BajaNomad - Corvette from Canada to La Paz

Corvette from Canada to La Paz

bennme - 4-10-2011 at 07:47 AM

Hi Folks,
I'm brand new to this site and in the process of a permanent retirement to my new home in La Paz from Kelowna, BC, Canada.

Call me crazy but I am driving my 72 Corvette down in Monday, April 11 and plan to take 4 Days. I will overnight in San Diego before starting the leg of the Baja and would really appreciate your input and to any adverse road conditions and how far you recommend I travel on the first part of the leg. I would like to get about 12 hours driving in. Where would that most likely put me at day's end and can you recommend a good town and motel with secure parking overnight? I would hope on the second day of the leg to make La Paz. A friend has told me about a 200-250 mile stretch of #1 without Pemex stations. Can anyone be more specific as to this location?

Any advice/tips is greatly appreciated..................Keith

baronvonbob - 4-10-2011 at 07:51 AM

Pretty aggresive schedule

woody with a view - 4-10-2011 at 07:51 AM

remember these words:

VADO (dip in the road for water crossings)
TOPE or REDUCTOR DE VELOCIDAD

otherwise known as 12" tall speedbumps on the highway, sometimes marked, sometimes not.....

have fun.

[Edited on 4-10-2011 by woody with a view]

bennme - 4-10-2011 at 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by baronvonbob
Pretty aggresive schedule

OK, that's what I want to hear. How many miles/hours can I expect to do in a day once I hit the Baja? It's not so much a pleasure trip as it is to get my car down to La Paz and fly back to Canada to get my main rig/trailer....thanks......Keith

baronvonbob - 4-10-2011 at 08:08 AM

David K will probably step up and give you a better map and time detail!

bennme - 4-10-2011 at 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
remember these words:

VADO (dip in the road for water crossings)
TOPE or REDUCTOR DE VELOCIDAD

otherwise known as 12" tall speedbumps on the highway, sometimes marked, sometimes not.....

have fun.

[Edited on 4-10-2011 by woody with a view]

Thanks, I have driven from La Paz to Cabo so do know somewhat about these but they still take me by suprise and I appreciate the refresher. A friend even advised me that there is one marked with a driver's expletive.

gnukid - 4-10-2011 at 08:12 AM

check the oil

goldhuntress - 4-10-2011 at 08:20 AM

I think the longest stretch without a Pemex is from El Rosario to Jesus Marie. I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong :spingrin:

It's doable in 2 days, just not much time to do anything else. If you leave early from SD you can get to Guerrero Negro then head out early again for La Paz. I've done that a couple of times. Once I left Los Angeles area at 4am once and drove all the way to Mulege. I only had 10 days and had to make the most of it, certainly don't recommend it.

vandenberg - 4-10-2011 at 08:22 AM

bennme,
from SD to La Paz is roughly 925 miles, easily drivable in 2 days, if you drive long hours. Guerrero Negro comes closest to halfway and has good accommodations. If you make it to either San Ignacio or Santa Rosalia, it will make for an easy final day. Good accommodations there also.
Don't drive after dark and watch out for speedbumps,which could raise havoc with a "vette".
Have a safe trip. We won't be very far behind you. :biggrin:

Matter of fact "Can't wait" :no:

baronvonbob - 4-10-2011 at 08:23 AM

The road issue is visibility and how low the vehicle is. any night driving to make that time frame cna be interesting. One unseen pothole could be a REAL ISSUE.

bennme - 4-10-2011 at 08:35 AM

I won't be doing any night driving and Geurrero Negro sounds like a good target for the first night. I read on another older forum that Millarimos (sp?) is a good overnight secure spot. Can anyone confirm this? ...........thanks,,Keith

vandenberg - 4-10-2011 at 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
I won't be doing any night driving and Geurrero Negro sounds like a good target for the first night. I read on another older forum that Millarimos (sp?) is a good overnight secure spot. Can anyone confirm this? ...........thanks,,Keith

Mallarimo is a good spot and also Las Carracoles and the Cowboy motel. All good and in the same price range.

Russ - 4-10-2011 at 08:43 AM

You'll do the whole range of speed for 0 to 70+. I figure 50mph average. Punta Chivato turn off (Palo Verde) is right at 600 miles from the boarder and average time is 12 hours for me. So Mulege would be in your reach. Some one that knows about Mulege will chime in with a nice place to stay there. La Paz is an easy 8 hours or less from there.

El Jefe - 4-10-2011 at 09:03 AM

Russ is right about the 50mph average speed. Maybe in the Vette you can average 53?? It will be a great drive. The road is in better shape than ever. Fast straightaways and fun curvy sections. Just don't get c-cky.

GN is a good midway stop and the recommended motels are all fine.

Have a great trip!

DENNIS - 4-10-2011 at 09:03 AM

You have to watch this movie first:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077372/

WHY A VETTE

desertcpl - 4-10-2011 at 09:18 AM

I dont understand your choice of vehicles. I would think that your just asking for problems
theft would be one
speed bumps would be another one
Pot holes

driving a flashy car like this. it would be like wearing alot of gold and expensive jewelry, I sure wouldnt do it

stevelaubly - 4-10-2011 at 09:26 AM

My biggest worry in your situation would be getting mugged for the car.

longlegsinlapaz - 4-10-2011 at 09:33 AM

Can he assume that the recently reported rains in Norte has been minimal....no flooding or sections of road washed out? Any currently known detours, where he might be forced have to do some "off-roading"???

