BajaNomad - 7 day Road trip to Cabo - Flying back

7 day Road trip to Cabo - Flying back

Jaybo - 12-10-2012 at 04:32 PM

OK, Looks like the plan is coming together. We have an opportunity to drive a friends Jeep Laredo down to San Jose Del Cabo in February. It will take us 2 days to get to the border and then we will have 6-7 days to get to their place. We want to spend a day or 2 in the Mulege area and someplace on the Pacific side too but not sure where. Since we are not in a big hurry, we are open to some suggestions.

We would leave Friday Feb 15th from Oregon and be at the border to cross either Saturday afternoon-ish or possibly Sunday Morning- Which would be better? We have friends in Santee CA. or we may just get a hotel close to the border. Which border crossing should we take?

The Jeep will be in another persons name so I am assuming some sort of notarized permission slip of some sort? Insurance of course, The owner of the vehicle lives in SJDC and operates a vacation villa so they are familiar with it, but I'll ask you guys too

What should we see on the way down? We will likely hotel it or maybe B&B so camping isn't likely. I think we will stay mostly on the hwy, but it might be cool to see Mikes Sky or Coco's after reading about them for so many years. BOLA and Mulege area I really want to see, as well as Loreto. We have checked out La Paz on earlier trips.

Free beer if you have some good ideas (if you happen to be on the way...) for us

..Jay

David K - 12-10-2012 at 04:57 PM

Hi Jay... Sounds like a fun trip!

Coco's Corner is 13 miles from Hwy. 1 on a rough graded road... I would say if you go there then go on to Bahia San Luis Gonzaga, 22 more miles. There is a motel/ bar/ restaurant on the beach at Alfonsina's (turn right at the Pemex station). Camping at Beluga, a couple miles south of Alfonsina's.

L.A. Bay is special and you can get a lot of info on Mia's web site: http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info on what's there and the many motels and campgrounds.

Leaving L.A. Bay you can go out via San Borja Mission (1762-1818) and tour the furthest north stone mission in Old Califrornia as well as rock art sites (Montevideo) and reach Hwy. 1 at Nuevo Rosarito.
OR go south maybe see Punta San Francisquito and Mission Santa Gertrudis, or the big cave art site near El Arco and the ghost town of Pozo Aleman.

On the Pacific, and now reached by paved road from Vizcaino, is Bahia Asuncion and Shari's bed and breakfast called La Bufadora Inn http://www.bahiaasuncion.com Even if you don't go fishing, there are other activities galore!

As you near the oasis mission village of San Ignacio, do take the short side paved road into the town plaza and see the giant stone mission, founded in 1728 and constructed over the next 50 years.

There is really so much to see and do in Baja... you could spend the rest of your life and still not see it all!

See photos of many of the sites in the links below...

Have a blast!

[Edited on 12-10-2012 by David K]

Jaybo - 12-10-2012 at 07:47 PM

David, Ooo good idea on Shari's .. I'll have to look at that more as well. Some day it would be nice to live down there as well, at least for part of the year. Just not sure exactly where so a little early scouting will be fun

willardguy - 12-10-2012 at 08:02 PM

hey jaybo, being from NW oregon there's nothing thats gonna impress you up at mike's and coco's is really nothing but bland desert with a bunch of beer cans on a fence. if you want to scout out a future home site, id pay particular attention to the pacific side,weather you can enjoy year round.
now of course this is only my opinion, and im sure not shared with everyone!

tiotomasbcs - 12-11-2012 at 07:26 AM

Todos Santos is beautiful in the winter. Cold nites and warm days. Plenty to do and lots of good food! Buen Viaje. Tio

Jaybo - 12-11-2012 at 09:21 AM

Willard - Oh I love the beauty of the desert, but it's more about saying I've been there after hearing all the stories. Continuing on to Gonzaga might be fun too

If we ever get the chance to live down there it will likely be renting part of the year and spend summers in Oregon. I'm thinking I should take a peek at San Quentin too, although what I have seen of the Mulege area that looks great too.

