BajaNomad

May 3-28 Trip Buddy Needed: 3-Week Peninsula Adventure, Anaheim-Los Cabos

bryanmckenzie - 4-13-2010 at 05:57 PM

DRIVING PLAN

Itinerary is as follows but will be adjusted along the way. Return date is flexible. See JPG image for details … http://www.12voltbar.com/baja2010/2010_baja_peninsula_trip.j... ... http://www.12voltbar.com/baja2010/2010_baja_peninsula_trip.p...

The following are the overnight locations; not what we’ll be doing during the day:

• May 3: depart Orange County, overnight in Rosarito to get organized, visit friends, make purchases
• May 4: overnight at 7,000’ in San Pedro Martir National Park
• May 5: overnight in Catavina in the high desolate desert
• May 6: overnight in spectacular Bahia de los Angeles
• May 7: overnight in beautiful Loreto (long drive)
• May 8-12: arrive in Los Cabos, 5 nights in hotel (long drive)
• May 13: overnight on the East Cape, after San Jose del Cabo
• May 14: overnight outside of La Paz
• May 15: hike the Sierra de la Laguna, maybe overnight at 6,000’ (depends on which side we approach from, pace, vehicle security, supplies, energy level); otherwise it’s a long day hike and overnight near Todos Santos
• May 16: overnight in Todos Santos after visiting Cabo San Lucas
• May 17: depart Los Cabos, overnight in San Carlos; OR stay an extra day on the Cape
• May 18: overnight at the spectacular Bahia Concepcion
• May 19: visit & overnight in San Ignacio
• May 20: overnight in Bahia Tortugas
• May 21: overnight in spectacular Bahia de los Angeles (trust me, it’s worth two visits)
• May 22: overnight in Punta San Carlos
• May 23: overnight at Fidel’s campground, San Quentin
• May 24: overnight at Coyote Cal’s hostel
• May 25 & 26: overnight, decompress and visit friends in Rosarito Beach OR return to USA

If you pay for gas (I drive a VW Jetta in excellent condition that gets 25-30 mpg; 2500 miles ~ 100 gallons ~ US$250), you get 5 nights FREE FREE FREE at the Villa del Palmar resort (private bed in a condominium), a 5-star high-rise right on Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. The rest of the way is roughing it (camping), but fun.

I have equipment for camping and cooking and all the books and reading material we could possibly use. You’d need a pillow and a sleeping bag. Plenty of room for one person. And one friendly dog, too. They’re an asset down here. But they MUST have the property veterinary paperwork before leaving. ABSOLUTELY NO drugs or weapons. YOU MUST HAVE a passport.

I have many interests as you can see on the map. That’s why it’s a leisurely drive and not a race to get to the Cape. I’m young at heart and tend to hang out with younger people because of their energy and inquisitiveness. If you’re older but energetic and adventuresome, contact me. We’ll get along fine.

Stops, visits and over-nighting locations are mostly negotiable. I include (1) must-stops, (2) would-like-to-stops and (3) if-we-have-time-to-stops based on my interests. These include:

• Visiting as many Missions & Mission ruins as possible
• Photography
• Whale watching, if not too late
• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Meeting locals (both ex-pat Americans/Canadians and Mexican nationals)
• Networking with people for jobs, good activities, etc
• Beaching, beers, margaritas, tanning (my preference is secluded & birthday suit)
• Fishing, panga or deep
• Hiking to explore vegetation, critters, history, geography --- bring warm clothes as 2 hikes are over 6,000’ elevation
• Eating at local taco stands
• Sleeping in established visitor campsites
• Cave Paintings, Catavina
• Old Mines (onyx), Catavina

I will have a laptop, camera and DC-AC inverter with me. So even camping, we’ll have access to 110V electricity. Internet access and cell phone will be VERY limited to the few population centers. My laptop is Magic Jack ready, so if we have Internet access, we also have FREE FREE FREE long distance telephone calling anywhere in the world.

• The vehicle … http://www.12voltbar.com/4sale/items/roofrack1.jpg
• Your host … http://www.12voltbar.com/reykjavik/capetown/2007/jul25/jul25...
• Your host & view from the Villa del Palmar location … http://www.12voltbar.com/reykjavik/capetown/2008/bajax/baja2...

