BajaNomad - BOLA, wind, Santa Rosalillita, Coco...

BOLA, wind, Santa Rosalillita, Coco...

redhilltown - 10-11-2013 at 02:49 AM

Just back from a great trip to Baja this last Oct 4-8. We went south on highway one and had not crossed at TJ for a while so we were quite impressed with the new digs. No problems getting the free week long visas and on our way. No major construction to speak of all the way to L.A. Bay. Checkpoints no problems as well. Wind on the other hand, WAS a problem and kept us off the water with Igor for the first few days. Took a day trip down to Las Animas the first "off" day...what a beautiful area...the estuary and all the wildlife seems to be a hidden charm. Road in was fine but the main road south out of L.A. Bay certainly has been better. Next day we said screw the wind and headed south and crossed over to the Pacific courtesy of the paved road to Santa Rosalillita. With a little stupid enthusiasm and possible desperation to get on the water, we asked about town and found a really great guy to take us out in his panga. No real sport fishing here as it is mainly a lobster town but... And how wrong that turned out to be. Yellowtail, Bonito, Sheephead, Whitefish, and all the Barracuda you could want/stand in three hours of trolling right off shore near the lobster traps! I guess no one fishes there because if you are going that far south, you are going to L.A. Bay but since BOLA was getting blown out from the north, Santa Rosalillita was a bit offshore as to the wind and calm. Keep it it mind.

Finally got out on the water with Igor on Monday and as usual, he led us to the fish...the guy is amazing. Mostly fished to the side of the major current off of La Guardia (closer to the island) and it was Yellowtail after Yellowtail...15-30 pounds plus some Leopard and Gulf Grouper thrown in on the deal. Live bait, 3/0 hooks and 16 oz sinkers down to 200+ feet...and yes, as some of you are thinking my arms and legs are still sore. No..really...two days later kind of sore. How can 20 lbs seem like 80? What is in those guys?

Drove back thru Chapala towards San Felipe. Road to Coco's was rough but do-able. Coco was in good spirits and getting ready for the race. I always ask him what he might need and he mentioned a few things I will list as a separate post. He has a metal bar frame for exercise as to his new legs but would love it a bit longer so he can really move about...I realize probably some really nice nomads or guys from the race made it for him and if you are on here or know of them, he would love to double the length of it to really practice. His wheelchair is old as well plus another batch of new kitties that could use some food (that was my idea!). Always drop off whatever veggies and such with him I have left...these he really seems to appreciate.

The new road is still stalled at the major bridge near Gonzaga...tons of mini rock slides on the road which I can see being a problem as the big rigs start to shake, rattle, and roll those hills as they bounce down south. Coco said the new road will indeed come past his place but I am sure things can change.

Pulled into secondary (again) on way back and for about an hour your tax dollars were wasted by at least six border agents messing with three old fishermen...it gives you absolutely no faith in the system. They try to act tough, they ask tough questions, and you realize they are clueless in a tough sort of way.

As I said though a great trip. Baja has still got it!

woody with a view - 10-11-2013 at 05:28 AM

good times!

Ateo - 10-11-2013 at 05:44 AM

Thanks for the report.

Yep, secondary sucks. They pull the wrong people in there all day.

[Edited on 10-11-2013 by Ateo]

shari - 10-11-2013 at 06:46 AM

excellent trip report...even without pics :spingrin:

Being flexible is important in baja and having alternative things to do helps when the wind blows...we had some fishers from BOLA show up here too who got blown out...they were mighty happy with calm fishing on the pacific side.

Rosalillita is a great option for BOLA blows for sure...look up Juan's cousin Martin Arce when you are there and he'll fix ya up with what you need...cool guy.

Udo - 10-11-2013 at 07:31 AM

Yes, they did, as is with us.

We got sencondaried in Tecate. And after opening all of our empty suitcases, the went through our portable ARB refririgerator, and after 10 minutes of digging, they found some leftover salami slices, and confiscated it stating that salami is "pork" and that is prohibited to bring back.

Then, just last week, I read in the CBP on-line regs, that "prepared" pork (which is what salami is) was ok to bring back. I am printing up a booklet of their own regs and taking it down with me next time.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
Thanks for the report.

Yep, secondary sucks. They pull the wrong people in there all day.

[Edited on 10-11-2013 by Ateo]

redhilltown

John M - 10-11-2013 at 08:58 AM

see your U2U

JohnM

bacquito - 10-11-2013 at 09:07 AM

Thanks, good report!

TMW - 10-11-2013 at 11:17 AM

Thanks, glad Coco is doing good.

woody with a view - 10-11-2013 at 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Yes, they did, as is with us.

We got sencondaried in Tecate. And after opening all of our empty suitcases, the went through our portable ARB refririgerator, and after 10 minutes of digging, they found some leftover salami slices, and confiscated it stating that salami is "pork" and that is prohibited to bring back.

