BajaNomad - Valle de la Trinidad

Valle de la Trinidad

mcfez - 4-5-2013 at 09:32 AM

Miles of tree covered roads in this area that is located just a little over an hour from San Felipe.

[Edited on 4-5-2013 by mcfez]

desertcpl - 4-5-2013 at 09:57 AM

okay, I will bite,, where is this, how about a little map.

looks nice and cool for the summer months

DENNIS - 4-5-2013 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
okay, I will bite,, where is this, how about a little map.

looks nice and cool for the summer months

Maybe not quite as cool as one would hope for. It's a big time dope growing region.
Gotta be careful out there.

mcfez - 4-5-2013 at 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
okay, I will bite,, where is this, how about a little map.

looks nice and cool for the summer months

Colonia Lázaro Card##as

It's right off Mex 3. A fantastic friendly town.....and a major agriculture area. I been been in this area hundreds of times and have yet seen any drug or violet activity. There are perhaps pot farms in the area....but then again...there are pot farms in San Diego..... to Ensenada..... too :-) Also....no speed traps...no traffic.

Most of the farms out there have welcome policy for visitors. There is a research center by the base of the mountain that is interesting as well. Nothing but lush green scenery .......the smell of fresh veggies from the fields....and some of the friendliest folks in The Baja.

In town....fuel is there. Many good places to eat too.

Weather is much cooler up here during the summer months......we have a friend that actually lives in San Felipe and has a "summer" house up there.

[Edited on 4-6-2013 by mcfez]

DENNIS - 4-5-2013 at 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
I been been in this area hundreds of times and have yet seen any drug or violent activity.

Thing is, back in the 80s, before the cartels were killing off each other and the military wasn't so openly mobilized, they would send federal police to Ensenada from DF, armed to the teeth and housed in various back street motels around the city, away from the Tourist Zone.
They would leave the motels in the morning and return at the end of the day. During the day they would be over in Trinidad Valley fighting with the growers. I mean...war.
I had a buddy who lived in Centro, two doors down from one such motel. We never talked with the Federales and they never spoke with us. They were a quiet, well trained bunch.

mcfez - 4-5-2013 at 12:40 PM

:-) Certainly not like it was back then....in the 80's. I have yet seen a Fed in that valley. Few cops. I am sure if one hikes up the mountain valleys......or any valley of Baja that has water access.......there be evidence of pot plantations. Humboldt County up here, has the same thing going on. Fact is.....you'll hear warnings about hiking anywhere in the mountains of California. But......this post was not about hiking up the valleys nor the crime of the area. It's about a valley of a agriculture community.

There is evidence of crime in every town and city of THE Baja...................such as there is in Canada or THE United States. Should we hide under our desks or should we all use good common sense and enjoy the great outdoors of THE Baja?

There are MANY groups that goes up to that valley. Such as http://www.utvguide.net/trip_report_mexico_2008.htm

Perhaps I need to come down and pick you up, we can go scouting with a few beers in hand. 50/50 on the takes ?

Valle de la Trinidad marijuana bulbs being planted..........

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
I been been in this area hundreds of times and have yet seen any drug or violent activity.

[Edited on 4-5-2013 by mcfez]

More on the valley

mcfez - 4-5-2013 at 01:07 PM

Ateo - 4-5-2013 at 01:10 PM

Looks like a beautiful place to me. This is one area of The Baja that I havent been to but plan on seeing someday.

mcfez - 4-5-2013 at 02:43 PM

There is an village up in the hills that do the black pottery.....and there are some great basket weavers too. Perhaps I should do a story on this area.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
Looks like a beautiful place to me. This is one area of The Baja that I havent been to but plan on seeing someday.

bajamedic - 4-5-2013 at 05:37 PM

Looks like another place to add to the bucket list. JH

desertcpl - 4-5-2013 at 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
There is an village up in the hills that do the black pottery.....and there are some great basket weavers too. Perhaps I should do a story on this area.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
Looks like a beautiful place to me. This is one area of The Baja that I havent been to but plan on seeing someday.

yes please do a story about this area

Ateo - 4-5-2013 at 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
There is an village up in the hills that do the black pottery.....and there are some great basket weavers too. Perhaps I should do a story on this area.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
Looks like a beautiful place to me. This is one area of The Baja that I havent been to but plan on seeing someday.

Hey man, do the story! I'm always looking for pottery and baskets to adorn the casa. Tell us about it. You know my wife will see the post and make me go in less than 2 weeks. =)

liknbaja127 - 4-5-2013 at 07:04 PM

We always go through there on our way to mikes, great little town.