About me: I’m in Anaheim, 45, 5-10, 165#, dirty blond, outgoing, very easy to get along with provided you are respectful. I don’t really care whether you’re male or female, old or young, gay or straight. I’m looking for a travel buddy; not a hook-up. It’s an adventure, including some minor dirt-road segments. Contact me ASAP if you think you’re interested: bryan@12voltbar.com.

[Edited on 4-14-2010 by bryanmckenzie]

[Edited on 4-14-2010 by bryanmckenzie]

[Edited on 5-2-2010 by bryanmckenzie]

[Edited on 2010-12-19 by bryanmckenzie]

you're skipping Mulege??

capt. mike - 4-13-2010 at 06:14 PM

did you score a traveling buddy on your last request? just curious - i didn't recall seeing a trip report.
good luck - it's better to travel with friends.

Mulege is a great place to visit - you ought to consider it.

[Edited on 4-14-2010 by capt. mike]

David K - 4-13-2010 at 06:45 PM

Too short a time in many places... have a full day break so you can actually enjoy a place instead of just seeing it. The 5 nights in Cabo is a waste, unless you are more interested in drinking, time share sales hustles and prostitutes, than the Baja most here have loved!

Think about it! Have fun!!

Packoderm - 4-13-2010 at 07:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Too short a time in many places... have a full day break so you can actually enjoy a place instead of just seeing it. The 5 nights in Cabo is a waste, unless you are more interested in drinking, time share sales hustles and prostitutes, than the Baja most here have loved!

Think about it! Have fun!!


What about snorkeling at Santa Maria and Chileno, swimming and kicking back at the swim-up bar, checking out non-prostitute or maybe the not so non-prostitute chicks, eating at the Sleepless Lobster, kicking back at the beach, regular visits to the Office, glass bottom boat to the arch, souvenir shopping, booze cruise, fishing, relaxing in a nice room, watching a show at Sammy's, and maybe a few other diversions? 5 days sounds about right to me for a 3 week trip to the tip.

sorry DK i have to agree with the Pack Man

capt. mike - 4-13-2010 at 08:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Too short a time in many places... have a full day break so you can actually enjoy a place instead of just seeing it. The 5 nights in Cabo is a waste, unless you are more interested in drinking, time share sales hustles and prostitutes, than the Baja most here have loved!

Think about it! Have fun!!


just cause you don't like Cabo don't think all the rest here abhor it too. there is plenty of good stuff there - it ain't all drinking , hoars and time shares...and what if it were - ? that ain't all bad. i'd rather be in a nice resort suite over looking a pool, the ocean and spa than on some sand bar under an easy-up getting wind blown.
i just spent a great 24 hours there and it was very nice, in a diff way sure.

"Baja most here have loved" - based on what data??
baja has plenty for every taste.
you are into landscape - you should see what they are achieving at the developments with that art today - mind blowing man..

Bajaboy - 4-13-2010 at 09:01 PM

Looks like a thorough and well thought out trip. I do question the drive out to Tortugas for one night and then to BOLA. That's a lot of driving for one day. I'd either spend more time at Tortugas (maybe include Asuncion and do the loop) or add a day to another spot.

I agree with DK about maybe taking some more time to explore some of the locations. But, Cabo has plenty to offer if you're "fair and balanced"...enjoy your trip.

bryanmckenzie - 4-13-2010 at 09:01 PM

Nope. Not skipping Mulege. It is also a stop.
Quote:
Originally posted by capt. mike
did you score a traveling buddy on your last request? just curious - i didn't recall seeing a trip report.
good luck - it's better to travel with friends.

Mulege is a great place to visit - you ought to consider it.

[Edited on 4-14-2010 by capt. mike]

bryanmckenzie - 4-13-2010 at 09:04 PM

Thanks David. I know. I'm going to adjust times as places as needed. Loreto & LA Bay are "musts." San Carlos I could skip this trip. I should probably combine the two days in LA Bay to save double driving.

