BajaNomad - Can I get to Malarrimo Beach...

Can I get to Malarrimo Beach...

SyntaxJO - 6-17-2010 at 01:55 AM

in my rear wheel drive Nissan Frontier? It doesn't have a lift but has good clearance (better than a normal car). I have weathered really heavy roads with it already - the nice road from Puertocitos to the 1 on the way to De Los Angeles - and I've also taken the "secondary highway" from Constitucion to San Ignacio. That was the worst road I have ever seen - arroyos washed out chunks of it - dirt track detours with the consistency of loose flour - but once I learned how to drive them (after a rancher showed me [after we dug the car out]) it was pretty easy and I feel pretty confident. Despacio despacio.

Can I make it?

And also - is there a sign off the road designating the proper road to Malarrimo?

[Edited on 6-17-2010 by SyntaxJO]

Ken Cooke - 6-17-2010 at 06:09 AM

As long as you go, be sure to bring a friend with a 4wd, a tow rope, and a tire air compressor so that you can air down your tires and air them back up when you exit the beach.

Udo - 6-17-2010 at 06:22 AM

Syntax...
There are two way you can get to Malarrimo beach:
The first one is by San Jose Del Castro, about 40 miles past Vizcaino. That road is really tough and it does require 4X4 plus high ground clearance. You may even have to hunt down some boulders to fill in some dips to make them passable.
The other is to drive down another 15 miles untill you see the sign on the road that says (Playa Malarrimo). Turn right there, and follow it to the fish camp. Say Hi to the fishermen at the camp and tell them Udo sent you. Then make a right on the frontage road that parallels the beach and head east, you'll get to the primary Malarrimo with less or no damage to the car.

dtbushpilot - 6-17-2010 at 07:41 AM

It depends on what part of Malarrimo you want to see. If you want to go to the part of the beach where the redwood logs and the best beachcombing are you have to go in by the turn off to San Jose del Castro. Don't go by yourself in a 2wd vehicle. Not saying it's impossible but it is very remote and you will be on your own.

Here is a link to a trip we did there a few years ago.....dt

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=32808#pid3391...

TMW - 6-17-2010 at 10:10 AM

Even if you go in a 4x4 be careful in the wash as you get closer to the beach. Stay on the deeper sand side as there is mud in places under that sand. There was a really good story on the Off Road.com web site written by Mark Naugle about a trip they made out there in three 4x4s thru Castro's and got stuck in the mud in that wash. I was last there about 5 or 6 years ago and it was a blast. We were in a 4x4. I don't think it wise to go in a 2wd at least that way. Maybe Udo's way.

SyntaxJO - 6-17-2010 at 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
The other is to drive down another 15 miles untill you see the sign on the road that says (Playa Malarrimo). Turn right there, and follow it to the fish camp. Say Hi to the fishermen at the camp and tell them Udo sent you. Then make a right on the frontage road that parallels the beach and head east, you'll get to the primary Malarrimo with less or no damage to the car.

This sounds very doable. Can I span the whole beach coming from that way or would I only be able to access the Western side?

shari - 6-17-2010 at 06:05 PM

be very careful...vehicles that have driven on the beach have been lost there in quicksand type conditions..the sand is tricky...we always make sure we have 2 vehicles just in case and park before we get to the beach even though we have good 4X4's.

Udo - 6-17-2010 at 07:31 PM

Shari is right, Syntax. You really should have two vehicles making the run. It can be done in a two wheeler, just don't get in over your head in soft sand. Never stop on softer sand. Always use momentum to push you through.
And...
No, you can't do the entire western side via the beach. With a 4X4 you may be able to go as far as the southern peninsula at the entrance to Laguna Ojo De Libre. Which is also a real good vantage point from which to see the whales when they are there.

SyntaxJO - 6-17-2010 at 11:21 PM

I'm sorry but I'm a little confused by the answers. Shari are you talking about BOTH roads that Udo mentioned or just the first one being the more direct rout? Are you saying that road that is further down also has 'quicksand?'

Udo - I was asking if I could do the entire beach coming from the East and you're saying that I can only do PART of the Western side? Could you be a bit more clear on that? I've traveled alone plenty through Baja and I know the beach type sand is bad. Are you saying that the second road you mentioned is like that? Are there definite extended stretches of beach type sand? It sounds like both roads are just as bad?

I would like to apologize for all of the questions but both times I've hit Baja I missed Malarrimo and I really want to do this. I have been stuck here:

PLEASE PASTE IN BORWSER
http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=26.657899,-112.88...

and this was the worst conditions I'd ever been in:

I was the flour like dirt that you just need to drive slow through. Is there beach sand all over the place or just when you get up to the beach?