DENNIS - 4-5-2013 at 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
There is an village up in the hills that do the black pottery.....and there are some great basket weavers too. Perhaps I should do a story on this area.

Are you sure about that, Deno? Black pottery is more often associated with Oaxaca:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barro_negro_pottery

Although I've never heard of a Black Pottery industry in Baja, I am aware of collectable pottery being made by the Pai Pai in their scattered settlements. not only have I heard about, I've been there and seen it. Beautiful work, not Black but brown with fire marks.
The settlement I've been to was closer to Ojos Negros than Valle de Trinidad.

mcfez - 4-5-2013 at 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
There is an village up in the hills that do the black pottery.....and there are some great basket weavers too. Perhaps I should do a story on this area.

I'll be compiling all of my pictures of the last 12 years of the area......including the village(s) up in hills of Valle de la Trinidad.

[Edited on 4-6-2013 by mcfez]

Bajaboy - 4-5-2013 at 08:07 PM

I agree about the beauty of the area but one must also be aware of his or her surroundings:

....The commander also announced that a military ground patrol found marijuana fields covering 2.1 acres in the Valle de la Trinidad, south of Ensenada. He said the fields were incinerated.
http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/17624/Military-makes-Hum...

It seems anywhere north of San Quintin is fair game. But I agree with McFez, check out this area if you get a chance.

mcfez - 4-5-2013 at 08:18 PM

Wish I bumped into this farm :-) ....but it was closer to Ensenada .

Here's a little of what's in the area
http://travelingluck.com/North%20America/Mexico/Baja%20Calif...

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
I agree about the beauty of the area but one must also be aware of his or her surroundings:

....The commander also announced that a military ground patrol found marijuana fields covering 2.1 acres in the Valle de la Trinidad, south of Ensenada. He said the fields were incinerated.
http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/17624/Military-makes-Hum...

It seems anywhere north of San Quintin is fair game. But I agree with McFez, check out this area if you get a chance.

Tacodawgtim - 4-7-2013 at 07:02 AM

Mcfez, how often do you get down here ? I am here for another six weeks I'd like to meet you and go some of these places. I've been thru Valley of Trinidad on way back from Mikes and on my way to Pacific side.. Try to go all dirt roads
Ill by the first shrimp taco and beer

mcfez - 4-7-2013 at 10:00 AM

I wont be there till Oct 1 ....am stuck here on the farm for the rest of year. However.....I'd be honored to have you or anyone else who may wish to join us .....do a 3-4 day run through out the valley. Four wheel vehicle is NOT required........good jokes are required :-)

Since you are down there already..........the best way way I gather really cool information on sites to explore is to ask the old timers of San Felipe....."where's a good spot to hit"?

Baja Lou used to tell me of wonderful spots that were off the normal path. At our Campos in SF.....we have a large group of old times that are 70 plus years of age....have lived in SF for 20 plus years. They are a gold mine of information of great unknown spots :-)

There are a half of dozen GREAT areas to explore that is within 90 minutes of San Felipe. One can spend weeks finding new stuff in these areas. One example of such an area is Rio Hardy! OMG! The best kept secret of THE Baja.

Rio Hardy is an vast area that consists of native tribe that is super cool to visit, hunting and fishing , water sports......hot springs and vents, historic sites, villages and ranches......the list is endless. Again......weeks of exploration is there.

www.bajacucapah.travel

Tacodawgtim - 4-8-2013 at 06:45 AM

I think I might have to go up to rio hardy and check it out. I saw some pictures... It looks pretty nice. My addidition is almost done so I have some time to play and explore. I know some old timers but most of them remember the places but don't remember how to get to them anymore.
Pumkin rock is one I have heard about but no ome seems to remember how to get there.

mcfez - 4-8-2013 at 09:07 AM

Ask DavidK here to post one of his maps here of this spot....he usually has great info spots in THE Baja.

gpsxchange
Difficulty: Moderate

A nice little ride from the beach bar at Laguna Percebu (south of San Felipe) out past the Old Puertecitos road (race course) and into some nice single track in the low hills. Some deep sand until you get pass the Old Puertecitos Road. The single track has a few tight and steep rocky sections, but navigable by most riders.

Quote:

Originally posted by Tacodawgtim
I think I might have to go up to rio hardy and check it out. I saw some pictures... It looks pretty nice. My addidition is almost done so I have some time to play and explore. I know some old timers but most of them remember the places but don't remember how to get to them anymore.
Pumkin rock is one I have heard about but no ome seems to remember how to get there.