Toi - We've been to TS on day trips before (we have a friend that lives in SJDC) and have browsed the art galleries but did not see much else to do there ..

honda tom - 12-11-2012 at 09:26 AM

From BOLA head south on gulf. Take the dirt road and meet HWY at Viscaino. Its a fun dirt road with a few cool sights (beach at san rafael, san francisquito, some cool ranchos, and the mine at el pozo). You will make mulege that same day, or spend that afternoon and night at San Ignacio.

desertcpl - 12-11-2012 at 02:43 PM

you might keep in mind that COCO might not be there, he has health issues and I think he is making plans on going to Ensenada

but the drive is worth it, inter MX at Mexicali and head to San Felipe and then on south to Gonzaga Bay, just some thing Magical about it, then LA bay is a must see on the way down
, Mulege, Loreto, San Quinten

MMc - 12-11-2012 at 02:51 PM

Jaybo, assuming the idea is to take your friends jeep to them with as little a drama possible and have some fun doing so. Stay off the long dirt roads on the Sea of Cortez, they are very cool but hard on autos. They are remote, it's not your car, you don't know it's history. Save them for another trip.

February + Whales = FUN. They should around by then and well worth the trip. Plenty of info. on Nomads.

If your looking for a future place to hang a hat, make the drive from Bahia Asuncion to Punta Abaeojos, and back out to the highway. Plenty of places to stay, roads are pretty good. Great place to check out.

A interesting drive is from Villa Insurgentes to La Prisima to San Juanico. La Prisima is older then most cities in the Califorinas. Aqua ducts that were built as part of the mission systems. San Juanico has good fishing. Gringos are all over this place.
I hope you have a fun trip.

Cross at San Ysidro it's fast and easy.
If you see Coco you'll miss S Q.

[Edited on 12-11-2012 by MMc]

David K - 12-11-2012 at 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
you might keep in mind that COCO might not be there, he has health issues and I think he is making plans on going to Ensenada

but the drive is worth it, inter MX at Mexicali and head to San Felipe and then on south to Gonzaga Bay, just some thing Magical about it, then LA bay is a must see on the way down
, Mulege, Loreto, San Quinten

This is a far better route south, and shorter too (from the border)... only one city and one easy town to drive through instead of 3 cities and several towns and farms. If you were going to Gonzaga you greatly reduce the dirt driving miles (round trip from Chapala on Hwy. 1 is 70 miles vs. one way from the end of pavement of 45 miles). :bounce:

David K - 12-11-2012 at 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
Jaybo, assuming the idea is to take your friends jeep to them with as little a drama possible and have some fun doing so. Stay off the long dirt roads on the Sea of Cortez, they are very cool but hard on autos. They are remote, it's not your car, you don't know it's history. Save them for another trip.

February + Whales = FUN. They should around by then and well worth the trip. Plenty of info. on Nomads.

If your looking for a future place to hang a hat, make the drive from Bahia Asuncion to Punta Abaeojos, and back out to the highway. Plenty of places to stay, roads are pretty good. Great place to check out.

A interesting drive is from Villa Insurgentes to La Prisima to San Juanico. La Prisima is older then most cities in the Califorinas. Aqua ducts that were built as part of the mission systems. San Juanico has good fishing. Gringos are all over this place.
I hope you have a fun trip.

Cross at San Ysidro it's fast and easy.

Baja has lots of options and that is what is fun about it! You can do the whale thing no matter which road you take south (Mex 1 or Mex 5) and there are three whale watch lagoons (Scammons, San Ignacio, Magdalena).

Asuncion to Abreojos is more dirt road miles than Hwy. 5 to Chapala... and to help him find more on info it, the town name is La Purisima.

