BajaNomad - Planning a burro trip

Planning a burro trip

MikeYounghusband - 2-21-2010 at 12:23 PM

Planning on walking down Baja with a Burro and my dogs. Looking for a hiking partner. Leaving Oct 1st. Anybody interested let me know U2U. Will be gone at least 6 months. AND yes Graham Macintosh is a friend of mine, we hike together and I have read all of his books. You will need a burro and all of your own gear. Not taking the hwy route going thru the mountains and along the coast. Its going to be a leisurly little walk down Baja.

ANY TAKERS?????

Woooosh - 2-21-2010 at 12:26 PM

Just hope you make it past the first roadside taco stand with that burro. Do they taste like horse?

Mexitron - 2-21-2010 at 04:12 PM

Sounds like a great trip, love to join in but don't think six months is something I can pull off this year......

David K - 2-21-2010 at 05:06 PM

See posts by 'Baja Bucko' (another friend of Graham) here... She has ridden many parts of the Camino Real by burro, and the cargo trail to Gonzaga Bay from near Mision Santa Maria.

If you are using any of EL CAMINO REAL for your ride, I have located it on the Baja topos, using Google Earth satellite images where you can see the Jesuit trail... from Santa Maria south to Loreto... they are here on Baja Nomad and on this page are the direct links to each Camino Real section I have mapped: http://vivabaja.com/missions2/page13.html

Let me know if I can be of assistance any further... and Graham is an amigo of mine, as well... great guy!

Here's a sample... just south of San Ignacio:
Image # I-2:

On the topo map, note the second arrow out from San Ignacio, labled 'I-2':

Harry Crosby's 1977 map of that section:

Howard Gulick's 1954 map of that section:

[Edited on 2-22-2010 by David K]

MikeYounghusband - 2-21-2010 at 07:38 PM

Wow David this great stuff thanks.

Mike Younghusband

Burros are not for riding!

Baja Bucko - 2-21-2010 at 09:07 PM

David-nobody rides burros-they are strictly for carrying stuff. MULES are the 4WD of choice on the peninsula when it comes to non-wheel travel.

Even though this is a green year hope this guy is prepared to carry lots of water for the burro and himself. There are really loooong stretches where there is no one and its the cowboys who know what tinajas have or don't have water at the time. BB

MikeYounghusband - 2-22-2010 at 04:17 AM

Your right BB they are for carrying only. I have a very well trained and strong young Burro I bought in Tacate. I have taken a year to prepare for this trip and water is a huge concern. Graham and I are spending alot of time together and he is helping me plan this trip. I have taken time to hide water and other esscentials along the way, and I am leaving tommorrow to stash more. Whiskey is a big concern, its hard to get in Mexico.

David K - 2-22-2010 at 08:02 AM

Yes Teddi, you are correct as I mis-spoke... I got mules and burros mixed up when I was talking about you. Glad you are reading Nomad and saw this thread.

Like Graham, Mike is walking with a burro to carry supplies. You ride mules, like Eve Ewing did many, many years ago... correct?

Graham didn't use a lot of the Camino Real for his 1997 walk... and I wasn't sure if Mike was or not... So, I just wanted him to know that most of the Jesuit section can be seen from space, so with GPS and Google Earth, can be found on the ground... should he want to use it.

I really would like to see a new book on the Camino Real today... Harry Crosby's is 36 years old... and things can change in that time!

Thank you!

Cyanide41 - 2-22-2010 at 08:17 AM

That's pretty cool. How much are burro going for these days?

MikeYounghusband - 2-24-2010 at 10:17 AM

Working real hard on that one. Going to develope a web site and keep in touch. Will keep all in the imfo. Down in Loreto right now, Buried food and treats on the way down. Along with a little whiskey.

MIke

David K - 2-24-2010 at 10:33 AM

This is great Mike... I (and many other Nomads) will be looking forward to your reports. Do you plan on using the Camino Real as much as possible?

When Graham did his burro trip in 1997, there wasn't the tehnology to find it using the satellite images... So, he often walked along Hwy. 1... Misión's health/ hoof condition was another issue for avoiding some of the tough sierra trail.

Best wishes!
David

ElFaro - 2-24-2010 at 03:54 PM

I would make damn sure you don't have any paradigms of how you think your burro(s) is/are going to behave when the "hoof meets the trail" so to speak. We owned a burro for 25 years B4 I had to put her down and they can be a real challange. If it were me I would consult with local ranchers and get information from them on what you are planning to do and how the burro would fare on the trip. If I remember correctly, a number of the burros or mules on Harry Crosby's trek lost their footing and plunged down into gorges loaded up with gear and died. Also if I remember correctly Macintosh was sending out daily diaries of his walk on parts of the mission trail and in several entries had trouble with the burro getting stuck in the growth along the trail because the packs made the burro too wide resulting in Macintosh attempting to "hack" or "cut" his way through the brush to free the burro. Alot of those trails are probably grown over with brush and have not been maintained for anyware from 20 to 200 years.

