BajaNomad - Stranded in Tortugas

Stranded in Tortugas

Muddyrabbit - 12-31-2009 at 11:46 PM

Happy new year! Here we are in beautiful Bahia Tortugas, probably won't be able to stay awake to midnight. Rolled in this evening with the bikes and I may have a broken leg... Not good. Anyone in the area and headed north with room for 2 bikes?

gnukid - 1-1-2010 at 09:15 AM

Why not ask locals? They are coming and going to La Paz daily? Not many visitors.

DianaT - 1-1-2010 at 10:21 AM

You might try the fishing co-op. They have trucks going to Ensenada and may have other options to at least Ensenada.

Good luck with the leg----that is really awful.

shari - 1-1-2010 at 10:24 AM

OMG...what a way to start the New Year!!! So sorry...we have a few visitors here that will go north but you'd have to get to Asuncion...let me check with them when everyone wakes up...it was an awesome party last night and we are a wee bit bleary eyed this gorgeous morning....good luck...do you have a phone # you can give me to contact you in case I find you a ride? what hotel? Look for Isabel and Russ of the tackle shop...they will help you out with logistics too...have a good day...anyway.

Muddyrabbit - 1-1-2010 at 11:11 AM

Want a laugh? Ascuncion is where I crashed! Should have stayed there. The sugestion about a local truck is much apreciated. Went to the clinic doc thinks 50/50 chance it is fractured. Planning to attpt to ride out in the morning if I am a able. If the nice couple from Alaska are there with the teal ford pickup with a camper tell them matt and Meredith said hi. We opted not to stay in ascuncion because it didn't feel right and I will admit I am a bit ashamed of the way I prejudged the town. I will return one day and see it again.

Muddyrabbit - 1-1-2010 at 12:09 PM

Shari, we are rolling out of here headed to you. We just got a message from the other part of our crew that they are headed home and asked if we could drop their stuff in columbus ohio on our way home!!! Communication is very sketch for us and we agree we will feel better at your place. We are coming down the coast road on a BMW and a Suzuki. Leaving here in 20 minutes. Please keep a look out for us!

shari - 1-1-2010 at 02:32 PM

we'll be watching for you....I'll be the sexy momma in the sunglasses looking hungover.

woody with a view - 1-1-2010 at 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
we'll be watching for you....I'll be the sexy momma in the sunglasses looking hungover.

DAMN STRAIGHT, Girl!

woody with a view - 1-1-2010 at 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Muddyrabbit
Shari, we are rolling out of here headed to you. We just got a message from the other part of our crew that they are headed home and asked if we could drop their stuff in columbus ohio on our way home!!! Communication is very sketch for us and we agree we will feel better at your place. We are coming down the coast road on a BMW and a Suzuki. Leaving here in 20 minutes. Please keep a look out for us!

BY GAWD MAN! i sure hope it's your brake (pun intended!) leg and not the shift leg. i can't imagine going thru gears with a broken leg.... and what kinda stuff are you hauling for your "friends" on a bike?

Muddyrabbit - 1-1-2010 at 07:28 PM

Just wanted to update so Shari is not worried. Long story how it happened (3 falls, wrong gps track, pickup truck, blown transmission, yada yada). We had to divert and are in Vizcaino at the hotel Kadekaman on rt 1. We are safe and about to get food. Still hoping to hitch a ride north. Leg swells bad everytime I take my boot off. Oh, and of course it my shifting leg!!!

Muddyrabbit - 1-1-2010 at 09:47 PM

Any ideas on a ride from vizcaino to San felipe?

Mulegena - 1-1-2010 at 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Muddyrabbit
Any ideas on a ride from vizcaino to San felipe?

You might wish to leave your ride and gear in Vizcaino (pay hotel to store it for you) and come back for it later.
Enquire where there is a hospital with x-ray, i.e. Guerrero Negro, Sta. Rosalia, Loreto, La Paz, Ensenada. Choose your destination, get on the bus and go there and get yourself fixed properly.

DianaT - 1-1-2010 at 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Muddyrabbit
Any ideas on a ride from vizcaino to San felipe?

