The Road to Gonzaga Bay

I had been in San Felipe working out some bus issues and getting some other things done but, as you can see, I had been here a bit too long so I decided to head south to Gonzaga Bay.




I packed up some gear and started on the roughly 150 KM trip south. Part way through I had to stop for refreshments and there was no better place than a cantina that had a bus parked outside advertising my favorite elixir.




The road was smooth sailing and in good shape, having recently been paved, and it was an enjoyable drive with the bus handling well...for the most part.

At the following GPS co-ordinate the paved road stopped and the gravel road began.

http://fms.ws/7JtFv/29.9383N/114.52591W







It was slow going and a bumpy ride but the scenery was lovely. Still, it was getting on in the day so I didn't have time to hang around snapping pics. I didn't want to be driving these roads at night.






After about an hour of slogging slowly down the dirt road I crested a hill, rounded a bend and passed through a military check point. Beyond that was Gonzaga Bay. I had no idea where to camp or what was offered so I took a drive out past the mainly ex-pat houses until I came to the end of the road with a sand spit and a hotel.






I thought I had seen an RV park sign back up the road so I went in that direction but as it was getting dark I couldn't quite make out the road. When I realized I was heading towards the beach it was too late.




Ah well, I'd just try and rustle up some help in the morning and bunk down in the bus for the night. It wasn't all that bad a location to get bogged down mind you.






And the morning view out of the front window wasn't to be scoffed at either.



After a quick coffee I hopped on my bike and rode into the town and was able to recruit some kind Americans to help bail me out of the sand.

***IMPORTANT NOTE*** Bring a shovel, air pump, tire guage and rope when you travel off the beaten path. Don't drive at night and let the air out of your tires OR you will feel like a complete idiot. This comes from experience.

The folks told me about a camp up the road called El Sacrificios that had recently gone through some renovations. They had cabins for rent as well as dry camping palapas although they did put my near an outlet so that I could plug in. The cabins were $60 per night and the palapas were $15. They advertise hot showers but those are only in the cabins. It's cold, salt water for the palapas but I'm sure you could rangle the use of one of the cabins if needed.








I spent 2 nights here but with a terrible wind storm I was only able to get the kayak into the water for all of about 30 minutes. There were some nice beaches in the distance that would have been great to visit and kayaking around the island back by the main town looked amazing as well. There are sometimes whales, whale sharks, dolphins and there are seals here. I could hear them at night.

I finally had to give up with all the wind blowing and I made my way back to San Felipe to get a mis firing issue sussed out with the bus and to take a warm shower. I'm also going to hold off on taking the bus down these types of roads when possible, it's too hard on it. There will be video soon to follow.

WG,
Where is this ?

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged WG, Where is this ?

at least you were able to have some fun, wind or not.

now, if you'd turn that surfboard upside down there will still be some wax on it when you need to ride it.

edit: i had a '68 that was pretty good in baja. i like yours!

[Edited on 3-20-2012 by woody with a view]

Gonzaga trip

Wanderglobe, Thanks for the report and the pictures.

X2

man I wish these ver nice young kids would set up shop somewhere else. those of us across the bay get stopped comin and goin every trip to the ranch!

The photos don't seem to be coming up for me but it's good to know I'm not the only one to have made that goofy error. No harm done and lesson learned.

Quote:

Originally posted by Wanderglobe Quote: Originally posted by brewer Getting stuck just happens sometime. The pictures below were from a beach s.of LA Bay. Just had the transfer case rebuilt. I thought it went bad, but it was just a vacuum hose that fell off. After 4 hours of digging out. We were all by ourselves. I felt like a total idiot after finding out what the problem was. Ha ha. Sure felt good to get unstuck! https://picasaweb.google.com/114630261875012854928/March2120... The photos don't seem to be coming up for me but it's good to know I'm not the only one to have made that goofy error. No harm done and lesson learned.

Great shot of the wrestler mask

Rice n Beans, yes?

Thanks for the photos...always great to see baja.

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez Great shot of the wrestler mask Rice n Beans, yes? Thanks for the photos...always great to see baja.

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
I know this is a bone of contention for David, but the military can and will ask for identification (especially at Tomatol). It has not happened to me at Ranch Grande.


? Not at all... Yes, they ask for ID sometimes, at at Gonzaga every time, in fact. I have shown them either my passport or my driver's license.

They have NEVER asked for my FMT/FMM, never... not part of their charge.


at the "Gonzaga checkpoint"
most likely they ask for any t-shirts,cold water,maybe an orange,etc,etc.