BajaNomad

Hiking the Baja

Hooch - 12-1-2009 at 03:47 PM

I am wanting to hike down Baja California. Probably cross at Tecate and gradually work my way down to Cabo San Lucas and back. Thought I would put out some feelers and see if anybody was interested in joining. I would like to leave anytime during December with no real set return date in order to enjoy the trip. U2U me if you might be interested and we can discuss it further.

DENNIS - 12-1-2009 at 03:54 PM

Welcome to BajaNomad, Hooch. I hope you find some takers on your offer. At any rate, It would be very cool if you find a way to stay in touch with us throughout your trip.
Vaya Con Díos.

David K - 12-1-2009 at 04:00 PM

Suggest getting Graham Mackintosh's books!

1) Into a Desert Place... walked 3,000 miles around the coast of Baja

2) Journey With a Baja Burro... walked 1,000 miles from Tecate to Loreto down the center (mostly)... Burro carried water and gear.

Read more see photos on his web site!

Order from Graham at http://www.grahammackintosh.com

He is a Baja Nomad!







[Edited on 12-1-2009 by David K]

DianaT - 12-1-2009 at 04:07 PM

Before reading any books, I would suggest just getting the Baja Almanac---old or new, take off and enjoy your experiences. There is nothing like discovering things on your own.


Then read the books of others and see what they enjoyed.

Welcome and hope you do find a companion



[Edited on 12-1-2009 by DianaT]

Bajahowodd - 12-1-2009 at 04:12 PM

Welcome to you. An Amazingly daunting endeavor. I would have to have a great deal of Hooch to even consider it.:biggrin:

DENNIS - 12-1-2009 at 04:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Before reading any books, I would suggest just getting the Baja Almanac---old or new, take off and enjoy your experiences.

Then read the books of others and see what they enjoyed.



Diane...Have you read Graham's books, primarily the first one? Your suggestion might suggest that you haven't.
Reading it will show what a miserable time he had on his walk, almost losing it all to the elements more than once.
He, in fact, walked around the peninsula in two installments and I'm sure there were times mid-trip that he asked himself why he ever started such a trek. It wasn't a stroll in the park by any means.
Hooch might benefit from Graham's account. In fact, I'm sure he would.

He's probably already read it anyway.

DianaT - 12-1-2009 at 04:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Before reading any books, I would suggest just getting the Baja Almanac---old or new, take off and enjoy your experiences.

Then read the books of others and see what they enjoyed.



Diane...Have you read Graham's books, primarily the first one? Your suggestion might suggest that you haven't.
Reading it will show what a miserable time he had on his walk, almost losing it all to the elements more than once.
He, in fact, walked around the peninsula in two installments and I'm sure there were times mid-trip that he asked himself why he ever started such a trek. It wasn't a stroll in the park by any means.
Hooch might benefit from Graham's account. In fact, I'm sure he would.

He's probably already read it anyway.


Yes I have read it----will say no more. :biggrin:


Yes, he should be aware of what he is getting into and plan for it, and have enough water and water purifiers, etc and enough funds to not mooch off the locals. It was like the young man we met on the Gonzaga road who was riding his bike----South America and on to Siberia----he had not read anyone else's experiences, he just had a priority list of what he carried.

But again, I think it is better for one to discover their own experiences. But, if he feels differently, he should read all the books.

comitan - 12-1-2009 at 04:38 PM

Hooch

Hasn't said the route he is taking he probably just hiking down the highway which would be a challenge and not need Grahams books.

Von - 12-1-2009 at 04:41 PM

Highway would be boring but safe? Probably easier access to food and water but safe probably more dangerous~~

David K - 12-1-2009 at 04:42 PM

In Graham's first book he sites all the books and sources of information he read BEFORE his adventure... He was the first man (known) to have walked around the peninsula in one lone, long adventure from 1983 to 1985... Done in three stages.

Being 12 years older and not following the coast where sea water could be distilled into fresh, and having used a Burro for part of his coastal trip (his goal was to walk the coast... didn't mean he had to carry his supplies!), he obtained a burro for the entire 1997 trip.

On his web site there are many photos and details!

Bajahowodd - 12-1-2009 at 04:45 PM

But, hiking the highway seems to me to be close to not going. Face it. Anyone who may be willing to try this trip, would more than likely be someone who would not walk the same path as the trucks and buses. JMHO

David K - 12-1-2009 at 04:45 PM

I didn't imply he 'needed' Graham's books before the walk... Just to let him know there was a source of wonderful data and reading about a fair skinned Englishman, who never spent time in the desert or anything similar, made a goal to do something so fantastic and accomplished it!

Great reading for any Baja enthusiast... walking or not!

tripledigitken - 12-1-2009 at 04:50 PM

Anyone taking on a trek of this magnitude most certainly researches it. To not do so is foolhardy, and greatly increases the risk of failure or worse.

Best of luck Hooch and I agree Graham's books are a must read with you interests. He also gives speaking presentations frequently around So Cal and are worthwhile attending aswell.

Please keep us posted on your adventure.

Ken

DENNIS - 12-1-2009 at 05:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hooch
I am wanting to hike down Baja California. Probably cross at Tecate and gradually work my way down to Cabo San Lucas and back. Thought I would put out some feelers and see if anybody was interested in joining. I would like to leave anytime during December with no real set return date in order to enjoy the trip. U2U me if you might be interested and we can discuss it further.



I don't see anywhere in this post a reference to a highway.

DENNIS - 12-1-2009 at 05:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
... Done in three stages.




Thanks, David. I thought I remembered only two stages.

comitan - 12-1-2009 at 05:16 PM

Dennis

Go to my post, He didn't say what route he was taking, I suggested that he was taking the highway route.

DENNIS - 12-1-2009 at 05:18 PM

OK, Wiley. I guess we'll just keep on guessing 'till Hooch fills us in.

Bajahowodd - 12-1-2009 at 05:52 PM

Let's just all have some hooch!:lol:

comitan - 12-1-2009 at 06:02 PM

You mean Hoochie, Hoochie.:O:O:bounce:

Wiles - 12-1-2009 at 06:07 PM

Buena suerte Hooch.

I am surprised there are two (2) people on this board named Wiley. myself and Comitan.

Not the most popular of names. I'm the better looking one.:P:o:biggrin:

DENNIS - 12-1-2009 at 07:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Wiles
I am surprised there are two (2) people on this board named Wiley. myself and Comitan.

Not the most popular of names. I'm the better looking one.:P:o:biggrin:


Maybe a third. I think I remember "wessongroup" signing his name, Wiley, after a post or two. I think I remember that anyway.

comitan - 12-1-2009 at 07:22 PM

Dennis

I saw that to, but I don't think he was signing his name.