BajaNomad - Pole Line Road, Cañon del Diablo, & La Bufadora

Pole Line Road, Cañon del Diablo, & La Bufadora

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 12:20 PM

Leidys and I left the confines of the Inland Empire at 7 a.m. for the wild, open spaces of Baja California. Two and a half hours later, we had arrived at the Denny's Restaurant at Hwy 8 in El Centro for our last warm meal for the next couple of days. By 10:30, we arrived at the meeting place in Calexico where Huitzi and his Father Agustin were both waiting. We drove next door to the ARCO station, and each bought $40 worth of gasoline for our SWB 4.0l Rubicons. While checking the oil level of my 4.0l engine, the oil fill cap became stuck and later broke off! After walking next door to the Pep Boys (again, a great meeting place), I had a new oil cap in hand, and Huitzi had helped remove the old cap with a set of channel pliers.

On The Road to Baja-

As Huitzi and I pulled onto Hwy 111 towards the US/Mexico border, a phone call came in from Joe and his son Greg from south Mexicali. They were on-target for meeting us at the Pemex Station in El Progreso along Hwy 2. After filling our gerry cans, we drove down the road to Asadero Morlan #2 for some AWESOME TACOS! From there, we traveled another 10 miles to the massive Laguna Salada. There, we drove south to the Cohabuzo Junction where we set up camp for the night.

LOST IN BAJA-

The next morning, we packed our gear and traveled in the wrong direction - all of the way to Ejido Saldaña - near Hwy 5! Losing 3 hours of travel time (and driving 30 miles in the wrong direction) did not help our gasoline supplies, but with the help of a local farmer named Rodolfo, we returned to our camp spot, and later to the turnoff to our camp spot. We quickly reached the long, sandy arroyo that led to the entrance to the 70 year old Pole Line Road.

COBBLESTONE ROADS IN BAJA?

Gerhard and Gulick's Lower California Guidebook (1958) describes a, "Little used road that was built during World War II to follow an abandoned telephone line" that sparked my interest in 2000 after receiving a copy of November-December 2000 newsletter from Discover Baja Travel Club. Author Neal Johns described his groups arduous passage along this route after many past attempts to punch through to the end of this road: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=54381

Our group of three well-built Jeeps made fast work of climbing the slippery, off-camber entrance with our locked differentials and Mud-Terrain tires, and traveling overland along some of Baja's most prestine land. Because of our difficulty in navigation, we had to travel directly to Mile #94 where we set up camp for the night. This area of the Pole Line Road is dotted with cobblestone sections that amazed this group of first-time Pole Line Road travelers.

BAJA CANYONS, RAIN, AND SLICK TRAILS.

Camp was set up at 4 p.m. along a canyon wall that was elevated from any possible flash flooding which may have taken place during our night of sleep. As it turned out, rain did fall on our second night on the trail. While Leidys, myself, Huitzi and his Father Agustin did not get wet, Joe and his son Greg chose to sleep under the stars, and at about midnight, were abruptly awakened by steady rainfall that soaked their camping gear, and themselves. After another light rain before sunrise, our group rose to the natural serenity that is so ubiquitous with backcountry Baja. The air temperatures went from near 50 degrees back to 70 degrees, and the air was still, without any breeze. The trails were now coated with a dampness that kept dust to tolerable levels, and our group continued on through Cañon Enmedio.

The trails were slick with moisture for the first half hour of our journey, but as the sun rose into the canyons, these rocks dried and thankfully, the faint tire tracks from Neal Johns' most recent trek were visible along this route during the early Spring 2011. The road is now remnants of its former self as time and flash flooding have wiped sections away clean. Now, large rocks must be negotiated by well-prepared 4WD vehicles that have plenty of clearance.

