

tripledigitken - 11-4-2009 at 04:12 PM

Wht not?

Many people are very social and like to share their hobbies with those of like interest. RV'ers are no exception. I'm sure that many who Caravan are also first timers to Baja also.

It can be very intimidating taking on Mex 1 for the first time in a 10 ton rig solo. So the caravan operators fill a valuable service and get those into Baja that might not otherwise come.

Many of us Baja NOMADS tend to be just that, Nomadic and enjoy getting off the main roads and taking in Baja in it's secluded Glory. Not to infer unsocial, just more independent than the average RV'er in a group.

Caravans are becoming more aware of their presence and its impact to other drivers aswell. By having a radio operator at the rear they can alert the rest that they need to spread out to allow overtaking. I have pulled over and taken a nap or drank a Pacifico to let them get on down the road, rather than attempt passing ten or more.

Peace, Love and Fish Tacos!

Baja&Back - 11-4-2009 at 04:38 PM

Oh, no. Not again! Guess I'll have to live with the stigma forever ... :lol:

A lot of folks sign up with us because of fear factor. We try hard to downplay that aspect and show them that Baja is not the hellhole CNN & the Trib portray. 1/3 of our guests come back to enjoy Baja on their own in following years.

Probably the greatest factor that makes people come with a caravan is the social aspect. They may have gone to rallies or conventions with other RVers in the past, and found that they make a lot of lasting friends. I know a LOT of our guests do!

Yes, certain not-to-be-named tour groups are rather gnarley & unfriendly, but not us! If you see us in a campground or on a beach, come right on over for a beer. Nomads are ALWAYS welcome in our group.

Smart RVers with a limited time allowance want to make the most of their vacation. That's why they pay people like us to show them the most interesting activities and places they can fit into their time in Baja.
We often chat with solo travellers who get very disappointed when we tell them about wonderful places to visit or stay that they unwittingly drove by and missed out on.

Also, if you come up behind a Baja and Back caravan & have a CB, get on channel 32 and say Hi. We will try our utmost to help you on by.

Cheers to all, and "Keep the rubber side down". :tumble:

Barry & Vanda

PS: Thanks, Dennis.

PPS: HEADING SOUTH TOMORROW!!! Look for us on the hiway south from Vancouver. Hoping to run into some of y'all.

[Edited on 11-4-2009 by Baja&Back]

Bajahowodd - 11-4-2009 at 04:56 PM

And, if no CB?

David K - 11-4-2009 at 06:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
There is one caravan company leader who is a Baja Nomad, a nice person who tries to make the experience positive and has his group space far enough apart so passing them isn't so hard.




Quote:
Originally posted by Baja&Back
Oh, no. Not again! Guess I'll have to live with the stigma forever ... :lol:

A lot of folks sign up with us because of fear factor. We try hard to downplay that aspect and show them that Baja is not the hellhole CNN & the Trib portray. 1/3 of our guests come back to enjoy Baja on their own in following years.

Probably the greatest factor that makes people come with a caravan is the social aspect. They may have gone to rallies or conventions with other RVers in the past, and found that they make a lot of lasting friends. I know a LOT of our guests do!

Yes, certain not-to-be-named tour groups are rather gnarley & unfriendly, but not us! If you see us in a campground or on a beach, come right on over for a beer. Nomads are ALWAYS welcome in our group.

Smart RVers with a limited time allowance want to make the most of their vacation. That's why they pay people like us to show them the most interesting activities and places they can fit into their time in Baja.
We often chat with solo travellers who get very disappointed when we tell them about wonderful places to visit or stay that they unwittingly drove by and missed out on.

Also, if you come up behind a Baja and Back caravan & have a CB, get on channel 32 and say Hi. We will try our utmost to help you on by.

Cheers to all, and "Keep the rubber side down". :tumble:

Barry & Vanda

PS: Thanks, Dennis.

PPS: HEADING SOUTH TOMORROW!!! Look for us on the hiway south from Vancouver. Hoping to run into some of y'all.

[Edited on 11-4-2009 by Baja&Back]


THERE HE IS! Sitting past Awful Art 3 years ago at Viva Baja Cactus... (Glad you posted, Barry!)

Viva Baja Cactus 127r.JPG - 48kB

Bajahowodd - 11-4-2009 at 06:39 PM

That's helpful.

David K - 11-4-2009 at 06:45 PM

Sorry I didn't get a better photo... Maybe Doug has one? Barry (yellow shirt) is next to Vanda (striped shirt) who is next to Art ('got baja?' hat).