[Edited on 6-18-2010 by SyntaxJO]

[Edited on 6-18-2010 by SyntaxJO]

[Edited on 6-27-2010 by BajaNomad]

David K - 6-18-2010 at 08:15 AM

I have not been there, but read the books and Nomad posts on Malarrimo:

The 'quicksand' is the beach itself from the end of the road (San Jose del Castro road) east/north towards Scammon's Lagoon. Dry sand covers the sticky mud. So, advise you keep heavy vehicles off the beach to the east/ north of that roadhead. Bring an ATV/ Quad...

The San Jose del Castro road north to Malarrimo, through the canyon, is a 4WD road for most... the newer road coming in from Bahia Tortugas and the Punta Malarrimo Fish Camp/ El Queen fish camp is the 'better' road for 2WD from what I have read. However, 4WD and a companion vehicle is the only advised way to explore this part of Baja.

IF YOU GO: Have fun, take photos, report back!

Udo - 6-18-2010 at 08:33 AM

Syntax...

The road from San Jose Del Castro (albeit shorter) is the worst of the two ways to get to the desolate parts of Malarrimo. This past winter storms probably did a major wash out of the arroyos and vados.

The road that takes you from the Bahia Tortuga to the turn off to Malarrimo beach, takes you to the fish camps. Then head east folowing the parallel of the water. There are numerous places you can stop to do some beach-combing along the way. There will be some softer sand along this road, but just remember to lower the air pressure on the tires and stop only on harder ground. You'll never make it to the peninsula point in something other than a 4X4.
The longest soft beach sand you'll encounter on the parallel road is around 600 feet. Be sure to walk some of it ahead of time to test for quick sand.
If traveling alone, bring a VHF marine radio to speak with the fishermen in case you need help.
BTW the beachcombing is quite an experience because you'll encounter products from all over the Pacific countries. Last time there, someone found an EPIRB with a dead battery. Apperared to be launched from a Chinese vessel based on the writing on it.

Udo - 6-18-2010 at 08:57 AM

That road on your google map seemed soft but doable on a 2WD.
I am sure you already did, but did you google map the terrain around Malarrimo yet?

Desertbull - 6-18-2010 at 02:30 PM

I have been there...numerous times.

If it was easy everyone would go there, like going to Coco's. Bedman drove his motorhome to Coco's, no big deal. This is not like that. My suggestion is that if you are not equipped and/or not up for an adventure, don't go there.

The Castro wash road is straight forward, but every time I've traveled it, it's changed.

The rain has eroded away many different lines and now you need a couple shovels and some know-how to sometimes create your own ramps up and down over the obstacles. It's part of the adventure, be ready do some work, but know it's not a Sunday afternoon drive, for most.

Remember its a wash and all debris from the desert dumps onto the beach there at the end of the wash where it drains into the Pacific. The road snakes all over back and forth across the big wash and up and down the bluffs surrounding the wash. We've had to drive over all kinds of obstacles, but go slow and use your Baja knowledge.

Just before the bluffs end the sand is very soft and deep. You should not plan on stopping in that zone, continue your momentum and already have your decision made to turn left or right.

We generally trudge through the end of the wash and turn left and park on the high part of the beach at the bottom of the bluff. Then we walk and explore to the East because we end up driving on the beach West to the Fish Camp and exit there along the coast where if finally connects to Tortugas.

Take shovels, tow ropes, 4WD vehicles, VHF Radios, Iridium Sat Phones and some friends. Have the phone numbers of your friends in Vizcaino, Guerro Negro and San Ignacio in case you have an issue. If you don't know anyone there, hmmm...call Junior in Vizcaino at Junior's Welding Shop. Hopefully, you won't have to use any of it.

When you make it through the wash park and enjoy what 97% or less of the people don't ever get to see or explore.

A bunch of years back, WB and myself took 20 guys/gals back there overnight and BBQ'd Rib Eye steaks and Garlic Shrimp on the beach. It's changed a bit since those days, but still is mysterious and very cool. :cool:

ArvadaGeorge - 6-18-2010 at 04:34 PM

I was there in January 2010 and it was not easy to get onto the beach or off on a motorcycle .--real washed out. To get on on the beach at the north end we slid the bikes down a 5 ft ledge and to get out at the Castro road/wash we had to ride up on the bank.

David K - 6-19-2010 at 08:08 AM

Wonderful reports Udo, Tim and George!

SyntaxJO - 6-19-2010 at 10:15 PM

This is all great. Anyway I could get a google map of this peninsula point you speak of, Udo? I really don't have too much reference for any of this. But this is all great information that multiple readings would continue to merit my journey.

Neal Johns - 6-19-2010 at 11:06 PM

I (I'm the handsome devil in blue) did not get stuck in Malarrimo but:

Malarrimo3 [800x600].jpg - 49kB

Neal Johns - 6-19-2010 at 11:12 PM

A Jeep came to help:

Malarrimo2 [800x600].jpg - 42kB

Neal Johns - 6-19-2010 at 11:14 PM

Three Toyotas pulled them both out. True! :lol:

Neal Johns - 6-19-2010 at 11:25 PM

The Jeep driver is an active Nomad!
My lips are sealed.

