BajaNomad - will take seasoned traveler

will take seasoned traveler

bajarookie - 10-29-2013 at 10:06 AM

I'm leaving SanDiego Oct 30th AM to drive to Cabo to meet friends. Several friends have done the trip but its my first time and would enjoy a previously experienced co-pilot. Have a reliable SUV and room for a bit of cargo and one passenger. I'm going to be on the highway traveling to SanDiego today but will check a couple times for replies.

bajarookie - 10-29-2013 at 10:11 AM

also, I hope to do it in 2 days but understand 3 days(2nights) may be needed, which is fine as I'm staying down there for several weeks. I'm prepared to camp and or stay in economical accom's.

David K - 10-29-2013 at 10:15 AM

There is sooo much to see and do in Baja California... and Cabo is at the end of it all... don't be in such a rush!

Racing south

captkw - 10-29-2013 at 10:36 AM

Is it just me..But almost every time I read that someone is going to ----- and take ----many days to get there ! I shake my head in disbelieve as I know Baja and the road VERY well !! Stuff happens along the road and its all part of a Baja trip !! and driving long hrs and speeding and trying to get somewhere on a schedule seldom works in mexico,let alone Baja...IMO anything less than 2 weeks is a waste of time,, and even at that you would not have the time to smell the fish tacos or lose your gringo attitude...........K&T :cool:

baja Steve - 10-29-2013 at 10:51 AM

I have traveled it many times and the most fun is when it takes me 30 days from the border to La Paz

Amen,,I agree,concure,roger on that !!

captkw - 10-29-2013 at 11:07 AM

I think its journey not a race..and as the old signs used to say"this road was made for economical purpose not Racing" or something to that matter ...and I have seen sooo many wrecks !! hell if all the older wooden crosses were not kept up and replaced their might be a picket fence all the way down the "hiway" " driving the Baja Hwy is like flying on a 727........hours of boredom,, with moments of shear terror" and is one many,many reasons I love my Volvo....K&T :cool:

David K - 10-29-2013 at 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
I think its journey not a race..and as the old signs used to say"this road was made for economical purpose not Racing" or something to that matter ...and I have seen sooo many wrecks !! hell if all the older wooden crosses were not kept up and replaced their might be a picket fence all the way down the "hiway" " driving the Baja Hwy is like flying on a 727........hours of boredom,, with moments of shear terror" and is one many,many reasons I love my Volvo....K&T :cool:

[Edited on 10-29-2013 by David K]

so you won´t feel rushed...

Mulegena - 10-29-2013 at 11:37 AM

take 4 days

Day 1: San Diego - El Rosario
Day 2: El Rosario - Mulege
Day 3: Mulege - La Paz
Day 4: La Paz - Cabo

Seriously. It´s Baja. Cool your jets.

The above is ambitious enough, even with two drivers...
and btw you´ll have to buy insurance for the other driver, too.

DianaT - 10-29-2013 at 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarookie
also, I hope to do it in 2 days but understand 3 days(2nights) may be needed, which is fine as I'm staying down there for several weeks. I'm prepared to camp and or stay in economical accom's.

If that is your goal and priority, here is a Mileage Chart

However, a few miles in Baja is a lot more than the same miles on a US highway. The days are getting shorter and most people suggest not to drive after dark; others say they prefer to do so.

So, possible Guerrero Negro the first day, Loreto the second day, and then Cabo. LONG HARD driving days but everyone has different priorities.

Enjoy and good luck.

ON edit --- Mulegena's suggestion is quite ambitious and it adds an extra day. :-) I would probably go past El Rosario the first day and at least make Cataviña as there is a nice place to camp there.

[Edited on 10-29-2013 by DianaT]

Cows,burros & coke curves

captkw - 10-29-2013 at 11:49 AM

seems to be a thing of the past,,,But them Damn unmarked/painted Topes get me on every trip....!@#$%^&*() Sob...out of nowhere...... Bam !! and one time going south before catavina at the bottom of that bad right handed curve was a gal washing clothes in the middle of the road.. in the small stream of water !! Yikes !! I have never forgot her...era late 70's

[Edited on 10-29-2013 by captkw]

Stop and smell the wild roses, don´t push up daiseys.