David K - 4-10-2011 at 09:58 AM

The long stretch is between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria or Guerrero Negro (if Maria is closed).

El Rosario is 225 miles/ 5 hours from the border... TOP the tank here. The Pemex station is owned by a Baja Nomad and has honest pumps...

Villa Jesus Maria is 209 miles from El Rosario... However, there are 2 or more 'independent' gas dealers between those towns, selling out of cans at about a dollar over Pemex pricing. If your range is 250 miles or more per tank, then you are fine... Just never pass up a chance to top off when you are down a half a tank or more. Sometimes stations run out or will be closed.

The country is beautiful. and it is too bad you need to rush through in such a short time.

In San Ignacio, and do take the mile side trip into town to see the oasis and mission, there is a bed & breakfast run by Canadians called Ignacio Springs, with deluxe yurts... See photos on the second ay of our trio through there in 2009: http://vivabaja.com/709

San Ignacio is about 600 miles from the border and an exact 12 hour drive at the 50 mph average you can expect, including stops and the military inspections looking for drugs, guns, ammo.

[Edited on 4-10-2011 by David K]

BillP - 4-10-2011 at 09:58 AM

Seems to me in something a low slung as a 'vette, some of the topes will be a major issue.

BajaBlanca - 4-10-2011 at 10:09 AM

I say see how you are faring when you get to G Negro (Malarrimo has an excellent restaurant and I hear there is now free wi-fi)

IF it is light outside still AND you are good to go - do the extra miles til San Ignacio and stay with Juanita at CASA LEREE. She is peaceful and inexpensive and there is a free museum/craft shop with Baja books for sale.

http://www.casaleree.com

Good luck on your move and welcome to BajaNomads, Keith from Canada !!

Remember to get your FMM right at the border in TJ. Takes maybe 10 min.

David K - 4-10-2011 at 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
I say see how you are faring when you get to G Negro (Malarrimo has an excellent restaurant and I hear there is now free wi-fi)

IF it is light outside still AND you are good to go - do the extra miles til San Ignacio and stay with Juanita at CASA LEREE. She is peaceful and inexpensive and there is a free museum/craft shop with Baja books for sale.

http://www.casaleree.com

Good luck on your move and welcome to BajaNomads, Keith from Canada !!

Remember to get your FMM right at the border in TJ. Takes maybe 10 min.

Nice idea... right off the town plaza by the mission!

I read this in his post: "... permanent retirement to my new home in La Paz"

So, he must already be an immigrant to Mexico with an FM-3 or FM-2 type visa? FMM is a tourist card, and tourist are only in Mexico on vacation, then go back home (Canada or U.S.) leaving nothing of theirs behind in Mexico.

chrisx - 4-10-2011 at 10:23 AM

did you consider renting a trailer and towing the vet down?

Baja roads are not made for low clearance vehicles

All parts will come in the mail, which takes time

Cypress - 4-10-2011 at 11:52 AM

bennme, Welcome aboard! Topes. Beware! But they're only in "towns". On the open road vados will send you airborn if you're making good time. Potholes? Cattle? Bicycles? Keep your eyes open. Good luck.

Barbarosa - 4-10-2011 at 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The long stretch is between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria or Guerrero Negro (if Maria is closed).

El Rosario is 225 miles/ 5 hours from the border... TOP the tank here. The Pemex station is owned by a Baja Nomad and has honest pumps...

Villa Jesus Maria is 209 miles from El Rosario... However, there are 2 or more 'independent' gas dealers between those towns, selling out of cans at about a dollar over Pemex pricing. If your range is 250 miles or more per tank, then you are fine... Just never pass up a chance to top off when you are down a half a tank or more. Sometimes stations run out or will be closed.

The country is beautiful. and it is too bad you need to rush through in such a short time.

In San Ignacio, and do take the mile side trip into town to see the oasis and mission, there is a bed & breakfast run by Canadians called Ignacio Springs, with deluxe yurts... See photos on the second ay of our trio through there in 2009: http://vivabaja.com/709

San Ignacio is about 600 miles from the border and an exact 12 hour drive at the 50 mph average you can expect, including stops and the military inspections looking for drugs, guns, ammo.

First of all, crazy for driving an old 'Vette down there? I wouldn't say crazy but it better be in very good running order.

All of the above advice is great. Regarding the long stretch between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria, if you're good for 225 miles, then head all the way into Guerrero Negro. Otherwise, there's guys with gas cans at Catavina (75 miles south) and at the Bahia de Los Angeles Jct. (140 miles). I've bought gas there many times without problem. The price is reasonable, the gas is fine and they've always been there when needed. I just top up at Catavina and don't worry further about it.

Does your car prefer premium gas? Lots of stations won't have it (won't have the pump (look for the red sign) or won't have gas in their tank).

Be sure to get the AAA driving map of Baja (free to any AAA member). Got all the mileages and all the gas pumps.

I agree about San Ignacio. Definitely not a place to fly past. And about the comments about the overall pace. I consider 3 days an absolute minimum.

Accommodations? The Desert Inns are a good bet for a traveling newbie Gringo. Kinda a Best Western south of the border. (The one in Catavina is now Hotel Mision Catavina.) There's also a nice one in San Ignacio. And I've certainly heard good things about those yurts.