And yes, Cabo has gotten pretty touristy and over-priced from what it was in the early 1990's. I've access to free room, hot shower etc. for 5 nights. So I've no intention of hanging out in town. Simply using that as a base to to launch from and rest. I've done mkost everything in Cabo, and even more than once. I'd like to try a 1-day or overnight hike up into the Sierra de la Laguna. It's been on my to-do list since 1993. Even skip VDP nights if I find good friends in other places like Cabo Pulmo/Marine Reserve. An La Paz surroundings have wonderful natural areas to explore. Thanks for the good wishes.
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Too short a time in many places... have a full day break so you can actually enjoy a place instead of just seeing it. The 5 nights in Cabo is a waste, unless you are more interested in drinking, time share sales hustles and prostitutes, than the Baja most here have loved!

Think about it! Have fun!!


[Edited on 4-14-2010 by bryanmckenzie]

doradodan - 4-13-2010 at 09:43 PM

your gonna beat the heck out of that car going up to san pedro martir

irenemm - 4-14-2010 at 12:42 AM

As of yesterday I talked to the Colonet Police and the road is closed. They did not say how far up but told me to tell some people to not bother. Before you go check in with the Police and make sure all repairs have been made. and it is open. STill 3 weeks away but not that long in Mexico.
Good luck and have fun.

David K - 4-14-2010 at 07:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bryanmckenzie
Thanks David. I know. I'm going to adjust times as places as needed. Loreto & LA Bay are "musts." San Carlos I could skip this trip. I should probably combine the two days in LA Bay to save double driving.

And yes, Cabo has gotten pretty touristy and over-priced from what it was in the early 1990's. I've access to free room, hot shower etc. for 5 nights. So I've no intention of hanging out in town. Simply using that as a base to to launch from and rest. I've done mkost everything in Cabo, and even more than once. I'd like to try a 1-day or overnight hike up into the Sierra de la Laguna. It's been on my to-do list since 1993. Even skip VDP nights if I find good friends in other places like Cabo Pulmo/Marine Reserve. An La Paz surroundings have wonderful natural areas to explore. Thanks for the good wishes.

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Too short a time in many places... have a full day break so you can actually enjoy a place instead of just seeing it. The 5 nights in Cabo is a waste, unless you are more interested in drinking, time share sales hustles and prostitutes, than the Baja most here have loved!

Think about it! Have fun!!


[Edited on 4-14-2010 by bryanmckenzie]


Glad you understood my intentions being for you to have a good time... that is why I added the prostitute and time share comment to CABO... even though lately that's what one expects to find/ get in Cabo! Free room is good... lots a great beaches and sites you can drive to... Great Trip!

bryanmckenzie - 4-14-2010 at 10:07 AM

YUP. I know. Go Slow! is the motto. On the other hand, you would not believe how reliable that little Jetta has been during the past 8 months on numerous very rough patches off road. I'm replacing the front strut mounts because they protrude almost 1-inch above where they should. I have a great mechanic in Rosarito. I've photo/video blogged all my trips. Here's the 40-mile washboard dirt segment from North of Erindira back to Mex 1 via Manuel Higuera's place at Cabras ... http://www.andrewburg.com/chapter2/pages/sep26.htm

There have been many more washboard roads and sandy arroyo washes while visiting the missions at San Miguel, San Fernando Velicata and El Rosario. My Jetta needs a noble name, like La Poderosa (The Mighty One), for the durable beast in The Motorcycle Diaries.


Quote:
Originally posted by doradodan
your gonna beat the heck out of that car going up to san pedro martir
;):P

bryanmckenzie - 4-14-2010 at 10:11 AM

Thanks so much Irene. I'd forgotten about that. And assumed it had been repaired. Since my trip is 3-weeks away, that will probably work out for me.

How does commerce North-South continue? The south can't be isolated from the rest of the world?
Quote:
Originally posted by irenemm
As of yesterday I talked to the Colonet Police and the road is closed. They did not say how far up but told me to tell some people to not bother. Before you go check in with the Police and make sure all repairs have been made. and it is open. STill 3 weeks away but not that long in Mexico.
Good luck and have fun.

irenemm - 4-14-2010 at 10:21 AM

no problem on north & south. this is since the earthquake. it did some damage to to the road up it is east west . the police would not give km # . just stop by the colonet police and see if it opened. 3 weeks in mexico repairs is not much
sounds like an awesome trip. have a great time

mtgoat666 - 4-14-2010 at 11:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bryanmckenzie
DRIVING PLAN