A few Nomads met us for the dinner part of our Tijuana full day tour and party... who couldn't attend the whole event... Baja&Back, jeans, and ??

Photos at http://vivabaja.com/vivabajacactus (Nov. 2006)

Baja&Back - 11-4-2009 at 10:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And, if no CB?


Honk, wave & gesture - nicely! ;D

DianaT - 11-5-2009 at 12:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja&Back

Yes, certain not-to-be-named tour groups are rather gnarley & unfriendly, but not us! If you see us in a campground or on a beach, come right on over for a beer. Nomads are ALWAYS welcome in our group.



The really unfriendly caravans we have encountered were not yours----I am sure you would encourage a different attitude.

Caravans are not for everyone, but some really enjoy them.

Curious, after going down with one of your caravans, do you know how many never return, how many return on their own, or how many return on another caravan? Certainly not exact numbers, but just a general idea. Strictly curiosity.

Diane

If it's Tuesday it must be Mulege.

Skipjack Joe - 11-5-2009 at 01:02 AM



belgium.jpg - 46kB

Daj - 11-5-2009 at 11:27 AM

Thanks for the info, everyone!

I was not interested in partaking in a caravan journey,
I was just curious!

thanks!
-A

Why Caravans?

Pompano - 11-5-2009 at 12:05 PM


.
.

Indeed..why not? Caravans have been a part of the Baja scene since before the blacktop went in back in 1973. We were always 10-12 vehicles strong when making our first trips on the old Camino Real part of the Baja Road. Usually a week or so from end of pavement at San Quintin to Mulege areas. You didn't worry at all about 'slow caravan vehicles' ahead of you back then..we were all slow...and you were damn glad just to see another human being. And if you met a decrepid old stake-bed truck on a narrow stretch..someone backed up.

Then after the blacktop was finished in '73.. caravans REALLY got moving.

Caravans ahead of me on the Baja Road worry me not at all. I have met very few that held me up for any amount of time. No inconveniences to us...knock on wood. All have been very attentive and gracious drivers..and usually very good drivers at that. More so than your average hotrodding 4 wheelers.

Caravans serve a good purpose for those that need ..or can use..them. They also greatly enhance the local economies, something I am very much in favor of.(..and who cares about ending a sentence with a preposition. ;D)

Great memories. Years ago... When we heard that a caravan was on it's way south and would pass through Mulege, we would all rush to the stores and buy everything in sight..fearing the dreaded CARAVANERS would descend like locusts and eat/drink all our precious supplies. Actually, I really 'do not' remember having any serious shortages due to caravans. But it sure was fun IMAGINING THE WORST...and you got to play being a Packrat.

See the silver Airstreams in this caravan collage? That was the first big caravan to hit the new Baja Road back in 1974. Encamped next to Posada.
.

All caravans ..one way or the other...
.

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Some of our Baja Caravans

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We took a 3 rig caravan to Alaska in 2000. Wonderful experiences and great amigos. I have returned every year since because of that first fun trip. If not for the advice from wagonmaster John, we would not have found a great campsite overlooking this mountain range and cruise ship channel. Vunderbar!
.

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So many folks who first caravanned to Baja..stayed to build and become partial or full-time residents. Of course...SOME just stayed for obvious reasons...:rolleyes:
.


.

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And lastly...JR would have had something to say about this subject.

"Come on, Follow me, you little chicken coopers." :yes:

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The downside of Caravans

Lee - 11-5-2009 at 02:22 PM

Some years back, while driving my smaller Class C heading South, just North of San Ignacio, I passed a Caravan going North. A 5th Wheeler coming down hill took the turn too fast, hugging the center of the road, and side swiped me smashing my driver's side mirror. Swapped the passenger mirror to the driver's side leaving me blind on the passenger side. Couldn't find a replacement and had to have one shipped from California.

I spent the night in Loreto at the Riviera where a Caravan (heading South) pulled in. Talking to a guy who was driving a large, expensive Class A and his driver's side mirror had also been smashed, by a Caravan heading North.

I'm guessing that a bunch of RV'ers coming down in Caravans are driving the road for the first time -- and they don't know how to drive the road.

Bajahowodd - 11-5-2009 at 02:55 PM

That happens all the time. Especially on the hairpin curves. There's a reason to travel with a professional, such as Barry. One of his jobs is to not only instruct, but to maintain safe speed on the curves.