In Guerrero Negro I'd choose Malarrimo (or Cowboy, liked by many here) over Desert Inn. In Mulege, Hotel Serenidad just south of town by the airstrip is pretty nice. But be sure to get down into town. I would consider the parking reasonably secure in any one of these places I've mentioned. Just went down through there on my Harley and honestly didn't even think the bike needed to be locked at all. I certainly didn't cable it to anything.

The federalies aren't much of an issue going south. They're much more intrusive (just means more time) when northbound.

JESSE - 4-10-2011 at 12:56 PM

I did Tijuana to Mulege in one day, then Mulege to La Paz the next. Road is pretty good, just a lot of cattle from Cataviña to Guerrero negro.

Barbarosa - 4-10-2011 at 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

In San Ignacio, and do take the mile side trip into town to see the oasis and mission

Gotta add one more thing about this. Some of you recall the photo log of my recent run down there

http://papaboop.smugmug.com/Travel/Baja-With-Barbarosa

So go here (this is pic # 102)

http://papaboop.smugmug.com/Travel/Baja-With-Barbarosa/15966...

(you gotta fix the wordwrap)

That's a picture of Scotty, a scooter tramp we met on The San Ignacio Town Square, right across the street from The Mission.

He's been kicking around the US and a bunch in Baja on that bike for the past 14 years and 400,000 miles. And until this past February 7, he had never discovered San Ignacio. Amazing. (Nobody had ever told him to turn off the highway.)

This story took another unusual turn. A month later, in early March I was out in Beaumont, TX (that's 10 miles from Louisana) visiting another biker bud, Dale. Regaling him and his bride with tales of Baja. And cranked up the slide show. And I get to pic #102. And they say in unison and with considerable surprise: "Hey, that's Scotty." Seems that 'coupla years ago Scotty was riding thru Beaumont and had a serious problem with his bike. Got hooked up with Dale and hung at his place for awhile as his bike got fixed. Small world, indeed.

bennme - 4-10-2011 at 04:10 PM

Wow, thanks for all the info folks. Well, highway driving is not new to me, I drove a tractor rig from Calgary to Laredo Tx and back to Vancouver so I am used to long days. Also as far as the vettte being bandido bait, I certainly take that under advisement but wonder about harleys, hummers, mercedes and other cars us folks drive down that way. I'm not shy to the world, I am a retired policeman so do have a bit of experience. I plan to take things slow, and if it takes another day, so be it, I just have to be on the plane from Cabo on Sunday afternoon.

I'll copy this thread to take with me....thanks again folks..........Keith

bajabass - 4-10-2011 at 04:55 PM

I will agree with Jesse. The road is in great shape, and I would volunteer to drive a '72 Vette to La Paz right now! Hopefully a big-block 4 speed with air! :yes:

I have driven from the O.C. to Mulege in a day, several times! The Serinidad is as safe a place as any, then La Paz is a fun drive the next day.
Do take much more time driving the rig down and enjoy! Say 2 weeks, since you went from S.D. to La Paz in 2 days, you can justify the time. :lol:

gnukid - 4-10-2011 at 05:22 PM

Tires are more expensive in baja, if you need some get them before you go as well needed service on bearings, ball joints, alignment etc...

1972 Corvette Stingray

El Camote - 4-10-2011 at 05:38 PM

I remember drooling over one of these on the Chevy dealer's car lot on the way home from school. $6K was a lot of dough-re-mi back then...

1972-corvette.jpg - 38kB

bajabass - 4-10-2011 at 05:44 PM

Hey guys, it is either a small block or big block Chevy. A Turbo 350 or 400 trans, and basic Chev parts through and through. In good condition, go and have a blast! If it breaks, it will get fixed.

tiotomasbcs - 4-10-2011 at 05:53 PM

How does the warning Go...Este Camino no es de Alta Velocidad! High speed is not recommended unless you know the road! Banking, road construction, etc will mean you should use moderate speed! Cows, Goats, etc will also grab your attention. Cruise that Vette and arrive on time!1 Have fun! Tio

Barbarosa - 4-10-2011 at 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Tires are more expensive in baja, if you need some get them before you go as well needed service on bearings, ball joints, alignment etc...

How about "If you need..." or can anticipate any conceivable maintenance...? It's wild and wooly (and very much fun!) down there. But problems, esp mechanical in nature, can be,... well,... very problematic.

The closest thing we have in the US is Highway 50 across Nevada. Except with no resources to -- in the case of Nevada -- the north or south.

One thing newbies would probably not appreciate is that there's countless cases of poor sight lines and absolutely NO shoulder. Not a great place for a breakdown. The only good news is the light traffic and improbability of 2 vehicles converging at that moment. But then steps in Murphy.

gnukid - 4-10-2011 at 07:04 PM

Presumably the motor is late model chevy along with the tranny, those can be replaced or fixed hours anywhere in baja.

I have more trouble and higher costs getting mechanics to carefully repair ball joints, wheel bearings, balance and install tires and basic alignment issues. La Paz has tons of mechanics, tire shops and so forth, but tires are expensive and possibly factory seconds.

The biggest problems I have run into is when some girl waves and I pull over off the shoulder and the road edge tears apart the muffler or some other piece of the underbody, then I end up living in that town with no muffler, I would advise never risk pulling over without a clear and obvious flat pull out. And if you go off the road by accident do not try to swerve back on, that's where tires get shredded on the rough shoulder.

