BajaNomad

LOST MISSION EXPEDITION 2011 (Part 5 of 6: Back to El Marmol, San Simon Windmill...)

David K - 5-9-2011 at 11:06 PM

Continued from PART 4: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=52804

A visit to the El Volcan Cold Water Geyser is one of Baja's must-do events. To catch the monthly eruption (in the daytime) would be perhaps the most amazing thing to experience in Baja. When we were in the area 11 years ago, my travel amigo Lorenzo de Baja considered setting up a camp for up to a month to witness the event!

I have no knowledge of any photos or documentation of the eruption other than in Walt Peterson's 'The Baja Adventure Book' describing the event as a 60 foot plume of water and gas (CO2?) lasting several minutes.

One last look at El Volcan:



Here is the fork 2 miles from El Marmol (and 2 miles from Arroyo El Volcan)... facing northeast. Before the road was graded, both branches looked equally used (or unused):




On the road to El Marmol


Nearing the Onyx quarry you can see the old road climbing the hill... this was the road south, 10.3 miles back to the old main road (between Agua Dulce and La Virgen). I travelled it twice (in 1974 and '75). Neal Johns took it about 10 years ago... I wouldn't go solo as there may be some deep washouts.


The schoolhouse


Some of the home foundations from 1958 and earlier.














Graveyard




In 1953:






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Sign pointing the way to El Volcan (4 miles) and La Olvidada (10 miles). It is 9 miles from this point back to Hwy. 1 (Km. 148/9). Rancho Sonora is just south of the El Marmol jcn.

See the onyx gifts for sale there!





[Edited on 5-12-2011 by David K]

Great stuff David, as always...

Mexray - 5-10-2011 at 12:45 AM

...Thanks for letting us ride shotgun!;D

Regards, Ray

bajafam - 5-10-2011 at 07:12 AM

so cool! Every time we pass the turnoff for El Marmol, I want to go! Maybe next time we will!

TMW - 5-10-2011 at 07:49 AM

David is there an estimated time that the geyser goes off like once a month or so? I'm thinking if one was to stop by and could determine it has went off recently they might be able to plan a trip to stay a couple of days for the next eruption.

Also you really need to get your bumper replaced, it's not fitting for a Toyota.

edm1 - 5-10-2011 at 07:53 PM

As always very telling pictures, David. I haven't been to El Volcan/Marmol so I'm sure it'll be part of my next adventures.

What's the story behind the graveyard, about El Volcan/Marmol haunted, if any? Just in case I decide to spend the night there.

David K - 5-10-2011 at 08:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
David is there an estimated time that the geyser goes off like once a month or so? I'm thinking if one was to stop by and could determine it has went off recently they might be able to plan a trip to stay a couple of days for the next eruption.

Also you really need to get your bumper replaced, it's not fitting for a Toyota.


All I know of even erupting monthly is from Peterson's book, and what I wrote at the top of this thread, above:

A visit to the El Volcan Cold Water Geyser is one of Baja's must-do events. To catch the monthly eruption (in the daytime) would be perhaps the most amazing thing to experience in Baja. When we were in the area 11 years ago, my travel amigo Lorenzo de Baja considered setting up a camp for up to a month to witness the event!

I have no knowledge of any photos or documentation of the eruption other than in Walt Peterson's 'The Baja Adventure Book' describing the event as a 60 foot plume of water and gas (CO2?) lasting several minutes.
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The bumper work will get done when I get the sideswipe repair made... probably next month. Thankfully, I am busy with work since our trip!

David K - 5-10-2011 at 08:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by edm1
As always very telling pictures, David. I haven't been to El Volcan/Marmol so I'm sure it'll be part of my next adventures.

What's the story behind the graveyard, about El Volcan/Marmol haunted, if any? Just in case I decide to spend the night there.


No special story I know of... This was an active quarry/ mine town from 1905 to 1958... Those who never left, will be there forever!

San Simon

David K - 5-11-2011 at 07:48 AM

A couple miles before reaching Highway One is the site of Rancho San Simon where only a windmill, pila (water tank), and the world's only onyx cattle trough can be seen today!

Here the graded road to Highway One curves south, and the original road to San Agustin is barely noticed continuing southwest.


The owner of Rancho Sonora (son of that rancho's founder 'Santiago') was filling up some barrels with water from the windmill.








The World's only onyx water trough!






Matomi Mountain


Coco sure gets around!



Next, we go to Rancho Sonora and see the onyx curios for sale there.

See Part 6: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=52864

[Edited on 5-12-2011 by David K]

Borregoman - 5-11-2011 at 09:28 AM

Wonderful report David, it has been a real blast reading everything leading up to and including the trip reports by everyone. A big thanks to ALL !

Heading down to spend next week in Bahia Santa Maria......can't wait!

Cheers

Great continuation

Ken Cooke - 5-11-2011 at 04:19 PM

I can't wait for my next trip to this area, David. Leidys and I will wait until the weather cools down, though.

One question: Are you going to replace your rear bumper? :?:

David K - 5-11-2011 at 04:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I can't wait for my next trip to this area, David. Leidys and I will wait until the weather cools down, though.

One question: Are you going to replace your rear bumper? :?:


It was perfect temps., but windy... Bumper? We don't need no stinkin' bumper!:lol:

David K - 5-11-2011 at 04:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Borregoman
Wonderful report David, it has been a real blast reading everything leading up to and including the trip reports by everyone. A big thanks to ALL !

Heading down to spend next week in Bahia Santa Maria......can't wait!

Cheers


Thank you!

We are looking forward to camping on Shell Island in a week and a half from now! If you are still down there, come by and say hi... We will drop over to Bahia Santa Maria on Monday as we head out to visit with BajaRob and Connie.

Ken Cooke - 5-11-2011 at 04:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I can't wait for my next trip to this area, David. Leidys and I will wait until the weather cools down, though.

One question: Are you going to replace your rear bumper? :?:


It was perfect temps., but windy...


Mission Impossible was 93 deg.F and hot. Buzzing Killer Bees and biting No See-ums added to the mix. You really should consider a replacement bumper. They aren't expensive - http://tacomabumper.info/

David K - 5-11-2011 at 11:05 PM

This trip report finishes with PART 6, here: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=52864