BajaNomad

San Felipe - Gathering 'wood'?

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 12:17 AM

Assuming we don't eat in town, we cook over the fire just about every night. Is it possible to gather 'wood' (or would it be Mesquite?) west of town (or maybe someplace else?). Any warnings or tips?

thanks in advance!

gb3

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 05:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat
Assuming we don't eat in town, we cook over the fire just about every night. Is it possible to gather 'wood' (or would it be Mesquite?) west of town (or maybe someplace else?). Any warnings or tips?

thanks in advance!

gb3


Wood? What's that?!!
You wont find it. It wont happen.

You can buy bundles of wood in town. Not hard to find. A bit pricey. Take charcoal. You can buy that too in SF.

If you get absolutely desperate............
U2 me and I will either let you get some wood from my house at Campos Ocotillo or I will map out our rancho land west of Sf ...you can go there and collect some.

***I think****bringing in wood to Mexico is not allowed.


You should just make a master list of all your questions and post it on one post. They all will get answered.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by mcfez]

MICK - 12-6-2010 at 07:19 AM

I bring down firewood all the time and have never been told I couldn't. So I think that is ok. All you find arould SF is dead brush, not great to cook on.
Mick

nbacc - 12-6-2010 at 07:29 AM

bring down your own charcoal theirs spits alot...........not like what we are used to.

CortezBlue - 12-6-2010 at 07:41 AM

Yes, you can bring down wood, I do it quite often. Also, if you bring down old construction materials for a fire for warmth, always remember not to burn pressure treated or any wood that has been sealed, (old decks etc.) as the sealer is also toxic when burning.

I brought down a truckload of redwood from my buddies deck we took apart and I made a few gates with it. PePe, my amigo in San Felipe, was going to take it for fire wood and had to warn him about this as well.

burnrope - 12-6-2010 at 07:54 AM

Nowdays, I get my wood from the pharmicia.

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 07:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by burnrope
Nowdays, I get my wood from the pharmicia.


Hun? :?:

torch - 12-6-2010 at 08:19 AM

I have been turned around at the border for firewood. That was a pain in the as* and we had all kinds of fruits , eggs, chicken etc.. lucky the US officer was cool about this. This turn around added about 2 hrs to our trip.:mad::mad:

David K - 12-6-2010 at 08:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by torch
I have been turned around at the border for firewood. That was a pain in the as* and we had all kinds of fruits , eggs, chicken etc.. lucky the US officer was cool about this. This turn around added about 2 hrs to our trip.:mad::mad:


Not sure which direction you are speaking about, but I can tell you that you cannot bring unused firewood back north into the U.S..

I had one of those store bought bundles of fire wood wrapped with the lable, and customs in Tecate USA took it from the back of my truck and tossed it along with a others piled up... about 3-4 years ago.

Pompano - 12-6-2010 at 08:43 AM

While camping or whatever in Baja know this:

Cutting of some firewood is a more serious crime than most people realize. Tourists are allowed to gather loose firewood, but are not allowed to fell standing trees, either living or dead, by means of a powered saw, axe or other instrument.

tripledigitken - 12-6-2010 at 08:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Quote:
Originally posted by burnrope
Nowdays, I get my wood from the pharmicia.


Hun? :?:


Have another cup of coffee.

(Pretty funny burnrope)

wilderone - 12-6-2010 at 09:20 AM

Bring your own wood, bring your own charcoal, buy charcoal, gather en route. But don't cut down, break branches, otherwise destroy anything that is upright in the ground. Many desert plant species lie dormant, lose their leaves seasonally, will appear "dead" only to be brought back to life after the next big rainstorm. Baja California is a sensitive environment, and requires that human beings respect the ecology.

Bajajorge - 12-6-2010 at 09:50 AM

Though I've never gone collecting wood, I've heard that you can get Mesquite way out on Saltito Road, somewhere out by the ranches. The only rule I was told was that you can't cut down trees. Wood collected is only from that dead stuff already on the ground. But, again, this is what I have heard some 7-8 years ago.

bajalou - 12-6-2010 at 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge
Though I've never gone collecting wood, I've heard that you can get Mesquite way out on Saltito Road, somewhere out by the ranches. The only rule I was told was that you can't cut down trees. Wood collected is only from that dead stuff already on the ground. But, again, this is what I have heard some 7-8 years ago.