• May 3: depart Orange County, overnight in Rosarito to get organized, visit friends, make purchases
• May 4: overnight at 7,000’ in San Pedro Martir National Park
• May 5: overnight in Catavina in the high desolate desert
• May 6: overnight in spectacular Bahia de los Angeles
• May 7: overnight in beautiful Loreto (long drive)


dude,
this sounds like a lot of driving to nice places, with little to no time to enjoy nice places. if you drive all the way to SPM, you will want minimum of one full day to enjoy SPM, do a dazy hike, etc. if you drive to BOLA, you will want one full day to enjoy BOLA, take a boat trip, catch a fish, etc.

rule of thumb for taking time to smell the roses at a destination: 2 nites in each destination.

but, to each his own, eh?

bryanmckenzie - 4-14-2010 at 11:31 AM

Thanks Irene. I will stop by and visit. Possibly stay overnight.
Quote:
Originally posted by irenemm
no problem on north & south. this is since the earthquake. it did some damage to to the road up it is east west . the police would not give km # . just stop by the colonet police and see if it opened. 3 weeks in mexico repairs is not much
sounds like an awesome trip. have a great time

Bajahowodd - 4-14-2010 at 02:08 PM

Just thinking that unless you're hellbent on kicking back on Medano the whole time in Cabo, you could take day trips to places on your itinerary such as the East Cape, Todos Santos, and the Sierra de la Laguna, and even La Paz, which would allow more time to stay over at places such as Concepcion and BOLA.

bryanmckenzie - 4-14-2010 at 04:01 PM

That's exactly correct Howodd. The Cabo days are just one part of the "flex" built into the itinerary. Another flex is very short driving distances that allow spending almost full days and a night in a particular location. Or not. Thanks for your good feedback.
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Just thinking that unless you're hellbent on kicking back on Medano the whole time in Cabo, you could take day trips to places on your itinerary such as the East Cape, Todos Santos, and the Sierra de la Laguna, and even La Paz, which would allow more time to stay over at places such as Concepcion and BOLA.

bryanmckenzie - 4-14-2010 at 04:13 PM

Thanks MTgoat. Good advice. Same from David. The sched is flexible. Nothing magical about being in Cabo on those dates except for free lodging. If a free night doesn't get used because I delayed, so be it. Have done that before. See my response below to Howodd along the same lines --- flexibility and leisure is paramount to an enjoyable trip. Photography and las Misiones are two of my passions and take priority over a "schedule". I've had a panorama picture I took of spectacular BOLA hanging on my wall since 1993 to remind me of the importance of time to enjoy. Ditto for Concepcion. Thanks for your positive feedback ... http://www.andrewburg.com/2010/pages/feb28.htm
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by bryanmckenzie
DRIVING PLAN

• May 3: depart Orange County, overnight in Rosarito to get organized, visit friends, make purchases
• May 4: overnight at 7,000’ in San Pedro Martir National Park
• May 5: overnight in Catavina in the high desolate desert
• May 6: overnight in spectacular Bahia de los Angeles
• May 7: overnight in beautiful Loreto (long drive)


dude,
this sounds like a lot of driving to nice places, with little to no time to enjoy nice places. if you drive all the way to SPM, you will want minimum of one full day to enjoy SPM, do a dazy hike, etc. if you drive to BOLA, you will want one full day to enjoy BOLA, take a boat trip, catch a fish, etc.

rule of thumb for taking time to smell the roses at a destination: 2 nites in each destination.

but, to each his own, eh?

yellowtail67 - 4-14-2010 at 04:29 PM

Wheeewwww.....

That makes me tired reading about cramming that much into that time frame. Then again not one for itineraries.

Safe travels...