SyntaxJO - 6-20-2010 at 01:11 AM

Well I don't think I'd ever DARE get THAT close to the beach?!?! Haysus! "Malarrimo: Scared Straight" You're not telling me that THAT'S what I'm up against. I have no trouble walking a little ways.... It's going from worse to worse.

shari - 6-20-2010 at 07:31 AM

good answer syntax!!! :cool:

I've heard a few scared straight stories about malarrimo thus try to go in some one elses vehicle and scream and beg them to stop before they get onto the beach...stop in and have a beer with us on your way out so we can hear your trip report in person!!!...better yet...if we arent busy, maybe we'll tag along in our monster truck...just in case! :tumble:

surfer jim - 6-20-2010 at 09:44 AM

The NAMES Neal.....we want the NAMES!

David K - 6-20-2010 at 09:46 AM

Hey Neal, does that Jeep driver now own a Tacoma (like mine)???

ArvadaGeorge - 6-20-2010 at 10:33 AM

Riding on that beach on a M/C in real good--that said i did get stuck once; but a M/C is a lot easier to get out.
In 1978 or 1979 while having dinner in San Jose Del Castro I was told there were more than 100 vehicles sunk on that beach+ 1 air plane ---they go down and don’t come up??

Just a curiosity --There is a tower on the north end of the beach--who made it? and why??

Udo - 6-20-2010 at 11:11 AM

OH MY GAWD! SUPERB FOTOS!

Neal Johns - 6-21-2010 at 02:22 PM

DK, Yep, he does, or maybe it is the bigger cousin; in any case he eats a lot of tacos.. :lol:

I'm dead!

The stuck scene is about one fourth mile west of where the arroyo hits the water (Castro route.) It all started when the first stuck vehicle left the group and drove down half way from the vegetation toward the water. Nice dry looking sand - on top. An adjacent arroyo had dumped the mud on the beach and then the sand had covered it up.
Then the tide started coming in.

Bajatripper - 6-21-2010 at 05:25 PM

I've been out there to the "Castro exit" part of Malarimo a few times. I think that it would be challenging to get a two-wheeled drive truck out there, but definitely do-able. I can only think of one place that would provide a challenge, where the road drops down from the mesa to the wash. But a winch (and, barring that, a come-along with a couple of tow straps) will get you through. But there is plenty of soft sand in the wash, so be ready to air down and perhaps struggle--and take a pump (and lots of water), it's a ways to Bahia Tortugas.

Udo mentioned the possible damage of storms last winter. I traveled the length of the peninsula in the days following the big storm that messed up Santa Rosalia, heading south. We didn't get into any sign of the storm until just after San Ignacio. North of there, one would never have noticed that the peninsula had been visited by a storm recently, so perhaps Malarimo wasn't affected. However, on a recent trip to California, I did notice that Laguna Chapala was full--the first time I have ever seen that. So perhaps that was what Udo was thinking about, storms from the north.

One thing that would cause me to hesitate recommending your trip is that you note that you just recently (I think) learned how to get out of the sand. If you have little off-road experience (to say nothing of desert-survival knowledge), I don't think a two-wheeled drive trip alone out to Malarimo is the place to cut your teeth. If you could get someone along with a four-wheel drive for company, then by all means "Alelante!"

Also, call me paranoid, but since I've only made the trip with my vehicle, I stay well back from the beach. I remember reading about beaches having quicksand-like qualities along there, think it was in Walt Peterson. There are some fish camp structures that are as far as I go. If it's windy, I stay quite a ways further up the wash, and still get blasted.

If you can find someone to go with, be sure to keep an eye out along the upper walls of the wash. There are many small caves with a couple of different types of owls in them. You can sometimes see them at the entrances during the day, asleep (or, at least with their eyes closed) as you drive by.

SyntaxJO - 6-21-2010 at 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neal Johns
The stuck scene is about one fourth mile west of where the arroyo hits the water (Castro route.)

NICE! Any chance you can point it out on google maps?

SyntaxJO - 6-21-2010 at 06:45 PM

My plan is take the long way around AFTER the "Castro exit" - then I will NOT be going out to the beach. I will stop the car where the vegetation ends. Seems like I can't make Castro cause I need a winch - and it seems like the mud is on the beach. If I stay away from both it seems doable to me. Is there still a reasonable chance that I could get stuck in the mud staying away from both the beach and the Castro road?

I'm a crazy @#$% but I'm not stupid - and not stupid to me means that I might try it alone with 2WD but definitely have enough water and food to make it Tortugas in just such an emergency and probably relish it.