There are some signs in that area telling us not to gather wood.

TMW - 12-6-2010 at 10:17 AM

I have found that the best place to find fire wood is in arroyos or dry washes. The rains bring a lot of wood down in the wet season. Matomi is especially good.

tripledigitken - 12-6-2010 at 10:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Bring your own wood, bring your own charcoal, buy charcoal, gather en route. But don't cut down, break branches, otherwise destroy anything that is upright in the ground. Many desert plant species lie dormant, lose their leaves seasonally, will appear "dead" only to be brought back to life after the next big rainstorm. Baja California is a sensitive environment, and requires that human beings respect the ecology.


That is great advice.

I've never had a problem bringing down firewood in full view on my roof rack.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by tripledigitken]

motoged - 12-6-2010 at 10:32 AM

When collecting the dead stuff laying on the ground (pretty much cactus guts and shrub branches), give it a kick before you pick it up in order to dislodge any scorpions making it their home....

sanquintinsince73 - 12-6-2010 at 11:07 AM

If you can get your hands on some Manzanita wood, go for it. Just ask the ranchers they may give you some. I always use it for outside cooking and grilling.

Manzanita firewood burns long and very hot. Manzanita is a shrub or small tree in the Western US that typically only reaches a height of 6' tall. Pieces will typically be small and usually crooked but this dense hardwood will put out a lot of heat so use it with caution, I have seen stoves glow red from loading it up with too much of this wood. In a stove it’s best to build small fires or mix it with other species of wood.

Manzanita firewood will produce a nice bed of coals that will radiate intense heat. Be careful if you stir the coals because they can crackle and throw glowing hot cinders when disturbed. It’s an intense firewood species but when used with caution can make excellent firewood. Manzanita also produces a good flavor for smoking foods or BBQ.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by sanquintinsince73]

castaway$ - 12-6-2010 at 11:52 AM

Ditto with TW, the creek beds are great places to look, there is usually a bunch of stuff washed down and piled up.
WEAR GLOVES cause scorpions love to hang out around dead wood!!!!!

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 12:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
If you can get your hands on some Manzanita wood, go for it. Just ask the ranchers they may give you some. I always use it for outside cooking and grilling.

Manzanita firewood burns long and very hot. Manzanita is a shrub or small tree in the Western US that typically only reaches a height of 6' tall. Pieces will typically be small and usually crooked but this dense hardwood will put out a lot of heat so use it with caution, I have seen stoves glow red from loading it up with too much of this wood. In a stove it’s best to build small fires or mix it with other species of wood.

Manzanita firewood will produce a nice bed of coals that will radiate intense heat. Be careful if you stir the coals because they can crackle and throw glowing hot cinders when disturbed. It’s an intense firewood species but when used with caution can make excellent firewood. Manzanita also produces a good flavor for smoking foods or BBQ.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by sanquintinsince73]


What time is dinner :spingrin:

I concur with you on this. It's the best next to using Sugar Pine wood .

While collecting firewood....just make real sure that you aint on private property! Some poor folks rely on this wood for their home cooking and heating.

motoged - 12-6-2010 at 01:35 PM

And if you ask a rancher for firewood, PAY for it....you would back home:light:

If they refuse payment, insist on it "Por los ninos"....

Just sayin'....

Skipjack Joe - 12-6-2010 at 02:10 PM

We've also used torote but it's nowhere near as good as mesquite.

DanO - 12-6-2010 at 02:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by torch
I have been turned around at the border for firewood. That was a pain in the as* and we had all kinds of fruits , eggs, chicken etc.. lucky the US officer was cool about this. This turn around added about 2 hrs to our trip.:mad::mad:


Not sure which direction you are speaking about, but I can tell you that you cannot bring unused firewood back north into the U.S..


I had one of those store bought bundles of fire wood wrapped with the lable, and customs in Tecate USA took it from the back of my truck and tossed it along with a others piled up... about 3-4 years ago.


