BajaNomad - KANSANS FIRST TIME TO BAJA, NEED ADVICE

KANSANS FIRST TIME TO BAJA, NEED ADVICE

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 12:02 PM

Hey guys, we’re headed to Baja and I need your advice. I’m getting married in San Diego, then I’m taking my wife on our honeymoon in Baja. We are taking 19 days off, will be in Mexico a total of 12 days maybe 13. I have been reading posts and learning all I can from everyone here. Thank you! You guys have been a tremendous help. I’ve also read a couple books including “The Baja Catch”.

We will be traveling in a 4x4 Sportsmobile van pulling an enclosed trailer built for off-road travel with a 12ft 10hp boat on top and a small enduro inside the trailer. We would like to spend our time fishing, snorkeling, exploring and relaxing on the beach. Our plan is to follow some of the camping and fishing advice from the Baja Catch, the more remote the better. We will be equipped to camp for a week before we need to resupply.

This is our first trip to Mexico. We plan on crossing the border at Tecate rather than Tijuana. We would like to stay for a couple days on the Pacific side and then spend the rest of our time on the east side of the peninsula. I read about Puerto Santo Tomas and think it would be a good place to stay our first couple night in Baja. I would like to go as for south as La Paz. Would go further if it was worth it.

Any advice you can give to help us along the way would be great. Advice on traveling in Baja, good places to camp, fishing spots

(Don’t worry I live in Kansas…your secret is safe with me), neat places I can take my wife etc. We are both very ourdoorsy people. We love history and exploring new places. Thanks for the help everyone! Here is a pic of the van.

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

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[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

capt. mike - 3-28-2011 at 12:10 PM

hello Drifter, i am a fellow Kanzonian. circa Hutchinson.

email me and i'll give you my number and you can call me to chat.
have 30 plus years all over the peninsula and mainland too.

have fun - you need more time tho to go to la paz and back.

Diver - 3-28-2011 at 12:31 PM

Here's your first and best advice;
Don't listen to Captain Mike.

Stop in BLA, Asuncion to La Bocana/Abre, San Ignacio, Mulege/Conception......

Puckdrop - 3-28-2011 at 12:34 PM

:lol:

Hook - 3-28-2011 at 12:50 PM

How 'bout dem Bulldogs?

DENNIS - 3-28-2011 at 12:57 PM

Welcome to BajaNomad, PD. Nice looking rig you have there.
Puerto Sto. Tomas is 40 miles of dirt [not bad] road, 20 in, 20 out. It's nice and quiet, but if time is a problem, I'd be doing a bit more research.

desertcpl - 3-28-2011 at 01:01 PM

can you post a photo of your wife and your boat

DENNIS - 3-28-2011 at 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
can you post a photo of your wife and your boat

Yeah....he really should be picking up the little woman on the way out. 19 days at Anthony's would be a good Stag Party. :lol:

bajatravelergeorge - 3-28-2011 at 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
can you post a photo of your wife and your boat

Yeah....he really should be picking up the little woman on the way out. 19 days at Anthony's would be a good Stag Party. :lol:

What happens at Anthony's? It was just another bar when I visited it.

desertcpl - 3-28-2011 at 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajatravelergeorge

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
can you post a photo of your wife and your boat

Yeah....he really should be picking up the little woman on the way out. 19 days at Anthony's would be a good Stag Party. :lol:

What happens at Anthony's? It was just another bar when I visited it.

Dennis should we tell him

DENNIS - 3-28-2011 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl

Dennis should we tell him

Although it may be too late, everything happens at Anthony's. George must have been there at 10 AM when the cleaning crew was shoveling condoms into the dumpster.

Try the joint at night, George. You'll see what's happening. :lol:

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 01:59 PM

This is us from a few years ago. I don't have a picture of the boat....its just an aluminum v hull. What do you guys think about crossing the border on a Sunday? I hear that Sundays aren't a great day to be on the road. We are crossing at Tecate. You may be right about the distance to Puerto Santo Tomas Dennis. We would really just like to see some of the Pacific. Don't plan to spend alot of time there. We want to concentrate most our time on the Sea of Cortez. Do you think 12-13 days is too little time to travel all the way to the La Paz area? How far down do you have to go until you get into good snorkeling?

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

DENNIS - 3-28-2011 at 02:17 PM

Nice looking family, PD. Stay away from Anthony's. :biggrin:

Sunday is one of the best days to cross and be on the road given the absence of work traffic and shipping on the Tecate Road.
If it were me, I'd concentrate on closer destinations than La Paz. You can do that on another trip.
I'll let others give you suggestions on water activities on the SOC side.
For the Pacific side, Asunción has already been suggested and that's an excellent choice.

Keep asking. Eventually, you'll see what will serve you well.

[Edited on 3-28-2011 by DENNIS]

mulegemichael - 3-28-2011 at 02:19 PM

amigo....some of the best fishing AND best snorkeling is on the east cape; la ribera, cabo pulmo, frailes, etc..if you didn't spend time on the west side and just headed there you would be fine...plenty of places to camp right on the beach and fabulous, just fabulous snorkeling...if you'd like more info feel free to u2u me...we live in mulege and it's a great little oasis of a town too with bahia de concepcion just south of here...let us know if we can help, mike and roz reichner

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 02:24 PM

I still need to purchase mexican auto insurance. Any suggestions?

Also I am trying to get our fishing licenses online at http://www2.ebajacalifornia.gob.mx/ and it is asking for the "fishing zone". It lists 3 zones, the Federal Jurisdiction Coastal Waters, Pacific Ocean Coastal and Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean Sea Coastal. Stupid question maybe but which one do I choose?

We leave Kansas this Wednesday, we will be in Mexico by the first of the week. It sure would be nice to hook up with some people going down at that time.

DENNIS - 3-28-2011 at 02:27 PM

Look up to the top of the page, BajaBound Insurance. Buy online from a Nomad friend.

Don't forget your FMM, tourist permit, which requires a Passport or Card.

Can that be done at Tecate on Sunday? Is the bank open?

.

[Edited on 3-28-2011 by DENNIS]

desertcpl - 3-28-2011 at 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
amigo....some of the best fishing AND best snorkeling is on the east cape; la ribera, cabo pulmo, frailes, etc..if you didn't spend time on the west side and just headed there you would be fine...plenty of places to camp right on the beach and fabulous, just fabulous snorkeling...if you'd like more info feel free to u2u me...we live in mulege and it's a great little oasis of a town too with bahia de concepcion just south of here...let us know if we can help, mike and roz reichner

Drifter
very nice couple and nice rig you have there. I go with what Mulege has to say, Mulege and Concepcion bay are a must to see, Cabo Pulmo is a world class diving area, you will have enought time to see most all, just stay a few days on the Pacific side

http://www.cabopulmopark.com/

[Edited on 3-28-2011 by desertcpl]

mulegemichael - 3-28-2011 at 02:37 PM

we buy our mexican insurance and our fishing licenses through vabundos...they're online or you can do the whole thing over the phone.

fishabductor - 3-28-2011 at 02:40 PM

this aint kansas...

Sorry I could not resist...

sweet sportsmobile you got, That is my dream rig for family camping. Want to trade for a 1991 4runner? It has a new engine... :lol:

Have a wonderful trip....are you bringing the gundogs? My GSP loves it down here.

mulegemichael - 3-28-2011 at 02:42 PM

sorry amigo; vagabundos...i knew it didn't look right

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 02:42 PM

Thanks for the advice guys, looks like we will be crossing on Sunday. Approximately how much driving time does it take to get from the border down to the Mulege area? The places we really want to go are down south, so I don't think we will mess around much on the drive down. Now I'm wishing I had taken another week off. Gosh it would be a shame to have to call the boss and tell him we were stranded in Mexico :spingrin:

mulegemichael - 3-28-2011 at 02:46 PM

we always cross on sunday at tecate..ALWAYS....i don't like to push it too much so we go to el rosario the first day and stay at baja cactus then guerrero negro the next...mulege is then a half day out from there...those are approx. 9 hour days...consider staying at malarimmos hotel in G.N...they have an rv area too.

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 02:47 PM

Great I'll check out vagabundos right now. No unfortunately the gundogs have to stay here. She won't even let me bring one of them! I guess I better not argue though, she is letting me take her camping in Baja for our honeymoon!

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 02:53 PM

Mulegemichael: Should I have a problem with getting FMM and tourist permits on Sunday? Should/can we take care of that while in San Diego on Saturday?