MMc - 12-11-2012 at 04:48 PM

"Long dirt roads on the Sea of Cortez"

"From BOLA head south on gulf. Take the dirt road and meet HWY at Viscaino. Its a fun dirt road with a few cool sights (beach at san rafael, san francisquito, some cool ranchos, and the mine at el pozo). You will make mulege that same day, or spend that afternoon and night at San Ignacio."

Might be considered long in a unfamiliar rig.
The road along the west coast of the spur is usually better then Hwy 5 dirt.
It's been 8 months for my last trip to Gonzaga so I don't know the road conditions.
The road from Punta Abaeojos north is just fine, passable in anything.

Jaybo - 12-12-2012 at 05:34 PM

Wow, So much information to process! So it is worth the time to drive East on I-8 to Mexicali and drive down from there? I'm already thinking of scratching Coco's and Mikes and head to Gonzaga - I need to get out my Baja atlas and figure it out better - And read some trip reports and of course DK's excellent maps .. Research is part of the fun, Right

Jaybo - 12-12-2012 at 05:40 PM

Is there any PC software for route planning? I have used Streets and trips for US stuff does not look like they have Mexico maps ...

Bajahowodd - 12-12-2012 at 05:49 PM

Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see where the Jeep Was 4wd. In that case, I would shy away from dirt roads.

Your timing will be excellent to play with the whales. Once you get to Guerrero Negro, consider staying at one of several that offer whale excursions. Last year, we had a wonderful adventure staying at and using Los Caracoles. A really nice young man named Waldo drove us out in the early morning and we had amazing Play with the whales. Also was fortunate to meet Shari there.

So much to see and do all along Baja. Disfruta!

MMc - 12-12-2012 at 05:59 PM

There are plenty of GPS software maps that have been discussed here, try a search.
David's maps are plagiarized from mostly AAA and the Baja California Atlas. He seems to have a large collection of Baja related prints and copies it at will. I if was my copy rite he'd get a letter from IP lawyer.
The AAA maps are free it your a member the Atlas is available at a premium. When they update it, is the time to buy.
Missed that you have a atlas, you are set my man!!!! :bounce:

Try google maps put in the city near by and where you want to go kinda fun.

[Edited on 12-13-2012 by MMc]

[Edited on 12-13-2012 by MMc]

David K - 12-12-2012 at 07:13 PM

Posted for educational purposes, not for resale, sources always provided. Usually old, out of print ones, at that.

Now, I can show you a lot of businesses that use maps without permission to help them make money.

Sorry you are against us on Nomad helping the people of Baja by taking the fear out of going there, so money can get south, which is my intention. I do not make money helping people have a fulfilling Baja trip. There are no ads on my Viva Baja website... all for the love of helping others.

willardguy - 12-12-2012 at 07:40 PM

is 12/12/12 screw with david day? :?:

MMc - 12-12-2012 at 08:22 PM

David, How about I post your book online and not make anything on it. It might effect your sales? You might come after me? You would be justified to do so . Intellectual property, is the property of the owner and without permission it is wrong to use at all. Profiting from it just means a larger claim.
This is one of the few places that David gets to shine but in doing so helps kill Baja.IMHO. Why not point somebody in a direction and let them discover their own little piece of paradise.
My issue with David isn't new. His need to look good and be the guy, outweighs anything else in his world. Just to much information on to public place.
(sorry for the hijack)

Jay wanted to see something new and explore a new bit of Baja I hope he does so, and finds a place to consider settling. :light:

Jaybo - 12-13-2012 at 09:17 AM

yeah, Sorry MMc, bashing DK for promoting Baja and encouraging people to visit is really best saved for another forum. Sorry you don't like him, but using maps that are usually out of date and drawn in by him to show us where the beauty is lurking is a great service to us nomads. Do you have permission to quote the Great W.C. Fields in every single post?