I think he means that they refused to let him into Mexico with the U.S. firewood. I brought some firewood down earlier this year and got a stern talking to by the Mexican border officer about how it is not allowed, but my stupid act got me through. I usually buy it down there from a couple of reliable sources. Or. from time to time when out bushwhacking (my chainsaw spends a good deal of time in the back of my truck) I'll stumble on some deadfall that needs to be cut up and put to good use. I'm pretty sure a ten foot sycamore branch isn't going to regenerate itself.

:smug:

Barry A. - 12-6-2010 at 04:12 PM

Things must have changed----------I take firewood on my roof rack every trip I have EVER made to Baja, and I always bring what I don't use back across the border.

Never a problem.

I never collect local wood as the locals need it really badly.


Barry

sanquintinsince73 - 12-6-2010 at 04:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
And if you ask a rancher for firewood, PAY for it....you would back home:light:

If they refuse payment, insist on it "Por los ninos"....

Just sayin'....

Exactly. That's what we always do and if they still refuse I always hand over a few beers from my very well-supplied ice chest's.

bajatravelergeorge - 12-6-2010 at 04:28 PM

There seems to be a new law, or enforcement of an old law, about bringing used wood into Baja. I was turned back to the US because I had a few used railroad ties in the bed of my pickup. I could have brought them in if I went through an importer and had the wood fumigated first.

toneart - 12-6-2010 at 04:54 PM

I am not sure about bringing firewood into Mexico. You absolutely cannot bring Mexican firewood into the U.S. The fact that some have been turned away or lectured leads me to believe that you are not supposed to bring it into Mexico. You know how inconsistent all Mexican agencies are in enforcing their laws, or even being aware of them.

As far as gathering, Mesquite gathering is OK, but it is usually on somebody's land. Ask and pay. It is against the law for a gringo to collect Cardon Cactus wood, even dead wood on the ground.

In Mulege, I have a fireplace inside and outside the house. It gets cold overnight and early mornings during the winter. Firewood really helps. I pay a guy named Marcelo (for those who know him) to bring me wood. Marcelo is a cowboy, ranch hand and also conducts horseback rides. His 10 yr. old son also helps. They bring Mesquite and also cardon for kindling. A pickup load of Mesquite costs around 350-400 pesos.
Picture of my casita from back, showing fireplace.
Picture didn't post. I will work on it.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by toneart]

[Edited on 12-7-2010 by toneart]

100_0617 [DVD (NTSC)].JPG - 35kB

Very OLD Law

MrBillM - 12-6-2010 at 04:55 PM

BUT, like "most" such laws in Mexico, enforcement is arbitrary.

Interestingly, the reason for the arbitrary enforcement hasn't seemed to ever be (at least in my case) to collect Mordida. The times I've been chastised and sent on my way no money was involved. Since the wood involved hasn't much value, attempting to collect mordida isn't too likely to be successful.

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 05:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat
Assuming we don't eat in town, we cook over the fire just about every night. Is it possible to gather 'wood' (or would it be Mesquite?) west of town (or maybe someplace else?). Any warnings or tips?

thanks in advance!

gb3


Wood? What's that?!!
You wont find it. It wont happen.

You can buy bundles of wood in town. Not hard to find. A bit pricey. Take charcoal. You can buy that too in SF.

If you get absolutely desperate............
U2 me and I will either let you get some wood from my house at Campos Ocotillo or I will map out our rancho land west of Sf ...you can go there and collect some.

***I think****bringing in wood to Mexico is not allowed.


You should just make a master list of all your questions and post it on one post. They all will get answered.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by mcfez]



Thanks for all the help! I actually chose to post individual questions so I didn't get thread drift all over the place; some topics answered, others still open questions. And then there is the inevitable brain-fade as I get older - didn't think about some questions until later.

I dragged a whole load of firewood into Mexico the first trip to SF a few years ago. Was hoping to avoid that this time around. While camping a gentleman who was down for the week looking after his home under construction went out for the day and came back with a pick up full of....something that he burned for campfires for the rest of our stay. Said it was "just out to the east - you can't miss it".