BASKETBALL HILL AND REACHING HWY 5

Just a short 2.4 miles were traveled from our camp spot to the notorious Basketball Hill. There, rocks the size of basketballs and larger must be negotiated in order to ascend the steep canyon. Narrow sections with high, loose banks require tires with high voids and lots of tread - something my worn set of TrXus MTs no longer have. Although my set of worn TrXus MTs allowed my TJ-based Rubicon to slip and slide, the worst sections of this trail - which all appear on the last leg of this trail were all negotiated with the use of my locking differentials, and we safely made it to Hwy 5 after an exhausting search for trail inside of the massive (0.6 mi. wide) Arroyo Grande. Rocks, vegetation, and animal bones work together to hide the route to La Ventana.

SAN FELIPE, LAGUNA DIABLO AND FINDING WATERFALLS

After saying goodbye to our new friends, Leidys and I checked in to the reasonable ($32/night) El Diamante Motel located near Pete's Camp along Hwy 5 (North of San Felipe). Sadly, San Felipe was languishing with very few American tourists. Many Motels there were suffering from the downturn in travelers from Canada and the United States, although the town had seen many upgrades and beautiful new additions. After eating breakfast at the Green House located between the OXXO and Vista del Mar, Leidys and I drove to the El Capitan Motel where our friends Benny and Avi were waiting for our arrival. Benny and Avi were driving an unlifted Toyota Land Cruiser with stock height BFG All-Terrain KO tires. With running boards intact, Avi and Benny decided not to travel the Pole Line Road. Instead, they visited Mike's Sky Rancho, and although the tires provided less than desireable traction on the rain-soaked trail, their Land Cruiser was able to stay on the road without too many slideouts due to the All-Terrain tire treads.

After gassing up our vehicles at the new Pemex near Pete's Camp, we drove to the road that travels west (near the Mini Storage facility), and took the sandy Zoo Road to the impressive waterfalls at the base of the Picacho del Diablo (Devil's Peak). The Devil's Peak stands at an elevation of 10,152 ft. and is the tallest peak on the Baja peninsula (source: http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1537). After crossing the muddy, but solid Laguna Diablo, our vehicles ascended an aluvial fan which leads inward to the Cañada del Diablo. Like a wide mouth at the base of this steep mountain chain, vehicles with the ability to travel along sandy sections of road can navigate this slope with little trouble. Wild Burros and Cattle can be seen along this route - scared of the noise caused by vehicular traffic, but sometimes stare in curiosity as you pass.

With only 4 hours of remaining sunlight, Benny, Avi, Leidys and I made a quick hike up to the first set of waterfalls, took photographs, and quickly returned to our vehicles in order that we could exit the muddy dry lakebed before dusk. Our vehicles kicked up small amounts of mud on our way to Mexico Hwy 3, and by 5 p.m., we had aired up our tires and I corrected a small problem with a rear shock absorber. Leidys and I continued on to Ensenada that evening - briefly stopping in Valle de la Trinidad at the impressive "Mi Pueblito" Restaurant for dinner (near the new Pemex Station), while Benny and Avi returned for their last night in San Felipe.

Photos...

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 12:33 PM

Standing by the Jeep at 0630.

Ready for BAJA!

The best food at the best prices!! Look for a review in the RESTAURANT section of BN...

LAGUNA SALADA

MEXICAN MILTARY TOW TRUCK

wessongroup - 11-26-2011 at 12:37 PM

Thanks much Ken... good to see ya moving ... looks like your packed up !!!

COHABUZO CAMPGROUND!

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 12:38 PM

READY TO RELAX!

TRAIL HUNTING (Day 2)

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 12:41 PM

PACKING UP, HEADING OUT...

umm, wrong turn...leading to EJIDO SALDAñA (meeting our new friend RODOLFO)

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 12:46 PM

GPS NO WORKY :?:

RODOLFO HELPING NAVIGATE (for soda & Gatorade)

wessongroup - 11-26-2011 at 12:49 PM

Good to see some of the others talking shot's ... we get to see ya... thanks....

HEADING TO THE SUMMIT

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 12:50 PM

Massive Silt beds left Joe and Greg gasping for clean air..

NO POACHING!

Joe's UNLIMITED with only 11,000 mi. on the odometer! :bounce:

The PRECARIOUS ENTRANCE to the POLE LINE ROAD near the base of the SUMMIT ROAD.