Check you U2U for a possibility. Also, the person we suggest you contact in Vizcaino could help you store your equipment if he is in town. He is a VERY honest person ---- if you decide to do as Mulegena suggests. He also has lots of contacts.

[Edited on 1-2-2010 by DianaT]

Muddyrabbit - 1-2-2010 at 12:48 PM

We have arainged a ride, but it has been a while and he hasn't shown up...

woody with a view - 1-2-2010 at 04:02 PM

that's called mexico time! it bears no relation to any western sense of "time" other than it usually runs slower, way slower.

it's usually a good thing, unless you have a busted leg!

shari - 1-2-2010 at 06:38 PM

well....I spent yesterday afternoon cruising town a few times looking for you guys and alerting everyone to be on the lookout. Alaska Teal truckers are here too. I had a ride for ya this morning too as far as LA....oh well...kinda sounds like you guys are marching to your own drum anyway. I dont think GN has xray...our buddy had to go to Sta.Rosalia.

Our internet was out today too so I just got this message...we had to go surfing and boogie boarding today instead of doing laundry...geezo.

Keep us posted anyway....suerte!

Muddyrabbit

DianaT - 1-3-2010 at 03:58 PM

Hope you will post as to what happened. Hope you have received care for your leg

Muddyrabbit - 1-3-2010 at 06:44 PM

We made it into San Felipe last night in a Jeep Cherokee pulling a trailer driven by Antonio and Carlos from Vizcaino, I cannot thank them enough! I feel pretty bad because when we got here we had miscalculated the exchange rate and we could not get quite enough money out of the ATM, with the language barrier I am not sure Antonio knows that is the reason

If anyone knows him (red cherokee with a blue door in Vizcaino) please let him know that was all the money I could get other than a few loose coins we had for dinner!

Today I found out my van won't start, it will get a fuel pump tomorrow. I did make it for an xray in S.F. and there is no visible fracture, but 3 docs have said very bad deep tissue damage. A friend, William Kaepner (USMC) is flying into San Diego to help with the journey home.

We are trying to salage this poisoned trip and enjoy what time we have left. We still met great people and saw beautiful country. Even after how bad this went, Meredith wants to come back to Baja, and Shari your place will be on the list!

desertcpl - 1-3-2010 at 07:30 PM

well glad you made it to SF,, and all is well,, and your leg is not broken,,

but I do hope that you send your friends that got you to SF, the aggreed amount of compension that was agreed on. I am sure some one here on Nomad would be able to find them for you

shari - 1-4-2010 at 08:27 AM

thanks for checking in and glad your leg wasnt broken...we'll keep an eye out for the red cherokee in Vizcaino and maybe I can pay him the balance of the agreed sum and you can paypal me later...I hate to hear those stories from the locals of how they got ripped off by gringos :lol:

I AM curious to know what bad vibes turned you off here though????
Look forward to meeting you next time.

Iflyfish - 1-4-2010 at 10:03 AM

LMAO

The good graces of the Nomads are impressive! Saludos Shari, Diana, Woody. You guys are the BEST!

IflyfishinaweofmyNomadfriends

woody with a view - 1-4-2010 at 01:09 PM

Shari

i think a possible broken leg detoured the chap! or maybe the busted up leg was punishment for preconceived notions, not that we all don't have a few of those, or more!!!

surfer jim - 1-4-2010 at 04:32 PM

Nice read for the new year.....some members really stepped up to help when it was asked for..... :bounce:

Muddyrabbit - 1-6-2010 at 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
thanks for checking in and glad your leg wasnt broken...we'll keep an eye out for the red cherokee in Vizcaino and maybe I can pay him the balance of the agreed sum and you can paypal me later...I hate to hear those stories from the locals of how they got ripped off by gringos :lol:

I AM curious to know what bad vibes turned you off here though????
Look forward to meeting you next time.

I really don't know, and it makes me feel pretty bad. Meredith and others would tell you I am usually the last person to react like that, and always telling people not to judge places until you interact with the people. Almost no tourists there, and a real look at local life if what I tend to seek. If I had been thinking clearly I should have remembered that I already knew about Shari's place! I am going to blame the pain and mild shock setting in from the injury...