For Dennis:

mcfez - 5-27-2013 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
There is an village up in the hills that do the black pottery.....and there are some great basket weavers too. Perhaps I should do a story on this area.

Pai-Pai. The turnoff is at Independencia (?) It's about 6 miles north. The turnoff is a bit difficult to find as the sign is only visible from the ensenada end.

I think that they only fire their pottery once a year. Perhaps I should pick you up and we can go do a few days in the valley.

Did my cousin contact you?

DENNIS - 5-27-2013 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez

Did my cousin contact you?

Not that I recall, Deno, but thanks for the info. I'll look into it.

I wish I was in shape to head out there for a few days, but I'll have to put it off for a little bit.
Thanks for the offer.

David K - 5-27-2013 at 10:48 PM

The Pai pai Indian village is SANTA CATARINA and is easy to get to, 5 miles east of EJIDO INDEPENDECIA on a wide graded 2WD dirt road... Independencia is on Hwy. 3 between Ojos Negros and Valle de Trinidad.

The Spanish California mission site of 'Santa Catalina' (1797-1840) is located just east of the town (which has a slightly different spelling), above the cemetery.

BajaBlanca - 5-28-2013 at 10:47 AM

And there you have it, i had never seen pics nor even heard of the valle! And the pai pai Indian village?! Def going on the bucket list and pleeeeeeez do a report mcfez!

Mexitron - 5-28-2013 at 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajamedic
Looks like another place to add to the bucket list. JH

An interesting way to get to Valle de Trinidad is to turn off Mex 1 at Urupan south of Maneadero and head east to Pedregroso and then eventually to Mex 3....nice country, a few 4WD spots. On the way east on Mex 3 stop off at El Alamo, lots of mining history there. At Valle de Trinidad you can then take another road west which ends in the vineyards north of San Vicente and Mex 1. Atypical Baja country---chapparal and high desert.

mcfez - 5-28-2013 at 04:10 PM

Is there a place where you haven't been too David?

A good spot for your unwanted clothing and tools..........
There is a great weaver there (three years ago) that does fantastic baskets.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The Pai pai Indian village is SANTA CATARINA and is easy to get to, 5 miles east of EJIDO INDEPENDECIA on a wide graded 2WD dirt road... Independencia is on Hwy. 3 between Ojos Negros and Valle de Trinidad.

The Spanish California mission site of 'Santa Catalina' (1797-1840) is located just east of the town (which has a slightly different spelling), above the cemetery.

David K - 5-28-2013 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
Is there a place where you haven't been too David?

Indeed there is... in fact, there are FAR more places I have not been to!!! :light:

It is just that Baja fascinates me in such a way that I am compelled to save it in my mind for the majority of time when I am not there. So that I never forget, and so I may share with others, I photograph, make maps, or write about places in Baja I have visited.

Percebusue - 5-28-2013 at 08:10 PM

Often drive through the Valle on my way to San Felipe. Makes for a longer trip, but it was fun stopping in Puerto Nuevo for lunch and then enjoying a scenic drive through the Valle. The road dumps you out at the federale checkpoint 30 minutes from San Felipe. I recommend it for a leisurely drive and some nice scenery. NEVER had any problems... And always feel safe.

mcfez - 5-28-2013 at 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
Is there a place where you haven't been too David?

Indeed there is... in fact, there are FAR more places I have not been to!!! :light:

Well David...............as I have always said.....your contribution here is unmatched. Txs for all the great stuff.

David K - 5-29-2013 at 07:44 AM

Very kind Deno, thank you!

Percebusue, where you there (at Percebu) over the weekend? The boom boom music was so loud Saturday night, we could feel it a mile away! LOL

[Edited on 5-29-2013 by David K]

Kumeyaay Pai Pai Pottery

Gypsy Jan - 5-29-2013 at 09:23 AM

There is a store in San Diego that specializes in the products produced by the Kumeyaay Pai Pai indigenous people.

Here is the link to their website: http://www.kumeyaay.info/santa_catarina.html

[Edited on 5-29-2013 by Gypsy Jan]

motoged - 5-29-2013 at 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
....
Valle de la Trinidad marijuana bulbs being planted..........

Dennis,
Are those the old 60 watt bulbs or the newer higher "wattage" bulbs?? :saint:

mcfez - 5-29-2013 at 04:24 PM

:lol:

DENNIS - 5-29-2013 at 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Dennis,
Are those the old 60 watt bulbs or the newer higher "wattage" bulbs?? :saint:

Those are baseballs bagged up in the field of dreams. :light: