BajaNomad - 1942 - 2012 -- 70 Years Along The Baja Pole Line Road

1942 - 2012 -- 70 Years Along The Baja Pole Line Road

Ken Cooke - 7-10-2011 at 10:27 PM

With the construction of the Baja Pole Line Road (from Ensenada to San Felipe) to service the Telephone Line constructed in 1942 for WWII communications and logistics, 70 years have nearly marked its' existence on the Baja Peninsula.

I have traveled this route with Nomads for the past 7 years, starting with Neal/Marian Johns, my friend Mike Hendrick, Brad/Rhoda Green, and later to include dozens of hardy off-roaders who could handle a 3 day trip through the Baja Backcountry. After reading Neal Johns' article in the Discover Baja newsletter, I contacted him about showing me this challenging and remote 4WD route.

The Pole Line Road - Approaching Arroyo Grande

The Pole Line Road - along the Sierra Juarez

Abandoned Water Tank - TW inspecting

The Pole Line Road - (nearly) 70 Yr. Old Cobblestone Section!
http://www.justruns.com/gallery2/v/Run+Photos/121507/DSC0617...

The Sierra Tinajas viewed from the 1942 Pole Line Road

The Pole Line Road - Jeep Rubicon Runs

The Pole Line Road - Night Run along "Basketball Hill"

In November 2012, I plan on leading a 70 year Commemerative Baja Pole Line Road trip. So, please stay tuned! :bounce:

-Ken

David K - 7-11-2011 at 08:09 AM

Nice plan Ken... !

1962 Maps

David K - 7-11-2011 at 08:29 AM

Howard Gulick (Lower California Guidebook) mapped and made a road log of the Pole Line Road for his 1962 edition...

Neal Johns - 7-11-2011 at 04:08 PM

Ken,
I'll be tail!
Neal

Pole Line adventure

John M - 7-11-2011 at 06:41 PM

Ken, will you consider Toyotas?

If you are developing a list, and allow Neal to go - I can act as his chaparone perhaps?

John M

David K - 7-11-2011 at 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by John M
Ken, will you consider Toyotas?

If you are developing a list, and allow Neal to go - I can act as his chaparone perhaps?

John M

I think Ken knows the importance of having a RELIABLE vehicle along with his Jeep group, in such remote country... Neal Johns, Brock or myself have been with Ken and company in the past, south of Guadalupe Canyon! :light:

Ken Cooke - 7-11-2011 at 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by John M
Ken, will you consider Toyotas?

If you are developing a list, and allow Neal to go - I can act as his chaparone perhaps?

John M

Of course, John. Actually, I was driving a Honda Pilot on the 215 S and drove beside you and your wife while you were driving down to Baja last year. If I were driving in my Jeep, you would have recognized me.

Ken Cooke - 7-11-2011 at 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by John M
Ken, will you consider Toyotas?

If you are developing a list, and allow Neal to go - I can act as his chaparone perhaps?

John M

Part of the problem, David came from driving a vehicle with over 100,000 miles on the odo. When I was driving the Ford, after 120,000 mi., the vehicle developed problems throughout the drivetrain. While 4 wheeling on Sunday in the San Bernardinos, I saw broken down Toyotas on my way up the Cajon Pass. So, I take these comments with a grain of salt. My Rubicon has gone through lots of mainenance lately in order to prevent problems along the roadside. On Friday, I replaced the shock mounts since this is a weak link for Jeep vehicles that I will not have to worry about.

Neal Johns - 7-12-2011 at 09:21 PM

Ken, you're a good dog, we just like to pull your chain.

Picture of Ken watching a Toyota go by: :lol:

9446455-black-dog-on-a-chain-with-a-collar.jpg - 45kB

David K - 7-12-2011 at 09:28 PM

100,000 miles on a Tacoma is known as the break-in period... on many other 4x4s it is the break-apart period! :lol:

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2011 at 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by John M
Ken, will you consider Toyotas?

If you are developing a list, and allow Neal to go - I can act as his chaparone perhaps?

John M

Unfortunately, more Toyotas than Jeeps are signed up. I'm hoping for a big response from the Jeep Forums. :yes:

David K - 7-13-2011 at 09:01 PM

How many of those Toyota owners USED to be Jeep owners (like me)?