If that is ABSOLUTELY STUPID then who wants to go out to Malarrimo sometime around the 2nd week of August?! I'm excellent company. And I'll be filming it for an episode of my show that I just started. www.breaking-down.com

--J.O'Ly.

TMW - 6-22-2010 at 07:51 AM

www.breaking-down.com

Kind of fooled me. I thought it was about your 2 wheel drive breaking down in various locations.

TMW - 6-22-2010 at 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO

If that is ABSOLUTELY STUPID then who wants to go out to Malarrimo sometime around the 2nd week of August?! I'm excellent company.
--J.O'Ly.

I think this is the time for DK to go. With his Tacoma you will be safe and him and Angel would have a wonderful adventure. Well DK?

mtgoat666 - 6-22-2010 at 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO
My plan is take the long way around AFTER the "Castro exit" - then I will NOT be going out to the beach. I will stop the car where the vegetation ends. Seems like I can't make Castro cause I need a winch - and it seems like the mud is on the beach. If I stay away from both it seems doable to me. Is there still a reasonable chance that I could get stuck in the mud staying away from both the beach and the Castro road?

I'm a crazy @#$% but I'm not stupid - and not stupid to me means that I might try it alone with 2WD but definitely have enough water and food to make it Tortugas in just such an emergency and probably relish it.

as your trip involves working in mexico, perhaps you should hire a local guide, someone who can also be your location scout, hold the sound boom, and keep you safe and out of trouble.

if you go alone, to avoid getting stuck, just use the roads used by locals to reach fish camps. stay on the traveled roads and stay off the unused roads. re the mud shown in pics, 4wd won't help you in that kind of mud :lol:

when in doubt, park the car and hike the rest of the way. if you bring a mtn bike, you can always pedal out to find help (sort of a long walk).

ursidae69 - 6-22-2010 at 10:38 AM

I did the Castro route in early February of this year right after the record rains. The road was non-existant in many places and the washouts were a hoot. My truck is a 04 Tacoma with a rear locker, lifted, on 33s, and there is no way your truck will make this unless a grader has been in there since the storms. I camped a mile short of the beach up out of the arroyo just to avoid the quicksand issues since I was travelling solo. The beach was not as exciting as I hoped and I don't think I'll visit it again. It could be that the storm surge had scoured much of the beach. The best part was the various colors of red in the canyon.

shari - 6-22-2010 at 02:09 PM

Ursidae...glad you said it about the beach not being as exciting as you'd hoped. That was my sentiment exactly...what i experienced was a whole lot of plastic garbage...I mean tons of it everywhere...it was hard to beach comb through all the junk...your eyes just get tired of seeing crap. It was neat to see some big logs but we didnt find anything interesting at all...just gathered some floats and driftwood boards.

It was fine to tag along with someone else to see this famous beach but it is far overrated in my opinion and very windy...one of those places you do once but the area has lots of neat places to visit...gorgeous beaches, fossil areas, coves, cliffs etc.

Barry A. - 6-22-2010 at 02:21 PM

Looks like an excellent area to test your/my winch and Pull-Pal------wow, that is MUD!!!! (quicksand?)

(Neal ends up in the darndest places) :lol:

Barry

Stuck in Malarrimo

MrBillM - 6-22-2010 at 04:54 PM

Back in '76, a friend and I drove to Malarrimo in my Baja Bug which had a 4" Body-Lift kit and HUGE off-road tires on the back as a result. Having gone where Baja Bugs would "usually" get stuck, I thought we could go anywhere on the Malarrimo Beach. Wrong. We came close to sinking in so many times at low tide that we became overly (?) cautious and it was something of a disappointment as a result.

Being cautious was likely the right answer, though, since we were there for 3 days and never saw another vehicle or person on the beach.

One other thing that stood out about that trip was that the most prolific items found on the beach (other than Timber and other wood) were Olive Drab items of all descriptions with U.S. Government markings on them. I remarked at the time that it was obvious how the U.S. Navy handled their shipboard refuse disposal.

[Edited on 6-23-2010 by MrBillM]

Neal Johns - 6-22-2010 at 05:18 PM

SyntaxJO,
The small arroyos do not show up well on GE but it was somewhere between the ? arroyo and the main Castro route arroyo.

The First Left Bypass takes you up into the soft, dry dunes and back down into the mouth of the Castro arroyo to miss the sometimes soft mud near the coast. This was a decade ago so YMMV.

[Edited on 6-23-2010 by Neal Johns]

MalarrimoX.jpg - 44kB

David K - 6-22-2010 at 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO

If that is ABSOLUTELY STUPID then who wants to go out to Malarrimo sometime around the 2nd week of August?! I'm excellent company.
--J.O'Ly.

I think this is the time for DK to go. With his Tacoma you will be safe and him and Angel would have a wonderful adventure. Well DK?