Barbarosa - 4-10-2011 at 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid

The biggest problems I have run into is when some girl waves and I pull over off the shoulder and the road edge tears apart the muffler or some other piece of the underbody, then I end up living in that town with no muffler

LOL! Gotta hate when that happens. Oh, for lack of a muffler!

Wrt repairs in La Paz, I agree I wouldn't worry too much about after he gets there (piece o' cake). I'm thinking of the 900 miles inbetween.

Doug/Vamonos - 4-10-2011 at 08:36 PM

What a bunch of old freekin' guys on this site! This is the freekin' GumBall Rally. Go for it! Put the pedal to the metal and run that bad boy the distance! I once had a 69 Firebird that I transplanted a 455 and 4-speed Muncie and did a lot of suspension work. Took that bad boy for a drive from SoCal to Monterey up Highway 1 and what a freekin' blast. Might as well have been Riverside Raceway in 1969. I know I never got more than 8mpg because I was in it the entire way. My dream is to take a muscle car for a blast down the Baja peninsula. Bring enough money to pay off the federales and go for it!

honda tom - 4-10-2011 at 08:55 PM

Cross the border before sunrise, maybe 4or 5am, most thieves are now asleep. Then burn it to san Quintin for a mid morn snack... be in mulege or loreto before sundown. Easy drive the next day to la paz. Road conditions are not a concern for the vette. Just did this trip in Nov. and the road is best ever!

[Edited on 4-11-2011 by honda tom]

David K - 4-10-2011 at 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tiotomasbcs
How does the warning Go...Este Camino no es de Alta Velocidad! High speed is not recommended unless you know the road! Banking, road construction, etc will mean you should use moderate speed! Cows, Goats, etc will also grab your attention. Cruise that Vette and arrive on time!1 Have fun! Tio

David K - 4-10-2011 at 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
Wow, thanks for all the info folks. Well, highway driving is not new to me, I drove a tractor rig from Calgary to Laredo Tx and back to Vancouver so I am used to long days. Also as far as the vettte being bandido bait, I certainly take that under advisement but wonder about harleys, hummers, mercedes and other cars us folks drive down that way. I'm not shy to the world, I am a retired policeman so do have a bit of experience. I plan to take things slow, and if it takes another day, so be it, I just have to be on the plane from Cabo on Sunday afternoon.

I'll copy this thread to take with me....thanks again folks..........Keith

Mexico Hwy. 1 is not like our highways. Specially from San Quintin (Km. 0) south... except where (after almost 40 years, they are widening a few sections)... it is only 19 feet wide, often with no shoulders or possible pullouts (ie. cliffs)... and you must share the road with semis, busses, RVs pulling boats, idiots on bicycles, wild burros, cattle, and maybe a chupacabra or two!!!

The point is, it is more stressfull driving in Baja on Mex. 1 when you do encounter any of the above... so it needs to be considered a low speed highway for many parts.

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

bennme - 4-10-2011 at 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by El Camote
I remember drooling over one of these on the Chevy dealer's car lot on the way home from school. $6K was a lot of dough-re-mi back then...

well, mine is the orange one on the left only in better shape, sbc 350/350hp, 4spd muncie, gymkhana susp. fully retored/modified so I'm hoping she'll do just fine. I appreciate all your input and for the positive feedback. It's 11:10pm PDT here and the vette is almost all packed and ready for an early morning launch. Thanks for all the good wishes and hope to see y'all in La Paz..........thanks for the pics!...................Keith

[Edited on 4-11-2011 by bennme]

Barbarosa - 4-10-2011 at 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug/Vamonos
What a bunch of old freekin' guys on this site! This is the freekin' GumBall Rally. Go for it! Put the pedal to the metal and run that bad boy the distance! I once had a 69 Firebird that I transplanted a 455 and 4-speed Muncie and did a lot of suspension work. Took that bad boy for a drive from SoCal to Monterey up Highway 1 and what a freekin' blast. Might as well have been Riverside Raceway in 1969. I know I never got more than 8mpg because I was in it the entire way. My dream is to take a muscle car for a blast down the Baja peninsula. Bring enough money to pay off the federales and go for it!

Maybe you're right. But it's just too glorious to just blast thru without necessity. At some point you realize the merits of posies and such.

me too

BFS - 4-11-2011 at 09:16 AM

2nd in line after Bajabass as volunteer to drive this baby down!!!!!

fishingmako - 4-11-2011 at 11:34 AM

Mexicans are not really into sports cars, so I wouldn't worry about theft, also not as a put down, but you can buy this year VETTE for a song and a dance, the price for that year is??

Bajatripper - 4-11-2011 at 06:51 PM

Sounds like a great trip to me. I brought my '67 Alfa Romeo Duetto (which can't be any higher than your Vette) from Oak Harbor, Washington down to La Paz last summer and had no issues with the road, bumps, topes or anything else. We easily made it from San Diego to Guerrero Negro on the first day and were home in La Paz by late afternoon on the second. Enjoy the trip and prepare yourself for lots of attention, we don't see too many of those types of cars in these parts and people do appreciate the opportunity to see something different. You may also be interested in showing it at one of the classic auto shows they put on at the malecon once or twice a year.