Charcoal is probably a good solution for cooking, but not nearly as 'merry' as a real fire. I will need some sort of local solution as I really don't want to haul all that wood again.

Thank again!

gb3

[Edited on 12-7-2010 by socalrat]

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 05:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
I am not sure about bringing firewood into Mexico. You absolutely cannot bring Mexican firewood into the U.S. The fact that some have been turned away or lectured leads me to believe that you are not supposed to bring it into Mexico. You know how inconsistent all Mexican agencies are in enforcing their laws, or even being aware of them.

As far as gathering, Mesquite gathering is OK, but it is usually on somebody's land. Ask and pay. It is against the law for a gringo to collect Cardon Cactus wood, even dead wood on the ground.

In Mulege, I have a fireplace inside and outside the house. It gets cold overnight and early mornings during the winter. Firewood really helps. I pay a guy named Marcelo (for those who know him) to bring me wood. Marcelo is a cowboy, ranch hand and also conducts horseback rides. His 10 yr. old son also helps. They bring Mesquite and also cardon for kindling. A pickup load of Mesquite costs around 350-400 pesos.
Picture of my casita from back, showing fireplace.
Picture didn't post. I will work on it.



Would certainly consider paying a local 300 pesos for a load of locally collected firewood. That actually makes sense in a bunch of ways; cheaper than bundles, I'm assuming they have the okay to gather it up, and money into the local economy, instead of my firewood guy here in Los Angeles.

Any tips on someone local who might be interested in making a few pesos?

gb3

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 05:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
And if you ask a rancher for firewood, PAY for it....you would back home:light:

If they refuse payment, insist on it "Por los ninos"....

Just sayin'....

Exactly. That's what we always do and if they still refuse I always hand over a few beers from my very well-supplied ice chest's.



Sage advice....what's the 'going rate"? Is 125 pesos to load the rack on the top of my FJ reasonable?

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 05:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Quote:
Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
If you can get your hands on some Manzanita wood, go for it. Just ask the ranchers they may give you some. I always use it for outside cooking and grilling.

Manzanita firewood burns long and very hot. Manzanita is a shrub or small tree in the Western US that typically only reaches a height of 6' tall. Pieces will typically be small and usually crooked but this dense hardwood will put out a lot of heat so use it with caution, I have seen stoves glow red from loading it up with too much of this wood. In a stove it’s best to build small fires or mix it with other species of wood.

Manzanita firewood will produce a nice bed of coals that will radiate intense heat. Be careful if you stir the coals because they can crackle and throw glowing hot cinders when disturbed. It’s an intense firewood species but when used with caution can make excellent firewood. Manzanita also produces a good flavor for smoking foods or BBQ.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by sanquintinsince73]


What time is dinner :spingrin:

I concur with you on this. It's the best next to using Sugar Pine wood .

While collecting firewood....just make real sure that you aint on private property! Some poor folks rely on this wood for their home cooking and heating.



That's the second quote about the locals needing the wood as well. I really don't want to to appropriate what's not mine to collect, not deprive someone who needs it, just so I can have a campfire. And since I don't speak Spanish and wouldn't know where to find the ranchers to ask them even if I did,

I think I need to find someone who knows someone who can provide service locally.

gb3

socalrat - 12-6-2010 at 05:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Quote:
Originally posted by burnrope
Nowdays, I get my wood from the pharmicia.


Hun? :?:


Viagra / Cialis

Not the same kinda 'wood'

halcyondays - 12-6-2010 at 07:31 PM

Here is the most random answer you will get from this question.

1. Get a large bucket, rubbermaid container, or better yet a barrel.

Start dumping all your NON COLOR and NON SHINY waste paper into it.
Shred it as small as you can. Just rip it up.
When the barrel or container is 3/4 full---fill the rest with water.
Let it soak for a couple of days.
Keep it wet and soaked until all the paper breaks down.

Take the messy slop in chunks and put it in some sort of order.....I just make snowball size balls out of it and lay them out all over our deck on a sunny day.

Let the sun bake it all together.

WA LA

You have little powerful baking bricks.....for your fireplace etc.

I treat all our NON COLOR junk mail paper this way.
Works great.

You are essentially just turning a wood product back into a block of wood via WATER.

Sorta weird....but it really does work good!

bajaguy - 12-6-2010 at 08:20 PM

Just buy a case or two of Presto Logs......compressed sawdust. Will burn for a couple of hours each, less mess

sanquintinsince73 - 12-6-2010 at 08:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat
Quote:
Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
And if you ask a rancher for firewood, PAY for it....you would back home:light:

If they refuse payment, insist on it "Por los ninos"....

Just sayin'....

Exactly. That's what we always do and if they still refuse I always hand over a few beers from my very well-supplied ice chest's.



Sage advice....what's the 'going rate"? Is 125 pesos to load the rack on the top of my FJ reasonable?

There really is no going rate, just ask "cuanto le debo"? Last month I stayed at Palapas Alvino just south of San Quintin. Really nice place with warm showers and flush toilets. I had never met the owner before and I guess he kinda liked me. He refused to charge me for the four days that we stayed there, he refused to charge me for the mountain of firewood that I used (he even supplied me with a wheel barrow), and he turned us on to some beautiful halibut filets and lobsters. Play it by ear, be nice and respectful, and if after you ask "cuanto le debo"? they refuse payment, leave a little something and offer a heartfelt "gracias" with a handshake.

One gift from Jimena - firewood on all the beaches

Pompano - 12-6-2010 at 09:12 PM

A photo I took of storm debris on Playa Santispac in mid-Sept, 2009...post Hurricane Jimena. About the only good thing that storm did for us.

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 09:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by halcyondays
Here is the most random answer you will get from this question.

1. Get a large bucket, rubbermaid container, or better yet a barrel.

Start dumping all your NON COLOR and NON SHINY waste paper into it.
Shred it as small as you can. Just rip it up.
When the barrel or container is 3/4 full---fill the rest with water.
Let it soak for a couple of days.
Keep it wet and soaked until all the paper breaks down.

Take the messy slop in chunks and put it in some sort of order.....I just make snowball size balls out of it and lay them out all over our deck on a sunny day.

Let the sun bake it all together.

WA LA

You have little powerful baking bricks.....for your fireplace etc.

I treat all our NON COLOR junk mail paper this way.
Works great.

You are essentially just turning a wood product back into a block of wood via WATER.

Sorta weird....but it really does work good!

No! No way! Being the type of guy I am to try new ideas.....I be testing this idea of yours this weekend. Fantastic concept dude!

AmoPescar - 12-6-2010 at 10:46 PM

I've never had any problem at the border when bringing firewood south. I always had them in plain sight on my open trailer. They never said one word while examining the trailer.

I used to bring down several boxes of 2X4 and 2X6 scrap pieces for fires. I got them from a local roof truss manufacturer who put the scraps in a bin out front. And FYI...Milk crates make sturdy carriers for firewood.


Miguelamo :D :) :D :)

Skipjack Joe - 12-6-2010 at 11:21 PM

Driftwood makes great firewood.

The USPS in Alaska would cut up dead alders into nice piles for the campers. But when it came time to start a fire you marched right past all that stacked wood to the lakeside beach and collected a couple of armloads. Instant fire. No blowing, fanning, and choking on smoke. Just one match (and t.p.of course).

I know, I know. You want info about wood at San Felipe. Well, since we're talking about transporting wood across the border I thought I would throw a couple of logs in.

Which reminds me of the weary hitchhiker - "How far is the Old Log Inn?"

[Edited on 12-7-2010 by Skipjack Joe]

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 11:26 PM

Lumber can be brought in for firewood, not tree cuts....if I am correct. Wood cuts might have among other things... have beetles in it..bad guys to deal with like up here at the High Sierras infestations

wilderone - 12-7-2010 at 10:22 AM

Before your trip, keep an eye out locally for construction going on - the lumber framing stage. Just ask for scrap - they'll be happy to let you have it. Or ask your construction friends where they're working. I stockpile trash cans full of construction scrap. It will last for many camping days (and packs well - all those right angles).

tripledigitken - 12-7-2010 at 12:01 PM

Haven't seen any framing around here for years.