TW, it is YOU who should go... I may have the TRUCK, but you are retired with TIME to have such fun! Thanks for the thought, but we did not care at all for the cold, windy, foggy Pacific coast that is north of Asuncion (Asuncion is suprisingly an exception from the cold summer Pacific weather).

For us, it is the desert and the heat of the Sea of Cortez coast in the summer! :cool:

MY take on this

desertcpl - 6-23-2010 at 11:33 AM

I know it might sound romantic to go,

but you are a newbie in offroading in Baja
I wouldnt even think of going in a 2 wheel drive by your self.
even 4 wheel drives can get stuck, your just asking for trouble

shari - 6-23-2010 at 12:14 PM

funny thing about peope with 4X4's...often they dare to go where they shouldnt and dont always know how to drive in different sand conditions...we end up having to rescue lots of folks stuck in their 4X4's....better to be safe than sorry...doh.

SHARI

desertcpl - 6-23-2010 at 02:14 PM

well said,, here in yuma, we have alot of areas with blow sand, 4X4 if you dont really know what your doing, next thing you know your axles deep

SyntaxJO - 6-23-2010 at 05:27 PM

OK IT'S OFFICIAL. I am doing the Baja episode of
Breaking Down on Malarrimo Beach. I have convinced trusty Kevin Dümler (aka. Johnny Fabulous) to RIDE in the one 2WD truck with me and film. This is just too good to pass up and NOT film! I'd LOVE to interview some enthusists before and as well as skeptics. This will be a great episode indeed!

Here's the article about it.

Thanks every one - nay sayers alike - you have inspired me to accept this challenge! And once again I AM NOT TAKING THE CASTRO ROAD!!!!!!! Seems like people are not understanding this part.

--J.O'Ly.

desertcpl - 6-23-2010 at 05:46 PM

okay but air down,, bring a compessor, and shovel, have you thought about renting a Sat phone

mtgoat666 - 6-23-2010 at 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO
OK IT'S OFFICIAL. I am doing the Baja episode of
Breaking Down on Malarrimo Beach.

This will be a great episode indeed!

i read your description. not a very good pitch, did not sell me on concept.

anyhow, you will probably have fun driving and drinking, but can't imagine how you can build an episode of TV out of it....

there are better remote areas to explore and film...

SyntaxJO - 6-23-2010 at 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO
OK IT'S OFFICIAL. I am doing the Baja episode of
Breaking Down on Malarrimo Beach.

This will be a great episode indeed!

Life-of-the-party over here doesn't like the idea.. You make it sound like we'll be drunk driving and that would be the episode. OK - fair enough. Maybe people who know about the beach don't find it too interesting - but it sure as hell interests me and that's what the show is. Every time I tell someone about it their eyes start to light up and you know that they're just imagining themselves combing that beach. That's the only indicator I need. Thanks anyway for your opinion - but I'm good over here.

UnoMas - 6-23-2010 at 07:32 PM

Go have fun........Sounds like a great adventure....Let us all know how the trip goes :yes:

From what I have read in the other posts I would only do one thing that would make the trip a no brainer :light:

Drive a disposible vehicle that you can walk away from :lol:

SyntaxJO - 6-23-2010 at 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UnoMas
Go have fun........Sounds like a great adventure....Let us all know how the trip goes :yes:

From what I have read in the other posts I would only do one thing that would make the trip a no brainer :light:

Drive a disposible vehicle that you can walk away from :lol:

Now we're talkin'!

Barry A. - 6-23-2010 at 07:37 PM

Syntax-----------Go for it!!!! the MtGoat is just being---------well-----------the Goat-------that is just the way he/she is-------almost always. Don't let that influence you------it doesn't influence any of the rest of us. :lol:

Viva Baja.

Barry

Udo - 6-23-2010 at 08:00 PM

Here is a previous thread on Malarrimo. Several of us have posted on this beach in the past:
Plus you may also do a search on the several ways of Malarrimo is spelled or mis-spelled.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=32808#pid3390...

SyntaxJO - 6-23-2010 at 08:41 PM

@Barry -- I owe you a beer. @Udo, I owe you two. Thanks for the support. I always find that people exaggerate things and that if you just are smart about it you can make it work. Luckily I'm smart and a little crazy so I'm ready! I can't wait for you guys to see this. It will be a lot of fun NO MATTER WHAT happens. In fact, I'd think that getting stuck would be the most exciting thing to happen - but I promise I won't stage it.

SyntaxJO - 6-24-2010 at 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Here is a previous thread on Malarrimo. Several of us have posted on this beach in the past:
Plus you may also do a search on the several ways of Malarrimo is spelled or mis-spelled.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=32808#pid3390...