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

bajatravelergeorge - 3-28-2011 at 02:58 PM

Prairedrifter;

You've got a great rig to do the Bahia de los Angeles to Los Animas, to Bahia San Francisquito, and out through El Arco to Hwy 1. Great boating, fishing, diving, hiking, etc. You could take your time and spend a few days in each spot, or do a drive and set up one day, camp the next, then back to drive and set up, etc. Its Baja at its most primitive and unspoiled. The temps are very nice for camping by the water verses hot and humid further south. You have to like being by yourselves to do this trip because chances are there will be very few, if any people around.

Dave - 3-28-2011 at 03:00 PM

Reconsider taking the dogs. Not saying there will be problems but they're the best insurance policy you could get. Plus the fact that they'll have a blast.

desertcpl - 3-28-2011 at 03:06 PM

Oh I forgot you dont need a fishing license to shore fish

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 03:07 PM

That sounds great Bajatravelergeorge. That's just up our alley.

I think you are right about the dogs Dave. We take our dogs with us everywhere. I just can't see myself there without them. What you said should be enough to convince her we need to take them. What all does it take to get dogs across the border? Do I just need a health certificate from my vet?

fishabductor - 3-28-2011 at 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
That sounds great Bajatravelergeorge. That's just up our alley.

I think you are right about the dogs Dave. We take our dogs with us everywhere. I just can't see myself there without them. What you said should be enough to convince her we need to take them. What all does it take to get dogs across the border? Do I just need a health certificate from my vet?

My dogs have never been checked, but proof of a rabies vaccine and a health cert would be nice insurance on returning to the states. Once again they never checked me either. make sure you have tick stuff. lots of ticks this year.

cbuzzetti - 3-28-2011 at 03:18 PM

Make sure you have all of your toys in you name (van, trailer, bike and boat).

There is so much to see you will regret not taking that 3rd week off but that will give you something to go back for.

Be prepared for a severe Baja addiction. ;-)

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 03:38 PM

I haven't even been there yet and I'm already addicted....Wow Cabo Pulmo looks amazing. I would really like to make it down there.

[Edited on 02-02-2011 by Prairiedrifter]

Dogs Are Required to Have A Vet Certificate Issued 48-Hours Before a Trip Into Mexico

Gypsy Jan - 3-28-2011 at 03:39 PM

That being said, we carry current vaccination history records with us and have been stopped only once going into Mexico, but they had a chip scanner, so all was fine.

We have had some annoying hassles entering into the U.S. We were detained in secondary while the dog records were checked out. They did not have a chip scanner.

.

Bajahowodd - 3-28-2011 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
Great I'll check out vagabundos right now. No unfortunately the gundogs have to stay here. She won't even let me bring one of them! I guess I better not argue though, she is letting me take her camping in Baja for our honeymoon!

How long have you known each other? Just seems to me that your soon to be wife is not as into dogs as you are. Just thinking that if such is the case, you really don't want to be opening that can of worms every morning on your honeymoon.

If it was me, I'd abide by her wishes. After all, once you return home, you have an insurance policy. :lol:

fishabductor - 3-28-2011 at 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
we always cross on sunday at tecate..ALWAYS....i don't like to push it too much so we go to el rosario the first day and stay at baja cactus then guerrero negro the next...mulege is then a half day out from there...those are approx. 9 hour days...consider staying at malarimmos hotel in G.N...they have an rv area too.

I always try to cross TJ on Sunday morning. I feel sunday is church day and there are less likely to be problems. Also most of the problems are probably hungover and sleeping it off.

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 04:27 PM

Bajahowodd: Oh she loves my bird dogs, she is just worried about leaving them at camp while we are out doing things. We usually take them everywhere we go. We are just getting married but we have lived together for 4 years, been together for 6. Should I be worried about leaving them at camp? I would leave them on short stake outs or I could always leave them in the van with the fan going and windows open.

don't leave toto in the car in the desert

mtgoat666 - 3-28-2011 at 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
Bajahowodd: Oh she loves my bird dogs, she is just worried about leaving them at camp while we are out doing things.

she sounds wise. if you want to get out and about in a city, or take off for a day of boating or bike riding, then leave toto at home.

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
or I could always leave them in the van with the fan going and windows open.

do you like your dog's brains fried or just hot and mushy?
don't you know baja is the desert?

