BajaNomad

Mex 5 Revisited: 1993 vs. 2010

bryanmckenzie - 12-2-2010 at 05:41 PM

The old San Felipe Trail (Mex 5 south of Puertecitos) is mostly gone forever. Some torn up to create a construction access road. Some paved over by the new super-duper highway built to American standards, at least as far south as Nacho's Camp. Further south towards Bahaia Gonzaga is under construction.

This road is a "game changer" for all along its' route. Property values will change. Shopping habits (via automobile instead of airplane) will change. Access to Pemex gas in Puertecitos is easier. The economics are a changin'.

To relive my 1993 adventure across the upper part of the "trail" from Puertecitos to Nacho's, I decided to drive the route and re-create what photos from 1993 that I could. I am quite pleased to be able to offer you the following almost-dead-on photos from last month. In 1993, it took nearly six hours, including one flat tire (see re-enactment below), hellacious trail with sharp igneous rocks. Today it takes about 30 minutes.

For me this re-visit was a very moving experience to see something that was a very special time. I hope you enjoy this flashback as much as I did.

Map for orientation



Flat tire about 10 Km south of Puertecitos





Magnificent vista!





Nachos Camp coming out of the rough part





A much-needed 2-hour respite (that's cerveza for you newbies) w/ Pete & Olivia Martina in Nacho's Camp, both 2010 & 1993

Back in 1993, it was the first and only house that my ex-wife and doggie saw coming down the grade onto the beach.





Thanks to my dear friends Lionel & Judy for helping me re-create this trip. Without you, it would have been a lot of running back and forth with the auto-timer or a remote control thingamajiggy.

David K - 12-2-2010 at 06:03 PM

Nice post... that was a popular place for photos... I have one from 1979 on the really old road in the same place.

Brian L - 12-2-2010 at 08:43 PM

That fellow in blue isn't one for smiling much is he?

BajaDave - 12-8-2010 at 12:42 PM

Cool, Bryan. And how absolutely uncanny is it that we happened to be going by when you took the picture depicting the end of the road at Nacho's??? That's us in the white truck pulling the utility trailer, just about to get on the paved section. I recall that moment well, as you had a pretty big entourage hanging out at pavement's end.

bryanmckenzie - 12-8-2010 at 03:06 PM

Cool. Good to meet you Dave. Actually, we were only three persons, one car. It just seemed that everyone congregated here and conversed for awhile. Here's a better version of that photo for you ...

BajaDave's truck passing by BryanMcKenzie's traffic jam.

David K - 12-8-2010 at 04:57 PM

Nice!

I 'sort-of' met Corky1 in that area, but back in 2003 on our way to Brandi's place at Alfonsina's for Thanksgiving. I had a flat just south of El Huerfanito and Corky and his grandson rode right on by on their bikes!:rolleyes: We met better at Alfonsina's the next day and he apologized for not stopping... I said 'no worries' I had no problem changing a tire... have done it many times with those BFG Rugged Trails and Futura Dakotas I ran on the '01 Tacoma.

BajaDave - 12-8-2010 at 10:14 PM

Thanks for the photo, Bryan! We were just concluding a two week stay at our place just past the end of the newest pavement (the part not open yet), wishing our time in Baja wasn't coming to an end already.

It used to take us 3+ hours to get to our place from Puertecitos with a trailer full o' stuff, now it only takes 30 minutes. Sweet, but you know I'll always remember fondly driving the "road" before it was paved, and how remote we felt. Oh well, the times they are a changin'.

Marc - 12-13-2010 at 08:57 PM

Great post.I drove "that road"in '08. The pavement ended just south of Puertecitos. Very rough going. Nearly put a hole in the pan. We camped at Rancho Grande. Wanted to stop at Coco's on the way to Mex1 but he was away.

BajaBruno - 12-14-2010 at 11:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by blane
That fellow in blue isn't one for smiling much is he?


I was thinking the same thing! :lol:

bryanmckenzie - 12-16-2010 at 12:23 AM

That'd be PETE! He's a good ol' soul. But he actually does smile in person. Go have a Pacifico with him. I did. He'll smile. Eventually.
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
Quote:
Originally posted by blane
That fellow in blue isn't one for smiling much is he?


I was thinking the same thing! :lol:

bryanmckenzie - 3-18-2011 at 07:52 PM

Pete & Olivia drove up to visit the Palm Springs area in January and we got together twice for dinner and conversation, Oh, yeah, some drinks also. They stayed awhile and replenished supplies before heading back. And I will tell you that Pete DID smile and joke around. Look them up if you're driving through the area. They're a wonderful couple.
Quote:
Originally posted by bryanmckenzie
That'd be PETE! He's a good ol' soul. But he actually does smile in person. Go have a Pacifico with him. I did. He'll smile. Eventually.

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
Quote:
Originally posted by blane
That fellow in blue isn't one for smiling much is he?


I was thinking the same thing! :lol:


[Edited on 2011-3-25 by bryanmckenzie]