As for worrying about theft, I wouldn't think that such a car would be a high target down here--except perhaps for a joy rider. It isn't like there's much of a re-sale or parts market for that vehicle, and where would one drive it and not get spotted right away?

[Edited on 4-12-2011 by Bajatripper]

Bajatripper - 4-11-2011 at 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako
Mexicans are not really into sports cars, so I wouldn't worry about theft, also not as a put down, but you can buy this year VETTE for a song and a dance, the price for that year is??

Mexicans are not into sports cars? Really? That certainly hasn't been my experience in Mexico, and over the years I've driven several cars that would qualify.

I think that men the world over (note, I didn't say "every man in the world") are hard-wired for sports cars, it's just that most countries don't have the economy to offer them the chance to indulge themselves (sports cars are a very selfish means of personal transportation). In fact, somewhere out there is a Corvette from the 1960s that is known as "El Presidente" and is worth a fortune precisely because it was special ordered by a Mexican president.

And, as for the "value" (or lack of) you assign to the car, that seems like an uncalled-for remark. It's about the experience, not the cost of the car.

A slight case of sour grapes, perhaps?

[Edited on 4-12-2011 by Bajatripper]

Barbarosa - 4-11-2011 at 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
people do appreciate the opportunity to see something different.

As for worrying about theft, I wouldn't think that such a car would be a high target down here--except perhaps for a joy rider. It isn't like there's much of a re-sale or parts market for that vehicle, and where would one drive it and not get spotted right away?

They *do* love the Gringo machines on the road!

And I totally agree about where in hell would they hide it?

To boot (discounting the cartels), they are a way better behaved society than we are.

Bajatripper - 4-11-2011 at 07:19 PM

Quote:

when some girl waves and I pull over off the shoulder

I would advise never risk pulling over without a clear and obvious flat pull out.

Now that would all depend on how cute the girl is! :lol:

DENNIS - 4-11-2011 at 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barbarosa
To boot (discounting the cartels), they are a way better behaved society than we are.

Really??? Based on what? Are you up to date with the demographics of the more seamy side of society in Mexico [discounting cartels] compared to similar groups in the US?

It has been my first hand understanding that most expats with which I have contact here have absolutly no idea of the amount or degree of crime in their own neighborhood given that most of them are incommunicado by choice. If they were able to read a newspaper or understand the TV news, they would be out of here in no time.

Barbarosa - 4-11-2011 at 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Barbarosa
To boot (discounting the cartels), they are a way better behaved society than we are.

Really? Stunning!

"Based on what?" Entirely anecdotal to be sure. In *all* my many travels down there they are polite respectful people. Doesn't mean there's those among them who won't try to help themselves to a few pesos making change at the gas pump.

But I find them warm friendly extremely courteous folks who want us to have a good time (and are happy to have that time with us).

Maybe it's just me. But that's my view of Baja. Not counting the border and not counting Cabo. Way back then, and even now.

gnukid - 4-11-2011 at 09:55 PM

Goes something like this...

Barbarosa - 4-11-2011 at 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Goes something like this...
<snipped>

SCARY!

I think I'll pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

MitchMan - 4-12-2011 at 10:07 AM

I find the locals to be kind, very helpful, very friendly, non judgemental, resourceful, generous, and lazy and remiss. In the Mexican culture, you are emotionally safe. That's why many Americans like Mexico. It is the government agency people and sales people that suck.

I don't hold laziness or being remiss against the locals because, well, that is why I go down there 10 times a year...because I want to be lazy and remiss. I see being successfully lazy and remiss as an artform and virtue and as the ultimate intelligent way to live out your remaining years.

If you're going to make the trip from San Diego to La Paz, don't do it in two days. All things considered, it's too dangerous to do it that fast, plus, you miss the point about being in Mexico. 2 and a half days is safe and comfortable. In Mexico, it's all about "smelling the roses".

[Edited on 4-12-2011 by MitchMan]

Barbarosa - 4-12-2011 at 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
I find the locals to be kind, very helpful, very friendly, non judgemental, resourceful, generous, and lazy and remiss. In the Mexican culture, you are emotionally safe. That's why many Americans like Mexico. It is the government agency people and sales people that suck.

I don't hold laziness or being remiss against the locals because, well, that is why I go down there 10 times a year...because I want to be lazy and remiss. I see being successfully lazy and remiss as an artform and virtue and as the ultimate intelligent way to live out your remaining years.

In Mexico, it's all about "smelling the roses".

The nature of the people, spot on.

The characterization of the gov't employees? And this distinguishes them from the US HOW? <h>

Lazy? Well, I just consider it mostly a cultural difference. We have different values in that regard. I choose ours, but I don't know that we're right and they're wrong on that one.

I for one totally applaud siestas!!!

DENNIS - 4-12-2011 at 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
I find the locals to be kind, very helpful, very friendly, non judgemental, resourceful, generous,

In your glaring generalization, Mitch, you forgot "Cute and unpredictable."

Actually, this is a good example of selective evaluation. When is the last time you looked for these traits in your US neighborhood?
Maybe never. We tend to overlook that which we understand as the norm. There are many who live in Anaheim who have never been to Disneyland, or New Yorkers who have never visited the Statue of Liberty. They know it's there, but they don't really know the place.