CRAWLING ALONG THE POLE LINE ROAD

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 12:57 PM

Without 4WD and TRACTION AIDES such as a rear LOCKING differential, you will be left in the ditch...literally!

Spotters on the ready. This is no Sunday drive in Baja! :!:

After making the entrance, our Jeeps took a 30 minute break while we ate lunch. Leidys enjoying some Tuna with crackers.

Jeep-style Siesta

Backcountry Baja is INDEED beautiful! :yes:

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 01:02 PM

A pack of wild Burros were near the White Tank when I drove up. Here, they are running from the camera.

Leaving the White Water Tank - heading for the Cobblestone section of the trail where we camped the 2nd night.

Storm clouds looming overhead.

One of only a few intact/remaining 70 year old cobblestone road sections.

3rd Day along the POLE LINE ROAD

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 01:07 PM

Storm clouds were looming, but our Jeeps were out of harms way for the night.

Leidys eating her breakfast.

Notice the rain-soaked ground at Agustin's feet. :!:

COLOMBIAN'S DEMAND their Coffee in the morning! :!:

Leidys had her cup of Coffee and slice of bread. :dudette:

ROCK CRAWLING on the POLE LINE 4WD TRAIL

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 01:14 PM

Note to Toyota Owners - My front swaybar needed to be disconnected. The stress was being felt with the fiberglass hardtop flexing and the front tires were lifting in places that demanded complete traction.

Clearance was at a premium. That is Huitzi spotting my progress.

Here comes Huitzi's Jeep through one of the many washes we had to travel throughout the day.

The Differentials would hit and slide on rocks.

Here, I finally decided to disconnect my front swaybars. Good move, because the rocks became gradually larger as we continued onward.

Barry A. - 11-26-2011 at 02:34 PM

Great post and pics, Ken.

YOu have any shots of "basketball hill" and the big "rock" that needed moving? (the one you had to go around which produced a huge lean to the right??)

Barry

wessongroup - 11-26-2011 at 02:42 PM

Great stuff... and "in" the dirt, with tools .... is just great ..

Thanks for all the travel pic's..

Traveling to Basketball Hill along Cañon Enmedio

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 04:52 PM

This section was a real challenge. We had to stack rocks in order to keep the Jeeps upright while cornering through the canyons. You cannot tell how bad it was along these routes by the photographs, but it had become much worse than the several times I had traveled this canyon before.

Greg on the lookout for more obstacles as his Father Joe comes down the trail.

Augustin walked along the trail to provide spotting coverage for his Son Huitzi (say: Wheat-see).

This corner gave each of us a difficult time. Rocks were stacked, but they only slipped around as we attempted this challenging section.

Greg gives me advice on tire placement past the turn.

Getting back into my Jeep.

Tire placement was everything.

Here comes Joe with his low-hanging rocker guards.

This is definitely not the same trail as it was back in Dec. 2007.

[Edited on 11-26-2011 by Ken Cooke]

BASKETBALL HILL 2011

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 05:08 PM

As Greg walked up the trail to get an idea of the obstacles that lay ahead for his Father to tackle, a "Jumping" Cholla literally jumped and planted itself into his ankle!

Pliers were needed, and he said that this was extremely painful.

Greg hiked ahead, and Huitzi and Agustin walked up the slope that needed to be negotiated.

After making the climb in my Jeep, and watching it slide sideways down towards the center of the trail, Huitzi became worried about driving it in his Jeep. I was fine, but later I became worried about an upcoming section of trail due to the condition of my TrXus MT tires which had become worn and no longer provided adequate lateral traction along sidehills such as this one.

Joe conquering the sidehill on Basketball Hill with his Unlimited running Goodyear MTR tires.

Joe's MT/R tires did not slip. Neither did Huitzi's Dunlop Mud Rovers.

Huitzi's Dunlop Mud Rover's providing excellent traction on this section of trail.