This ain't no joke.


Good tip though.

BajaBlanca - 12-7-2010 at 12:32 PM

I believe it is a new law but NO WOOD is now being allowed into Mexico. We brought in lots and lots when we were building our second floor but now -no more wood allowed ...

I might have a photo somewhere .... will try to find the sign Isaw right at the border.

mcfez - 12-7-2010 at 05:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
I believe it is a new law but NO WOOD is now being allowed into Mexico. We brought in lots and lots when we were building our second floor but now -no more wood allowed ...

I might have a photo somewhere .... will try to find the sign Isaw right at the border.


No need friend...we believe you. It's a odd law I think to ban processed wood....(?). Anyhow....I wont drag no more down there now. Thanks for that info

AmoPescar - 12-8-2010 at 12:31 AM

FUNNY STORY ABOUT CONSTRUCTION SCRAP WOOD

When we bought our home it had a fireplace, so I was always buying logs or looking for scraps to burn.

Well...a bank was being remodeled next door to my work, so I went over and picked up some scrap. Got it home and put in the fireplace and turned on the gas burner to help it along. Well no matter how much gas I added, it just wouldn't burn. Turns out it was treated to be FIREPROOF!

Miguelamo :no: :?: :light:

mcfez - 12-8-2010 at 07:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by AmoPescar
FUNNY STORY ABOUT CONSTRUCTION SCRAP WOOD

When we bought our home it had a fireplace, so I was always buying logs or looking for scraps to burn.

Well...a bank was being remodeled next door to my work, so I went over and picked up some scrap. Got it home and put in the fireplace and turned on the gas burner to help it along. Well no matter how much gas I added, it just wouldn't burn. Turns out it was treated to be FIREPROOF!

Miguelamo :no: :?: :light:



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol: Oh my Gods!

Marc - 12-8-2010 at 07:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by burnrope
Nowdays, I get my wood from the pharmicia.


Is it good wood? Can get it on the internet also;D

sanquintinsince73 - 12-8-2010 at 07:32 AM

Many years ago in El Faro Beach, Ensenada we ran out of firewood at night, so in our drunken state we went over to a construction sight nearby and literally dragged a 20-foot long wooden ladder back to our campsite and burned it.

The next morning the "Jefe" at the construction site found us easily by following the tracks we had left when dragging the ladder on the dirt road.

Marc - 12-8-2010 at 07:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
I am not sure about bringing firewood into Mexico. You absolutely cannot bring Mexican firewood into the U.S. The fact that some have been turned away or lectured leads me to believe that you are not supposed to bring it into Mexico. You know how inconsistent all Mexican agencies are in enforcing their laws, or even being aware of them.

As far as gathering, Mesquite gathering is OK, but it is usually on somebody's land. Ask and pay. It is against the law for a gringo to collect Cardon Cactus wood, even dead wood on the ground.

In Mulege, I have a fireplace inside and outside the house. It gets cold overnight and early mornings during the winter. Firewood really helps. I pay a guy named Marcelo (for those who know him) to bring me wood. Marcelo is a cowboy, ranch hand and also conducts horseback rides. His 10 yr. old son also helps. They bring Mesquite and also cardon for kindling. A pickup load of Mesquite costs around 350-400 pesos.
Picture of my casita from back, showing fireplace.
Picture didn't post. I will work on it.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by toneart]

[Edited on 12-7-2010 by toneart]



Toneart, I think I had dinner with you at El Patron some years back. We were talking, then you joined our table. After dinner you showed us your house in the Orchard. You are a musician? I wondered how you came through the floods. I drove through three months ago and the place seemed deserted. Sad because those are really nice houses.

toneart - 12-8-2010 at 11:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Marc
Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
I am not sure about bringing firewood into Mexico. You absolutely cannot bring Mexican firewood into the U.S. The fact that some have been turned away or lectured leads me to believe that you are not supposed to bring it into Mexico. You know how inconsistent all Mexican agencies are in enforcing their laws, or even being aware of them.