Nothing wrong with a mixed group, unless you believe in segregation???!! :?:

Roberto - 7-13-2011 at 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
100,000 miles on a Tacoma is known as the break-in period... on many other 4x4s it is the break-apart period! :lol:

Let us know when you get to 250,000 miles without incident in that rice burner! :lol:

David K - 7-13-2011 at 10:05 PM

I have put 136,000 miles on my 2001, in under 5 years... 102,000 miles on my 2005 in 4 1/2 years... and 27,000 in 1 1/2 years on my 2010.

Obviously, they do so well, I keep getting the same make at the end of my 5 year leases... 265,000 miles in 10 years with no engine, driveline or electronic failures... "oh, what a feeling"!

My Tacoma was made in Baja California... so it is a bean burner! :lol:

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2011 at 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
100,000 miles on a Tacoma is known as the break-in period... on many other 4x4s it is the break-apart period! :lol:

Toyota needs HELP:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=54038

bigboy - 7-14-2011 at 06:05 AM

I've put on over 1,000,000 miles on my Ford 4X4's, over a forty year period, with no major problems! Always able to return home from my many Baja trips and wheeling trips in the desert!

David K - 7-14-2011 at 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
100,000 miles on a Tacoma is known as the break-in period... on many other 4x4s it is the break-apart period! :lol:

Toyota needs HELP:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=54038

That link takes you to this:

>>>Help. Need jump start for Toyoto Prius.
Does anyone have a Prius and know a reputable tow truck operator who can come and jump start one. It's dead, in the garage in park with the wheels locked. Can't back it out to jump start. Help. <<<

Is that the best example of Toyota failure you can find on Nomad, Ken? :lol:

Ken Cooke - 7-14-2011 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigboy
I've put on over 1,000,000 miles on my Ford 4X4's, over a forty year period, with no major problems! Always able to return home from my many Baja trips and wheeling trips in the desert!

I had a transmission failure in the Sierra San Pedro Martir in 2001 due to a leak that needed service. David K just won't stop reminding me about it.

David K - 7-14-2011 at 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

I had a transmission failure in the Sierra San Pedro Martir in 2001 due to a leak that needed service. David K just won't stop reminding me about it.

Seriously, Ken... I am joking about your Jeep... always something to fix on it after each trip (it seems)... Your Ford is old news, and I don't know when I ever kidded you about it... That wasn't a fun time for you and I do have some compassion, afterall.

Just think, if you only did as I did and follow the advice of Neal Johns, then you would have a Toyota and never worry about anything breaking... :light:

Ken Cooke - 7-14-2011 at 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Just think, if you only did as I did and follow the advice of Neal Johns, then you would have a Toyota and never worry about anything breaking... :light:

The Toyota is a very capable pickup. The South American FJ Pickups are straight axled, and come standard with a snorkle, making them extra capable, IMO. But, I didn't want to buy another pickup truck. The ergonomics in the Ranger were terrible, and the lower COG of my Jeep makes it a pleasure to drive. Plus, they're very popular vehicles.

I bought my Ford Ranger pickup in 1996 when I still lived in Michigan after driving an Isuzu-made Mercury Tracer for 220,000 mi. before a sheared piston head led to me selling it. I did see a desert-ified Toyota pickup that was already fixed up that sparked my interest (in Michigan), but my thinking was a vehicle off of the lot in like-new condition would be a safe bet. Not sure if I made a good choice, because 100,000 mi. later the Ranger literally fell apart - piece by expensive piece.

My Jeep does have some issues which need to be resolved soon. The Transmission has developed a 'weeping' spot which might be a worn-out gasket. But, I am watching it very closely. Otherwise, the vehicle is in great condition and I will rebuild it in order to keep the vehicle and not have to purchase another one. I do like the new Tacomas for their size vs. fuel economy. Full size American trucks are more stout, but lag in the economy department. Who really has the money to fork over for all of the gas a V8 or V10 vehicle consumes? Economy seems to be my middle name these days...

Roberto - 7-14-2011 at 09:55 PM

So if I buy 26 trucks one after the other, and run each for 10,000 miles trouble-free does that mean that brand of truck has run 260,000 trouble-free miles? :lol:

The question was about ONE vehicle running for 250K miles trouble free. Please report back when you've run those 260,000 miles in a single vehicle without trouble.