Yes, if some nomads can track down who this is and arrainge a chain to get the money to them I would feel much better. The manager/owner of hotel Kadekaman seemed to know who it is.

We are in the US for two days nor, the docs at El Centro hospital in Calexico say that even after the 16 xrays they took they can't say for sure no fracture and want me to get it checked again at home.

fishbuck - 1-6-2010 at 09:49 PM

It's not broken!

shari - 1-7-2010 at 07:26 AM

thanks Mr.Rabbit...I just wanted to find out if you were poorly treated by someone. The universe is a mystery and our destiny can surprise us sometimes...all is well and happens for a reason! I shall try to find the mystery jeep and repay the debt...cheers.

A biker that came in that day dumped his bike in the sand too but was unharmed and stayed a week...fell in love with the place! I sure hope this weekends big group of bikers get here unscathed!!!

[Edited on 1-7-2010 by shari]

ASUNCION IS NOT FOR THE TIMID

Pompano - 1-7-2010 at 08:00 AM

Right about here is where the demons possessed me. I kept hearing this voice..."I'll raise you 20 bucks." and "My name is Legion, but you can call me Jaime."

Co-pilot suffered the rapture of the sea nymphs.

DianaT - 1-7-2010 at 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano

Waiting for truck diagnosis and all illnesses to go away, and that picture makes me want to cry.

Can't wait to get back to our home there and start planting those land mines out front to ward off those intruders with big ideas. :biggrin:

Muddyrabbit, glad to see you want to make things right with the people who helped you. The local Mexicans in that area are the best and one of the reasons we love the area. Good luck with the leg.

Muddyrabbit - 1-8-2010 at 01:01 PM

We are home safe, and my doc has me scheduled fo a nuclear bone scan tomorrow.

I believe Antonio is affiliated with the auto parts store just west of HWY1 on the south side of the road if that helps. If we can arrange a chain to get the money to him I can paypal it to someone.

fishbuck - 1-8-2010 at 01:19 PM

It can't be broken that bad if at all.
And even if they do find a small fracture what will they do? Tell you to stay off of it for a while?
A nuclear x-ray? Yeah that sounds safe.

VetX #444 50+ Amatuer motocrosser
2006 CRF450R
DrD pipe
Tokyo mods carb
Pro Valve suspension
Lots of trophies

desertcpl - 1-8-2010 at 05:47 PM

SHARI in her post said that she would be willing to help, she I believe has a pay pal account

shari - 1-8-2010 at 08:21 PM

was the blue door of the Cherokee on the drivers side?? his name is Antonio? I'll call the autoparts store tomorrow and ask....how much do ya owe him?

Muddyrabbit - 1-9-2010 at 12:46 PM

I think it was the passenger door. I believe it was his son who came along, Carlos. Not sure what we owe.

woody with a view - 1-9-2010 at 04:55 PM

the dude will never say you "owe" him. come up with a # that you feel was equal to the service the guy provided you. 2 tanks of gas plus lunch? whatever it was, now that you're home it is alot harder to realize. think back to when you were looking for a ride and would've given your left nut to get home.....

the guy helped you out and as it stands now, he'll never make that mistake again for the next poor bastard who comes along!!!!

......i'm just saying.

fishbuck - 1-9-2010 at 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
the dude will never say you "owe" him. come up with a # that you feel was equal to the service the guy provided you. 2 tanks of gas plus lunch? whatever it was, now that you're home it is alot harder to realize. think back to when you were looking for a ride and would've given your left nut to get home.....

the guy helped you out and as it stands now, he'll never make that mistake again for the next poor bastard who comes along!!!!

......i'm just saying.

About $1000 US DOLLARS!

Pretty cheap considering he saved your ass.
Next time bring you bike in your truck and go on shorter rides.
And try to make it back to Juan and Shari's for happy hour.
And don't ride a street bike in the dirt.

