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mcgyver - 8-19-2004 at 05:23 PM
Is anyone interested in forming a group to go there in say October/November for a stay of at least several days?
It could be arranged that some of the newbies/wanttobes/lurkers or just those like me who have never taken the time or didn't have a second rig for
those "Don't Panic " moments could be escorted from their point of border crossing to a rendezvous point before tackling the off highway part of the
trip. This would be entirly non-commerical and everyone pay their own expense trip. I my self am flexable on dates except have to be back by 17
November. I will be in Baja from late September till May with trips to the states and could easily arrange to meet someone at the Algodones or
Mexicalli crossings and caravan them south stopping at my place in Puertecitos 1 night and Malarrimo the next day via Gonzaga to Chapala Highway 5.
If anyone is interested in planning this trip PM me or post on here ,whichever.Other dates would have to be after Thanksgiving. A trip to Yubay could
be included.
I know nothing about Malarrimo
BajaVida - 8-19-2004 at 08:37 PM
where is it?
what kind of rig is needed?
David K - 8-19-2004 at 08:48 PM
It's that big hook in the Baja peninsula that sticks out into the Pacific, half way down...
The entire Pacific current carrying anything that floats from Philippenes, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, Canada, USA, hits that beach (Malarrimo) HEAD
ON! A beach comber's paradise!
Mike McMahan has quite a chapter on it in his book... He even found a TORPEDO there!
Mike Humfreville - 8-19-2004 at 08:49 PM
Baja Bug with sand tires, sand rail or a (preferably) lighter weight 4WD. It's been many years but we had many troubles and lost a vehicle on that
road.
But Malarrimo is well worth the visit. There are several places folks refer to as Malarrimo in that area. We went to Rancho San Jose Del Castro,
backtracked a bit toward the distant highway and turned roughly north into what I think of as the Grand Canyon of Baja and then dropped into a sandy
wide runoff that took us all the way to the beach. Watch the sand once you get to the water.
I wrote our adventures up (late 1960's time frame). If interested you can find on Fred's board under "Baja with Mike." Story named (whoda thought?)
"Malarrimo."
Have a great trip (wish I was retired, I'd go with you!). Don't forget to write up a report.
Mexitron - 8-19-2004 at 09:12 PM
Sounds like a great trip but I'm heading to the Sisters in September for a week....don't think I can swing another trip that fast...gotta work!!
Maybe in spring?
Rig Required
mcgyver - 8-20-2004 at 12:36 AM
It is supposed to be one of the premier beachcombing spots in the world. I have received some good information from people who have been there on how
to avoid the mud areas and where the better camping spots are. A 4WD rig is required just to get to the area which is about 47 miles off of hiway 1. A
light 4WD or Quad would be a plus to cover wider areas after setting up camp, it would have be be a cooperative effort for everyone to reach the best
areas. Click on this link to see the best area in the world for beachcombing, I once spent 18 months there.http://www.italio.com/index.htm
Malarrimo is considered to be its equal. Whale watching will also be available that time of year at Guerrero Negro
Debra - 8-20-2004 at 05:52 AM
That has always been a "must do" on my Baja list (which I haven't done yet and for the reasons you have listed) ....I'm wondering though, isn't that
area best visited in the summer, not fall? I'm hopeing to be down in early Oct. so let me know, please, if this is a 'go'. (can we make a side trip
to AguaVerde?) Yes, I know, wrong side. 
[Edited on 8-20-2004 by Debra]
Mexitron - 8-20-2004 at 06:20 AM
Debra--Summers can be pretty foggy in that area....should be better weather in October
Thanks Mex
Debra - 8-20-2004 at 06:38 AM
Seems you and I are the early risers on the board...
Have you been there in Oct/Nov? I have to tell you I HATE COLD!, what can I expect at that time of year? I've been to Los Cabos/Todo Santos and it
was comfortable swimming, will it be windy then? Would a tent be okay?
4baja - 8-20-2004 at 06:52 AM
deb, oct- nov. is the best time for that area includeing the seven sisters. the wind is dieing down and the fog is burning off quicker. used to fish
for flatties in sept-oct. through the sevens and allways had excellent weather. will be in BOLA oct1st and may beat feet over there for some flatty
fishing.
Taco de Baja - 8-20-2004 at 07:30 AM
lots of "interesting" things wash up on that beach.
When I was there around 1990 I saw many tubular containers that said:
"If found, do not pick up, call the U. S. Navy at ___________." and "Property of the U.S. Department of Defense" Also several mystery containers
full of a red powder......several containers full of electronics that were probably used to track currents, or were they.....?....
In addition to all the other junk like shoes, sandals, boat parts, etc.
Kind of a desolate area for camping though, so we only stayed a while and somehow made if 'down' the coast to Eugenia. Those sand dunes are tough on a
fully loaded ful size Chevy. We had to air down the tires and build tracks out of bushes.
Thanks Steve and all......
Debra - 8-20-2004 at 08:52 AM
Steve, is Seven Sisters in that area? (I've heard you guys talk about it, but have never been) I need to know how to pack, sweats? sleeping bags?
foul weather clothes? Thanks.
Weather/Places to see/Stuff to pick up
mcgyver - 8-20-2004 at 09:27 AM
Debra, Weather at that time (OCT) is the best according to all I have been able to find on the WWW. Since I will be coming from Puertocitos to Gonzaga
and Coco's I was planing to take anyone who wished to come that way early enough to visit the Turqoise mines,Or anything else in that area and Agua
Verde is right in that area, Yubay is not that far off. In fact there is a lot to be seen within a short days drive around the area. I would not be
adverse to a trip to San Borgia and/or Bahia de Guadalupe across the dry lakes, I think that is one of the nicest beaches around and it is certainly
isolated from the usual crowd. Although I have been to Guadalupe with just a single rig I would not recommend it for there or Malarrimo.
Three rigs would be best , more the better. I am planing on bringing my Toyota Tacoma with pop/up camper and towing a Geo Tracker for the running
around after camping. 7 to 10 days would be ideal to make a trip of this sort and not be worn out. We usually go by ourselfs and have been known to
make 25 miles between camp sites.