Thanks for the tips and well wishes though, it all helps!

wilderone - 12-13-2012 at 09:27 AM

IMO, 7 days in Baja isn't very long to do the entire peninsula. The days will be short in February - sunset probably around 6 pm, and you will need to be at some hotel or B&B at the end of the day. There's plenty to see en route that won't take up a lot of time going to and fro, will get you out of the car, and allow you to experience a sampling of Baja.
You asked about crossing in Mexicali in order to go to Gonzaga and out Hwy 1, passing Coco's. That's a trip better left when you have more time, IMO.
Cross in Tecate, stop at a couple wineries, on Mex. 3. Stop for lunch in Ensenada; buy some groceries at the CaliMex or Gigante stores. Visit the Mision de San Vicente Ferrer; drive about a mile off road when you get to the boulder gardens at Catavina and hike around, see the rock art there. It's an easy drive to Bahia de los Angeles - do that. Defintely time your trip so you can drive out to Scammons and see the whales there (or stay in Guerrero Negro and sign up for a bus trip in town). Buy honey in Vizcaino. Doing an off-road section via Asuncion/La Bocana/Abreojos would also be time consuming and a lot of in-the-car hours. Get to Mulege and take a couple days there. At this point, you'd only have 3 days left. Seewhatimtalkinabout?

honda tom - 12-13-2012 at 09:56 AM

IMO you will have a more relaxing time by crossing at Mexicali and driving through San Felipe and onto Gonzaga the first night. This way the next morning you can cross the "visit cocos" off your list. BOLA is only 3 hours from Gonzaga, and you could decide to stay or continue to San Francisquito (here you will be nearly alone with a hut or palapa and a beautiful beach). then continy=ue the next day to Mulege. You will not need 4X4 and food and fuel is readily available on your route. I beleive this is the most bang for your buck for a trip south. Hwy 1 from TJ south is not much to enjoy for the first 5 hours.

Jaybo - 12-13-2012 at 03:11 PM

Is there any current maps of what is and is not paved?

wsdunc - 12-13-2012 at 03:24 PM

I second the idea of whale watching at Ojo de Liebre lagoon, Shari can tell you all about it. When near Mulege think about checking out Punta Chivato, I think it is one of the most beautiful places in Baja

David K - 12-13-2012 at 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaybo
Is there any current maps of what is and is not paved?

No... unless I (or another) make you one. The only Federal Highway unpaved in Baja (I can think of) is Mex. 5. Last July the pavement ended 31 miles south of Puertecitos/ 10 miles north of Papa Fernandez' road... and they were ready to open more miles very soon. Road and bridge construction lasted up to Papa's road with a well graded dirt detour alongside.

Papa's to Hwy. 1 at Chapala is about 38 miles, and it is easy to drive in 2WD, but the surface is rough, so slow going for most.

Other roads paved since the last AAA map was made include:

Hwy. 1 to Observatory San Pedro Martir (62 miles)
Hwy. 1 to Bahia Asuncion (70 miles) some repaving going on.*
Hwy. 1 to Punta Abreojos (65 miles)
Hwy. 1 to San Francisco de la Sierra (only partly paved)
Hwy. 1 to Laguna San Ignacio (only partly paved)
Hwy. 1 to Geothermal Plant Las Tres Virgenes.

* See today's paving post with photos: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=64428

[Edited on 12-13-2012 by David K]

Jaybo - 12-13-2012 at 10:02 PM

David, Thank you. I'll mark the hwy 5 info in my almanac. I'm starting to like the idea of going down 5 perhaps all the way to Alfonsina's the first day if that is doable. It looks beautiful. If I didn't go down from Mexicali and went via Hwy 3 instead any pro's and con's on that? I'm just concerned about the time to go across To Mexicali .. or would it actually take longer because of all of the cities?

David K - 12-13-2012 at 10:38 PM

We cross at Tecate or Mexicali to go to San Felipe. Tecate east on 2-D avoids Mexicali city streets. On the Almanac, pavement ended 1 km north of Delfines road but paving was near ready to Papa Fernandez' road. Mexicali is easy to cross if you do the border southbound there.