Another thing before I crack my first beer.....I'm willing to go all in by saying most who see these traits as dominant characteristics of a people are unable to speak and reason with them in their language...at least past the grunting and pointing stage. To them, the Mexican people are just like Disneyland is to the people mentioned above who know they're there, but don't really know them.

drarroyo - 4-12-2011 at 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
I find the locals to be kind, very helpful, very friendly, non judgemental, resourceful, generous,

hey gramps (grumps)... don't you have some kids to shoo from your front lawn??

DENNIS - 4-12-2011 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drarroyo
hey gramps (grumps)... don't you have some kids to shoo from your front lawn??

That's something you should seriously consider doing instead of inviting them in, Padre.

bajabass - 4-12-2011 at 01:08 PM

:lol:

Barbarosa - 4-12-2011 at 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by drarroyo
hey gramps (grumps)... don't you have some kids to shoo from your front lawn??

That's something you should seriously consider doing instead of inviting them in, Padre.

I'll admit I don't know youse guys here very well, yet. (I no doubt know Baja better than I know youse.) But to you (Dennis) I think you live in a pretty dark world. And much as I hate to be judgmental, I'm pretty sure I like my life better than I'd like yours. There's a lot of wonderful people out there.

C'mon, everyone sing (remember the Disneyland reference?)
IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL! [REPEAT]
(SEG)

DENNIS - 4-12-2011 at 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barbarosa
But to you (Dennis) I think you live in a pretty dark world. And much as I hate to be judgmental, I'm pretty sure I like my life better than I'd like yours. There's a lot of wonderful people out there.

Well...that was pretty much a large part of my point. Didn't realize I presented it in such a cryptic fashion as to lose you completely.
Point, again, was, one doesn't have to dive into the confusion of a foreign culture to find high quality in people. These traits are everywhere in people to be found if you want to find them.

There are parts of my above statement that you have chosen to ignore and that leaves me to believe it's all over your head to comprehend. I'll leave you to wander around here in your cultural goo and extract what you think is virtue from a people you can't begin to decipher, but because of your self-appointed position of superiority, believe you have that Rosetta Stone in your hands.

Don't spend any more of your pointless time heaping evaluations upon me. They're just a lame cop-out to your lack of knowledge of a culture you claim to have all figuered out. Your efforts would be better spent toward anthropology than criticism. Perhaps then you might see Mexicans as a complex human being rather than a breed of loyal, well trained dog.

Now....until you have something constructive to say, don't.

Barbarosa - 4-12-2011 at 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Well...that was pretty much a large part of my point. Didn't realize I presented it in such a cryptic fashion as to lose you completely.

Yup. Just took me awhile to figure you out. You got it. me too.

MitchMan - 4-13-2011 at 01:09 PM

There are definite good and bad things about Mexicans. I think that the government agency people and Mexican sales people really, really suck in general. I believe that most all educated Mexican professionals do not know their a$$ hole from a hole in the ground. I believe that the locals are mostly pretty good people in an interpersonal way. I think the Irish in Ireland are the nicest people that I have ever met. I like the English, Italians are OK, the French in Paris are the worst people I have ever encountered, Canadians are pretty much like Americans to me.

Americans have the greatest variety, alot of really sucky ones and alot of others that are the best humans you would ever want to meet

I am very familiar with and have much experience with the Mexican culture here in the USA in addtion to the exposure to the Baja Mexican culture over the past 25 years thru my time in the Baja on a frequent tourist/fisherman basis and investing in real estate there.

In the final anlysis, I want to live in Baja and not in the USA.

DENNIS - 4-13-2011 at 02:55 PM

Good. Tell that to the noob, babarooba and his U2U confidant drarroyo. Noob is the one who can't sustain an arguement and arroyoahole is the one who prompts him to act like a know-it-all fool.
Sorry if he's a friend of yours. I noticed how well you were getting along.

Corvette from Canada to La Paz

Pompano - 4-13-2011 at 03:12 PM

I once drove a open-air CJ-5 from the Canadian/USA border to my casa in Coyote Beach, Baja Sur. It was the Dead of Winter! 3100 -plus miles along a scenic route..We froze our burros off!! :tumble:

When we arrived back in Baja we could dress cooler.... :yes:

Or did I post on the wrong thread again....?? :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 4-13-2011 at 03:13 PM

No. You did good, Roger. Thanks.

Bajatripper - 4-13-2011 at 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Your efforts would be better spent toward anthropology than criticism.

Dennis, does this mean you recognize some value to my opinions, after all? :lol:

DENNIS - 4-13-2011 at 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Your efforts would be better spent toward anthropology than criticism.

Dennis, does this mean you recognize some value to my opinions, after all? :lol:

Utmost value, Steve. I think you know that. I thought of you when I voiced my opinion that a primer on Cultural Anthropology may have silenced the pointless criticism of this wayward noob as he tried to steer his arguement from the original point to one he considered a private, "yeah...now I know" moment to one of pertinance.

Perhaps you, an Anthropologist, would comment on the legitimacy of my statement.
----------------------------

DENNIS

Platinum Nomad

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posts: 16490
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Online

posted on 4-12-2011 at 10:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MitchMan
I find the locals to be kind, very helpful, very friendly, non judgemental, resourceful, generous,
------------------------------------------------------------------

In your glaring generalization, Mitch, you forgot "Cute and unpredictable."