Mulegena - 10-29-2013 at 12:48 PM

With respect, cows, burros and unmarked nasty curves are NOT a thing of the past, nor are big 18-wheelers or washed-out bridges and hellapotholes and speedbumps. Fact.

Additionally, now begins the tourist season bringing a significant amount of foreign drivers in rvs and hauling trailers and boats.

There´s alot going on out there on Mex-1 these days, including off-road racers and their support teams.

We´ve had a tremendous amount of rain in the last two months. We even had a dozen or more waterfalls right alongside the highway-- a first for me to see in 30 years down here. All that rain has made the desert gorgeously and lusciously green-- delicious to the many loose cattle and wild horses and burros that live out there.

Take your time on the drive. Not only to enjoy yourself but so you arrive safely at your destination. Baja miles are not equivalent to US miles.

DocRey - 10-29-2013 at 01:27 PM

Hope they never get into the Cali mode..." Traffic Fines Doubled In Construction Zones"! Counted eleven signs coming to work. Only two ligit construction sites. 'No wonder Cali's supposedly in the "black" now...??? :rolleyes:

Drive Time

CaboJohn - 10-29-2013 at 01:45 PM

Have done the drive about 12 times. Also have spent a lot of time on the Baja but understand sometimes you just need to get to your destination.

It should take 22-24 hours of actual drive time. I did have a friend do it in 18 hours but he was driving way TOO fast.

When I make the drive to get to destination ASAP I find leave early in the morning and you can get to the towns of Guerrero Negro or Santa Rosalia before the sun goes down.

You then should be able to make it Cabo the next day.

It is a long hard drive and you need to be able to stay alert!

well seasoned

captkw - 10-29-2013 at 02:06 PM

Hola,As someone(myself) that has driven from Alaska to panama...I can say with conviction "pushing It" really increases your odds of have a wreck (chokee) and you wont get there that much faster...for me,,the road is So much better than just a few short years ago...I still miss the road workers fire/flare cans..but, progress marches on..used to be if you hit a cow, you would have to pay the rancher..I belive that is now the other way,No?...PS Mulagena...You forgot Buses !!

[Edited on 10-29-2013 by captkw]

Freedro - 10-29-2013 at 02:23 PM

My bags are packed, and I am ready to leave. Have been travelling Baja for 26 years by, car, truck, moto, bus. I am ready to climb aboard and head south. In Oceanside just north of San Diego.
Eric 319 486 3916. ericf92008@yahoo.com

bajarookie - 10-29-2013 at 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Freedro
My bags are packed, and I am ready to leave. Have been travelling Baja for 26 years by, car, truck, moto, bus. I am ready to climb aboard and head south. In Oceanside just north of San Diego.
Eric 319 486 3916. ericf92008@yahoo.com

bajarookie - 10-29-2013 at 02:57 PM

I appreciate everyone telling me to relax...I get it. I'm doing a huge favour for a friend by delivering his vehicle and it is somewhat time sensitive. I'll stick around for 3-4 weeks and soak up some Baja... in other words, please reply to the request, not your two bit knee jerk reaction. Sorry if I sound harsh, but I'm on a lunch stop and wasting time sorting thru extra messages.
---I'm arriving in San Diego tonight

@ Eric... I'll call you tonight and see if we can arrange something. thankyou for your reply. prob gonna book a room in south SanD tonight. perhaps you could make your down there?
I'll check this post during my dinner stop.

thanks again for all the input and time/advice to everyone!!

Martyman - 10-29-2013 at 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarookie
I appreciate everyone telling me to relax...I get it. I'm doing a huge favour for a friend by delivering his vehicle and it is somewhat time sensitive. I'll stick around for 3-4 weeks and soak up some Baja... in other words, please reply to the request, not your two bit knee jerk reaction. Sorry if I sound harsh, but I'm on a lunch stop and wasting time sorting thru extra messages.
---I'm arriving in San Diego tonight

@ Eric... I'll call you tonight and see if we can arrange something. thankyou for your reply. prob gonna book a room in south SanD tonight. perhaps you could make your down there?
I'll check this post during my dinner stop.

thanks again for all the input and time/advice to everyone!!