Marc - 12-14-2012 at 01:03 AM

Mex5 gets you to Gonzaga and then Coco's on the way to Mex1 and south the BOLA turn off. I prefer this route over Mex1 from Ensenada. BTW Alfonsina's in Gonzaga tends to fill up on weekends.

I find DK's maps valuable. I used one of his hand drawn maps recently to explore one of the canyons at Gonzaga.

7 day road guero

captkw - 12-14-2012 at 01:26 AM

thats a fast and short trip in 7 days...BTW baja looks a lot smaller on a map than in real life !!!! K&T :cool:

Jaybo - 12-14-2012 at 07:26 AM

kw - That's the beauty of it, 7 days is a target - We will be down there for 24 days total, so if we are a couple days late getting to SJDC the sky wont fall on us

I guess I should have mentioned that.

David - any time advantage of crossing at Tecate and taking 2-D vs. taking I-8 to Mexicali? Wife is concerned about excess time spent in the border region as well since that is where the "problems" are ..

Marc - 12-14-2012 at 07:32 AM

Crossing southbound is never a problem anywhere. Crossing NORTH, big problem.

honda tom - 12-14-2012 at 09:29 AM

I would drive out to el centro ca, then cross at calexico. 10 minutes of mexicali and your in the countryside, then its 2 hours to san felipe for a taco, and less than 3 hours to alfonsinas. all but the last 15 minutes of this day is paved. Weekday no problem getting room, in Feb. I dont think it will be a problem on weekend either. Sometimes he likes to tell you hes all full, but keep pressing him and he always comes up with one more room, (it makes you feel special).

From alfonsinas (gonzaga) to coco's is smooth dirt, then a rough patch of rocks(but still no problem for any vehicle driven slowly) then smooth dirt again, plan 45 minutes to cocos.

From coco to hwy 1 is rough and rocky (just go slow for 1 hour) .

hwy 1 to bola is all paved and about 1.5 hours.

I like BOLA, but mostly just for lunch because you are only 80 miles from san francisquito. 2.5 hours of fun desert road, to a isolated beach wit cabanas, or palapas. bring sleeping bags (they have cots) get food at a market in BOLA for backup, but they will cook fish or beef for you 95% of the time. 20 bucs a head to sleep under cover with sides, or 8 bucs for a open palapa. Dont plan on hot water 75% of the time.... but for me its the atmosphere. get gas at BOLA and you will have range to Viscaino.

Jaybo - 12-14-2012 at 12:02 PM

Tom, I am thinking exactly that in regards to Alfonsina's the first day. The hard part for us, is where we stay for the extra day or two on the way down. We would be coming in there on a Sunday afternoon so not worried about rooms.

We also want to see BOLA but we would stay in a hotel - Wife says she is not ready to camp yet , and room for camp stuff will be at a premium. From there its off to I think Asuncion. Whale trip sounds like a must do as well. extra day there? From there to Mulege and see that area and maybe a couple days there?

We have a stop in LaPaz to make, and one in Los Barrillesbefore heading to SJDC. We'll be there for 2 weeks so if we are a day or 2 late it is not a big deal.

What kind of Honda?

Jaybo - 12-14-2012 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
Crossing southbound is never a problem anywhere. Crossing NORTH, big problem.

Yeah, for that part Glad we are flying back

honda tom - 12-14-2012 at 12:22 PM

BOLA has plenty of hotels 25-55 bucs. Because of short drive from Gonzaga to BOLA youll have plenty of time to see it. There is also a small musuem.

on the BOLA hwy.... 13 miles west of BOLA is the turnoff to mission san borja. about a 1 hour dirt road to a cool mission you can walk through the entire thing. the family that lives there is restoring it. just a thought if your into that kind of thing.