Then, just last week, I read in the CBP on-line regs, that "prepared" pork (which is what salami is) was ok to bring back. I am printing up a booklet of their own regs and taking it down with me next time.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
Thanks for the report.

Yep, secondary sucks. They pull the wrong people in there all day.

[Edited on 10-11-2013 by Ateo]

a dork almosT coronaried when he found our unopened sandwich ham package. he said it wasn't that it was prohibited, just that i didn't declare it.

best thing to do is have an itemized list of your contents, down to number of dirty chones, and hand it to the turd! :lol:

spikemd - 10-11-2013 at 01:21 PM

Thanks for the report. Heading to Gonzaga Bay in 3 weeks with a visit to BOLA. Good to know we can shoot over to Rosalillita if it too windy.

Since it is my first time down there, what should I expect to pay to rent a panga? and where can I find Igor? Thanks.

I will look for you post about what to bring Coco. I haven't met him yet, but am dying to. Any medical supplies he may need?

spikemd

John M - 10-11-2013 at 01:59 PM

I can't speak for what redhilltown reports but the last few years he's needed quantities of triple antibiotic ointment for both his legs. We'll be taking some to him in ten days or so.

John M

rdrrm8e - 10-11-2013 at 02:22 PM

There's no fish in Rosalillita....!

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48563#pid5589...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48564#pid5589...

woody with a view - 10-11-2013 at 07:20 PM

Chuck, good to see you around again!

Ateo - 10-11-2013 at 07:32 PM

Woody and Udo,

If you really think about it, if the government keeps tracks of crossing and stuff (criminal history), they would know that I've crossed like 300 times since 1990 or so. Never been caught with anything other than dog food and a hot dog.

They should profile.

They should know my criminal history (NONE).

They should know my drug smuggling history (NONE).

Why the hell are they wasting their time on me?

I know a 3 time felon/statuatory rapist who walked across the border drunk claiming he had no ID and they waved his arsse thru.

If I was doing something wrong -- shouldn't they have caught me by now?

Sorry to hijack the thread.............thinking about starting a new thread about this, but my Sentri appointment is in 1 week.

Maybe they monitor Nomads..........

Hahahahahahahahha.

:lol:

woody with a view - 10-11-2013 at 07:38 PM

if your rapist "friend" had ID they would have gave him the latex glove treatment. i doubt it is about common sense. it's about the govt wanting to stick it down your throat and make you say "Thank You, SIR! That was AWESOME!"

Paulina - 10-11-2013 at 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spikemd
Thanks for the report. Heading to Gonzaga Bay in 3 weeks with a visit to BOLA. Good to know we can shoot over to Rosalillita if it too windy.

Since it is my first time down there, what should I expect to pay to rent a panga? and where can I find Igor? Thanks....

Since it will be your first time visiting Bahia, you might want to read through Mia's website on Bahia de Los Angeles. She has very useful info.

http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/

Regarding panga prices, it varies depending on the panga/captain you choose. Average costs can start around $150 and $$$up from there. You can contact Igor at "Guillermo's". If he's not there or out fishing, you might also find him at Sammy Jr's mechanic shop across the street from the Xitlali market. Have fun.

P>*)))>{

[Edited on 12-10-2013 by Paulina]

Ateo - 10-11-2013 at 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
if your rapist "friend" had ID they would have gave him the latex glove treatment. i doubt it is about common sense. it's about the govt wanting to stick it down your throat and make you say "Thank You, SIR! That was AWESOME!"

I wish they'd have ID'd him. He deserves it. He's not my friend.

redhilltown - 10-11-2013 at 11:53 PM

Hey gang. Thanks John and I u2u'd you back! I can get some packets of antibiotic ointment to you...possibly a wheelchair if you have room.

As to Martin, he may have been who (whom) we went out with...I am bad with names!!! Igor can indeed be found at Guillermo's...they can call him...about 350 a day but oh so worth it! This email should work as well: igorgalvan@hotmail.com He is worth every penny.

I didn't mean to start a border pee off thread but hell, I have been pulled into secondary three times in the last two years...those guys should have some sort of clue by now.

And I hate to be negative...I really do...but the first night we stayed at Villa Bahia and good god, what a dump. I don't want another Nomad to go there and find what I did...and the deciding factor to leave was giant c-ckroaches on the kitchen counter in the morning... went back to the tried and true at Costa del Sol and Victoria was great as usual...why we ever strayed I'll never know. I can see where Villa was a cool spot at one point in its life but that point is NOT now.

Sorry for no pics Shari...that is the dork in me!

And Spike...if fishing is what you are after you may want to consider more time in BOLA with Igor than Gonzaga Bay...I love love love Gonzaga Bay but my last trip there last October the gill netters were hammering the area...not that they haven't in BOLA but with the right captain you'll find the yellowtail...you'll be sore but happy.

David K - 10-12-2013 at 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown

... And I hate to be negative...I really do...but the first night we stayed at Villa Bahia and good god, what a dump. I don't want another Nomad to go there and find what I did...and the deciding factor to leave was giant c-ckroaches on the kitchen counter in the morning... went back to the tried and true at Costa del Sol and Victoria was great as usual...why we ever strayed I'll never know. I can see where Villa was a cool spot at one point in its life but that point is NOT now. ...