Right on...go for it. Some people just love to tell people what to do... & some people were so drunk the first time they tell you again.
I myself have done it in 5 hours.

rts551 - 10-29-2013 at 04:03 PM

Good luck and be safe. I assume you have a job that provides constraints. Not true of some of the people providing advise here.

At any rate be safe. As previously stated Baja roads are not freeways.

windgrrl - 10-29-2013 at 04:16 PM

It is possible. Even driving the speed limit. It is 3 days of long hard driving if there are no mitigating circumstances such as weather, construction delays, accidents, break downs, etc. You and your vehicle need to be in good shape. You need to be alert for perils previously mentioned and to get going early each day. Your breaks are important and you should fill the gas tank sooner rather than later. You should have enough pesos to get you to Cabo. Finding banks and cash machines can cause longer stops.

Good luck and hope you find your destination safely.

David K - 10-29-2013 at 04:25 PM

Military checkpoints will take time for you to clear through, as well... and semi trucker accidents (they drive too fast on curves and almost every trip on curved areas see one recently rolled off the highway.

Sorry for the extra info., but in your initial post you only said you were meeting up with friends in Cabo and YOU had a reliable SUV... not a thing about delivering a vehicle that isn't yours. We do hope you have a good time, even if you aren't able to drive in a relaxing mode.

PS You should make sure your name is added to the vehicle's Mexican insurance or if you are getting your own, you might need a notarized permission slip from the owner that you can use his vehicle in Mexico.

DanO - 10-29-2013 at 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman... & some people were so drunk the first time they tell you again. I myself have done it in 5 hours.

Five hours to get drunk? Amigo, you need stronger booze!

LMAO!

If your gonna b-tch !!

captkw - 10-29-2013 at 05:13 PM

whining that you have to take a extra minute to read posts !! You sure in hell do not know what your getting into ...LOL your intering Baja time !! :lol:

Freedro - 10-29-2013 at 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarookie

@ Eric... I'll call you tonight and see if we can arrange something. thankyou for your reply. prob gonna book a room in south SanD tonight. perhaps you could make your down there?
I'll check this post during my dinner stop.

Freedro - 10-29-2013 at 05:20 PM

The earlier you can call me, the easier we can make this work. Thanks!

BajaBlanca - 10-29-2013 at 05:22 PM

Freedro - I have sent you a private message called U2U. You will find it near your name.

Mulegena - 10-29-2013 at 05:52 PM

Well, Mr. BajaRookie, I hope you can drive better than you can speedread through our kneejerk unsolicited advice.

Sorry to trouble you with foolish tales out of school . My Bad. They´re only based on 30 years of experience driving this highway, knowing the laws, speaking the language and living the culture-- in other words being a seasoned traveler.

I was going to invite you to stop by in Mulege, but I´ve decided I don´t want to meet you. You´re attitude isn´t the sort that will serve you well down here, but what do I know?

Right ON!!

captkw - 10-29-2013 at 06:06 PM

MMc - 10-29-2013 at 07:32 PM

Give the guy a break! If he chooses not to do it your way, SO WHAT.
He grabs a guide and goes, great. This board is great if you're retired or have 2 weeks to get south. The drive to the tip is 20 to 26 hours.... How you chose to do it is your choice. I have no problems dead heading it. Sometimes I chose not to spend 6 out of 10 days driving to the tip. So Cal to Mulege is a long but doable day in my book.
I spend a fair amount of time in Baja, so I drive, dark, light, rain, whatever. I know and except the risk, If you don't like it fine.
I sure his guide knows the risk and will help him get there in one piece. It is his trip not yours. I became a seasoned traveler Baja by doing trip south starting in the 70's and have made both good and bad calls, all have been learning experiences. Maybe he'll learn also.

mtgoat666 - 10-29-2013 at 07:47 PM

give the guy some peace, love and fish tacos!