David K - 4-14-2010 at 06:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bryanmckenzie
Photography and las Misiones are two of my passions and take priority over a "schedule". I've had a panorama picture I took of spectacular BOLA hanging on my wall since 1993 to remind me of the importance of time to enjoy. Ditto for Concepcion. Thanks for your positive feedback ... http://www.andrewburg.com/2010/pages/feb28.htm


Hope you enjoy or have enjoyed my mission data pages with photos of all the sites that have something left to see! http://vivabaja.com/bajamissions (link is at the bottom of my posts here on Nomad).

wilderone - 4-15-2010 at 07:59 AM

Your objectives to enjoy Baja CA are right on - but your itinerary skips too many places that offer what you want to see/do. E.g., you must go to Mision San Borja (the back way after Bahia de los Angeles). See some pictographs - the cave murals - fantastic photo op. Get the Baja Adventure Book - any edition will do - and take along with you. Wish I could go.

I Get Your Point

Bajahowodd - 4-15-2010 at 02:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by yellowtail67
Wheeewwww.....

That makes me tired reading about cramming that much into that time frame. Then again not one for itineraries.

Safe travels...


However, there are some folks who derive almost as much pleasure from the planning as they do from the doing.

bryanmckenzie - 4-15-2010 at 06:41 PM

Hi David. Yes I have. Excellent work. We've corresponded before. I used a different alias. As far as Missions go, I post under another alias at Google Earth and have developed a rather detailed & comprehensive KML file, though not updated since several visits Fall 2009. It's been selected as a GE Community FEATURED PLACEMARK (updates always welcome). Kudos, thanks and credits to David K, Jack Swords & several others for their own Misiones work are contained in the GE KML here ... http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&N...
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by bryanmckenzie
Photography and las Misiones are two of my passions and take priority over a "schedule". I've had a panorama picture I took of spectacular BOLA hanging on my wall since 1993 to remind me of the importance of time to enjoy. Ditto for Concepcion. Thanks for your positive feedback ... http://www.andrewburg.com/2010/pages/feb28.htm


Hope you enjoy or have enjoyed my mission data pages with photos of all the sites that have something left to see! http://vivabaja.com/bajamissions (link is at the bottom of my posts here on Nomad).

bryanmckenzie - 4-15-2010 at 06:43 PM

Yes, Wilderone, you're so right. So much Baja. So little time. Such a truism. So things may not get accomplished on this trip. Many, many others, like you state, are not even planned. They'll have to wait for another trip. Perhaps this Fall. Thanks for your feedback. And everyone else here also.
Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Your objectives to enjoy Baja CA are right on - but your itinerary skips too many places that offer what you want to see/do. E.g., you must go to Mision San Borja (the back way after Bahia de los Angeles). See some pictographs - the cave murals - fantastic photo op. Get the Baja Adventure Book - any edition will do - and take along with you. Wish I could go.

bryanmckenzie - 5-2-2010 at 09:48 AM

As of March 2010, looks like it's all paved and in great good condition. Thanks for the report David.
Quote:
Originally posted by doradodan
your gonna beat the heck out of that car going up to san pedro martir


[Edited on 5-2-2010 by bryanmckenzie]

BajaBlanca - 5-12-2010 at 11:30 AM

Missed La Bocana completely in your planning :) and now you are already on the road and hopefully having the trip of a lifetime - 3 weeks is a good time frame ... Happy Trails and if you do read this, sneak La Bocana in ... follow the signs to Punta Abreojos, the get on the sand salt flats and travel north 10 miles. Ask for Joaquin - he is either at his Cactus Restaurant, or the house directly behind it, as you pull onto the paved road in town keep looking right. He will become one of your favorite people on the planet. Then be sure to visit us, Calle ERizo, far north end of it ...

bryanmckenzie - 5-16-2010 at 02:44 PM

It's turning into a 4-week trip, money permitting. I'm picking up odd jobs/trade to make ends meet. I'll try and get out there. The drive down was leisurely but I omitted several planned stops. Hence I'm doing those on the return and adding a few others. Thanks for the heads up. I will choose either your location or the Vizcaino peninsula. Thanks for posting and alerting me.
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Missed La Bocana completely in your planning :) and now you are already on the road and hopefully having the trip of a lifetime - 3 weeks is a good time frame ... Happy Trails and if you do read this, sneak La Bocana in ... follow the signs to Punta Abreojos, the get on the sand salt flats and travel north 10 miles. Ask for Joaquin - he is either at his Cactus Restaurant, or the house directly behind it, as you pull onto the paved road in town keep looking right. He will become one of your favorite people on the planet. Then be sure to visit us, Calle ERizo, far north end of it ...