Taco de Baja, Those thing with USN and electronics are probably "Sonobouys" used to track submarines under water, sometimes there is a reward for
them. They certainly have a great deal of parts for a ham like me to play with! Anything with powder or liquid I would steer clear of!
I'd be coming from Seattle
Debra - 8-20-2004 at 11:33 AM
and also would need to make it a 2wk. trip probebly (if I can go at all) it's a 2 day trip to the border for me if I don't get side tracked so I'd have to meet you maybe Guerro Negro? I'm hopeing to join up with
Mike H. and Maryann about that time in Bahia,.....anyway, sounds like fun, keep me in the loop please.
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-20-2004 at 03:44 PM
Sure, I will keep track of any interest in this trip. At this time I am thinking meet in GN on 10/4. Maybe they could join? Some have already been
everywhere in Baja and don't have any interest in a second visit. So far it appears that not many are interested. I am going anyway probably just me
and the wife as it usually is.
Then too I have received a communication that this sort of thing impinges upon the commerical operations of people who offer such services in Baja. I
do not think most of the people on this board are the ones who take such trips but maybe so. Anyway as I said I am going anyway and if someone wants
to tag along for the security and a chance to taste my Dutch oven cobbler then they are welcome! And as a newbie I sure wish I would have had some
one give me a little guidence the first time, I went cold turkey!
Different Agua Verde...
David K - 8-20-2004 at 10:55 PM
The green pools in La Turquesa Canyon is not the Agua Verde Debra is talking about... her's is south of Loreto!
Photos of the green pools and turquoise mine: http://vivabaja.com/wayno
[Edited on 8-21-2004 by David K]
Aqua Verde
mcgyver - 8-21-2004 at 06:47 AM
Now that is a pool of a different color!David!
surfer jim - 8-21-2004 at 07:52 AM
May try to make it but lots of things going on around that time.....got to see that area sometime.....
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-21-2004 at 10:29 AM
OK, For sure: Mcgyver+1,Maybe: Debra,+? Surfer Jim+?.
SJ add on any other places you would like to visit within resonable distance,Yuby, San Rafael, San Francisquito, Bahia Guadalupe( across the dry
lakes) San Borgia Mission, Gonzaga,Matomi Wash ( only 8 miles from my place). Some place Iv'e never heard of??
MALARRIMO TRIP .. i wanna go ..
cristobal - 8-21-2004 at 12:44 PM
Like I have said before .... I have NEVER been to MALARRIMO thru CASTROS. I HAVE been in .... from BAHIA TORTUGAS. I am thinking that the trip
NORTH-EAST from TORTUGAS is graded by the COOP for half of the distance to the LAGOON which is past this famous beach. If you are looking for the
LEAST amount of problems driving to MALARRIMO, I would think the road in from B. TORTUGAS would be the one. Before you get to the HARD pack sand on
this beach ... There is less than 10 MILES of soft sand past the last fish camp called EL QUEEN. Probably twice that distance coming in from CASTROS
.... All of the fishermen from B. TORTUGAS take this shorter route and there are NOT many of them that make the trip.
DEBRA ... A tent would work fine ... be sure and bring one with a rain fly. Sweaters would be good until the FOG burns off.
Probably going to find more WHALES in JANUARY and FEBRUARY than you are in OCTOBER and NOVEMBER.
A PLUS for this trip ...... LOBSTER season starts the middle of SEPTEMBER. mmmm
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-21-2004 at 01:00 PM
Thanks cristobal, I had read of that route but was told it was impassable due to blocks by the salt co. That would be a savings in driving. Are you on
for the trip? do you have anything else that should be seen in the area?
cristobal - 8-21-2004 at 01:12 PM
One of the things that I enjoy about a trip to the TORTUGAS area is all of the different fish camps that I can visit.... especially during LOBSTER
season. Some of the camps are harder to get to than others but they are all unique. EL QUEEN and SAN CRISTOBAL are high up on a bluff but PUNTA
QUEBRADA is right at sea level.
cristobal - 8-21-2004 at 01:18 PM
I am ... ON .... for the trip .... after THANKSGIVING would be better .....
Bahia Asuncion
jrbaja - 8-21-2004 at 02:42 PM
is a place you may be interested in seeing since you will be way out there anyway.
Pretty big fishing town with friendly people and the monkey surf team.
Isla Asuncion is covered with GIANT seals and it is a fun excursion out to the island to see all the wildlife in the water and on the island.
Take fishing poles!
Bob H - 8-21-2004 at 04:34 PM
Audrey and I would love to go on this treck, along with Shelby ofcourse. We'd have to drop the camper for sure.... but would my 4x4 F250 supercab
long bed be too long for this terrain? I've always wanted to explore this area of Baja. Bob H
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-21-2004 at 05:25 PM
Bob H. I don't think it would be a problem but I will defer to those who have been there for advice. With 3 or 4 or more rigs going I don't forsee
anyone being left behind.
So as of now we have;
Mcgyver; for sure in 2004 4WD Tacoma, popup camper. Surfer Jim for sure in ?, Debra maybe in? cristobal for sure in? Bob H, maybe in LWB Ford. I will
try to keep a list of rigs and people and where each will be coming from.
I will be coming out of Puertecitos on 5 so if anyone is coming from the east they could meet up with me there and caravan out to Chapala on 1.
cristobal , December might bring rain and cooler weather, October shoud have less fog but still warm.
surfer jim - 8-21-2004 at 10:21 PM
I'm a maybe...with a chevy 1500 4x4...stock....
Desertbull - 8-22-2004 at 09:34 AM
The fullsize trucks shouldn't be a problem getting in or out. I navigated my Dodge Ram Cummins through there and it weighs 10K set up with the 100
gallon fuel tank and tool box, then add all the gear in the bed and the 4WD trailer we towed. Just use some common sense and read the terrain. Or
better yet, follow the lead's tracks. Follow Max, he knows what's going on.
Simple Things to Think About :
Air Down
Use 4WD when you enter the mouth of the wash, don't wait until it's too late.
Bring shovels
Winches and a Pull-Pal http://www.masterpull.com
Leave enough room in your truck to bring "stuff" home..
There is a great camp approx 300 meters just off the left side of the wash before you hit the beach heading towards the water. Semi-protected and made
for a great camp for our last trip.