I Just Changed My Advice

Gypsy Jan - 3-28-2011 at 04:41 PM

A honeymoon trip with cherished dogs camping in a strange place.

Leave them home or take one to guard your place and leave the dog in the locked camper. (You don't have Rottweilers.)

It would ruin your trip to be vandalized and lose your dog.

Dave - 3-28-2011 at 04:47 PM

Baja ain't the U.S. You can take your dogs with you most anywhere you go. Bars, restaurants, shopping. And if well behaved, not even a leash is necessary. My last baja dog never wore a leash...ever. I can't think of an occasion where you'd have to lock 'em up.

David K - 3-28-2011 at 04:50 PM

Welcome to Nomad... and don't get information overload... Just enjoy yourselves... don't be hard set on a destination... You will find a place that might warrent some time at... Baja is full of them.

Remember that your main use of 4WD will probably be in sand... and some Baja beach sand is very loose and even 4WD will get stuck...UNLESS, you DEFLATE your tires quite a bit...10-15 psi even... and you will be able to drive on. Then have a good electric pump to re-inflate once you are out of the sand.

Dogs are a good idea, and you will feel safer with them along!

BajaBound.com is a great source for Mexican auto insurance... and they (BajaGeoff) are regulars here on Nomad.

Top off your tanks (fill jerry cans too... don't enter Mexico with gas in jerry cans) at the Pemex in El Rosario (225 miles south of the border). The next Pemex is at Bahia de los Angeles or Villa Jesus Maria & Guerrero Negro... otherwise gas sold from cans is about a dollar/gallon more than Pemex. This is sold at Cataviña and the L.A. Bay junction.

The Baja Cactus Motel next to the El Rosario Pemex is a friendly Nomad rest stop if you need to 'clean up'... owned by a Baja Nomad who has helped so many of us over the years. Rooms are cheap and A-1 quality!

Again, have a great time and we look forward to your trip report upon your return!!!

[Edited on 3-28-2011 by David K]

fishabductor - 3-28-2011 at 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Top off your tanks (fill jerry cans too... don't enter Mexico with gas in jerry cans)

besides the law...fuel is approximately 1/2 the cost of what is in the states these days.

for that reason, I try and cross the border with less than a 1/4 tank. Why fuel up in SD when it'll cost you 2x as much for the same product south of the border?

[Edited on 3-28-2011 by fishabductor]

David K - 3-28-2011 at 04:59 PM

Yes, and Mexican gas is BETTER... not full of useless enviro additives that LOWERS your mileage... causing your to burn MORE fuel!

I always get 1-2 more MPG on Mexican gasoline! Just hope to find stations that don't cheat you by altering the fuel sold (very common)! The El Rosario Pemex is 100% honest.

Known dishonest stations include the downtown Santa Rosalia station on the west side of the road. (the good one is next to the harbor on the east side) and the Loreto Pemex on the entrance road... (the good one is on the north side, in town... ask directions).

mtgoat666 - 3-28-2011 at 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yes, and Mexican gas is BETTER... not full of useless enviro additives that LOWERS your mileage... causing your to burn MORE fuel!

i suppose it depends on how one defines "useless," eh?

Paulina - 3-28-2011 at 05:59 PM

A word of warning; If you take your dogs, be careful to not let them eat the dead puffer fish that wash up on the beaches. If your dogs are like mine, they will sniff out anything dead and want to munch on it. Puffer fish are poisonous and they will kill your dog.

P>*)))>{

Mike99km - 3-28-2011 at 06:12 PM

Prairiedrifter, welome!
We honeymooned in Baja as well. We woke up to whales spy hopping off of Punta Baja on our third morning married.
You have plenty of time to get to La Paz and back. Be careful with your trailer, the on coming trucks push a lot of wind. I have friends that have had the trailed clipped as the truck passed.
Also air-down the trailer when going through the sand.
You can take the dogs next time.
Go enjoy yourself, split the trip with a motel stay.
You might want to drive down and work your way back. Talk to the folks there,They will hook you up and give you better beta then this board. It will be current and you can look the person in the eye.
I would cross San Ysidro Sunday morning pick up the permits and motor to Santo Tomas or push it farther if you feel like. This is your trip, do with as you wish. If you would like to chat live or get better details u2u me.
I hope your trip and married life are good ones.
MMc

desertcpl - 3-28-2011 at 06:28 PM

just my input

why would you take your dogs on your honey moon,, maybe next time

DENNIS - 3-28-2011 at 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
It would ruin your trip to lose your dog.

