Bahia San Rafael/Bahia Asunsion Thanksgiving Trip 2012
We crossed at the new Chapparel Border crossing in San Ysidro on Saturday, 11/17, about 5am. We were sent to secondary for a quick inspection. I
asked the friendly inspector about obtaining and paying for FMT. He said the immigration office and bank were open 24/7. I didn't need a permit this
trip so I don't have any first hand info.
The drive down was uneventful for the most part. We stopped at Las Pasaditas in El Rosario to get some food to go. While waiting for our meal, Dern
popped in to say hello. He was driving north and saw my truck outside. He suggested the road to San Rafael might be rough which was my fear. We had
light rain from El Rosario until the turn off to Bahia Los Angeles.
We filled up in BoLA and headed out of town. The road started off miserable and got worse as we headed out of town. I had a full truck and drove
slowly. Between the recent rains and the Baja 1000, this was the worst I had seen the road. After a few hours of driving we had driven about 18
miles and decided to camp for the night. We found a cool arroyo and made camp. My son was stoked as it was the first time sleeping under the stars
with Dad. Mommy and his sister slept in the Autohome.
The next morning we packed up and continued on to Pancho's (PSR). We arrived to find our normal camp site occupied. Pancho said something about the
people knew me. As it turned out, Nomad Frigate bird arrived the prior night. No worries, we set up camp on the south end of the long beach and set
our sites on cleaning up the area. Pancho brought down a rake and we picked up debris left from pangueros. In the end, we felt good about our clean
up efforts.
We had a great time with Pancho as usual but the highlight of the trip came via the ocean. Three kayakers appeared out of no where and were seeking
water. The three were from Germany and were kayaking from Gonzaga Bay to La Paz. They ended up joining us for the night.
On Tuesday we said our good-byes and headed south. We were worried about the road conditions but figured we could get through. There were some tight
spots on the climb out of the valley but nothing too bad. We decided to cut over to San Gertrudis instead of El Arco. In the past this road was a
great option but not this trip. With all the rain, much of the initial miles required 4wd and was slow going. We had time and enjoyed the green,
green desert.
We stocked up on supplies in Vizcaino and made the trip out to our place in Bahia Asuncion. After cleaning up, we walked down to enjoy the Revolution
Day festivities at the community center. A number of mini-restaurants had been contructed out of wood and palms. People were dressed up and milling
about. It was a great way to seen amigos and get settled in.
We pretty much went to the beach and played in the waves. My wife and I hosted a small Thanksgiving dinner at our place with some neighbors and my
mother. We grilled a two big pork loins stuffed with garlic, enjoyed mac and cheese baked, a nice salad, and even had a pumpking cheesecake. It was
a great evening for sure.
Another highlight came on our last night. Shari came by to tell us some friends had sailed into town and were looking for me. They were headed south
and had no idea I would be in town but decided to check. They had caught a dorado so Tomas at Loncheria Mari prepared a huge feast for us. I
supplied some great beers from Stone and we shared many a laughs.
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In all another great trip. We crossed at Tecate on Monday midday with only a 13 minute wait. Looking forward to heading back down for Christmas.
sounds like a wonderful adventure! Cant wait to see your kids at Christmas, I'm sure they have grown a ton since we last saw them!Pacifico - 11-27-2012 at 12:22 PM
Sounds like another great trip south! That road is the worst I've ever seen it!!! I hit that giant hole where half the road is gone, just south of San
Rafael in my buggy a couple weeks ago before the 1000. The sun was low and in my eyes and I nailed it....the damage could have been a lot worse!
Great trip report Zac!Curt63 - 11-27-2012 at 02:40 PM
Great trip and great pics. What a way to raise a family!David K - 11-27-2012 at 04:02 PM
Very nice Zac... Enjoy the kids at this age... Reminds me of camping with Chris and Sarah when they were small!dtbushpilot - 11-27-2012 at 04:56 PM
Great trip report and pictures Zac, thanks for sharing.....desertcpl - 11-27-2012 at 05:15 PM
Excellent, really enjoyed, what a beautiful family
its obvious that you put a lot into it,Paulina - 11-27-2012 at 09:26 PM
I LOVE your life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
The video taken at your impromptu camp site brought tears to my eyes. You and Tracy are truly blessed.
P>*)))>{boe4fun - 11-28-2012 at 12:57 PM
Great report Zac, looks like you all had a blast.Santiago - 11-28-2012 at 02:31 PM
Zac: That last photo of the road being repaved. Is this the pot-hole section from Viz to the turnoff or the Asuncion road?Bajaboy - 11-28-2012 at 02:51 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Zac: That last photo of the road being repaved. Is this the pot-hole section from Viz to the turnoff or the Asuncion road?
It's the section just before the turn-off to BA. I'd guess they are working on 5-6 miles right now....but maybe more on the way out to Tortugas.Martyman - 11-28-2012 at 03:53 PM
Good to hear Pancho is doing well. Did he ever get some new pants? He was asking for some last time I saw him. Mine are all too gordo.Bajaboy - 11-28-2012 at 04:16 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
Good to hear Pancho is doing well. Did he ever get some new pants? He was asking for some last time I saw him. Mine are all too gordo.
He must have. We took him down a variety dried spices and fresh herbs from the garden. We also threw in some staple foods and gave him a nice tip as
well. I remembered Pancho was a cook way back when and always makes good food. He made us fresh tortillas and some great beans. Next time, I might
take down some building materials. Who knows....Humboldt Chris and Robin - 11-28-2012 at 05:50 PM
Thanls for the San Rafael road update. We didn't do it in late October from the reports we got in Bahia de Los Angeles. Did you by chance go to San
Francisquita?Iflyfish - 11-28-2012 at 06:48 PM
So much fun watching you and your lovely family enjoying the heart of Baja! Lucky kids! Lucky parents! Thanks for this great trip report. Enjoy
watching your kids grow up!
IflyfishBajaboy - 11-28-2012 at 06:55 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Humboldt Chris and Robin
Thanls for the San Rafael road update. We didn't do it in late October from the reports we got in Bahia de Los Angeles. Did you by chance go to San
Francisquita?