:cool:

David K - 1-9-2010 at 05:19 PM

'Lo siento, no tengo mas dinero' (I'm sorry, I don't have more money) when you were in San Felipe would have been fine at the time... When you go back or feel his assistance was 'worth' more, then find a way to send him extra. The message will get through, and if he is like most of the Baja people I have known... he won't expect more or avoid anyone else in the future. Some people just like being nice and without getting paid for being nice. It's a concept more gringos should learn!

rts551 - 1-9-2010 at 05:26 PM

Depends... If they went there specifically to take him and the bike for a price and then he did not pay... then they will be insulted as someone has not lived up to their side of a bargain.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
'Lo siento, no tengo mas dinero' (I'm sorry, I don't have more money) when you were in San Felipe would have been fine at the time... When you go back or feel his assistance was 'worth' more, then find a way to send him extra. The message will get through, and if he is like most of the Baja people I have known... he won't expect more or avoid anyone else in the future. Some people just like being nice and without getting paid for being nice. It's a concept more gringos should learn!

fishbuck - 1-9-2010 at 05:36 PM

Was it from Vizcaino to San Felipe? With bike and rider?
Muy Carro! Muchos dinero!

David K - 1-9-2010 at 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Depends... If they went there specifically to take him and the bike for a price and then he did not pay... then they will be insulted as someone has not lived up to their side of a bargain.

Quote:

OF COURSE!

But, he did say: "We made it into San Felipe last night in a Jeep Cherokee pulling a trailer driven by Antonio and Carlos from Vizcaino, I cannot thank them enough!"

which to me sounds like he hitched a ride... ?

David K - 1-9-2010 at 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Muddyrabbit
We are home safe, and my doc has me scheduled fo a nuclear bone scan tomorrow.

I believe Antonio is affiliated with the auto parts store just west of HWY1 on the south side of the road if that helps. If we can arrange a chain to get the money to him I can paypal it to someone.

So we on Nomad don't get into a philosphical debate, did Antonio drive you to San Felipe with your bike (why the trailer) and for no other reason... or did you ride along because he was going that way? Did you go via Gonzaga Bay or around through Ensenada? Glad you are home safe... and I am sure Antonio will appreciate being taken care of, as well!

fishbuck - 1-9-2010 at 05:45 PM

Did Mario and Carlos make a special trip to take FracturedBunny to San Filepe?
Or they were already going to San Filepe?
And why did you leave your truck in San Falipi?

Diver - 1-9-2010 at 05:57 PM

Quote:

"I'm sorry I don't have any more money" ??
Try that on your local taxi driver !!

Folks expect to get paid what is agreed upon; even if they are "nice".
It seems that Muddyrabbit fully intended to pay the total agreed price.

.

[Edited on 1-10-2010 by Diver]

David K - 1-9-2010 at 05:59 PM

I think he said the reason why above... and is trying to fix it now... Shari has even offered to help.

Muddyrabbit - 1-9-2010 at 06:43 PM

Yeah, what's up with all the harshness? As I explained, what were able to get out of the ATM fell short of what was agreed, plus we had trouble comunicating that. We are now making an effort to make it right from 2500 miles away.

It aint a street bike.

[Edited on 1-10-2010 by Muddyrabbit]

rts551 - 1-9-2010 at 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I think he said the reason why above... and is trying to fix it now... Shari has even offered to help.

Operative word DK "agreed"

Diver - 1-9-2010 at 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Muddyrabbit
Yeah, what's up with all the harshness? As I explained, what were able to get out of the ATM fell short of what was agreed, plus we had trouble comunicating that. We are now making an effort to make it right from 2500 miles away.

It aint a street bike.

Hey, stay out of this !
Don't need no real facts or information.
DK can read between the lines !! :lol:

You're doing fine Muddyman, with good intentions.
Shari will locate your folks for you.
Hope your leg is OK.
.

Muddyrabbit - 1-9-2010 at 07:02 PM

I just went through all 600+ pics from the trip and I didn't get a single one of Antonio and Carlos! That bums me out, not just because they will be harder to find. Did find this gem that Meredith took of our last sunset:

Diver - 1-9-2010 at 07:07 PM

Very nice !!!

More, more..... encore !!

fishbuck - 1-9-2010 at 07:13 PM

Yeah, I hope your leg is okay too. I hope it's not broke. And I also know how it is when your leg is almost broke. It really hurts. It will swell up alot.

I like your bike. :cool:

shari - 1-9-2010 at 07:29 PM

just for reference...people here charge $100 for a trip to Vizcaino if someone needs a ride...3 hr round trip...like guys off of boats.
So...muddy...did you hire him to drive you or was he going anyway??

rts551 - 1-9-2010 at 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
just for reference...people here charge $100 for a trip to Vizcaino if someone needs a ride...3 hr round trip...like guys off of boats.
So...muddy...did you hire him to drive you or was he going anyway??

We now have a bus twice a week to GN.cost is only anout $15. When are you guys going to get bus service

woody with a view - 1-9-2010 at 09:16 PM

still depends on if dude was willing to wait for a bus or wanted the next taxi heading for the border.....

i hope MuddyRabbit was/is a man who understands that a man named ??????? was willing to put up with a semi broken down gringo and this Mexicano decided to squeeze himself into his rig so MR could make a run for the border (from SF or Viz...) it seems the details are hazy!

MR, clear up the ?'s................

fishbuck - 1-9-2010 at 11:27 PM

Yeah, DirtyBunny really caught a break.(Pun intended)!
Mario and Carlos are good men for helping.

[Edited on 1-10-2010 by fishbuck]

Barry A. - 1-9-2010 at 11:39 PM

Rabbit-------You probably already know this, but make sure you get a sonagram to determine if you have any blood clots connected with the hemotoma in your leg---------they can be dangerous to the heart (reads "your life") if clots form in the blood vessels and cause a stroke. At least mention it to your doc, if not already considered.

Good Luck.

Barry (speaking from experience)

Muddyrabbit - 1-10-2010 at 06:56 AM

Finaly found the only pic of I got of Antonio and Carlos, Antonio is on the right:

Last tire repair south of Mexicali:

meeting the locals:

Meredith south of Gonzaga:

shari - 1-10-2010 at 07:40 AM

ah, the plot thickens...since there is a woman involved....well....the price may go down :lol:

....so is that Antonios palace in the background?? I'm just sayin.....hmmmm

About the bus to here....both coops run vans for it's members so bus users would be few and very far between which would not make a bus cost effective....yet. I have asked the bus guys about it and it's not gonna happen any time soon...dang.

Muddyrabbit - 1-10-2010 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
ah, the plot thickens...since there is a woman involved....well....the price may go down :lol:

....so is that Antonios palace in the background?? I'm just sayin.....hmmmm

No, that is hotel Kadekamen on Rt 1 where they picked us up. The hotel owner had made some calls and emails to help find us a lift for the bikes and my leg, and Antonio responded. It was a trip made for us, to San Felipe by way of Gonzaga. We had an agreed price of $650 US for the trip, considering the distance, amount of fuel, and time it seemed like a fair price, but we were unable to get enough out of the ATM in San Felipe. I scrounged what little we had in a backpack, keeping only 150 pesos mostly in coin so we could get some food that night. I can't even remember exactly how short we were in the end, I think $75, maybe more, maybe less.

shari - 1-10-2010 at 08:26 AM

Okey dokey then....yeah, you can only get 5,000 pesos out of some bank machines...I'm sure they would appreciate the rest of it sooner or later....we'll see what we can do to find them and compensate them.

TMW - 1-10-2010 at 10:11 AM

Based on what the locals looked like above I can see why you didn't stay in Asuncion. No offense to Shari.

Do you actaully use all the tires you have or is it just insurance? I've preran the 1000 a couple of times to La Paz on bikes and we never tore up or wore out a tire. Flats are another story.

David K - 1-10-2010 at 10:24 AM

Thank you Muddy for filling in the gaps of your story. 'Agreed' (on a price)didn't quite make it clear if they were going to San Felipe and you joined, or it was a charted trip just for you. Sure glad you made it home and thanks for the photos!