That would be my most serious concern. Petnapping is a big problem here. Be careful.

fishabductor - 3-28-2011 at 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
It would ruin your trip to lose your dog.

That would be my most serious concern. Petnapping is a big problem here. Be careful.

this is sad but true...my buddy has had his dog kidnapped 3x.

I'd like to see them try it with my fila brasiliero :lol:

Prairiedrifter - 3-28-2011 at 09:06 PM

Well we talked about bringing a dog and she was ok with the idea but I have decided we don't need to take them. Thanks for all your imput guys. I will have more questions for you tomorrow, Im still uncertain about a few things.

fishabductor - 3-28-2011 at 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
A word of warning; If you take your dogs, be careful to not let them eat the dead puffer fish that wash up on the beaches. If your dogs are like mine, they will sniff out anything dead and want to munch on it. Puffer fish are poisonous and they will kill your dog.

P>*)))>{

this is also true...I lost my first gsp to a dead puffer/sea slug.

What a loss she was...A professionally trained birddog that I sent to school for 5 months...she was also the best dog I ever have had. That dog was a machine.

RIP Rallier vom Claire, aka Rally.

[Edited on 3-29-2011 by fishabductor]

good idea

capt. mike - 3-29-2011 at 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
Well we talked about bringing a dog and she was ok with the idea but I have decided we don't need to take them. Thanks for all your imput guys. I will have more questions for you tomorrow, Im still uncertain about a few things.

they'd be a hassle you don't need.
guessing short haired pointers? being a kansas bird man i'll wager.
that's what we raised growing up. lots of bird murder committed over the years quail to pheasants to ducks.

last thing i'd want with only 2 weeks driving baja is a large breed dog or 2 to keep track of.

bajabass - 3-29-2011 at 07:14 AM

Another vote to leave the pups at home. I brought my 2 y.o., male, tri-colored collie, Winston, to La Paz on my recent move south. He is a beautiful animal and seems to attract a lot of attention down here. A new friend dubbed him GM, for Gold Medal!
He and several others have warned me to keep a close eye on him. Seems like good looking dogs have a habit of "disappearing" down here!

Be careful down here! I drove from Ensenada to Cabo and back with my bride on our honeymoon in 2007. Now we live in La Paz! :spingrin:

Prairiedrifter - 3-30-2011 at 06:04 PM

Hey guys, didn't get a chance to post yesterday, I was busy finishing things up. We got on the road early! We are in Utah right now, we left last night. I just set up wireless hotspot on my phone so now I have internet on my laptop. Its great!

Can anyone tell me what the cell signal and 3g service is like in Baja? Am I dreaming? Also does anyone know if I can get the fmm and tourist permits at Tecate on Sunday?

Prairiedrifter - 3-30-2011 at 06:07 PM

Hey Capt. Mike, Sorry no short tailed bird dogs for me

I have a male and female english setter.

willyAirstream - 3-30-2011 at 07:23 PM

You can get your FMM on Sunday at Tecate. Opens at 8am I think. I had to wake the guy up at 8, then wait while he made and drank a coffee, 20 minutes, paperwork takes 5 minutes. They will ask you to go to a bank on Monday or asap. Carry that receipt with your FMM. Have fun!!

Bob H - 3-30-2011 at 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
just my input

why would you take your dogs on your honey moon,, maybe next time

This is modern day.... most couples have been together already before marriage. Bring the dogs! For sure!!!
Bob H

David K - 3-30-2011 at 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
Hey guys, didn't get a chance to post yesterday, I was busy finishing things up. We got on the road early! We are in Utah right now, we left last night. I just set up wireless hotspot on my phone so now I have internet on my laptop. Its great!

Can anyone tell me what the cell signal and 3g service is like in Baja? Am I dreaming? Also does anyone know if I can get the fmm and tourist permits at Tecate on Sunday?

FMM is the Tourist Card... You can get one any time the border is open... PAYING for it at Tecate being the problem! Only 7 days or less is free... Over that, then it is $20 some dollars and the officer CANNOT take the money...! It has to be paid at a BANK or special bank teller (like at the Tijuana border). AFTER it is paid you go BACK to the INM officer at the border to have it VALIDATED with a STAMP.