From BOLA I would still take the dirt to Viscaino (mostly cause i like dirt roads). Cross the road and your on your way to Asuncion.

[Edited on 12-14-2012 by honda tom]

honda tom - 12-14-2012 at 12:29 PM

XR 400 with over 12,000 miles of baja dirt

Jaybo - 12-14-2012 at 12:41 PM

Tom, The Almanac is not very clear as far as which road is going to Viscaino - seems to be lots of them. I am a bit concerned about that much dirt on a vehicle I don't own. David, do you have a chunk of map of that area that is more clear than the Almanac?

David K - 12-14-2012 at 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaybo
Tom, The Almanac is not very clear as far as which road is going to Viscaino - seems to be lots of them. I am a bit concerned about that much dirt on a vehicle I don't own. David, do you have a chunk of map of that area that is more clear than the Almanac?

The following are AAA map portions with an unmapped road drawn in, that I first drove on in 2001 and has also been used for the Baja 1000 (not this last one)... it is 2WD and was graded... signed for Mision Santa Gertrudis, which is 11 miles off to the east from it. Obviously, rain can affect the road.. and the village of Guillermo Prieto was abandoned on our last time through (last July).:

The new Baja Almanac does have this road... and it is surprising that the Auto Club neglected to add the north half of it in, but it was there when they added the south half of it.

David K - 12-14-2012 at 02:51 PM

This was my route last July... we diverted over to the El Arco road from Santa Gertrudis to see Pozo Grande and the giant cave art of El Carmen near the La Union ranch road... http://www.bajabound.com/bajatravel/painted_cave_of_el_carme...

AAA Map and Baja Almanac map with my travel notes added:

[Edited on 12-14-2012 by David K]

Jaybo - 12-14-2012 at 05:44 PM

David, Wow, Thank you so much, that's really helpful! My only concern of course is it not being my vehicle, and the condition of the roads. I'll have to really think on that and perhaps adjust when we are there ....

David K - 12-14-2012 at 05:53 PM

Make sure you come back to Baja with your own 4WD and begin exploring the wonders found there.

MMc - 12-16-2012 at 10:38 PM

Wow, I get busy and put in my place all at the same time. Jay, the quote is public domain, so I an legal on it. I don't see any hand drawn map on this thread, just stuff he posted before.

I wouldn't trust anybody's post that hasn't been on the roads past month. The rains and the race can be hard on roads. Please get a update right before you leave.
If Coco isn't home, his place is kinda sad without him. It's a nice drive down that side, but with out Coco, whatever.
You said something about looking around for a place to settle, There are some nice places on the pacific. Please check them out before you decide.
David has a passion for Baja, Agreed! He makes 3 or so trips south per year, mostly goes to the same spots and rehashes trips he made years ago.
His promoting of Baja is mostly self aggrandizing of himself. He did call himself "THE KING OF BAJA" "DR DRIP"many years ago
He promotes Baja travel to the under prepared and leaves them to us to get back home.
He has no stake in Baja, other then to drive around, when he can afford it.

[Edited on 12-17-2012 by MMc]

wilderone - 12-17-2012 at 08:40 AM

MMc - mellow out, dude. It's the internet - there's a scroll bar to skip David's if you wish. HUGS all around. Merry Christmas! And don't forget to donate something to the Dia de la Reyes party for the less fortunate in our world.

David K - 12-17-2012 at 09:14 AM

MMc: I NEVER called myself "The King of Baja" here or anywhere on the Internet. DrDrip was part of my old email address because I am a drip irrigation specialist, I never called myself that but some of the old timers do.

I NEVER claim I know everything about Baja, and I specially don't leave people hanging... I do my best to provide answers and present ideas on things to do using photos from my trips.

My largest trip report ever was THIS YEAR, and it is too bad you glaze over my posts then talk to others as if you know me.

Now, see if you can help others without putting down other people in the process, okay? Merry Christmas.

Jaybo - 12-17-2012 at 04:54 PM

MMc - I didn't really mean to "put you in your place" but I tire of people complaining about DK's maps! He corrects them, he puts in mileages between multiple points, Rather than complain about his use of them perhaps contacting AAA Legal and see if they care that he uses snippets of their maps on a relatively obscure web forum? It's really up to the map owner to pursue violations of their copyright. Is there a user hide feature on the forum so you don't have to be annoyed or bothered by DK's posts? Otherwise just ignore him and scroll past. Much easier on the blood pressure

Looking for a place to settle at some point is in the future, this trip is to take a look at a few places on the way down for future more in depth research. In an ideal world I'd spend all 3 weeks driving around and spending longer times in various places. It isn't my car, so I'm taking a slightly more direct and shorter trip and getting free lodging in SJDC for 2 weeks

..Jay

willardguy - 12-17-2012 at 05:01 PM

hey I dont know what all the hub-bub is about but you gotta admit,DrDrip is one bad a$$ handle! :bounce:

MMc - 12-17-2012 at 05:13 PM

Jaybo, sorry for the rant and hijack on your post. The side trips I mentioned were geared for your consternation. They are not very far off your track with fair to good roads. I have no idea what you are into, so these are very general points that you can look at, be safe without a bunch of worry, if something goes awry. I don't want to give lots of details so you and your wife can "discover" stuff on your own, those are the things that stay with you. They make up your Baja.
Have a very good time and I hope you and your wife have a safe trip!!

MMc - 12-17-2012 at 05:27 PM

wilderone, I took a grip of stuff to the Colonia Canon Buenavista two weeks ago. (Toys, tarps,blankets, canned meats etc.) It is south of Maneadero and those folks don't have much. It sure makes my Christmas better when I do it. I hope others do the same. Thanks for the heads up.

Jaybo - 12-17-2012 at 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
hey I dont know what all the hub-bub is about but you gotta admit,DrDrip is one bad a$$ handle! :bounce:

I dunno, It makes me think of the County Health Dept. trip I made many a year ago :biggrin:

David K - 12-17-2012 at 09:12 PM

It sounded better than Dr. Irrigator. I had no idea it would be considered as a urologist handle... lol.

Jaybo - 12-17-2012 at 09:15 PM

MMc Thanks for the apology heartily accepted. There are people here that drive me nuts too, but I just grin and scroll past. The forums way of saying "Yes Dear" and moving on

I don't think we know what we are looking for! I would love to explore more of the back country (we are into sport quads and SxS's) but as was pointed out to me, it isn't my rig I am going to be traveling with. Being able to hit the spots like Gonzaga and Asuncion, Mulege, etc will be a big plus as we can see it in person instead of just reading about it. I don't know that we will ever "settle" down there. I might just be extended vacations and short term rentals for a few months at a time. We do have a business that will require us to be in the states for at least part of the time, and a good internet connection other parts of the year.

This trip is going to be about a lot of driving and a sightseeing with some kick back on the beach time. I've read about the whale sharks and need to read more about them, and a whale trip on the way to Asuncion is a must as well.

Bajafun777 - 12-18-2012 at 09:57 AM

Hmm, we need to have another book signing date again so nomads can get together. Until you actually meet other nomads and enjoy their escapades along with their travel reports in person you really are not knowing your fellow nomads. Some of you that have issues with others on this site would find yourself enjoying these people if you actually met them and especially if they did not tell you their names in the beginning. Life is too short to be mad and Life has too much to offer not to enjoy each and every minute while you can.