Actually, this is a good example of selective evaluation. When is the last time you looked for these traits in your US neighborhood?
Maybe never. We tend to overlook that which we understand as the norm. There are many who live in Anaheim who have never been to Disneyland, or New Yorkers who have never visited the Statue of Liberty. They know it's there, but they don't really know the place.

Another thing before I crack my first beer.....I'm willing to go all in by saying most who see these traits as dominant characteristics of a people are unable to speak and reason with them in their language...at least past the grunting and pointing stage. To them, the Mexican people are just like Disneyland is to the people mentioned above who know they're there, but don't really know them.

Jim/Liisa - 4-13-2011 at 07:32 PM

Your going to put Mexican gas in that car???

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 07:43 AM

WELL, folks, I'm back and here is my update of the trip:

The corvette ran like a true champ, leaving Monday morning, April 11. I made Bend Oregon the first day, and just north of LA the second. Dragged my butt thru LA gridlock for a couple of hours before making it to a friend's in San Diego where we had lunch. The vette was certainly the center of attention at every gas stop.

On Wednesday after lunch, I decided to cross the international border at TJ. After being green lighted i needed to stop and get my FMM so rounded the corner by the Yellow taxi stand and was fortunate enough to pick out an unmarked police car occupied by a plain clothes member. I parked my vette in front of him, showed him my retired badged and asked him if he would mind keeping an eye on the vette while I went to immigration. At that point, Juan, a local ex officio tour guide who was standing nearby and spoke fluent english stepped in and offered to take me to migracion and an ATM.

After talkiing with the mex. policeman, he instructed me to back alongside the unmarked where my car would be safe. I shook the policeman,s hand and offered my hearlfelt thanks and then was off with Juan to get my FMM. We breezed thru that and then off to the marketplace where he located the ATM and instructed me to shut the door behind me.

Then it was back to my safely parked and untouched vette. I tipped a suprised Juan a well earned amount of pesos, got directions out of TJ, shook the polceman's hand and offered enthusiastic thanks, and was on my way.

The toll road down to Ensenad was perfect and beautifu and cheap, about 2 buck per 3 booths. My first military checkpoint was at the end of the toll road and the young fella was more interested in the vette, than me - a sign of things to come...

After being waved thru, i was off, a little misdirected thru Ensenada but catching up with the main route in no time. The road south was great and my speeds were averaging 50-60 with adjustments for blind curves etc.

I drove straight through to El Rosario the first night and stopped at the Pemex where the guys flocked to the vette. It was my ice breaker everywhere and really opened up the conversation with everyone, pictures, questions, looking at the engine....these are the mexican folks I remember growing up with in SoCal....shy at first, but quick to embrace once you offered them a smile and respect.

I was gassing up when a little guy about 10 who had been selling roadside trinkets with his mom came running up yelling 'muy bonita carro!'....he was amazed when i opened the door and ushered him into the driver's seat. I couldn't not buy one of his God's eyes and hung it on the rearview.

I paid 240 pesos to stay at the baja cactus next to the Pemex in a very rudimentary but adequate room. A late dinner at Mama Espositos next door was super and then off to bed.

On the road next morning around 7 and into the desert and the beauty it offered. Coming into Catavina, i topped up at the first place i came to (there are several and each little pueblo down the highway offers plastic can gas). Very nice folks, again enthralled with the vette. many folks gave me the thumbs up and whistled as i drove by....I made sure I gave everyone a friendly wave, which was enthusiastically returned. There are about 20 kms of very rough broken pavement south of Catavina which caused me to crawl thru with the vette, and then off again down a good highway. My experience at every military checkstop (save one where it was the mandatory stiff faced cursory inspection) was to have a bunch of young soldiers drooling over the car and asking lots of questions about the year and horsepower. Great experiences in meeting mexico's military. My badge was of significant help, as well as my police ball cap. Gassing up at the pemex in Jesus de Maria was about an hour of consorting with many of the locals who had heard about the vette and either walked over drove over to take pictures. An open invitation to sit in the c-ckpit was graciously received by a few enthusiasts.

I did stop in Go Negro around lunch time and was flagged over by a young member of the Policia Federale, who wanted to talk corvette. Upon seeing my police cap, the brotherhood quickly made a young friend and we managed to communicate about life as policemen in two different countries.....no diff, other than the language. He directed me to the highly recommended milagaro's(sp?) where I enjoyed a wonderful bowl of fish chowder. I talked with some of the local ex pats and then hit the ATM at the pemex and off southbound.

Coming out of the desert and hitting the coastline at Santa Rosalia was breathtaking, but the unfortunate mess in the town left by the German mining company years ago was heartbreaking. The amount of litter strewn about the baja is truly disappointing and would take years of concerted effort to clean up.

I overnighted at the plush Santa Fe hotel in Loreto for the night and again spent about an hour in the secure parking area with the staff ogling the vette. The biggest fella there was about 6'3 and 260, but was thrilled to see that he fit in the driver's seat. I knew the vette would be in good hands for the night.

The next morning, I found I was an hour behind with the clock changing to Mountain time. I left Loreto for a casual drive to La Paz, stopping for a top up in Constitucion. I arrived at my place in La Paz around noon and can say that this was really the trip of a lifetime.

In most cases in life, it has been my experience that you get back what you give. I have always known the mexican people to be shy and standoffish until you extend them the respect and friendly smile - they warm to you quickly. I am off again in a couple of weeks with the jeep and enclosed trailer, pulling my harley and small amount of possessions and tools. I am hoping for another wonderful, albeit slower, drive again. To those of you who encouraged me, thanks. To the doubting Thomas's, you really need to do this trip and keep a smile and friendly attitude.