The only bank in Tecate close to the border is two long, downhill blocks away... and who knows their hours or days open?

Sure, you can take an unpaid FMM... and pay it later somewhere else in Mexico... But it won't be validated technically... and have you seen how slow lines are in Mexican banks??? Do you really want to spend two hours in a bank? Tijuana has a 24/7 bank teller only for the FMM payment. The road from Tijuana south is WELL signed 'ENSENADA SCENIC HWY.' and PLAYAS and ROSARITO... Unless you are blind, you cannot get lost... Even any detour is well signed.

ok

capt. mike - 3-31-2011 at 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
Hey Capt. Mike, Sorry no short tailed bird dogs for me

I have a male and female english setter.

but can they hunt? :lol:

every setter i was ever around needed that drug you give hyper kids, but the dog version. Ritenol? :lol:

BajaBlanca - 3-31-2011 at 01:46 PM

note !! they are doing raod work in TJ - we just came thru yesterday - follow the detour and if youhave a GPS, set it for TJ and look for the main road that follows the US/MEXICO border ... you are looking for signs that say (LIKE dAVID MENTIONED)

ENSENADA SCENIC HIGHWAY and PLAYAS/ROSARITO

also - there are militrary checkpoints where the soldiers have automatic rifles. do not get upset - this is the norm altho it can be very disconcerting. they are going to ask - where are you coming from (maybe just say san diego since they will NOT know kansas

and then they will ask where you are going. perhaps answer la paz to that one. simple.

they may ask you to step out of the vehicle. again this is a cursory check for drugs or weapons and it is the norm.

please be sure to visit bahia asuncion as the beaches are quite amazing and look for SHARI. she is the bomb there and can get you setup at any beach for camping - snorkeling - whale watching ...

come visit us in la bocana - just because we are nice folks :biggrin:

and we have a killer restaurant run by Joaquin who is a fantastic chef ... and we love honeymooners :bounce:

I highly recommend crossing at Tijuana - it is so fast and they speak English and you can pay up right there 365 and 24/7.

Have a safe and wonderful trip !! don't forget the passports ....

DENNIS - 3-31-2011 at 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
Ritenol? :lol:

RITALIN...maybe?

tiotomasbcs - 3-31-2011 at 02:47 PM

Information overload!

Vagabundos /Discover Baja will sell car insurance and issue FMM tourist cards--in San Diego! The Pacific coast is cold this time of the year! Fogged in thick today till around 10am. Water freezing cold/low mid 60sBbrrrr! Asuncion/Abre probably the same. Sea of Cortez warm and air temps in the 80s. Don't overplan as the real joy is the journey and its discoveries! :tumble:

Tio

mulegemichael - 3-31-2011 at 02:56 PM

sorry blanca...i disagree with you about crossing at tj...tecate is absolutely hassle free and quick.....and hey, drifter..a word of advise...i see you are a bird hunter..before you cross the border, check your vehicle for ANY errant ammo that you might have carried in it while hunting...one time a while back i was stopped and my vehicle was searched and they found a 30.06 cartridge buried deep in my glovebox...they gave me quite the time over it...it is absolutely forbidden to have weapons or ammo in your car...just a word to the wise as it's a jailable offence.

David K - 3-31-2011 at 03:01 PM

Again, these folks need a valid FMM... which they can get in Tecate... but can't pay for it at the border... what a hassle!

1) Tijuana has a 24/7 bank teller to pay for the thing... or

2) Get a pre-paid one at Discover Baja and then any border, incl. Tecate can validate it... Unless

3) Like one Nomad posted... the border official doesn't accept the pre-paid one as legitimate and makes you get another one!

BajaBlanca - 3-31-2011 at 03:19 PM

It has gotten so cold/foggy on the Pacific - so, tiotomasbcs - you are right on....ummmm do you have a free room for us to pay you a visit for a couple of days ????

Mike - Tj is such a breeze to go through nowadays .... we have done it three times recently for those who needed it ...they speak English and are friendly and fast .... nothing like in the past !!

It is overload on info until you cross the border and hopefully it all falls into place smooooooothly !!