I enjoyed going to the book signing events as you get some great information and again meet the people behind the monikers here on this site. So, far I haven't met in person any nomad that I did not enjoy talking to. Have also found that we have a lot of nomads that never post on this site but are daily readers of it, so you just never know if the next person you meet somewhere is not a nomad. Have run into nomads in different towns on the mainland and numerous places in Baja, San Diego areas and Imperial Valley, even in Yuma areas. Hope everyone has great holidays coming up and Merry X-Mas to all. Take Care & Travel Safe---- "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

David K - 12-18-2012 at 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajafun777
Hmm, we need to have another book signing date again so nomads can get together. Until you actually meet other nomads and enjoy their escapades along with their travel reports in person you really are not knowing your fellow nomads. Some of you that have issues with others on this site would find yourself enjoying these people if you actually met them and especially if they did not tell you their names in the beginning. Life is too short to be mad and Life has too much to offer not to enjoy each and every minute while you can.

I enjoyed going to the book signing events as you get some great information and again meet the people behind the monikers here on this site. So, far I haven't met in person any nomad that I did not enjoy talking to. Have also found that we have a lot of nomads that never post on this site but are daily readers of it, so you just never know if the next person you meet somewhere is not a nomad. Have run into nomads in different towns on the mainland and numerous places in Baja, San Diego areas and Imperial Valley, even in Yuma areas. Hope everyone has great holidays coming up and Merry X-Mas to all. Take Care & Travel Safe---- "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

Quite true... and yes, far more readers of Nomad than the couple dozen of us who post regularly. That is why you see me show photos, maps, or discuss the same topic more than once... for the new Nomads and new, non-posting viewers (lurkers). I get plenty of thank yous in emails and u2u's from these unseen amigos that keep me doing what I do here, despite the complaints of a couple of regulars on Nomad. As stated above, if you don't want to read my posts, then don't... but don't keep others from enjoying them for their first time.

HERE are the Pyramid Resort Baja Book Signing Parties of the past (where I met BajaFun777, as well):

BOOK 6 (2008): http://vivabaja.com/book6/

BOOK 5 (2007): http://vivabaja.com/book5/

BOOK 4 (2006): http://vivabaja.com/book4/

BOOK 3 (2005): http://vivabaja.com/book3/

BOOK 2 (2004): http://www.vivabaja.com/504/

BOOK 1 (2003): http://www.vivabaja.com/503/

Bajafun777 - 12-18-2012 at 09:22 PM

David, you keep it real with keeping some forms of documentation and photos that most of us misplace or just plain lose. So good to see the photos of past times of book signing events and the nomads that showed up. The pot luck and tequila tasting contest over the years was great.

For those that have not talked with Baja Bernie and his adventures as well as listening to the womens' stories your missing out and we need more of these. Additionally, Doug Means and his family were at most of these if not all a great family, so I hope the rest of you get to meet them someday since this site is his creation. Can't leave out Fernando that sponsors the Baja Nomad Dia de Reyes Toy Drives, just a great person to know.

Hoping good health and great travels for everyone during these holidays and this next year. Take Care & Travel Safe----"No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

Jaybo - 1-23-2013 at 01:28 PM

OK, I gotta get back to planning! Here is the plan so far -

Cross Border at Calexico Sunday Feb. 17
Spend Sunday night at Alfonsina's

Need to be in GN noon on the 20th to meet Shari for a whale trip either that afternoon or the 21st.

I think we want to see BOLA area on my way to GN or should we kick back and spend an extra day at Gonzaga and just do a quicker trip to BOLA? what's more worth it for kick back and scenic beauty?

Thanks for your suggestions!

..Jay

MMc - 1-23-2013 at 04:37 PM

Play it by ear. While staying at Alfonsina's you fall in love with the place, stay awhile. Bay of LA is cool and worth seeing but it's not going anywhere. You'll have to wake up early to make G N by noon but still do able. You will miss CoCo that early however. If you pull in to Alfonsina's and want to push for Bay of LA the next day, go for it. Both places are very pretty and will steal your hart if you spend to much time.
You still have time to see Mulege You're in Cabo on day 6 or 7
You have a good plan, leave a little slack. Go have fun.