OK - after reading this report it seems as though taking the road from the fishcamp will NOT get you all the way to Playa Malarrimo (shown here). My goal is to get out to that part. It's starting to feel like Castro is more solid of a rout. My biggest concern is getting stuck - I'm not too worried about rough terrain or bumping my vehicle - I have done some amazing things with that truck. Which ever road has the best chance of not getting buried I think that's the way I want to go. I can fill in pot holes all day - I'm concerned about stepping on the gas to get through soft spots. My understanding with the soft stuff that has more of the consistency of FLOUR is that if you go REALLY SLOW you'll make it fine. That's how I got out of the arroyo with the up hill incline - I was afraid that I would have to get some speed to make it up but the ranchers jumped in my car and slowly drove it up the wash through this powder stuff. Despacio Despacio he said as I was yelling COMO COMO! I feel confident with the POWDER. Now the beachy sand I'm not so sure of. I want to do this - so pardon all of my possibly repetitive questions. I have to take this beach!

mtgoat666 - 6-24-2010 at 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO
OK - after reading this report it seems as though taking the road from the fishcamp will NOT get you all the way to Playa Malarrimo (shown here). My goal is to get out to that part.

good luck driving there. tell us how that works for you.

Udo - 6-24-2010 at 07:18 AM

There is no driven or marked road the last 8 miles to the Malarrimo hot spot where it meets the arroyo, however, there are tracks where bikes and other 4 wheeled vehicles went that way. At worst you may have to move some rocks.
However, don't pass up stopping sooner for the ever-present beach-combing.
Park your vehicle on the bluff above the beach. Do Not drive onto the beach! This entire beach has the most incredibly soft sand I have ever been to.
We went down to the sand in the Toyota FJ Cruiser and were immediately buried. Even with the incredible locking differentials where all four tires turned, I had to drop the air to about 8 PSI and do a lot of rocking to get out. We were (by ourselves).

[Edited on 6-24-2010 by Udo]

wilderone - 6-24-2010 at 09:05 AM

Have shovel - will travel. Anyone up for this?

ursidae69 - 6-24-2010 at 02:40 PM

Indeed, as others have said, good luck, take lots of pics, and a shovel and an air compressor.

Yes David, that's my old Jeep

TacoFeliz - 6-25-2010 at 10:03 PM

Don't do this.

The surface of the quicksand looked just like the rest of the beach. 30mph to 0mph in about ten feet. We were a 500 yards from the water when we got stuck, about 30 feet from it when we got free after a full afternoon of digging and swearing.

1.jpg - 25kB

David K - 6-26-2010 at 08:55 AM

My lips were sealed! :lol:

shari - 6-26-2010 at 09:19 AM

Tacofeliz...that's such a classic photo of Malarrimo!!!
Juan...my sand driving guru...tells me that you can be driving on a beach...all is well, zooming along just fine...the beach sand looking hard and even and all of a sudden you can hit a soft spot and the front wheel digs in and you flip over...sheesh...
lesson...dont drive fast on the beach...or...things arent always as they seem.

TacoFeliz - 6-26-2010 at 11:23 AM

Shari - Juan is so right!

To compound my stupidity, a friend in his Bronco drove right past me and stuck himself even worse, past the frame and up to the door bottoms. The Jeep took about two hours to extricate. The Bronco took about four. We completely unloaded it to help lighten it, anticipating that the tide would overtake it if we didn't get it out very soon.

Surf was lapping at the radiator when we finally got it out with a Land Cruiser, Neal's Tacoma and my Jeep all strapped together, winching and pulling and six guys lifting the back bumper to break the hold of the sticky mud. It looked like a breaching whale when it broke free and the driver backed it up so fast I thought he was going to come through my windshield.

[Edited on 6-26-2010 by TacoFeliz]

2.jpg - 25kB

Intercotire.com - Super Swampers ROCK!!

Ken Cooke - 6-26-2010 at 12:55 PM

I run the Interco TrXus MT, but they can still get stuck in slick slop down in Baja. Just keep your eyes peeled for trouble and watch out for slippery stuff - avoid it if you are traveling alone. :!:

[Edited on 6-26-2010 by Ken Cooke]

David K - 6-26-2010 at 09:34 PM

Ken, tires like that will bury you in the sand!

Driving on sand is best done with smoothest tires as possible...

I had these STTs from Cooper and renamed them Grave Diggers when it came to sand driving!

Baja Haters

BajaNomad - 6-27-2010 at 02:12 AM

http://www.breaking-down.com/content/baja-haters

[Edited on 6-27-2010 by BajaNomad]

mtgoat666 - 6-27-2010 at 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
http://www.breaking-down.com/content/baja-haters

[Edited on 6-27-2010 by BajaNomad]

hey, i resemble that.

he does seem a bit immature. i guess he assumes all criticism is hate.

he ripped pictures from here to promote his TV episode on his website. i did not see citation of source of photos, so wonder if he views his use of pics ripped from here as non-commercial use or ?