Here, Huitzi literally stopped his Jeep. Mine would have slid sideways, prompting a sideways flop. His Jeep held on, gripping the terrain without any problem whatsoever.

Basketball Hill (continued)

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 05:17 PM

Along this last section of trail, each of the three Jeeps slid sideways. Whether it was new or old tread on the loose hill, there was nothing the driver could have done to stay planted along the upper section of trail.

Leidys took 90% of the photos of Basketball Hill. Thanks for her hard work, walking up the canyon with camera in hand!

The three Pole Line Road drivers atop Basketball Hill.
[img]http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=2567618025253&set=a.2567515622693.2136834.1098240232&type=3&theater[/img]

I did it! :bounce:

[img]http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=2567618705270&set=a.2567515622693.2136834.1098240232&type=3&theater[/img]

Greg also deserves props!

TMW - 11-26-2011 at 05:36 PM

Wow, Ken sounds like a great trip. Wish I could have been with you in my 2004 Tacoma.

Ken Cooke - 11-26-2011 at 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
Wow, Ken sounds like a great trip. Wish I could have been with you in my 2004 Tacoma.

You would have had a great time. The trail was more difficult than it was when you last traveled it in 2007. The rocks were larger, and the Jeeps felt smaller with all of the big rocks. I think your Toyota would have done well, regardless. It was a fun time, and the weather was perfect.

David K - 11-27-2011 at 12:09 AM

Wonderful... how many poles did you see still standing?

edm1 - 11-27-2011 at 06:45 AM

Wow, ken after all these years travelling in Baja, you still manage toget lost :-)

Nice writeup and photos. Thanks for sharing.

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Wonderful... how many poles did you see still standing?

The poles closest to the "road" were all but eliminated. But, as you traveled along the most precipitous sections of trail - where your rear locking differential is necessary, the poles are located north of the trail and are nearly inaccessible. There, you would see poles placed approximately 200 ft. from each other. I must have seen about 10 standing.

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by edm1
Wow, ken after all these years travelling in Baja, you still manage toget lost :-)

Nice writeup and photos. Thanks for sharing.

Yes, I went to sleep near a pile of rocks, woke up, traveled in the correct direction, then got turned around. Completely lost my direction - without a GPS. Next time, I will own a GPS and have one in the Jeep for accurate directions.

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 09:23 AM

My Jeep coming down the entrance to Cañon Jaquegel.

My Jeep literally slid in sections of Basketball Hill, so I chickened out when it came time to drive into Jaqueguel canyon. Joe offered to drive my Jeep down while I photographed it. Yes, I was real nervous and thought the Jeep would slide itself into the canyon, but Joe showed that the tires gripped as they should.

Here is where I thought my TrXus MT tires would inspire fear, but Joe simply stopped on this sidehill section to prove that the tires were not sliding as I expected them to. :!:

Inside of the canyon, Huitzi's Jeep developed an issue with the swaybar sliding into an awkward position. Repair work took approx. 10 minutes.

Upper Cañon Jaquegel

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 09:27 AM

One of the intact telephone poles near the trail.

Clearing the road of debris.

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 09:31 AM

I walked upper sections of a real tricky hillclimb that must be negotiated. Once again, my fear of tire slippage encouraged me to get out of the Jeep and walk up the entire hill to examine road conditions. :!:

Our group made it up the hill and now, we are dropping into a tricky section of trail which is well worn and requires careful attention to tire placement.

Pole Line Road completed!

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 09:35 AM

After crossing the 0.6mi. Arroyo Grande, our group traveled toward Hwy 5. We arrived to the pavement at 4:30 pm and all ended well with Huitzi/Agustin traveling north to Highland, CA and Joe/Greg traveling south to San Felipe.

The lonely Laguna Salada

Barry A. - 11-27-2011 at 09:41 AM

Wow, Ken, that is one of the best photo-adventure posts I have yet seen!!!! The Pole Line road and approaches and exits has got to be one of the premier 4x4 adventures in North America----------thank you so much for taking the time to post this.....