Toyota makes good, dependable vehicles. It just gets tiring to see picture after picture and disparaging comments about other brands over and over again. But, I'm sure you don't get that. And as far as reliability,there are many ful-size trucks that are as or more reliable than a Toyota, but that do it while towing, hauling and generally doing things that junior trucks cannot do. That includes Tundras, by the way. My 7.3 diesel Ford, for example, has 220K miles on it with no mechanical failures. I know several Dodge RAM Cummins that are well over 250K and running strong. Just sayin', of course.

Oh, and by the way, your Toyota was ASSEMBLED in Baja California. All parts are made elsewhere.

[Edited on 7-15-2011 by Roberto]

BAJACAT - 7-14-2011 at 10:43 PM

What Roberto said, I have 130,000 miles on my 04 RAM most off the miles happen in BAJA, the only issues I had with the truck, where those related to the lift kit that I had install to lift it 6", other wise no problems... so far I have been able to go places where small trucks go..I don't mind paying for a big v8(HEMI)..this truck, has what I need for mu trips in Baja.My work car is a Toyota 4Runner 4x4 with the 3.0 liter and this trucks are famous for bad head gaskets and leaking valve covers...but who cares...Ps . also for overheating

David K - 7-14-2011 at 11:00 PM

Roberto:

My comments have been shared between my friend Ken and I... It relates to his Jeep having 'little problems', because I USED to own a Jeep... that had many little (and big) problems... I think that is a qualifying enough excuse to tease Ken. Friendly ribbing... and not constant. Ken knows I love Jeeps... I only wished they were built as well as a Toyota (and I would have one, again)!

I will report back whenever I think someone may find it of interest, no matter what the odometer says. If I can put over 100,000 miles on a truck in 4 years without problems, that MIGHT be harder on a vehicle than taking 10 years to put 250,000 miles on it... just maybe? What year is your Ford? (no need to respond)

I don't care what anyone drives, but for those interested in a quality built, reliable 4WD mid-size truck... I can highly recommend the Tacoma... and yes, the 4 door model is built in Baja... I have posted photos of the plant along Hwy. 2, west of Tecate... and you missed that? :lol:

[Edited on 7-15-2011 by David K]

Roberto - 7-14-2011 at 11:53 PM

Dude if you keep driving your truck the same amount, after ten years you will have covered how many miles? Does 250,000 sound about right? So why would it be harder?

I'm just saying not all the parts for the Tacoma are made in TJ, but it is assembled there.

David K - 7-14-2011 at 11:56 PM

Yes, I know it is assembled there... I never questioned you about the parts or where they are made?? Yes, sounds about right... Long live FORD!

Roberto - 7-15-2011 at 12:01 AM

Indeed! :lol:

Ken Cooke - 7-15-2011 at 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Long live FORD!

Stay tuned, guys. I have an upcoming thread based upon a vehicle recovery in the Baja sierras that is the stuff of legend! :!:

bajalou - 7-15-2011 at 07:46 AM

Here in NM, they say "Jeeps are BUILT, not BOUGHT"

Keep on building Ken-

I have a Ford with over 300,000 on it and several with 150,000+

(remind me why I have all these vehicles)

motoged - 7-15-2011 at 10:05 AM

4 wheelers,

Could a few dirt-bikers join the fray???

Ken Cooke - 7-15-2011 at 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
4 wheelers,

Could a few dirt-bikers join the fray???

I don't know if it would be feasible to travel by moto along a 3 day cobblestone and rock path. :!:

motoged - 7-16-2011 at 09:42 AM

Ken,
Don't you have any pics of the difficult stuff? :lol:

I guess you think jeep terrain is more difficult than what a dirt bike can do.... :no:

We could wait for the jeeps carrying our gear to catch up with us by the end of each day :biggrin:

That would give us time to get a room, have a shower, eat dinner, have some drinks ....

Ken Cooke - 7-16-2011 at 09:55 AM

My plan is to run the trail, and then go to San Felipe for 2 nights for rest and relaxation after the run is completed. Probably staying slightly north of town at a place like Diamante.

Logistically speaking - Where would your vehicle be staged? Who would guard it? Or, would you ride your bike in from Calexico? Too much worry makes stuff like this seem unfeasible since wierd stuff has happened on my trips, making a simple trip a challenging one.

Nothing against dirt bikes, but if you guys had a pickup that was also running the trail, that could carry your provisions and gasoline, and would follow you back to the border immediately, that would take the worry off of my shoulders. I am planning on departing from the group at La Ventana and going to San Felipe for the food and good times with the Mrs. afterward.

motoged - 7-16-2011 at 02:48 PM

Ken,
If I were to join a ride like that, I would know the route ahead of time and plan my logistics so I am not depending on anyone else aside from myself....if the run is doable in a day, no worries re: packing stuff. If the route takes a few sleeps to complete, then tenting might be how folks manage it....I dunno how you guys see it playing out.

Bike plan is simple: I have ridden Baja solo as well as with groups....carry my own stuff all the time and have what I need for "get-me-out repairs".... The jeeps/toyos would carry the beer, steaks, lawn chairs, hot-tub, and muchachas :light:

Ken Cooke - 7-16-2011 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
If the route takes a few sleeps to complete, then tenting might be how folks manage it....I dunno how you guys see it playing out.

You should drive a 4WD so that you can enjoy the day at our pace, because this will be a 3 day run.

Day 1 - US to base of El Jamau
Day 2 - El Jamau to Cañon Jaquegel
Day 3 - Cañon Jaquegel to La Ventana (Mex 5)

A dirt bike could run this trip in 1-2 days, but the point in this being a 4WD trip is so that I don't feel rushed, so that I enjoy myself and the Baja wilderness.

motoged - 7-16-2011 at 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
You should drive a 4WD so that you can enjoy the day at our pace, because this will be a 3 day run.

Day 1 - US to base of El Jamau
Day 2 - El Jamau to Cañon Jaquegel
Day 3 - Cañon Jaquegel to La Ventana (Mex 5)

A dirt bike could run this trip in 1-2 days, but the point in this being a 4WD trip is so that I don't feel rushed, so that I enjoy myself and the Baja wilderness.

If I did something like this, I would hook up with the troop evening of Day One, and go with the flow. I am not a racer and like take my time and smell the colitas/roses as I go along.

I am not trying to crash a cager party....just wondering. :light:

Ken Cooke - 7-16-2011 at 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

No problem. But, you might want to explore this region sometime. It is very magical with lots of cactii, wildlife, and scenery perfect for photography.

David K - 7-16-2011 at 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

No problem. But, you might want to explore this region sometime. It is very magical with lots of cactii, wildlife, and scenery perfect for photography.

... and maybe the grave of a Spanish explorer from 1541!?

Ken Cooke - 7-17-2011 at 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

No problem. But, you might want to explore this region sometime. It is very magical with lots of cactii, wildlife, and scenery perfect for photography.

... and maybe the grave of a Spanish explorer from 1541!?

The lost Diaz mine?? Where would that be, David??

TMW - 7-17-2011 at 09:37 AM

Back in 1990 and 1991 some friends and I rode the Pole Line road on motorcycles. We camped at Cohabuzo jct. We picked up the route at the bottom of the summit. In the wash we passed the turn for Basketball hill since we didn't know of it, Heck we didn't even know about the Pole Line Rd we just were riding the trail we saw from the summit while pre-running the Baja 1000. Later we did some research about the cobble stone we found. Continuing down the wash until it became unpassable, I think at a water fall, we took a cow trail up a hill and over and down toward the north and carried our bikes over some rocks to a side wash that shortly met Arroyo Jaquegel just east of where Enmedio and Jaquegel meet. From there we picked the road up again to where it meets Arroyo Grande and back across Laguna Salada to our camp.

The whole thing is doable on a MC with the only hard part being Basketball Hill. It depends on how many and how large the rocks are. Let the jeeps go first to move em out of the way.

motoged - 7-17-2011 at 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
.... Let the jeeps go first to move em out of the way.

For sure....I would be motivated to catch up with the jeeps after they smooth out some of the obstacles.....because they would be carrying the beer :biggrin:

David K - 7-17-2011 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

No problem. But, you might want to explore this region sometime. It is very magical with lots of cactii, wildlife, and scenery perfect for photography.