Muddyrabbit - 1-10-2010 at 10:38 AM

We have over 600 photos! If you want to browse them go to:
www.muddyrabbit.smugmug.com

DianaT - 1-10-2010 at 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari

About the bus to here....both coops run vans for it's members so bus users would be few and very far between which would not make a bus cost effective....yet. I have asked the bus guys about it and it's not gonna happen any time soon...dang.

Fortunately, there is often someone going to Vizcaino from whom a ride can be hitched.

Muddyrabbit, too bad you did not think ahead and get money in Vizcaino and then more in San Felipe----they may think twice before offering help in the future.

fishbuck - 1-10-2010 at 02:28 PM

I'm sure the Rabbit will make it right
With the exception of smashing your leg it's sounds like a good trip.
Fairly happy ending and all. :coolup:

Muddyrabbit - 1-10-2010 at 04:50 PM

Just found this pic from L.A. Bay, Mussel shell underwater (my first real camera):

Muddyrabbit - 1-10-2010 at 04:57 PM

Captain Rex inspecting the mess:

Muddyrabbit - 1-11-2010 at 03:12 PM

Well, got the call from my doctors office about the bone scan. There is a fracture, and I go to see the ortho tomorrow. As much as I tried to play it down and sugar coat it I kinda had a feeling all along. The pain is just to focused to be anything else. Oh well, at least it should be healed by the time the snow is gone and the roads are more bike friendly.

Any word on finding Antonio?

Tires, Bruises, Breaks, and Deals

motoged - 1-11-2010 at 03:40 PM

MR,
Newbies to Baja off-road often take extra tires....and rarely need them.Good dirt tires (e.g. Maxxis Desert IT, Mitas E09 Dakar, Dunlop RR) will last 2000- 2500 kms when easy on the throttle and not much paved riding....the deal is to use good HD tubes (eg. Bridgestone ultra heavy duty), patch them, and carry a set of back-up tubes...at least a 21" as it fits in rear tire), and slime-type flat-proofer (although you can't patch slimed leaks as the chemical in slime won't let glue stick)...

Bruises that are a result of a "squished limb" are deep and, as pointed out above, can cause deep clots that can kill ....and are WAY more dangerous than any simple break....

How did you get hurt??? (curious rider question) A few years a go I was at Coco's and he said a guy (solo rider) came through the day before with a broken leg that was splinted with cordon spines....and he was riding back to San Diego....he was a beemer rider , too

....but a GSer : :saint:

How was the 650 down there?:?

Sound like a $150 US is a minimum to owe the guy (gracious interest on late payment)

When buying gas at fish camps or ranchos out back, I don't mind paying double the Pemex rate (although no one has ever asked much more than pump price)....when locals resist the overpayment, they tend to accept it is "por los ninos".

Muddyrabbit - 1-11-2010 at 05:21 PM

To me a few tires in the group are easy to carry, and I've seen enough guys leave on brand new tires and come back on bologna skins, plus our tires all had about 35-40% wear on them at departure, but we never ended up doing the kind of miles we thought. We intended tu burn up what we had and swap them out asap, leaving the usable discards at a tire repair (someone might need them).

The X-country was a dream down there, but if you are familiar with them you can see mine is a long way from stock. I went to ride up over a soft sandy berm after we missed a Y in the road to cut over to the "right" road just outside Ascuncion. What looked like a soft berm turned out to be hard as concrete. The front wheel hit and the bike went vertical and fell over like a tree. The sand turned out to also be hard as concrete and the engine guard bounced off my leg.

Muddyrabbit - 1-11-2010 at 05:24 PM

Muddyrabbit - 1-13-2010 at 07:24 AM

Any news on finding Antonio?

shari - 1-13-2010 at 07:27 AM

not yet...we've been super busy with bikers the last few days...had a dozen of em here...what fun we had at happy hour!!! I'll try to call around today and let ya know when we find him....over and out.

shari - 1-13-2010 at 11:52 AM

gotta last name now and am trying to get a phone #....nomad investigator on the job..... trying to make things right :saint:

Muddyrabbit - 1-16-2010 at 12:01 PM

Any luck Shari?