Puertecitos to Hwy 1

Here are some photos:

The highway between San Felipe and Puertecitos was built in 1982-83 and pavement was added starting about 8 years later, but took a long time to reach Puertecitos. Because the job was done so poorly, with too little asphalt, the road was pretty torn up in just a few years. Total repaving occurred by 2008, however the roadbed is still full of sharp, sudden dips and high speed driving is not possible. The new highway south from Puertecitos is a different story!

Here are some photos north of Puertecitos, as we head south…

















Now, the brand new section south from Puertecitos that was started in late 2008 and has taken a year and a half to get 20 miles, through some very difficult terrain…
























There are two big, paved parking areas to enjoy the view between Puertecitos and El Huerfanito.






Beyond the sand piles marking the place to detour off the highway, is this warning.


Then, a mile past the sand piles is the unfinished bridge at the absolute end of new highway pavement.


The older road has been regarded along the 6.6 miles where the highway work is progressing, south of the bridge.





We have a lunch break with a view of the Enchanted Islands.






On south we go, 5-15 MPH.


This monument was located south of the Punta Bufeo road.





Bahia San Luis Gonzaga comes into view.




Rancho Grande’s new store… has most everything. The Pemex station was closed for siesta (2-4 pm). We arrived at 2:30… However, I could easily make it to Cataviña and probably to El Rosario on the tank I filled in San Felipe. It is just a good rule to always top your tank when you come to an open Pemex in the remote parts of Baja California.

1.3 miles south of the Pemex and Rancho Grande store is the road to Campo Beluga and Sacrificio.




We drive away from Gonzaga Bay with the goal of reaching Baja Cactus in El Rosario, before dark!


The first boojum trees come onto view.





South of Coco's Corner, the road climbs over a mountain to reach Hwy. 1 at Laguna Chapala... 4WD not needed, but good tires are!



[Edited on 12-8-2010 by David K]

Okay, good... I didn't want you to think that it was all paved or smoothed over. It is rougher than it looks, even in a 4WD Tacoma... 5-15 mph for me (and I like driving fast off road) for the 20 miles north from Gonzaga Bay.

As long as you know what to expect, go for it! Please tell us about your trip when you return!

Have a great time! Campo Beluga is a nice campground (Baja-wise) if you are looking for a place to stay at Gonzaga Bay.




[Edited on 12-8-2010 by David K]

Oh, and welcome to Baja Nomad...!!!

Just so you know you are not getting 'special' treatment from me... it is PUERTECITOS but we all knew what you meant and more people spell it wrong than right, I think!

There are many things to see around Gonzaga Bay beside the water, if you have a 4WD toad or motorbike... Go to this index page of links to Baja sites centered around various destinations: http://vivabaja.com/tours/index.html

jedtimesaz ...next time you spell Puertecitos incorrectly...David will use a rubber hose on you! Watch this guy......


Funny DavidK, each one of these pictures you posted...I can recognize the spot with ease. Guess I have been down that road way too many times :-) Great photo essay u did here

Before Puertecitos....stop by and grab a beer n dog at the Cow Patty. Mention my name in there and they will treat you "real well"

Thanks... I like your map-photo posts as well!

"I can see the road. We can go a little further."

How about some more details, please?

How long is the next, new section (10 km./ 6 miles) and does it include going over the bridge at the former end of pavement?

What was the 'first tragedy'?

Thank you!!

David K...from your pics...I just can't BELIEVE there is a sign that says "Laguna Chapala" on that road!!!! Just doesn't seem right The final sign of the Apocalypse.

I think the contractor that built the highway to Puertecitos in the 1980's-90's ended up in jail for cheating the government.

He didn't grade the road for highway speed and he used so little asphalt that it was 50% gone in less than 10 years.

The new contractor finished repaving the whole thing about 3 years ago, but didn't fix the crazy dips!

The government inspector okayed the final check for the first contractor after FLYING over the road to Puertecitos to verify it was completed... Never checking the road itself or doing core samples to check thickness of asphalt.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K I think the contractor that built the highway to Puertecitos in the 1980's-90's ended up in jail for cheating the government. He didn't grade the road for highway speed and he used so little asphalt that it was 50% gone in less than 10 years. The new contractor finished repaving the whole thing about 3 years ago, but didn't fix the crazy dips! The government inspector okayed the final check for the first contractor after FLYING over the road to Puertecitos to verify it was completed... Never checking the road itself or doing core samples to check thickness of asphalt.