Barry

bajalou - 11-27-2011 at 09:49 AM

Ken, looks like you're running a lot of air in those sections which you need traction. Couldn't see any bulge at all. Been hanging with rock crawlers and 8 is pretty high pressure on the trail for them. (Curtis running 54's, Don running 48's)

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
Ken, looks like you're running a lot of air in those sections which you need traction.

I was running 15 p.s.i. in my tires. With all of the weight I was carrying, I did not want to ruin my new set of rims. My last set were bent from a trip along the Pole Line Road while running 11 p.s.i. Plus, our gasoline was an issue with Huitzi not topping off his tank while in Progreso - only filling his two gerry cans, and filling his gas tank in Calexico.

By keeping my tires at 16 p.s.i., I was able to give Huitzi 2 gallons of gasoline at the end of the run in order to reach Mexicali. Joe also gave Huitzi 2 gallons of gas, and he used his remaining 8 gallons at the end of the run to give himself half a tank of gas to reach San Felipe.

David K - 11-27-2011 at 10:50 AM

Sounds like I need to go in there in give the A-TRAC* a workout!

*A-TRAC= Active Traction Control, Toyota's front and rear automatic nearly 0 slip system in Low Range. We also have a rear locking differential and you can combine A-TRAC and the rear locker. Unstoppable! :bounce:

BAJACAT - 11-27-2011 at 02:10 PM

Ken, you where right, my truck would have a hard time travelling on that small trail..Im already looking into getting a 4 door jeep next year,the RAM is already paid off, si I think is time to help the economy by buying a new car.
I Enjoy your trip report alot...

PS. David, I think what I need is a fully lock POWER WAGON, so I can go and pull all the stuck jeeps and yota's.. :lol:

David K - 11-27-2011 at 02:13 PM

Best to get an FJ Cruiser or 4Runner or 4 door Tacoma... if you really want to be the one who doesn't get stuck or broken down... :light:

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Best to get an FJ Cruiser or 4Runner or 4 door Tacoma... if you really want to be the one who doesn't get stuck or broken down... :light:

The shorter the wheelbase, the better. The rocks were unrelenting in several places. This trail was much more difficult than in the past.

The road to Cañon del Diablo

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 03:37 PM

Benny and Avi are a pair of new amigos that we met on the JustRuns.com 4WD Club. Their vehicle is a 1990s Toyota Land Cruiser that is in PRISTINE CONDITION. For that reason, they DID NOT DARE take this vehicle on the POLE LINE ROAD.

Leidys looked at the PEARL WHITE running boards and told me, "This vehicle would be deteriorated after traveling on THE ROAD with us, yesterday."

Here is our vehicle as they saw it parked in front of Motel Diamante, north of San Felipe.

Our destination lie to the right of this photo where a large inlet provides an easy hike into the Cañon del Diablo.

The Junction leading towards the Laguna del Diablo.

Traveling West towards our destination.

The road becomes a track across sand dunes which can become problematic for 2WD vehicles.

Behind this peak is the massive Picacho del Diablo.

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 03:42 PM

As we arrived near our destination, we needed to check our location against the Baja California Almanac.

Back on track, we saw wildlife up close - just like if we were in a nature preserve.

Ascending the escarpment of Cañon del Diablo, the vegetation became more green in color as if watered more frequently.

The road to Cañon del Diablo

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 03:47 PM

The hiking area contains a nice staging area where we parked our vehicles and loaded up on water before making the hike. Here is Benny and Avi's Toyota Land Cruiser parking in the wide staging space.

Parked, and on our way up!

Hiking the massive Cañon del Diablo

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 03:54 PM

Leidys kept up well!

Benny struggling up the massive canyon with a smile on his face.

Avi followed Leidys up most of the canyon.

Stopping for a nice family photo. :bounce:

She was the first to comment on this old tree that was bearing leaves and a sturdy bark.

Benny and Avi standing next to the same tree.

Now, it was my turn for a photo!

One more of Benny and Avi.

Getting carried away with photos! :lol:

[Edited on 11-27-2011 by Ken Cooke]

A small dam was built to contain water for the animals of this region. This explained all of the dead animal carcassas nearby.