As far as Vados, they are now virtually non existent, having been filled in and paved over. The signs are still up. The Topes presented no problems save one which lightly kissed the exhaust pipes.

Saludos!.................Keith

David K - 4-23-2011 at 07:58 AM

Thanks for the trip report Keith!!! Sounds like it went excellent for you with lots of fun!

(Santa Rosalia was originally a French run mine, fyi)

willyAirstream - 4-23-2011 at 08:00 AM

Great report, thanks! Must have been a blast driving mex1. I drive a Willys and as you encountered, it is also a great icebreaker and usually adds 10 minutes of entertainment at ck pts, pemex and taco stands, a great way to meet new people.

Woooosh - 4-23-2011 at 08:02 AM

great ending to a sketchy thread. The vette ambassador!

DENNIS - 4-23-2011 at 08:07 AM

Thanks, Keith. Great trip report. Just don't let all that friendly enthusiasm cloud your vigilance in the future.

FYI and not really important.... VADO is a large [or, not so large] dip in the road. POTHOLES are called Baches....or worse, depending on how hard you hit them.

Bob H - 4-23-2011 at 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim/Liisa
Your going to put Mexican gas in that car???

Mexican gas is not what it used to be in the old days, pumped out of barrels, sifted through cheese cloth. These days, Mexican gas is highly refined and not a problem.

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Thanks, Keith. Great trip report. Just don't let all that friendly enthusiasm cloud your vigilance in the future.

FYI and not really important.... VADO is a large [or, not so large] dip in the road. POTHOLES are called Baches....or worse, depending on how hard you hit them.

Thanks Dennis, I like to think that after 20 years in the police force, i am a pretty good, although imperfect, judge of character. And yes, i do know the dif between Vados and Potholes. There are virtually no vados left...............Keith

Bob H - 4-23-2011 at 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme

Quote:

Great trip report Keith. Would like to meet you some day as I was also in law enforcement back in the 70's and 80's in Miami for the Dept of Justice.

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim/Liisa
Your going to put Mexican gas in that car???

Mexican gas is not what it used to be in the old days, pumped out of barrels, sifted through cheese cloth. These days, Mexican gas is highly refined and not a problem.

Right on the money. I used premium when I could, but my sbc will also perform honourably with magna, and I encountered absolutely nada problema with fuel, even from the plastic cans!

Barbarosa - 4-23-2011 at 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
The amount of litter strewn about the baja is truly disappointing and would take years of concerted effort to clean up.

Great account. Thanks. Glad you had a good trip. (I had no doubt as long as the car behaved itself. Guess it runs ok on regular.)

I had a different take on the trash. True there were stretches that were a mess. But (and maybe my memory is faulty) I actually remember it as much worse. Like they're really cleaning it up. (Seemed to me like Norte was remarkably cleaned up but that Sur has a lot of work to do.)

El Camote - 4-23-2011 at 08:51 AM

Sounds like a great trip, thanks for the report! I'm curious, did you keep track of your gas mileage? Did it vary significantly SOB from NOB?

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by El Camote
Sounds like a great trip, thanks for the report! I'm curious, did you keep track of your gas mileage? Did it vary significantly SOB from NOB?

I was averaging over 20mpg all the way. Unfortunately, my newly refurbished trip odometer decided to cave in Bend. I usually topped up at half tank and paid average 250-300 pesos.

DENNIS - 4-23-2011 at 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
Thanks Dennis, I like to think that after 20 years in the police force, i am a pretty good, although imperfect, judge of character.

I'm sure you are, Keith, so.....no one needs to remind you that it's not the character you see to judge, it's the one you don't see which you are left to evaluate. :light:

Thanks again for the trip report and keep us posted about the rest of your move. If there's anything you need in the Ensenada area, directions, resources or whatever, feel free to let me know.

BajaGringo - 4-23-2011 at 10:13 AM

Great thread and report, including the normal Nomad hijacks to boot. Would love to see some some photos...

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Great thread and report, including the normal Nomad hijacks to boot. Would love to see some some photos...

well, i'm not much for collecting photos, other than in my memory but on the next trip down, I'll try to stop and do some.

Dennis, i have one question about going through Ensenada. I followed the hwy 1 route as opposed to going through the city, but that took me on a roundabout through some goofy route and when I got back on the main route, it looked to be the one that routed through the city? comments?

BajaGringo - 4-23-2011 at 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Great thread and report, including the normal Nomad hijacks to boot. Would love to see some some photos...

No quick, easy way through Ensenada unless you do it very late at night / very early in the morning.

DENNIS - 4-23-2011 at 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
Dennis, i have one question about going through Ensenada. I followed the hwy 1 route as opposed to going through the city, but that took me on a roundabout through some goofy route and when I got back on the main route, it looked to be the one that routed through the city? comments?

Sounds as though you took the waterfront tour, which is one of the correct ways to go. The other, which you chose not to take, routes you through the middle of the city. Also correct although more congested.
It's a safe place to make a mistake. All roads in that direction lead to the same place, Reforma/HWY-1.
If you really get lost, ask for directions to Anthony's. They'll get you all straightened out. :lol:

Jes kiddin'. Don't do that.