... and maybe the grave of a Spanish explorer from 1541!?

The lost Diaz mine?? Where would that be, David??

MINE??? Check again, I said GRAVE. How can I tell you where it is IF IT IS LOST? :lol:

We need to find it! (or at least look for it, like we did for Santa Isabel)

Neal Johns - 7-17-2011 at 06:39 PM

TW,
Time has taken its toll on that "cow path", it used to be a road bypass of Basketball Hill. On the far side of the hill there were rocks piled up to make the go-down/flat transition easier. It was almost drivable in 1980 (FJ-40) but too much side hill slope for this chicken.

Tracks seen showed that Jeeps? had gone down the left side of the waterfall via a small rock ridge - not me!. Maybe Square Circle, he's amazing.

Lease miles???

thebajarunner - 7-17-2011 at 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I have put 136,000 miles on my 2001, in under 5 years... 102,000 miles on my 2005 in 4 1/2 years... and 27,000 in 1 1/2 years on my 2010.

Obviously, they do so well, I keep getting the same make at the end of my 5 year leases... 265,000 miles in 10 years with no engine, driveline or electronic failures... "oh, what a feeling"!

My Tacoma was made in Baja California... so it is a bean burner! :lol:

David
Just curious what the leasing company sez when you turn in a 5 year old with 120k on the clock?
You must write a very creative lease,
or a very large check at turn-in time.
d

David K - 7-17-2011 at 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner

Quote:

David
Just curious what the leasing company sez when you turn in a 5 year old with 120k on the clock?
You must write a very creative lease,
or a very large check at turn-in time.
d

Maybe, and no... no large check... in fact no check at all the last time!

It must be a Toyota thing?

If I trade my truck in for another Toyota, the finance company (Toyota Financial), does not charge for the extra miles over the lease's 12,000/ year. The high mileage does lower the value a bit on the trade in... But, being a Toyota, not by much!

Case in point, my 2005 Tacoma (new in Aug., 2005) had 102,000 miles on it when I traded it for my 2010 (in Dec., 2009)... I drove off with nothing down and only $20/ month more on my monthly lease I had for the 2005.

Now, my 2010 is so awesome... and I am not putting on so many miles (with the sucky economy reducing my business)... I will probably buy this truck for my 'last new vehicle'...?

Ken Cooke - 7-18-2011 at 09:30 AM

TW alreadys knows about the blocked route - He drove it! :bounce:

BAJACAT - 7-19-2011 at 08:51 PM

its this trip IFS frendly.. I might want to go...

Ken Cooke - 7-19-2011 at 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
its this trip IFS frendly.. I might want to go...

You could drive your Toyota. A full-size pickup may have problems resulting in body damage, and damage to your steering components from the leverage of your taller tires.

You are always welcome to attend, Jose! :bounce:

BAJACAT - 7-19-2011 at 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
its this trip IFS frendly.. I might want to go...

Thanks for the advise Ken, i will think it over, the 4Runner it's not ready for Baja yet, Im working on it...the previous owner neglected this truck a bit..

Ken Cooke - 7-19-2011 at 09:05 PM

This trail can be a bit of a handful for a full size pickup. I don't think you would want to scrape and dent up the bottom portions of your doors, and bend your tube steps. This trail can dish out the damage.

David K - 7-20-2011 at 09:05 AM

Baja Cat does have one less foot pad on his Dodge to worry about (from Arroyo El Volcan).

[Edited on 7-20-2011 by David K]

Thanksgiving week 2011

Ken Cooke - 10-1-2011 at 01:43 PM

I plan on traveling this route during Thanksgiving week - November 19-22nd with a night spent in San Felipe on November 22nd before returning to the US on November 23rd. I plan on posting run details soon.

TMW - 10-1-2011 at 02:16 PM

I think Bajacat should join you and prove a FS Dodge is up to the test.

TMW - 10-1-2011 at 02:19 PM

I think David K should join you and prove a new model Tacoma is up to the test. We know the 1st generation is. What could be better than eating turkey on Basket Ball Hill? Or a cold margarita in the wash below.