[Edited on 8-22-2004 by Desertbull]
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-22-2004 at 10:17 AM
Thanks for all the good info Desert Bull, We know your Tank has invisible treads.
"Look! It's a Sherman painted white like a Dodge Ram"
We will leave some goodies for you guys. I would like to go from there over to Bahia Gudalupe and spend some time, that place is so mysterious and
isolated with its ancinet rock walls and broken 200 year old china scattered about. There will be a huge resort there someday!
Iv'e got to check out that Master Pull.
Desertbull - 8-22-2004 at 07:51 PM
Max,
Check out the Pull-Pal device...this will save you on the beach, in the mud and any place you don't have anything to anchor you down...it's the best
device for self-rescue when you're taking your girl with you and she's frowning about getting out to dig in the sand or mud...
http://www.masterpull.com/results.cfm?catid=372
DB
Malarrimo Beach Trip
mcgyver - 8-22-2004 at 08:13 PM
Dester Bull, I checked all their gear out, some pretty snazzy stuff and that master pull is a little pricey but what difference does that make when
the nearest tree is 200 miles north!
Is that the same Frig/Frez you have in your truck? I don't know what they are getting stuck but with a 25600 LB cable I won't break it with my Geo!
Any of that stuff would be worth it when you were watching your $45000 baby sink!.
Desert Bull knows of what he speaks!
jrbaja - 8-22-2004 at 09:17 PM
Anyone that knowns the punishments that Baja can deal out, that puts a frowning girlfriend at the top of the list, definitely knows of what he
speaks!!!!
Bob H - 8-23-2004 at 10:04 AM
What about this... we have four days off November 11, 12, 13 and 14th - also four more days off over Thanksgiving 25, 26, 17 and 28th. Does this time
frame work?
Bob H
Neal Johns - 8-23-2004 at 10:15 AM
If you do get someone stuck and strap them out, one pull vehicle may not be enough. If you use several pullers, do not put more that two in series
(breaks tow straps - don't ask me how I know. We had to use four vehicles to pull a heavy SUV out at Malarrimo once - two in series on each frame
hook.
May the Gods help those who turn right after hitting the beach via the Castro route. It's a great route and no real trouble doing it; scenic, and you
will definitely know you are in the boonies.
Bob
jrbaja - 8-23-2004 at 11:27 AM
Is that Mallarimo in the picture? We may be able to join you for that time frame. Carol has been wanting to visit there for some time.
Nothing quite like a fresh thanksgiving lobster. I bet the pilgrims were eatin em!
[Edited on 8/23/2004 by jrbaja]
Malarrimo Beach Trip
mcgyver - 8-23-2004 at 12:55 PM
bob H, I am open on dates except for November 18,19 & 20 when I have to be in Yuma ;( Hate to miss the race). Thanksgiving weekend is fine too but its
getting closer to the rain season for the west coast. All of October is OK and Nov up till 15th or 16th. Unless a newbie wants an escort from the
border or someone wants to caravan with me on BCN 5 I will probably arrive earlier and stay later than 4 days and make a trip across Valle Agua Amarga
to Bahia Guadlupe and maybe Yubay.
Also waiting on dates for sufer jim's pre-run so I can pick him up in BOLA. What ever is best for the mostest, it will skake out.
Bob H - 8-23-2004 at 01:02 PM
JR, that's the beach out at Punta Chivato. It was so peaceful there, just looking at that section of beach is very relaxing to me. 
bbbait - 8-24-2004 at 11:37 AM
A few of us from Blythe have been looking at a trip to Malarrimo for quite some time and are also planning on going in October. There will be at least
two 4x4 pickups and quads as well. Will keep watching to see if the trips coinside. We are going through Puertecitos. May unload a couple of bikes
there to ride the rest of the way. Wayno
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-24-2004 at 06:02 PM
Hey! there wayne! Haven't heard from you for a while, this is Max in Yuma. I have built me a fishing shack at Campo Cristina at KM 54 south of San
Felipe and spend as much time there as possible! You and your friends are more that welcome to join with us on the trip, the more the merrier and the
better the "Stuck" stories get. I will make you the best Dutch oven cobbler you have ever eaten! You are more than welcome to leave bikes or anything
else at my place down there all the MC offroad people know that! Plenty of camping room. We have 24 hour reliable security and the only thing I have
ever lost there or anywhere in Baja is some buckets and the wind blew them out too sea!!!
How many days will you have, I will probably lead a trip to Bahia Guadlupe after Malarrimo!
Its Good to see you posting here too!
GeoRock - 8-24-2004 at 08:47 PM
Your trip sounds great. Just don't know if I could swing it, as I'm taking off for Oaxaca for a month on Nov. 28th. Just want you to know that I'm
salivating.
So much Baja, so little time.
bbbait - 8-25-2004 at 06:34 AM
Hi Max, didn't realize that was you. I know where Christina is, we pulled in there a couple of years ago and looked around. There was a place for sale
there, Guess you bought it. Thanks for the storage offer but doubt we will need it. We will be moving everything south as we go. Just prefer to ride
the bikes rather than trailering them. Still putting loose ends together here, will keep in touch. Wayno
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-25-2004 at 08:07 AM
Wayno, I was down to Puertocitos last week and they were working on the pot holes south of KM 34. From KM54 to Puertocitos watch out for deep holes in
the vados where the ore haulers have collasped the old rock culverts under them, not all are marked, maybe with just 3 Tecate cans. They are big
enough to swallow a MC front wheel. The road on to HW 1 is good but washboarded as usual, no storms in sight yet. I am waiting for input before I know
when we will be at Malarrimo . I'll be leaving for Puertocitos about Sept 27th or so, see you in Baja!
Bob H - 8-25-2004 at 08:12 AM
If we could shoot for doing this November 11, 12, 13 and 14th... that would be GREAT!
Bob H
Malarimmo Trip
mcgyver - 8-25-2004 at 09:31 AM
OK, BobH let see what the others say! I might go twice if I liked it! How many of you have been to Bahia Guadlupe across Valle Agua Amarga on on to
Punta Remedios passed the airplane crash?
I'm interested, depending on the dates and...