David K - 3-31-2011 at 03:57 PM

My ABCs of Baja travel:

A) I feel good when I cross into Mexico... let the fun begin!

B) I feel better once I am south of Ensenada/ Maneadero... out of the cities and into the country!

C) I get excited when I see boojum trees (this is a few miles from El Rosario)... like I have arrived in Oz (or some new planet)!

D) I am on Cloud 9 when I leave the pavement and start dowa a dirt road!

The real Baja close to you

mcfez - 4-4-2011 at 02:26 PM

You'll find that Bay of los Angeles is a great sleepy of a town. Fairly new paved road to the bay from the highway. Incredible views.

Great place for a honeymoon. You couldnt ask for a better spot, they supply free use of kayakes, have direct contact with sportsfishing outfits, Diving and Snorkeling, much more. Graham Mackintosh (Author of many Baja books) used this place as base camp for his book "marooned with very little beer":

www.villabahia.com

From this spot.....a day away, and a fantastic drive...go to Gonzaga Bay. There is no city like BS at these places.

A secret fishing hole:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48757#pid5618...

Trigger fish:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48739#pid5616...

Gonzaga Bay

gonzaba bay settlement.jpg - 48kB

Someone say bird dog???

estebanis - 4-4-2011 at 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
Hey Capt. Mike, Sorry no short tailed bird dogs for me

I have a male and female english setter.

Have you heard of a Small Munsterlander? I have one named "Simon the Wonderdog" Great hunting dog and companion...

fishabductor - 4-4-2011 at 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by estebanis

Quote:

Originally posted by Prairiedrifter
Hey Capt. Mike, Sorry no short tailed bird dogs for me

I have a male and female english setter.

Have you heard of a Small Munsterlander? I have one named "Simon the Wonderdog" Great hunting dog and companion...

what do you hunt with the Munsterlander? I ran GSP's before moving to baja, when I lived in MT. Now indy only runs on the beach.

In Baja... I now run a Fila Brasiliero/Dogo Argentino and a Rhodesian Rhidgeback...but for different reasons. But they can't keep up with the GSP...but what can?

805gregg - 4-5-2011 at 06:40 PM

Don't cross at TJ go to Tecate and remember this is not Kansas.

BajaBlanca - 4-6-2011 at 02:55 PM

We did TJ a week ago - easy as pie and we had to stop at immigration as well .... quick and mega fast even with a full load on our pickup (as always).

bajabass - 4-6-2011 at 03:05 PM

From near the coast, TJ is by far better heading south, marked, FMM, money exchange, ect. Headed out, any crossing is better than TJ at the wrong time!!

David K - 4-6-2011 at 03:10 PM

Right, TJ southbound (specially if you need tourist cards 24/7), Tecate northbound.

BajaBlanca - 4-6-2011 at 03:45 PM

yes, yes and yes. altho we do TJ northbound since we are not in a hurry after spending a night in Ensenada and having a wonderful breakfast ....

Bajahowodd - 4-6-2011 at 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Right, TJ southbound (specially if you need tourist cards 24/7), Tecate northbound.

That is exactly what we've done many times. TJ best going South. Sometimes, we'll do Otay headed North. Seems to me that the total time headed North between Otay and Tecate ultimately works out about the same by the time folks such as us hit I-5. The diff is the time spent in line versus the time driving through the mountains.

If for no other reason, the beauty of the ride between Ensenada and Tecate, the ruta de vino, should be at least experienced once.

David K - 4-6-2011 at 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Right, TJ southbound (specially if you need tourist cards 24/7), Tecate northbound.

How I look at it is my car/truck is running, and I like to drive it.

So, between sitting in line with all that exhaust or a mountain road drive and a shorter wait (usually, but not always)... I pick the drive.

Woooosh - 4-6-2011 at 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
We did TJ a week ago - easy as pie and we had to stop at immigration as well .... quick and mega fast even with a full load on our pickup (as always).

A section of the via rapida (road that runs from San Ysidro to Playas Tijuana toll booth) is closed southbound for repaving and you are directed up a windy street to get around it. That might not be fun with an RV and toys behind it. Don't know when the road will be done- but it's been like this for a few weeks now. Another route might be better.

Pompano - 4-6-2011 at 04:58 PM

Reminds me of a similar happening a long time ago, Prairiedrifter....read your U2U message from a plainsman.