It all sounds romantic and all but the reality will be tough arroyo crossings on cold windy days, trying to stay warm, avoiding snakes, and keeping the burro in check.

Remember...burros are very smart opportunistic animals...and there are alot of wild burros on the peninsula. I can see your burro getting free one night and going off with the wild burros never to be seen again...just my 2 centavos.

David K - 2-24-2010 at 04:28 PM

Wow, good advice!

In 1997, Graham had wanted to go from Santa Ynez to Mision Santa Maria then down the Camino Real towards Gonzaga to Calamajue, etc.

Poor Misión fell so many times on the Camino Real, that Graham gave up and walked the burro back to Hwy. 1 and followed it to get to San Borja.

The cover photo of that book is on the Santa Maria road, in fact.

Misión fallen on the Camino...

Everything ended up okay!

[Edited on 2-24-2010 by David K]

MikeYounghusband - 2-26-2010 at 10:15 AM

Graham and I have talked extensively on this subject and feel gthat a little less burden and newer technology will make a big difference. I am taking six months to hike and train with the burro and hopefully will learn enough and become friendly enough with him that we will have a safe and fun trip.

David K - 2-26-2010 at 10:26 AM

Wonderful... you couldn't have a better man to help you prepare than Graham Mackintosh!

Graham at Viva Baja Cactus, 2006 (thinking of the ravens on Angel de la Guarda island):

Sharksbaja - 2-26-2010 at 04:02 PM

It looks like that burro listed to one side and fell over because of an overload of turquoise. :wow:

durrelllrobert - 2-28-2010 at 11:53 AM

There's a Mexican fellow (can't remember his name) in Hemet, CA who made trip from Hemet to DC twice with his burro.

Graham - 3-2-2010 at 01:08 AM

Tecate to Cabo! You can sure pack a lot of living into a day with a burro. Six months will make for a great story. I know Mike will be amazed by the kindness and hospitality he’ll meet along the way.

Keeping the show on the road, or trail, with a burro and two dogs is going to be fascinating and challenging.

[Edited on 3-2-2010 by Graham]

Graham - 3-2-2010 at 01:10 AM

Mike and photogenic new amigo.

Reminds me of my first burro - Bonny

[Edited on 3-2-2010 by Graham]

Mike and Burro.jpg - 49kB

Graham - 3-2-2010 at 01:12 AM

Learning the ropes with Bonny - 1984!

Bonny crop.jpg - 41kB

shari - 3-2-2010 at 08:55 AM

oh MIke...your burro is just a sweetheart! I really look forward to following your journey...hope you post often here! Wish you were passing through our neck of the desert! Let us know if we can be of any help...my husand Juan Arce has relatives all over the penninsula in case you need any assistance.

Here is a photo of our amigas dear Nieve...she is sooo cute...(I wouldnt think of eating her!!!!)

[Edited on 3-2-2010 by shari]

suzburrobud.jpg - 44kB

David K - 3-2-2010 at 09:00 AM

This is going to be a great adventure to follow on Nomad!

redmesa - 3-2-2010 at 09:17 AM

Shari, I was just going to post a pic of my beloved, Nieve. I hope she is finding lots of green bushes to munch on out in the desert. I miss her.

MikeYounghusband - 3-3-2010 at 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
This is going to be a great adventure to follow on Nomad!

Thank you for responding David. I am researching all avialable technology to see
what the best communication will be, cell phones have come along way along with email, soooo just maybe I will be talking your ears off. That way it won't get too lonley. Just got back from Loreto a few hours ago and hid some treats and supplies along the way. Will broadcast a vague plan of my route in the near future when Graham gets back from the UK. But looks like alot of the west coast.
More later...

Mike

MikeYounghusband - 3-3-2010 at 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
oh MIke...your burro is just a sweetheart! I really look forward to following your journey...hope you post often here! Wish you were passing through our neck of the desert! Let us know if we can be of any help...my husand Juan Arce has relatives all over the penninsula in case you need any assistance.

Here is a photo of our amigas dear Nieve...she is sooo cute...(I wouldnt think of eating her!!!!)
Will possibly be in your neck of the woods Shari, would love to meet you and yours. Can't exactly tell when but as the time get nearer things will take a better shape and we will know more. Graham is going to help me with the final mapping detaials when he gets back from his trip. So thank you for your interest and hope to meet you..

MIke Younghusband
[Edited on 3-2-2010 by shari]

David K - 3-3-2010 at 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spi619

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
This is going to be a great adventure to follow on Nomad!