:lol:

DianaT - 6-27-2010 at 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
http://www.breaking-down.com/content/baja-haters

[Edited on 6-27-2010 by BajaNomad]

Always amazed when people feel free to use the photos of others----unless they ask permission. Tacky, really tacky unless permission was asked for and given.

SyntaxJO - 6-28-2010 at 08:39 PM

Sorry Diana and Goat - taking the photos down. And yes - I'm using them to promote the episode by showing the dangers - why else would I use them? Is it that strange that I would want to promote my show? I'll have plenty to contribute because of them. However, I have no problem keeping them off - it's not like anyone is reading my site anyway.

A lot of you have been awesome in your advice and support - even people warning me about not going is something I see as constructive. You are not the haters! When I talk about the haters the term "haters" is contemporary slang used to describe people who are negative - not necessarily people who HATE. I can understand how it might appear immature - it's a common enough term and I also wanted to write about my first encounter with someone who put down the show as a whole - which is what happened. It doesn't feel good so i wanted to express it. It's real easy to sit at your computer and criticize someone who's actually trying to do something - it's another thing completely to be the one DOING something and hearing someone "hate on" your whole idea. I thank you for your negativity - but ultimately it doesn't help me in any way. And as I mentioned in the article - negative criticism is something I'm going to have to get used to. There are a lot of haters out there. So thank you Mr. Goat for being the first one - I think you and I could easily sit and have a round of beers between us. I think my vent was pretty light and I didn't blast you too hard - I just had to get it out. Now, I can move on.

Sorry if I caused any upset with anyone. It's not my intention to be tacky or disrespectful - certainly not with my article. You guys have been great.

[Edited on 6-29-2010 by SyntaxJO]

David K - 6-29-2010 at 07:16 AM

SyntaxJO, the photos would probably have been okay with the person (who posted above) whose Jeep is in them or the photographer who posted them, specially if you gave them a credit in your blog. Just ask and it is probably okay... I know both of them and they are not hard noses, just cool Baja off roaders who wouldn't want someone else to go through that!

Ken Cooke - 6-29-2010 at 07:28 AM

My TrXus MTs work great in the sand, but normally I air the Jeep down to about 11 p.s.i. for the tires to work as well as they do, and for the sidewall tread to do its' job.

SyntaxJO - 6-29-2010 at 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
SyntaxJO, the photos would probably have been okay with the person (who posted above) whose Jeep is in them or the photographer who posted them, specially if you gave them a credit in your blog.

Absolutely - should have asked permission and even more-so should have credited them. Lessons learned. Sorry to get off topic everyone!

I have received permission to use the photos from Neal and I will take him up on it. Thank you all - there's nothing like a hefty, heaping spoon full of tough love. It's still about half way down my throat but it's getting there. I'll let you know when I have the Episode up

Bajamatic - 6-29-2010 at 12:24 PM

CHRIST! I cn't even look at those photos without reaching for the anxiety meds. Even the slightest color shift while driving the flatlands freaks me out. Sand is almost always recoverable, but baja mud flats = a VERY bad day.

David K - 6-29-2010 at 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO

Quote:

You sound like a good human being... I would welcome you to use my photos and stories if you wish and ask... Only about 45 years of Baja traveling history in my head... Viva Baja!

TacoFeliz - 6-29-2010 at 09:29 PM

SyntaxJO - Absolutely OK by me if you would like to use either of my photos. I have those muddy hours permanently embedded in my memory, as you might imagine. Jeep is long gone and the "things may not be as they seem" lesson learned. Good luck with your venture!

Cheers,
TacoFeliz

Quote:

DianaT - 6-29-2010 at 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO

Absolutely - should have asked permission and even more-so should have credited them. Lessons learned. Sorry to get off topic everyone!

I have received permission to use the photos from Neal and I will take him up on it. )

Great that you have the permission. That is a good thing.

It has nothing to do with people be hard noses as someone suggested, it just is a matter of respect. Most people around here will give permission and enjoy seeing their photos being used.

Your response was great. It says a lot about who you are as a person. Good luck no matter what you decide to do. Look forward to seeing the results of your trip.

BTW--if you are in Bahia Asuncion and we are here, stop by. We have a separate guest room with a small refrig and private bath. If we are here and do not have family or friends here, you would be welcome to stay with us as our guests. We are not business, just traditional hospitality. u2u if you are interested.

We are easy to find. And right now the back road from Bahia Asuncion to San Jose del Castro is in excellent condition past the turn off to San Pablo--- before that, it is not a problem, just needs some grading to keep the teeth from chattering. We did the circle a couple of days ago.