As far as gathering, Mesquite gathering is OK, but it is usually on somebody's land. Ask and pay. It is against the law for a gringo to collect Cardon Cactus wood, even dead wood on the ground.

In Mulege, I have a fireplace inside and outside the house. It gets cold overnight and early mornings during the winter. Firewood really helps. I pay a guy named Marcelo (for those who know him) to bring me wood. Marcelo is a cowboy, ranch hand and also conducts horseback rides. His 10 yr. old son also helps. They bring Mesquite and also cardon for kindling. A pickup load of Mesquite costs around 350-400 pesos.
Picture of my casita from back, showing fireplace.
Picture didn't post. I will work on it.

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by toneart]

[Edited on 12-7-2010 by toneart]



Toneart, I think I had dinner with you at El Patron some years back. We were talking, then you joined our table. After dinner you showed us your house in the Orchard. You are a musician? I wondered how you came through the floods. I drove through three months ago and the place seemed deserted. Sad because those are really nice houses.


Yes Mark. That was me. I remember you.
We were spared a flood this last year.

My casita and all those that are still standing on solid ground are totally cleaned up since Hurricane Jimena, over a year ago. Cleaning up woodwork and appliances and standing up fallen palm trees was all that was required.

Unfortunately, not everyone fared well. Most along the river are gone...which you probably noticed. A few others within The Orchard were undermined by surging swirling water and they collapsed in a hole where they were standing. The houses are now either up and gleaming, or they were totally destroyed, and those who had insurance collected.

There are only a couple of full time residents there . Most return for the winter and spring. As I understand, many have already returned for the season. (I am not there right now). A local, dependable family takes care of my landscaping. They have had my key for years. When there has been a flood, they go in and start cleaning it up. They don't have to ask permission. They know I am good for their fees. They also prepare the house for my arrival with advance notice; bringing all furniture and appliance downstairs and arranging. They put it up when I leave. Very sweet people! I have never had anything pilfered.

We took charge of our Homeowner's Association two years ago. We hire our own security and have had zero incidences since. Most homeowners whose houses were ruined have cleared their lots. Some have not and the H.O. assn. is working on that. There is still a lot of rubble on those lots.

After Hurricane Jimena, we had enough money in reserve to restore the infrastructure; electric, water and roads. We again have enough money in reserve for any future emergency. We all get a vote as to how to appropriate the money.

And...would you believe it?....We can still get insurance for the full value, which includes flood/earthquake. Mine has been for sale for $50,000 for a couple of years. There has been mild interest, but no offers. Even so, it is still a wonderful place to be. I don't know anywhere else in the world with similar amenities, where I could get the same for 50K. The photo that I posted in this thread is current; post Jimena. If this sounds like a commercial, it is...sort of. I have not been very proactive in trying to sell it. Rick Barber,of Pelican Reef Realty has the listing. Someone will come along and recognize its value. If not, that's cool. I will continue to hang out there, fish, schmooze with great people and eat great food. Tough life, huh?:cool:

BajaWarrior - 12-8-2010 at 06:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
I believe it is a new law but NO WOOD is now being allowed into Mexico. We brought in lots and lots when we were building our second floor but now -no more wood allowed ...

I might have a photo somewhere .... will try to find the sign Isaw right at the border.


No need friend...we believe you. It's a odd law I think to ban processed wood....(?). Anyhow....I wont drag no more down there now. Thanks for that info



BajaBlanca
Are you saying wood or lumber (there is a difference) because I legally imported $700 worth of 2x6x20' just this past November 17th. The whole process took 8 minutes.



[Edited on 12-9-2010 by BajaWarrior]

BajaBlanca - 12-8-2010 at 08:02 PM

I stand corrected. You can legally import it, pay a duty, but can't bring it across without the proper paperwork.

CortezBlue - 12-8-2010 at 09:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat
Assuming we don't eat in town, we cook over the fire just about every night. Is it possible to gather 'wood' (or would it be Mesquite?) west of town (or maybe someplace else?). Any warnings or tips?

thanks in advance!

gb3


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