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 04:00 PM

We could not proceed because the water caused there to be only water where I had previously was able to walk up sandy inclines.

Passing this series of boulders would be difficult. There were very few options, so we decided to proceed no further.

Roberto - 11-27-2011 at 04:06 PM

Just curious - what size tires are you running? What's your clearance (lowest point) with them?

Returning to Hwy 3 via La laguna del Diablo

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 04:11 PM

After a brief look at the nature in this canyon, we decided to return to our vehicles at the staging area and travel the mud-covered Laguna Diablo.

Back at the staging area, we're ready for the long road to Ensenada.

Running opposite of the SCORE INTERNATIONAL route, we easily reached the opposite end of Laguna del Diablo and Highway 3.

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 04:22 PM

The high banks of the Laguna Diablo trail.

Here comes Avi and Benny! :cool:

The mud-hardened Laguna del Diablo.

My shock absorber had lost its' hardware. Before airing up the tires, I reinstalled everything by the light of the sun (thankfully).

Looking back at the Laguna del Diablo and the Cañon del Diablo.

Airing up the tires.

A roadside shrine.

Benny and Avi watching me air up the tires before we said our, "Goodbye's".

Later that night, we reached ENSENADA!

Ken Cooke - 11-27-2011 at 04:25 PM

BAJACAT - 11-27-2011 at 10:08 PM

Ken so you couldn't reach the waterfall.. and did the army had the check point in the dry lake bed..

[Edited on 11-28-2011 by BAJACAT]

David K - 11-27-2011 at 11:48 PM

Yah, I wondered why no waterfall pics, or the rope ladder up the granite face for climbers heading up the canyon...

Ken Cooke - 11-28-2011 at 06:45 PM

We reached some pools of water created by the newly constructed dam where I was pictured with Leidys. These pools of water prevented us from hiking up the rocks, because we would have soaked our boots and this would have affected our ability to climb on the rocks to the larger pools of water. For this reason, we chose to turn around. As it was 2:30 p.m., we think it was prudent that we walked out at that time rather than later...possibly with wet feet.

Barry A. - 11-28-2011 at 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
We reached some pools of water created by the newly constructed dam where I was pictured with Leidys. These pools of water prevented us from hiking up the rocks, because we would have soaked our boots and this would have affected our ability to climb on the rocks to the larger pools of water. For this reason, we chose to turn around. As it was 2:30 p.m., we think it was prudent that we walked out at that time rather than later...possibly with wet feet.

Ken-------You are supposed to remove your boots, sling them around your neck, and put on your Tevas which you always carry in your backpack when hiking up wild canyons, and forge ahead. :spingrin:

barry

Ken Cooke - 11-29-2011 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Ken-------You are supposed to remove your boots, sling them around your neck, and put on your Tevas which you always carry in your backpack when hiking up wild canyons, and forge ahead. :spingrin:

barry

Not this time, Barry. Trips to the larger pools will have to wait for another adventure. :lol:

jadams - 11-30-2011 at 09:30 AM

your photos are great, you should send them to Jeep for ads
Jim

Last leg = La Bufadora

Ken Cooke - 11-30-2011 at 04:57 PM

The road leading to La Bufadora leads through an agricultural region dotted with vacation homes and vacation lodging. The bay looks north directly to Ensenada and the port which receives tourists who arrive in the La Bufadora tourist center by the busload.

Looking north

Rounding the tip of the peninsula, heading south leads to the tiny La Bufadora village and world-famous "blow-hole"

Ken Cooke - 11-30-2011 at 05:03 PM

The home of many tourism cliche's - but, my Wife loves this place...

Due to the tides being calm, the water was not blowing as if it were a geyser. This is Leidys and I on our last leg of our adventure.

Some people are actually attracted to this sort of place.LOL

The inevitable return trip...NORTH

Ken Cooke - 11-30-2011 at 05:09 PM

Every Baja adventure must come to a close, and ours was now at its' end. Returning north included several stops along the way...Including this stop on our way back to Ensenada.

This region made me think of this beach-inspired Ballaric tune.

Baja's roadside beauty

Ken Cooke - 11-30-2011 at 05:14 PM

At this junction, Leidys asked how far it would be for us to drive to see Ron Hoff and his family. She really is looking forward to visiting San Quintin again.

Driving north, I wondered how relevant the shocking news articles were as the beauty of Baja continued along Hwy 1.

Ken Cooke - 11-30-2011 at 05:22 PM

The beauty of La Salina is still present despite the recent development of this once pristine beach.

New developments are unoccupied whereas the old, characteristic ones are filled with families and carry the ubiquitous charm of this region.

New/Abandoned developments such as this one dots the coastline all of the way to Playas de Tijuana.

End of thread...until our next BAJA Adventure!

Ken Cooke - 11-30-2011 at 05:27 PM

After a brief dinner at the Downtown Tijuana McDonalds, Leidys and I walked the streets of Tijuana before going home.

Leidys at the First Street Plaza - Downtown Tijuana

Notice, the front license plate is missing. :!:

This is a result of the washboard road near Hwy 5. The thing simply rattled off. We were not hassled because of this, but I plan on replacing the plate within the next couple of weeks.

Leidys getting into the trail-worn, but reliable Jeep Rubicon.

David K - 11-30-2011 at 07:13 PM

Thank you for the photo filled trip report Ken...

an epic adventure

Mulegena - 12-1-2011 at 11:32 AM

Wow, what a journey!

Thanks for sharing in pictures and words with us.

What a beautiful and wild land. Your account surmises why we love it so.

One question: I know this was a rough and tumble trek, so how does Leidys manage to always look fresh & clean, stunningly gorgeous like she just stepped out of the pages of the latest Cabela's Outfitters catalogue?

Ken Cooke - 12-1-2011 at 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
One question: I know this was a rough and tumble trek, so how does Leidys manage to always look fresh & clean, stunningly gorgeous like she just stepped out of the pages of the latest Cabela's Outfitters catalogue?

The answer to this question is simple: Leidys carefully screens her photos! :yes:

Mission Santa Maria (near Rancho Santa Ynez) and not a dot of persperation on a 93 deg.F day.

Looking cool in the city! :yes:

bajaandy - 12-1-2011 at 06:30 PM

Outstanding photo essay Ken! Looks like you guys had another great trip in Baja. Thanks for sharing all the pics.

BAJACAT - 12-1-2011 at 10:20 PM

Ken did you recover the plate or you lost it.If you did they would not let you have the same plates..they told me that when I pick my personal places, you have to come up with a new set of letters for the new plate.

Ken Cooke - 12-2-2011 at 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
Ken did you recover the plate or you lost it.If you did they would not let you have the same plates..they told me that when I pick my personal places, you have to come up with a new set of letters for the new plate.

I lost my front license plate near La Ventana along the washboard dirt road that leads to Hwy 5. I have to visit the local DMV Office soon, because I have more BAJA 4WD trips planned, and it is standard protocol to demand that drivers have 2 license plates on their vehicles entering the United States.

Sublimity - 12-3-2011 at 05:55 PM

Ken,

Thanks for sharing the trip report and especially the photos. Do you think an FJ Cruiser, without an e-locker, would be able to complete this trip?

David K - 12-3-2011 at 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sublimity
Ken,

Thanks for sharing the trip report and especially the photos. Do you think an FJ Cruiser, without an e-locker, would be able to complete this trip?

What are some 4WD roads or conditions you have driven on? Mision Santa Maria, Cortez beach sand, etc.?

I didn't know a 4WD FJ was even available without the locker. I do know that some did not come with A-TRAC, but has all the equipment for A-TRAC and it is an easy hack to have A-TRAC (which is almost as good as front and rear lockers for traction).

I believe so...

Ken Cooke - 12-4-2011 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sublimity
Ken,

Thanks for sharing the trip report and especially the photos. Do you think an FJ Cruiser, without an e-locker, would be able to complete this trip?

This section gave us the greatest trouble. I crawled up on 3 wheels, and it took 3 or 4 attempts to make it up.

Leaving the Summit/Sandy Arroyo and entering the Pole Line Road (notice the cobblestones scattered about)

Mud Terrain tires are certainly preferred to All Terrain tires on this trail, because lateral traction on sections like this one are very important.

Driving into Cañon Jaquegel

While crawling into Basketball Hill, my tires caused me to slide at this point. No bueno..

I feel that if you do not have adequate traction, your FJ can be pulled using a tow strap, but it would be much better if your tires provide the kind of traction you will need on this type of trail.

If your vehicle has running boards, they would probably be damaged and/or bent by the large rocks.

Cañon Enmedio

David K - 12-4-2011 at 11:06 AM

Letting more air out of the tires will improve traction, but it also reduces ground clearance! It is all so much fun... I wish I could have gone!

Ken Cooke - 12-4-2011 at 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Letting more air out of the tires will improve traction, but it also reduces ground clearance! It is all so much fun... I wish I could have gone!

David - Leidys thought that the Mission Impossible trail was much more challenging than the Pole Line Road. I plan on going back next year, so maybe next time. :bounce:

Ateo - 12-4-2011 at 11:24 AM

Ken, great trip. Thanks for the pictures.

Ken Cooke - 12-4-2011 at 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ateo
Ken, great trip. Thanks for the pictures.

You are certainly welcome, amigo. :yes:

wessongroup - 12-4-2011 at 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Letting more air out of the tires will improve traction, but it also reduces ground clearance! It is all so much fun... I wish I could have gone!

It would have been very interesting to see how ya fit it with the Jeeps on the "trail" ... maybe next time..

As it sure looked like a very tough road ... imho

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by wessongroup]

David K - 12-4-2011 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Letting more air out of the tires will improve traction, but it also reduces ground clearance! It is all so much fun... I wish I could have gone!

It would have been very interesting to see how ya fit it with the Jeeps on the "trail" ... maybe next time..

As it sure looked like a very tough road ... imho

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by wessongroup]

Well, even Ken's esposa thinks the Mision Santa Maria road is tougher (Ken calls it Mission Impossible)... and I have taken all three of my Tacomas in there (and all got some body damage)... SEE: http://vivabaja.com/msm2010/

I look forward to going in there... The Lost Diaz Grave is nearby, as well... A search that I still need to do on the ground!

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by David K]

wessongroup - 12-4-2011 at 12:41 PM

Thanks DK ... love the off road stuff ya guys get to do ... just meant it would have had some more vehicles and folks in the pictures .. which adds to my enjoyment ... selfish in my old age...

and, sorry don't remember the guys name with the "van" ... must say he takes that "beast" just about everywhere... :biggrin:

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by wessongroup]

Ken Cooke - 12-4-2011 at 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
Thanks DK ... love the off road stuff ya guys get to do ... just meant it would have had some more vehicles and folks in the pictures .. which adds to my enjoyment ... selfish in my old age...

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by wessongroup]

I made this thread especially for you, amigo! :bounce:

The Summit and Pole Line Roads

link to thread:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=56700&pag...

Enjoy,

Ken

[Edited on 12-5-2011 by Ken Cooke]

David K - 12-4-2011 at 10:05 PM

Quote:

and, sorry don't remember the guys name with the "van" ... must say he takes that "beast" just about everywhere... :biggrin:

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by wessongroup]

That would be ART ('EDM-1'), who still has more to his July trip report to post! Remember, he left us at La Paz with BajaTripper in his last installment...

mcfez - 12-5-2011 at 06:46 PM

Excellent photo essay Ken...felt like I was there! Thanks...once again...for sharing with us.

Ken Cooke - 12-5-2011 at 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
Excellent photo essay Ken...felt like I was there! Thanks...once again...for sharing with us.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Deno. Yes, rain did fall as you pointed out before my trip. Joe and his son Greg slept outdoors w/o a tent and were both soaked on Sunday night.LOL