In contrast, the main road to Tortugas from the Bahia Asuncion turn-off to where the pavement begins just after San Jose del Castro is TERRIBLE. MAJOR wash board right now.

Sorry, but you cannot avoid the paved road from Vizcaino to the turn off to Bahia Asuncion that is in terrible shape in places. The broken road and major pot holes are just awful and dangerous. It is worse right out of Vizcaino---then there is a good part, and then it is dangerous and awful. As one of our friends who owns a grocery store here keeps telling us, the governor keeps saying this month they will start to fix it--but as he says, it is talk, talk, talk and nothing happens yet.

You will have a great time.

[Edited on 6-30-2010 by DianaT]

SyntaxJO - 6-30-2010 at 12:41 AM

I must say I'm quite emotional right now. Thank you all for your kind words. I'm glad I could clear up my blunders - I'm glad I can stick around on these boards. And I would like to take you guys up on some of these offers. I feel very fortunate.

..and now the beach!

David K - 6-30-2010 at 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO
I must say I'm quite emotional right now. Thank you all for your kind words. I'm glad I could clear up my blunders - I'm glad I can stick around on these boards. And I would like to take you guys up on some of these offers. I feel very fortunate.

..and now the beach!

We are here for you... a great group of explorers and campers... your adventure in Baja has begun! :light:

bajafam - 6-30-2010 at 08:09 PM

Syntax ~ we have been tossing around the idea of a Malarrimo exploration ourselves. So thank you for asking the questions so we don't have to!

Of course, we won't have a film crew or a TV show, but when you travel with two kids under 5 and two crazy dogs, I'm thinking a TV show should be in the works!!

We are traveling late July through early August....maybe we'll be there to pull you out of the mud!

SyntaxJO - 9-19-2011 at 11:45 AM

Hiiii guys! Remember this drama post? Well - I shot the documentary and I'm fixing to have it done by Nov. I'll be coming down to Baja the entire month of November and I plan on having a showing in Tortuga. Thanks for all your help and we have one hell of a show! I'll make an official announcement in another post when I'm 100% sure that I can get off my lazy butt and finish it before then.

How you doin these days, Goat?

DianaT - 9-19-2011 at 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO
Hiiii guys! Remember this drama post? Well - I shot the documentary and I'm fixing to have it done by Nov. I'll be coming down to Baja the entire month of November and I plan on having a showing in Tortuga. Thanks for all your help and we have one hell of a show! I'll make an official announcement in another post when I'm 100% sure that I can get off my lazy butt and finish it before then.

Hi Jordan! Wondered when it would be completed. It has been a while.

Hope to maybe see you again in Bahia Asuncion and if we are around when you have your showing, maybe we can make it out to Tortugas.

:yes:

John and Diana

[Edited on 9-19-2011 by DianaT]

Rathackman80 - 9-19-2011 at 01:21 PM

Quote:

Ursidae...glad you said it about the beach not being as exciting as you'd hoped. That was my sentiment exactly...what i experienced was a whole lot of plastic garbage...I mean tons of it everywhere...it was hard to beach comb through all the junk...your eyes just get tired of seeing crap. It was neat to see some big logs but we didnt find anything interesting at all...just gathered some floats and driftwood boards.

I agree completely:
The winter of 1999/2000 my wife and I drove out the Castro route by ourselves in our 4wd Suzuki Samurai and enjoyed the drive out and back and the camp, a quarter mile back up the wash from the beach, which gave us a very close serenade by some prowling coyotes, but all in all I thought it was nothing at all like we had read about and while we walked a ways in each direction, all we saw was a lot of plastic trash, none of which was remotely interesting except as a statement about the human species....I would never bother going again nor suggesting it to anyone....

That said I know it changes by the day but those days were very underwhelming....

Until this last ten years, I have never lived far from the ocean somewhere and I have sure done a lot better beachcombing in almost every place I have lived....

The trip I think I may have used 4wd once on the way out and back, just to pass through some soft sand but the road was quite good and very interesting that winter....we never saw a soul in about 5 days....
JMHO and YMMV,
Brian

SyntaxJO - 9-20-2011 at 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaTHope to maybe see you again in Bahia Asuncion and if we are around when you have your showing, maybe we can make it out to Tortugas.

Hey Love, so nice to see you still on the boards! I think I can make a run to the Asuncion. This time maybe I can take it a little slower than last time. Such a run and gun situation last time - takes me a couple days to ease into Baja. I'm getting off topic so I'll wrap it up - I'll u2u you soon!

TheColoradoDude - 11-22-2011 at 07:52 PM

I am looking forward to seeing the video.

vivaloha - 11-22-2011 at 11:36 PM

oh this Malarimo place looks treacherous and fun...! wow, in 2014 it could be Mad Max bizarre trash heaven out there...please Nomads, more posts on Mal-town...especially as the Japanese earthquake comes across the vast Pacific...