Mike, I am sure you must have the route all figured... but if I can help with any of the mission trails, or any other mapping... just let me know... Graham has my phone number.. or you can u2u me for it. If the Internet isn't fast enough!

MikeYounghusband - 3-3-2010 at 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaamy
A little friend of mine . . . doncha love him?
LUV those ears

MikeYounghusband - 3-3-2010 at 08:40 PM

Just bought a Burro training tape from Crystal
Ward great tips on training well worth the money

MikeYounghusband - 3-4-2010 at 08:14 AM

I haven't watched the whole thing yet but patience is certainly a vurtue and while training them don't reward them until your done with a good session.
AND I guess you can't hit them in the head with a 2X4 jk lol

Baja Bucko - 3-4-2010 at 10:22 AM

Oh yea-other than water and really bad cuestas (laden animal and all) LIONS are the only thing I'd worry abt traveling alone with one burro. The lions are not afraid of people or dogs down there and can be very hungry especially the teens. Mules can take care of themselves but a young donkey w no experience might not know what the heck to do if faced with a smiling predator w an empty stomach.

Maybe carrying a flare gun or something similar....but there again how do you explain the boat flare gun standing there w your pack animal (and no boat) while talking to the uniformed gov drug guy that crosses your path? EEEEwwwww....

I think lions would be the thing I'd worry abt. Then again an adult burro w years of desert experience could probably figure things out real fast.

MikeYounghusband - 3-4-2010 at 04:39 PM

Yeah I'm with ya. Got the flare gun, looks like a pen, just have to deal with the uniforms if the need arises. Also have a 38 cal sling shot, providing the thing is as big as a house I might get lucky and hit it at least once, and I'm taking a Daisy BB gun (which is considered a toy to the military) so maybe I can shoot its eye out. Anyway without the adventure of the whole thing it wouldn't be worth it. Hopefully the rodent population wiil grow at such a fast rate because of all of the rain they won't be too hungry.

MikeYounghusband - 3-14-2010 at 05:26 PM

They said it couldn't be done

David K - 8-30-2010 at 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spi619
Planning on walking down Baja with a Burro and my dogs. Looking for a hiking partner. Leaving Oct 1st. Anybody interested let me know U2U. Will be gone at least 6 months. AND yes Graham Macintosh is a friend of mine, we hike together and I have read all of his books. You will need a burro and all of your own gear. Not taking the hwy route going thru the mountains and along the coast. Its going to be a leisurly little walk down Baja.

ANY TAKERS?????

Bump

cjesme - 8-30-2010 at 06:18 PM

WOW, WHAT A FANTASTIC TRIP!
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE TRIP LOG AND PICTURES!

MikeYounghusband - 8-31-2010 at 08:08 AM

Hi David, Sorry about that, thought you remembered. Anyway I have been hiding supplies on my route for the past year (burying them) All done now. Leaving on Oct. 1st, providing its not too hot. Shari will be getting my satillite signals daily and will posting my locations. Hope to see some of you along the way when I'm passing thru your area. Going to take a rest in Loreto providing I make it that far.

David K - 8-31-2010 at 08:20 AM

I remembered once I looked up this thread... I am very excited for you and your adventure ahead! Please try and keep us updated as you ride south! Post photos when you complete the trip...

Write a book like Graham did after his burro trip to Loreto in 1997!

David K - 9-17-2010 at 11:19 AM

Just days away from his departure...

BajaNomad - 9-17-2010 at 12:25 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=47853

Mexitron - 9-17-2010 at 01:16 PM

Have an awesome trip!

Cypress - 9-17-2010 at 01:23 PM

Have packed with horses, it's all about equalizing the load.

You've got to balance the weight on each side of the animals back, otherwise you're gonna have a wreck.

MikeYounghusband - 9-17-2010 at 01:31 PM

Your right Cypress, my pack scale is invaluable and will be used everyday.

David K - 9-17-2010 at 01:39 PM

Mike, I wish you great success in your journey... It is something I would like to do (at least on El Camino Real in central Baja)!

Is there a way we can follow you (a web link) on Spot?

Please report in any opportunity or have someone stateside post updates, please.

Thanks and have FUN!

sanquintinsince73 - 9-17-2010 at 11:49 PM

You mentioned that you have a flare gun just in case you run into mountain lions, you may want to consider a good quality stun gun just in case you do run into something and it want to get up close and personal. Have a wonderful journey. Que Dios te acompañe.

Bajatripper - 10-16-2010 at 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bucko
David-nobody rides burros-they are strictly for carrying stuff.

There are a lot of ranchers on the mainland that would be surprised to hear that. And the burros over there are smaller than Baja burros, on average.