Hook - 8-25-2004 at 01:27 PM
....whether my rig will get me close to the beach. F350 4x4 with a 9-4 Lance. Probably about 9300 lbs and NOT a dually.
I'd be most interested in the Guadalupe, San Borja and Malarrimo legs of the trip. Prefer not to come thru Puertecitos and Cocos.
Also, my vote is for October as the weather should be much better on the pacific side and not bad around Guadalupe. I have seen Guadalupe from the
water....that might be more amazing that Malarrimo.
Do you guys use VHF radios on the road? FRS? CBs?
[Edited on 8-25-2004 by Hook]
[Edited on 8-25-2004 by Hook]
Malarrimo/San Borja/Guadalupe Trip
mcgyver - 8-25-2004 at 05:02 PM
Hook, I agree on the October dates on account of the weather, we need others that are for sure they would go to chime in. I don't know about your rig
going to San Borja, if the road was in good shape and you are confident in your tires handeling sharp rock I would say go, if not and the camper comes
off easily leaving it at the Rancho at Agua Amarga should not be a problem, I have left my Motor Home there before. Again you know your rigs
capabilities better than I so going across the dry lake bed and to the entrance of Mesa de Yuby should not be a problem, then there is some soft sand
and dodging boulders and trees , after you get to the beach there are road/trails that run behind the sand dunes so you don,t have to drive on the
beach. Some wonderful camping. I would think that the same applies to Malarrimo that getting to the rear of the beach is not a problem. How about it
Cristobal? you and me are the only for sure's so far , can Hook make it via your route in? And what say surfer jim?
I am KD7YLX so I run 2 meters on the racing freqs and FRS and CB, if you don't bring some one along you will be talking to your self!! I can easily
spend 10 days on a trip like this ( San Borja alone) but have to be in Yuma 17 to 21 November and then would have to return to Puertocitos for a few
days rest and reload before leaving again so as I said the earlier the better. I may make 2 trips out of it because I definately want to go back to
both San Borga and Guadalupe and have time to explore. I know they are worth the effort, I don't know Malarrimo yet.
Bob H - 8-25-2004 at 05:48 PM
Hook, We're running a super duty F250 4x4 with a 9'6" Lance cabover. I'd prefer to drop it like Max says and head in there without it. We have taken
this rig South of San Felipe all the way through Gonzaga, Cocos and out at Lake Chapala, but we went real S L O..... W if you know what I mean.
Setting this up at Papa's for a few days of fishing and kayaking was a blast.
Bob H
Malarimmo Beach Trip etc.
mcgyver - 8-25-2004 at 06:00 PM
Bob h. & Hook, I have never had a problem in all of Baja leaving a rig with some rancher or lantera, the only thing I have ever had stolen was a cell
phone at the Army checkpoint at EL Chinero last year, the joke was on them, it was a Traqphone and no good in Mexico or anywhere else for that matter.
My next trip back I told the CO and also told him that for 1 ,I would not be passing out anymore Cokes, double AA batteries, coffee when its cold or
anything else like I used to, they have gotten rather demanding anyway for someone whose's salary is paid by the USA. Other than them I would trust
about any rancher.
surfer jim - 8-25-2004 at 08:51 PM
I'm on the sidelines for this....won't decide until week before if I go as I don't plan ahead very far....I would probably meet you somewhere on the
highway...Chapla? and join from there....
Side trip to Bahia Guadalupe and Punta Candelero
David K - 8-25-2004 at 09:33 PM
Since you are talking about heading up there, here are the GPS numbers (NAD27). The kids and I camped at Guadalupe (Remedios) Bay and Punta Candelero
after Christmas in 2002. Photos at http://vivabaja.com/1202
Side trip to Bahia Guadalupe and Punta Candelero
Leave the L.A. Bay highway and head northwest then northeast across the Laguna Amarga dry lake: 29?01.27'/ 113?47.76'
Come to Arroyo Mesa de Yubay and 'T' junction of roads: 29?11.27'/ 113?47.15', right turn next two waypoints.
Road Fork, go left for next waypoint: 29?11.84'/ 113?40.20'
Bahia Guadalupe (Remedios): 29?12.37'/ 113?39.27'
Continuing north from 'T' junction, above....
Come to dry lake bed of 'Laguna Seca': 29?13.87'/ 113?50.67'
Road turns sharp from north to east: 29?17.50'/ 113?50.51'
Junction with Arroyo Los Candeleros: 29?20.16'/ 113?46.81'
Gulf Coast near Punta Candelero: 29?22.60'/ 113?44.50'
[Edited on 8-26-2004 by David K]
David
jrbaja - 8-25-2004 at 10:03 PM
have you been to Malarrimo, Bahia Tortugas and the Asuncion areas?
Because, I heard there was this mission!!
David K - 8-25-2004 at 10:17 PM
NO!!! (so much Baja, so little time)
There IS a 'Lost mission' in the Sierra Santa Clara (north of ABREOJOS)
I wanna GO!!!
[Edited on 8-26-2004 by David K]
Malarrimo Beach
mcgyver - 8-25-2004 at 10:37 PM
Ok, We have several maybe's, one who wants Nov, 11,12, 13 and 14 , one after Thanksgiving and one wants one week notice. We have Wayneo's group in
October and DesertBulls group but they will only be one night and all MC's and some guy from San Diego who runs commerical tours who does not want us
to go at all! We have plenty of time so everyone who is a "I would like to go" or a "Maybe" don't be a "Wish I had went" get on here and talk about
it! and we will see what it looks like in September. As a side trip you should not miss San Borja.
David K has lots of pictures about San Borja, you can ride the donkeys and there are missing cave paintings to be searched for that have only been
seen one time by a missionary and 1000s of square miles of the best desert secenery in Baja.
David K. link us to some of this??? Please!!!
YES SIR!!!
David K - 8-25-2004 at 10:48 PM
Mision San Francisco Borja. The furthest north cut stone mission church. Finished by the Dominicans in 1801.
David K - 8-25-2004 at 10:55 PM
Montevideo has very colorful pictographs you can drive right to... off the San Borja road.
David K - 8-25-2004 at 10:59 PM
Las Tinajitas is a more remote site near San Borja... hire Jose or his son to guide you, and be prepared for Baja pin stripes!
