BajaNomad

Thinking . . . Comondu Viejo

bajacalifornian - 4-25-2011 at 01:53 PM

I first found in Antigua California, by Crosby on my page 221, a trip I want to make.

A pearl of significance, was the route originally stopping in San Juan at Londo. In 1701, the Indians taught Salvatierra an easy way into mountains, previously passable only with the aid of ropes, and elaborate trail-clearing efforts. He learned to "circumnavigate" the six-thousand foot peak of La Giganta. Then came the mission of San Jose & others.

I've invited a buddy to go first to "San Juan at Londo". If it is good, I'm making images afternoon & morning then moving to San Juan. San Juan for the evening & morning light as well. From there, no se.


Have time to stare at some bee one are dees. Looking forward to it with intention of posting images. Jeff

P.S. The point of San Juan will be Comondu Viejo.

[Edited on 4-25-2011 by bajacalifornian]

[Edited on 4-25-2011 by bajacalifornian]

David K - 4-25-2011 at 04:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajacalifornian
I first found in Antigua California, by Crosby on my page 221, a trip I want to make.

A pearl of significance, was the route originally stopping in San Juan at Londo. In 1701, the Indians taught Salvatierra an easy way into mountains, previously passable only with the aid of ropes, and elaborate trail-clearing efforts. He learned to "circumnavigate" the six-thousand foot peak of La Giganta. Then came the mission of San Jose & others.

I've invited a buddy to go first to "San Juan at Londo". If it is good, I'm making images afternoon & morning then moving to San Juan. San Juan for the evening & morning light as well. From there, no se.


Have time to stare at some bee one are dees. Looking forward to it with intention of posting images. Jeff

P.S. The point of San Juan will be Comondu Viejo.



Old and new photos, GPS, notes on:

San Juan Bautista Londo:
http://vivabaja.com/missions3/page2.html

San Jose de Comondu (first site, Comondu Viejo): http://www.vivabaja.com/missions1/page3.html

shari - 4-25-2011 at 05:15 PM

just back from there....that morning light is fantastic...incredible subjects for photography. Stop in and buy some amazing pomogranate vino from Vladamir beside la cancha or Adan the palm furniture maker...

check out la vinia up from the mission too, ask for Oscar Aguillar...Im working on another trip report from there...say hi for me.

bajacalifornian - 4-25-2011 at 05:38 PM

David & shari thanks, & you got it. I'll watch for the amazing pomegranate wine as well.

David K - 4-25-2011 at 10:02 PM

There are many miles between Comondu Viejo and San Jose Comondu... over 20 tough dirt road miles on what was the main Baja highway in the 1960's!

Jack Swords - 4-26-2011 at 07:12 AM

Having taken the photos of Comondu Viejo included in David's site, I can attest to what David has said as to the difficulty in finding the site. It is not on a main road, which can be bad enough in the area, but a branch of the road. Then again, it all depends upon the condition of the road THIS year. The site is off the road a bit, surrounded by cactus. However, there are indicators such as well-built rock walls nearby leading one to hike around and encounter an area of ruins. A nearby ranch may be occupied seasonally and can offer help. THEN when you walk around such history, thinking of the amazing people who endured incredible hardships in establishing the first Comondu mission, you will gain an even greater appreciation for Baja and have a smile on your face. Next, hike into San Pedro Martir's mission for an even greater challenge.

David K - 4-26-2011 at 07:58 AM

On 1962 map, between San Juan and La Presa:


The Londo site is at San Juan along the road to Loreto.


On modern map with line connecting Comondu Viejo (A) with San Jose Comondu (B):


The two La Purisima mission sites are also shown the same way.

On 2003 Topo Map:

Between San Juan and La Presa, also the mission trail to Londo is shown along Arroyo Las Tasajeras

bajacalifornian - 4-26-2011 at 01:24 PM

I'd like to back up here, on thoughts leading to the adventure. Interesting as the "sites" are, my primary interest remains the "road" in the sense that the Indians are the same as a good pongero today. It was life changing for the padre. New overnight spots, the old route no longer in use. I'd like to see through Sal's eyes.

Presently, I got up this morning with Google, Auto Club & a big topo map book waiting, knowing today, I'd have a look at planning. Looking at Nomad, you all had done that for me. I like flight planning as much as anyone . . . and a couple hours up the road, I see it from the opposite side of a surfer. Glad to feel the support, with coffee.

Finally, DK for the umpteenth time didn't understand my post. I thought about it. A be one are dee of course is a bird.

shari - 4-26-2011 at 02:14 PM

old routes were usually established for burros and mules or foot traffic to get to water sources... I bet these old trails are still used by vaqueros in the area...it would be cool to ride with them.

bajacalifornian - 4-26-2011 at 02:23 PM

shari, truth is this whole idea began when I was looking for a walk with Don-Kay.

monoloco - 4-26-2011 at 04:22 PM

Don-Kay's probably good and rested and ready for a new adventure.

MikeYounghusband - 4-26-2011 at 07:26 PM

Don't even think about taking the road from San Isidro to Comandu. It is unpassable. Well not totally, you can walk it.

Baja Bucko - 4-26-2011 at 07:50 PM

In BCS I have ridden (mules) el camino real from San Javier north to almost San Ignacio (couldn't ride into SI due to INAH). Coming into Comondu the trail is worn so deep that you can touch the sides of it. Incredible country, incredible trail....no better time machine exists.

Bajatripper - 4-27-2011 at 08:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
Don't even think about taking the road from San Isidro to Comandu. It is unpassable. Well not totally, you can walk it.



Oohh, now that sounds like a challenge. Bet someone will get though. A few of our fellow Nomads have some pretty capable vehicles (I'm not one of them).

David K - 4-27-2011 at 08:36 AM

True enough with photos posted even...

There is one wash out gully in photographs recently posted, but the Nomads got through on motorcycles!

see dtbushpilot's post/ photos from 3-21-11:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=51774

One of Ged's photos of the road:



[Edited on 4-27-2011 by David K]

David K - 4-27-2011 at 08:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajacalifornian

Finally, DK for the umpteenth time didn't understand my post. I thought about it. A be one are dee of course is a bird.


Umm, no I didn't (I guess??)... You did say this earlier, however:

posted on 4-25-2011 at 05:38 PM
"David & shari thanks, & you got it. I'll watch for the amazing pomegranate wine as well."

So, in English... what are you seeking and what does
"A be one are dee of course is a bird" even mean??

Many thanks... and I was only wishing to help with your planned visit to (or interest in) San Juan Londo and Comondu Viejo, with maps, photos, GPS.

bajacalifornian - 4-27-2011 at 02:35 PM

Bird watching in camp. That's it. Thank you DK. The maps are very helpful.

MikeYounghusband - 4-27-2011 at 04:26 PM

I met two motorcyclists who rode thru and they had square rims at the end. Really don't think a vehicle could get thru. BUT if they are going to try it I would love to tag along or at least see some photos. "Yeah" lets call it a challange.
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajatripper
Quote:
Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
Don't even think about taking the road from San Isidro to Comandu. It is unpassable. Well not totally, you can walk it.



Oohh, now that sounds like a challenge. Bet someone will get though. A few of our fellow Nomads have some pretty capable vehicles (I'm not one of them).