Wow, how sad that the one place so popular (especially with dog lovers) has 'gone to the dogs'. This run down condition was reported once before, but blamed on the caretaker when the owner had to go away for some reason... ?

Humboldt Chris and Robin - 10-12-2013 at 09:54 AM

Thanks for the report - we will head down in a week or two for our usual Gonzaga Bay-Bahia de Los Angeles- Punta Abreojos and Bahia Asuncion and back home.

Last year the road to Los Animas was wiped out by rains - did you happen to hear any thing about the road from Bahia de Los Angeles to San Francisquita? Had to pass on that last year due to road conditions.

David K - 10-12-2013 at 10:05 AM

Last year (2012), fwiw, in July, that road was fine (by Baja road standards).... 2WD easily (in my Tacoma). Camped at Bahia San Rafael between San Francisquito and Bahia de los Angeles. Things do change in Baja, so it keeps things interesting.

BajaBlanca - 10-12-2013 at 11:22 AM

Someone once told me that once you get pulled over to secondary, chances are it will happen to you over and over again.

My thoughts on this are: give away to locals all the food you haven't eaten! They will certainly return the favor by inviting you to their house for real local cuisine the next time you are in town!

Very good report and I like the idea of thinking outside the box if there is too much wind.

redhilltown - 10-12-2013 at 12:34 PM

Well Blanca, that secondary story seems to be true!!

I always give away my veggies to the locals and was bummed I did it this time not thinking we might go past Coco's on the way back. As to the help Coco may need, a couple of great Nomads are working on it. One of the things we are working on is getting him a new/used wheelchair...his old one is falling apart...seat needs to be 18" across but i dont think too many requirements outside of that. I may have a line on one but if anyone on here knows of one available and heading that way soon (or I am in Long Beach and I could get it to someone who is) that would work out as well. Ken

redhilltown - 10-12-2013 at 12:37 PM

We didn't make it that for south but did talk to some people coming back from San Francisquito and their report was not good at all...two groups in really really REALLY cool off road type amazing vehicles (shows you what I know about these things). Sounded like whoever is taking care of the place is not taking good care of the visitors.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Last year (2012), fwiw, in July, that road was fine (by Baja road standards).... 2WD easily (in my Tacoma). Camped at Bahia San Rafael between San Francisquito and Bahia de los Angeles. Things do change in Baja, so it keeps things interesting.

David K - 10-12-2013 at 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redhilltown
We didn't make it that for south but did talk to some people coming back from San Francisquito and their report was not good at all...two groups in really really REALLY cool off road type amazing vehicles (shows you what I know about these things). Sounded like whoever is taking care of the place is not taking good care of the visitors.

Quote:

Yup, the new staff there (2 people) were way un-hospitable which is very un-Baja-like... The soap opera on the satellite TV was all that they cared to give attention too... :lol:

That's okay, it was way windy there, and we had a nice camp on the beach just north of Pancho's Resort at San Rafael Bay (Pancho was not there).

The road in from Vizcaino or El Arco was very smooth and the road north to Bahia de L.A. was not, but typical graded road that hasn't seen a road grader in a while, ie. washboard/ rocky... but no traction issues, so 2WD is fine... as long as it is not low to the ground.

Humboldt Chris and Robin - 10-12-2013 at 05:02 PM

Poor San Francisquita! The first time we went there (years ago) there was a wonderful and friendly large family that bent over backwards to accommodate us camping by the upright palapas, with working bathrooms (and sorta showers). Then a hurricane trashed it, and ever since it has been getting less and less friendly, to the point where it really creeps my wife out. Last time we were there, 2 years ago, there was barely a remnant of a palapa though a few bikers were at the little cabins which seemed nice. We passed on it last October as the road reports were too discouraging.

I've had the best shore fishing along San Rafael, both north and south of Pancho's, and great shore fishing for hogfish at San Francisquita. Hope someone eventually turns it around - what a beautiful spot!

David K - 10-12-2013 at 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Humboldt Chris and Robin
Poor San Francisquita! The first time we went there (years ago) there was a wonderful and friendly large family that bent over backwards to accommodate us camping by the upright palapas, with working bathrooms (and sorta showers). Then a hurricane trashed it, and ever since it has been getting less and less friendly, to the point where it really creeps my wife out. Last time we were there, 2 years ago, there was barely a remnant of a palapa though a few bikers were at the little cabins which seemed nice. We passed on it last October as the road reports were too discouraging.

I've had the best shore fishing along San Rafael, both north and south of Pancho's, and great shore fishing for hogfish at San Francisquita. Hope someone eventually turns it around - what a beautiful spot!

Indeed pretty place (when there's no wind)... First time there was early 1980's... camped at the far end of the beach from the resort... whales sang at night and mantas flew and put on a show at day...