David K - 8-25-2004 at 11:08 PM
Blue palms and boojums grow out of boulders at this site northwest of Tinaja de Yubay ('Rock Palm Hill')!
David K - 8-25-2004 at 11:13 PM
Jose's kids brought out their mule for Sarah and Andee to ride at San Borja... NICE PEOPLE!
Jose and Family
David K - 8-25-2004 at 11:24 PM
Great People!
From what I am seeing actually living here
jrbaja - 8-25-2004 at 11:29 PM
"and some guy from San Diego who runs commerical tours who does not want us to go at all!"
There are so many "people" that have been on vacations to Baja that have the $ to start some "expertise on Baja Vacations" , that wherever they
take the suckers that bite, there will probably be 10 other "stepford tours" showing whales, cave paintings, and the usual "wild" Baja stuff.
On the other hand, there are a few out there that will show you what it is really about. Say freediving for Groupers for instance.
Try to get that from a club friggen med or a san diego "o-fishy-o-nada" travel guide!
surfer jim - 8-26-2004 at 12:30 AM
Ah....the fun of planning a trip
...best bet is pick the date YOU will be going and
then let others decide if they can make it then....
Malarrimo Beach
mcgyver - 8-26-2004 at 12:44 AM
Thanks for puting up the pictures David, I had lost all that I taken two years ago. That family is growing, they will show you a good time and they
are very proud and hard working, we have school kits with books in spanish and transulating books all made up to take to them this year, the oldest
boy already knows how to work a GPS! They always need AA batteries.
jrbaja, Yes some dude in San Diego " Baja something" actualy e-mailed me that "Freelancers" cut in to his business I told him that he ever saw me in
Baja to make sure he made his self known to me!!
Hoping to facilitate decisions
Hook - 8-26-2004 at 11:32 AM
Due to my work schedule, the most I will be able to devote to this trip would be one week plus the weekends on either end. But realistically, I could
probably be at the Chapala turnoff by about noon on the first Saturday of that week. So, it may be ambitious for me to consider BOTH Remedios/Guad
and Malarrimo in the same trip.
Given the chance, I like to plan vacations around the full moon; the week before being the prime time. That's Oct 21st, so I would say that week would
be my first choice.
If we head in to Guadalupe, wouldn't we want to stay a day or so? It would be tough giving up the Lance for that, but I do have good camping gear.
I'm not worried about my tires on the San Borja road; I'm not running BFGs
Maybe I'll be forced to just hit the Tomatl/Rosarito area after doing Guadalupe. 
That guy from SD trying to discourage trips like this has some nerve. Are we supposed to stop towing boats down for fishing because there are panga
rentals, too?
[Edited on 8-26-2004 by Hook]
Malarrimo Trip Etal
mcgyver - 8-26-2004 at 05:35 PM
Replies:
jrbaja, You are so right! Also I have saw the pictures of you in a"Boil" of flesh eaters, I beleive last year? You are certifiable.
sufer jim , You'r right too, so the following will break it over center and get the ball rolling! Thanks.
Hook, You are on brother ,lets do it! You pick the exact day and I will meet you at Punta Prieta ready to roll! I love the full moon and like to Howl,
usualy I wakeup and its daylight! I slept out under the stars and moon everynight last spring and summer on the beach at Campo Cristina and some of
the things you see in the Baja sky are "Out of this world"
The full moon at Bahia Guadalupe is blinding, because unless you make it, there is no artifical light and you don't need any!
With the right kind of solar water destiller and a supply of cerevsa and tortillas I could live there and never leave! Never eat a fish dead for more
than 15 minutes and never go hungry!
Lets plan on taking everything in with us, it will only take a couple of hours to check the road for clearence for your camper, we may have to fill
some washes, same thing for San Borga go slow ,clear road as needed. Only problem would be a big rain while in Bahia Guadlupe, that "Dry" lake bed
,well have you ever heard the term "Snot on Glass"??? from "been there done that" (once) Rain had actualy improved the San Borga road when I was there
last year. OK, Now anyone who wants to tag along, Hook and Mcgyver are Going. Hook post dates! Barring Hurricanes and Heart attacts. I wll be ready to do the Malarrimo trip after this.
Malarrimo Trip
mcgyver - 8-26-2004 at 05:49 PM
David K. Thanks for the pictures, I had lost all the ones I took last year. That whole area is fasinating. I took the road from 1 at that big jog
11Kms south of Punta Prieta in to San Borja last year after a big rain and it was so smooth in places you could do 70 MPH! Just hope there is not a
fallen Boojum tree across it like I came upon, they are heavy!.
We will bring school stuff and Halowen stuff for the kids.
Hook - 8-27-2004 at 09:55 AM
Yeah, the dry lake beds could be an issue. But I'm not worried about any true clearance issues with the Lance, unless you are talking side-to-side
clearance. Almost no overhang with a 9-4 model. It's the added weight in soft sand that I would fear the most.
We need to get more responses so you can make a better decision on when to go. I am not 100% sure to go, but I 100% sure would like to, if work
permits.
Malarrimo Beach Etal trip
mcgyver - 8-27-2004 at 01:48 PM
Hook, the sand in the wash may not be a problem to you , it is coarse granite type not the silty type, I just air way down ,the clearence of trees can
be ajusted or just take a different trail around them and boulders. I am 100% free to go at any time other than those I listed before, full moon is a
good ideal! I can do and intend to do all three trips before the real cold windy weather. It makes me no difference which I do first, I was trying to
be accomodating to those less fortunate who still have to do the 2 weeks a year bit! If I go by myself I just tow my 4WD Geo and use it for the really
narly stuff.
Its fun to share trips and campfire goodies and storys but solo is OK too.
On an outing last year I took some other people, none of whom I had met outside of Baja forums. I was camp watchman and cook and went all out!
Barbecue, Chilie Relenos and my special Baja beans, salads, cake from home and for nightcap desert my Butter Roll Peach Cobbler with viejo rum sauce.
Well one group was the most agreeable, compatable, experinced and camp fire story tellers of skill. Totaly enjoyed their company! The other was
anything but any of that and to top it off brought a large spoiled dog who was into everything all the time that was not locked up, he licked the
icing off the cake, peed on the ice chest ,turned over the barbecue pit, spilled your drink or beer everytime you sat it down lower to the ground than
6 feet, got in to the garbbage and ate all the chilie stems and got sick and constipated, barked all night and his owners b-tched about spoiling
their dog, the enviroment/Baja etc. And that was the first day! I loaded up BEFORE breakfast the third Am and split!!
Malarimmo Beach/Bahia Guadalupe/San Borja
mcgyver - 9-1-2004 at 05:07 PM
For those of you have shown interest in these outings I will not be available to until after October 15th at the earliest so a late October or early
November trip is looking more fesible. Post any definite dates for a trip for others to consider.
Once I get across the border again I plan to refuse extradition !
Malarimo trip
Butch - 9-7-2004 at 10:30 AM
Count me in. Been wanting to make this trip for 20 years now ! Have flown, driven & raced all over Baja for 30 years. Will travel in one or two of
our 5 & 6 seat buggies made for long range Baja trips. End of Oct or first of Nov good for me but flexible. Can meet anywhere, will depart from Punta
Bufeo. Keep me posted.
bbbait - 9-7-2004 at 04:48 PM
That last week in October, with the full moon falling in the middle, might be a good window.
Malarrimo Beach
mcgyver - 9-7-2004 at 05:51 PM
Welcome Aboard Butch! You are just about my next door neigabor in Baja, do you know my good friend "Bufeo' of Punta Bufeo? That date is looking good
for November, we will see as it gets closer.
Since I will be passing your back door we can make the run togather. My wife has a bum knee this year so I will be camp watcher, como and SAR so
everyone can roam without worry about gear in base camp. Are you going to be interested in San Borja or Bahia Guadalupe trips also?
we are down to Gonzaga area just about every other week, stop at KM 54 and visit on your way south!
bbbait, How are your plans coming along, man it would be fun if we could get a decent size bunch togather for this!! I can see the campfire and hear
the lies allready!!
To BBBait
Hook - 9-8-2004 at 10:39 AM
According to my charts, the full moon in October is on the 21st, which is not actually the last week in October.
While there will be substantial moon in the last week, the problem is that is doesn't rise until quite late in the evening. The 4-6 days BEFORE a full
moon give you the same amt. of light, but the moon is already up at sunset and stays up virtually all night.
Still interested, probably moreso in the Malarrimo leg. The amount of rain the Baja receives over the rest of the chubasco season could have a real
effect on the Remedios area; bugs could be real nasty on the SoC side. Not ot mention the roads in there.
Malarimo trip
Butch - 9-8-2004 at 01:22 PM
Mcgyver;
Most interested in the Malarimo portion of the trip, going in their first. Depending on time & whats happening at Malarimo other legs of trip
possible.
I know just about everybody at Bufeo but not someone named "Bufeo" ! My racing buddies were the first to settle in and to build houses at that campo,
Gary Leupold, Drino Miller, Bob Ewing etc ! My house etc was 5 miles north at Campo Brisa Mar. Had to sell out a couple months ago when landlord went
beserk and started confiscating our property - a bad deal !!! I believe I sold a propane fridge to one of your neighbors in your camp ? Don't recall
their names off hand but they live in Yuma, recently took a park model trailer into Christina ! Is your camp also where my friend John built the
restaraunt and large palapas on the beach ? Looking forward to the trip and comraderie !
Malarrimo Beach Trip
mcgyver - 9-8-2004 at 04:27 PM
Ok Butch, I am flexable too so we will see who else wants to go. The trip to both Guadalupe and San Borga should take at least 2 or 3 days at each
place because there is so much to do and see. I don't know how long to plan for Malarrimo. My friends at Punta Bufeo are Allen & Diane Russell , They
are at the last house on the end. My Campo is "Cristina" not "Christina" there is no restruant at mine and no one has moved in in a year or more. The
"King of Propane fridge's lives near you, Fletcher Dunn from Chino Valley Az has sold 1000s of fridges in Baja He is an old time Baja racer and used
to fly a twin Bonnaza into there . Allen's son rides MC,s in the 1000.
We eat at Johns place a lot, we even went to a wedding there last year but I don't know whose's it was, I was a little confused
Corky from Prescott another old time Baja racer stops there too, last year he
donated a large set of dises to the resturant, we get out on the front porch there after dinner and run all those races over again fueled with Tecate
and Bacardi Viejo.
This is going to be a great trip!:moon:
Corky1 - 9-9-2004 at 07:49 PM
McGyver,
Just for your info "Butch" and Fletcher
Dunn are one in the same person.
I turned him on to your trip.
I might go also.
Corky
Due to my newly named "4Runner from HELL"
Debra - 9-9-2004 at 08:13 PM
I've been told that I should name "it" (so I have) I won't be able to make the trip (that is one of the reasons I bought "the 4RUNNER FROM
HELL!!!!!)...because of the 4UNNER FROM HELL, my young son missed the trip to the whales (I had to rebuild the engine!).....so we waited,....,($1700,
we waited again to get the back window fixed ($580) ....then, no defrost....$465.....then the tranny was bad????? "no, Mrs. (this is in San Diego
when I broke down) "Don't think it's the tanny. the engine is so bad!)......Paid another $1700 .....(now, I'm told I need a new tranny ($2700., )I
won't even go into the trouble I had in Baja (read my trip report).......Anyway, yes, I'm PO'ed! and I can't make this trip which I wish I
could.....Have a great time, and please give good reports, Thanks!
mcgyver - 9-9-2004 at 08:24 PM
OK Corky! You know you are more than welcome! It will be a blast. I take it you did not get my e-mail.
OK, Butch-Fletcher -who ever you are come on and tell us how you got thrown out of your Casa after 25 years in Baja?
The SECTUR office in San Felipe has the form for leasing property in Baja, The Campo Owner Association dosen't like it but it is the only legal one in
Mexico, in short a landlord can not force you to buy or construct through him, he can not require you to pay him a commision on the sale of the lease,
there are several other provisions that protect you but only if you are legal with an FM-3 etc.
The fridge and frezzer I got from you last year are working fine.
Corky are you going to ride your MC from my house to Malarimmo or bring the truck too?
There is the possibility that we may have a writer from the LA Times Newspaper come on this trip with us and write it up for publication! That would
be great to see a bunch of NOMADS get in the paper!
I will keep this updated as to the possibilitys. No Corky they are not going to print your or my picture!! Only David K. would do something that
gross! I hope we get some firm comitments from more people as the time draws near.
mcgyver - 9-9-2004 at 08:39 PM
Hook, You are OH sooooo right about the bugs and according to jrbaja's reports they have been getting lots of rain. I don't know if its getting up to
BOLA.
Last year while I was still building the Nooseeums got me so bad I had to go to the Dr, my legs looked like I had been shot with bird shot. Then for
about a week we had millions of green crawing worms come through and the flies were really bad. Hope we miss all that!
Right about bugs, wrong about moon...
Hook - 9-14-2004 at 08:39 AM
I must have been looking at the wrong year's lunar table. BBBait is right, the full moon falls during the LAST week in October. But that week is
definitely out for me.
For me, it will have to be the week of 10/16-24 or 10/30-11/7. Still tentative based on the wife's plans.
I am assuming that bugs would really not be a problem on the Malarrimo trip, si?
Update: reports from BOLA indicate the area got about 1.5 inches of rain from the remnants of Howard. No bugs...........yet. Let's see what this week
brings.
[Edited on 9-14-2004 by Hook]
mcgyver - 9-14-2004 at 12:07 PM
Hook, The 10/30 to 11/7 sounds like something some of us could do, I will not know until after 10/1 when I can get out of here and go to my casa in
Baja. once I get across the border I am footloose and fancy free!.I do not know about the bugs on the west coast, the gulf side is likely to be bad
after a rain, keep planing.
Hook - 9-14-2004 at 01:54 PM
Mac,
That 10/30 week is also beginning to look better for me. Will stay in touch.
Bob H - 9-16-2004 at 07:15 AM
Wow, the route that Hurricane Javiar is taking should make Malarrimo beachcombing quite interesting, indeed. Whoever ends up on this expedition needs
to make sure they bring digital cameras, for sure.
Bob H
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics/EP13/refresh/EP1304W5+G...
Hook - 9-16-2004 at 09:55 AM
I can see Javier making the route in a little more interesting but I would think that the storm surge wouldn't affect what is deposited. Most
everything comes from the north Pacific, while Javier's influences would seem to run counter to that.
Unless it's possible that the high surf could uncover stuff that has been buried.
Like Spanish galleon treasure!!!!!
mcgyver - 9-16-2004 at 10:58 AM
I have freinds in Florida who are avid treasure hunters and they are on the beaches as soon as posible after a strorn because it redeposits things,
yesterday they found 3 peices of 8 Spanish money from the 1700's. It is entirley possibile that Baja has more treasure wrecks than Florida and Texas.
Iv'e always wanted one of those to wear around my neck!!
Mike Humfreville - 9-16-2004 at 11:04 AM
If you encounter heavy seas that would be a good thing as it will wash up new stuff. If the beach at Malarrimo is configured like it was 30 years
ago, everything that floats was washed ashore and collected in "waves" on the beach that were about 7 feet tall and worked back maybe 30 yards.
You should begin or wrap-up your trip with a visit to Bahia de Los Angeles. There will be a few of us there the last week on September and the first
week of October. We'll be at Gecko's. Come by for a cold one.
mcgyver - 9-16-2004 at 11:23 AM
Mike , I have never been there but i have been to Cape Hinchenbrook and Akutan in the Aleutian Islands and Cape Yakataga all in Alaska which are world
class beach combing areas, I have a slide picture I took that shows over 200 glass fish net balls in one spot. I don't expect that but people who have
been to Malarrimo said it rated right up there.
Ocean Cape and Cape Yakataga are covered up with fly-in beachcombing trips in the good season. We can only hope!!
I would like to go to San Borga after Malarrimo so will probaby drop in for a day before or after.
I have the balls...
Mike Humfreville - 9-16-2004 at 03:19 PM
The glass ones we collected at Malarrimo in the late '60's. I still have three or four. One or two of them have sturdy rope netted around them that
I assume was used to secure them to the nets the balls supported. Before our house fire we had a picture of my 20 year old brother sitting on a
single whale vertebrae lying on its side. Tony's feet were not touching the ground. We brought a whale rib home, strapped to the side of my Land
Cruiser. It was longer than the truck. Passing through the border the gringo guard called out a whale "specialist" who inspected the rib suspecting,
I guess, that we had filled it with coke or something. Eventually we were waved through. I'll have to ask my brother if he still has that rib.
mcgyver - 9-16-2004 at 03:33 PM
Whistler: I have had that honor! Several times of a 4 year period to vist that that beautiful exotic Navy outpost, although I was nevr there for
more than a couple of days I understand that it WAS NOT one of the more popular Navy postings. The US Coast Guard had 4 of its electronic geniouse's
stationed there maintaining a LORAN transmitter site and about every 6 months we hauled one of them back to the rubber room. If Tommys friend was 95
miles from Adak he was indeed in deep caca, and there is never a time there is not a storm for about 1000 miles around.
mcgyver - 9-16-2004 at 03:51 PM
Mike: Man have times changed! We got so jaded with glass floats in Alaska we would not even pick them up unless they were unusal, plain old clear was
no good!
If the Mexican or the US catch you now with ANY remains of whale, turtles,fossils,shells dead catcus, live plants, dry plants etec, etc. They will
put you where the sun will never shine!! Someday thet will make a sweep down the beach houses that have all the whale bones and nice varnished turtle
shells on the walls and it will be crying time! Last year a group that I understood to be like the US EPA came through our Campo with a Marine escort
and took the Campo owner on a little tour of his camp pointing out to him violation of several Mexican laws, I was not priveliged to the whole
conversation but later when I asked the landlord he told me to difintley not bring any catus to the camp and plant that they had told him it was a
2000 peso fine to do so, damm I was glad my turtle shell wa not in sight!!
DEBRA you sure about your mechanic?
synch - 9-16-2004 at 05:36 PM
Debra wrote:
Due to my newly named "4Runner from HELL"
I had to rebuild the engine!).....so we waited,....,($1700, we waited again to get the back window fixed ($580) ....then, no defrost....$465.....then
the tranny was bad????? "no, Mrs. (this is in San Diego when I broke down) "Don't think it's the tanny. the engine is so bad!)......Paid another $1700
.....(now, I'm told I need a new tranny ($2700., )
My transmission rebuild only cost $1200.00 in LA, Debra I would shop around for auto repairs....at $2700.00 something seems wrong or you got an
automatic tranny
[Edited on 9-17-2004 by synch]
stuck in the sand
jerry - 9-16-2004 at 11:57 PM
Been watchin this thread for a while and hope to meet some of you one day i too want to see it all 2 and a half more years
anyway my experence in sand is someone or 2 take a cheep carpet strip it in about 2 and a half wide foot pieces as long as you can roll it tight
for storage before you get dugin unroll and slip it under your tires unless you really like to dig go a head then dig a hole to put the carpet under
the tires they work as a mat like heavy crains work on in soft areas you can use them over and over and when your readdy to leave well just hang them
with i sign on a tree or cacti please dont litter and tell them the same way to use them
smiles jerry and judi
mcgyver - 9-17-2004 at 06:37 AM
Jerry, You will make it! One of the things I carry is a "HI-LIFT" jack with all the atachments, the cast steel , real thing, not a asian knockoff, 48"
long. They will raise, pull, push, clamp and make like a winch. If you are stuck in a rut you jack up as high as possible and push it over sideways,
you can turn a rig 180* that way. You have to be careful with them because if you ever let go of the handle outside of the locked position it will
beat you to death, other wise its better than a winch. The real one costs about $100 the asian knockoffs about $29 and they are really dangerous!!
Plain beach sand is not much of a problem for a Baja rigged truck you just keep airing down, the "Dry" salt flats, Mangrove swamps and clay spots are
more of a hazzard, there are places were there is bottomless clay or silt under a thin covering of beach sand and no amount of carpet will get you
out of them,except a winch with a long line. There are isolated places in Baja like a dry lake called Laguna Salada were people die every year from
getting stuck without adequate supples or knowledge. The is a place called Bahia San Rafael on the Gulf of California where more than one Nomad has
spent some time digging and road building in a swamp!! Come on down.
i got a handy man jack
jerry - 9-18-2004 at 04:55 PM
i have used my handy man jack for nearly 40 years in the nud in oregon they truely are amazing but i ship you not the carpet will keep ya from
sinking in the first place like putting tracks on it i will make the trip as soon as i can
Allright, Mcgyver...
Hook - 9-21-2004 at 08:53 AM
I have put in for the week of November 1-5 off so that means I will be leaving Friday night from SoCal. Plan on staying just north of Ensenada on
Friday night. Do we have a consensus on the trip dates and destinations yet?
surfer jim - 9-21-2004 at 08:59 AM
now the fun part begins....the dates and destinations...
mcgyver - 9-21-2004 at 02:11 PM
OK, HooK!! Now I will let Butch who is over by me and the rest of you chime in on where to meet. I suguest the restaurante Malarrimo which is on
Guerrero Negro's main street Blvd. Zapata, Thats a good central location close to everything for last minute supplies. I assume you will arrive
Saturday am?? I will plan on being at Punta Bufeo and meeting Butch Friday night and proceeding to Hiway 1 and south on saturday??
Everyone jump in now and state your intentions. Personally I plan to leave from Malarrimo and go to either San Borga or Bahia Guadalupe depending on
weather and interest of others. I have until November 18 before I have to be back in Yuma and will be back in Puertocitos on the 22nd ready for the
next adventure. I live right on the edge of Matomi Wash and if anyone is interested in thar area there is a lot to see, especialy if you take your
time. How about it: Debra, BobH., Sufer Jim, Cristobal, Corky 1 ??
Malarrimo Restaurant on Sat AM....
Hook - 9-21-2004 at 05:17 PM
...will be difficult for me as I wont be in Ensenada until around 6am on Saturday. I think mid afternoon is more realistic.
Even so, where would you consider making camp for our first night? If you guys dont want to be held back by me that first day (Saturday), where would
you go?
IF we left from the Malarrimo restaurant/RV park early Sunday AM, could we make M.B. by that afternoon/evening? This might also allow others who are
leaving from the states on Sat. AM a chance to join us.
Or, is there a logical place to stay that first night, if we depart G.N. in mid afternoon?
Having never been out towards Bahia Tortuga, I have no idea how long it will take us to get there from G.N. Any estimates?
Bob H - 9-21-2004 at 06:40 PM
I'm very uncertain of the dates everyone is referring to. I can leave mid-day on Nov 10th but I have to be back to work Monday morning on the 15th.
Might also be solo trip for me as my wife is on-call jury duty the entire month of November. Rats! I'll just keep reading and see if it will work
for me.
Bob H
mcgyver - 9-21-2004 at 07:04 PM
Hook, Yes, I misread your time of arrival in Ensenada, Early afternoon in Guerrero Negro is fine with me and no one else has announced yet that they
are coming. I would think that if we just got off of Hiway 1 on the Malarrino Rd. anywhere would be good for Saturday night or we can wait up for say
Sunday noon in town to meet ?I don't like to camp in town but anywhere in the boonies is good for the night and then we would have allday to find our
way in. The time from Hiway 1 to Malarrimo of course will be determined by the road condition. You are aware that you have to have a FMT to pass the
big Eagle into Baja Sur? And a buck for tire spray. Buy veggies in Guerrero Negro, sometimes they take them at the state line. There is an excellent
market in town on Saturdays. Maybe we should get a Cabraetto for a Halloween cookout?
mcgyver - 9-21-2004 at 07:43 PM
Bob H. The dates Hook has off are Nov 1 to 5 and that is what we are shooting for. I am flexable and I know Butch and Corky are, BBbait is also
interested and I think they are all flexable. Bad as I hate it I am going to miss the 1000, I have to be back in Yuma buit will be loose and back in
Baja on the 22nd of November and I will be ready to go again where ever! I intend to remain in the area of San Borga, Bahia Guadalupe, BOLA or? until
I have to start back north on the 15th of November.
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