willardguy - 10-29-2013 at 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
Give the guy a break! If he chooses not to do it your way, SO WHAT.
He grabs a guide and goes, great. This board is great if you're retired or have 2 weeks to get south. The drive to the tip is 20 to 26 hours.... How you chose to do it is your choice. I have no problems dead heading it. Sometimes I chose not to spend 6 out of 10 days driving to the tip. So Cal to Mulege is a long but doable day in my book.
I spend a fair amount of time in Baja, so I drive, dark, light, rain, whatever. I know and except the risk, If you don't like it fine.
I sure his guide knows the risk and will help him get there in one piece. It is his trip not yours. I became a seasoned traveler Baja by doing trip south starting in the 70's and have made both good and bad calls, all have been learning experiences. Maybe he'll learn also.

but but, thats not the BajaBlowhard way! :lol:

MMc - 10-29-2013 at 10:41 PM

^^^^X2^^^^

bajarookie - 10-29-2013 at 11:15 PM

jeesh.. sorry if I offended a couple of you. not at all my intentions. all I intended was to find a guide to help out in exchange for a trip on me down South. I'm fully aware of the potential mistakes I'll certainly make and only I will have to live with those. not anyone else. I'm about as laid back, open minded and chill as they get. If it takes me a week, it takes me a week...life goes on. I'm just trying to complete a favour for a friend in the time he'd hoped for.
The fact that a few people got a bee in their bonnet over my reply explains in itself maybe they too need to relax a little.... either way, I appreciate the people that took the time to send a positive vibe and solid advice. I'm taking none of that for granted and I will pay it forward. For those that did so, feel free to contact me when/if you're ever on Vancouver Island BC, I'll show you how we like to take life one day at a time and strum a guitar at the beach fire while sharing tales of good times. (even you Mulegena, although you seem rather quick to judge based on a couple sentences) that said, I've found that seasoned traveller and it turns out we're both doing each other a favour as he needs cargo delivered... and my friend in Cabo is well aware that safety comes first. I'll arrive, later and safe is better than not at all.
thanks again everyone!!

MMc - 10-29-2013 at 11:20 PM

Go have fun and enjoy the drive. Baja is waiting, we just wish we were in it more. Go live in the Baja world not cyber. Safe travels...

Kgryfon - 10-29-2013 at 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarookie
jeesh.. sorry if I offended a couple of you. not at all my intentions. all I intended was to find a guide to help out in exchange for a trip on me down South. I'm fully aware of the potential mistakes I'll certainly make and only I will have to live with those. not anyone else. I'm about as laid back, open minded and chill as they get. If it takes me a week, it takes me a week...life goes on. I'm just trying to complete a favour for a friend in the time he'd hoped for.
The fact that a few people got a bee in their bonnet over my reply explains in itself maybe they too need to relax a little.... either way, I appreciate the people that took the time to send a positive vibe and solid advice. I'm taking none of that for granted and I will pay it forward. For those that did so, feel free to contact me when/if you're ever on Vancouver Island BC, I'll show you how we like to take life one day at a time and strum a guitar at the beach fire while sharing tales of good times. (even you Mulegena, although you seem rather quick to judge based on a couple sentences) that said, I've found that seasoned traveller and it turns out we're both doing each other a favour as he needs cargo delivered... and my friend in Cabo is well aware that safety comes first. I'll arrive, later and safe is better than not at all.
thanks again everyone!!

Good for you. Nice reply and godspeed on your travels.

rts551 - 10-30-2013 at 08:55 AM

After you wade through the non-relevant BS and the "my way or the highway" stuff you can can get some info and help here. Keep trying. Don't let it bother you that your not a member of the "club" yet.

bryanmckenzie - 10-30-2013 at 09:29 AM

I concur with David K & CaptKW and everyone else. My first trip down the entire peninsula was in 1993. Things happen, including road construction detours or road construction holdups. We took 10 days down, off the beaten path when we could, and 10 days back, spending just 5 in Cabo for fishing, shopping and a shower. That trip started a life-long love affair with this place.

If you want to stop in Rosarito Beach for an hour and chat, I just arrived yesterday. I'm here for three more nights before heading south to almost-La Paz. You may find me next door to the big Express Tire store/garage at the north end of town about a Km past Walmart in an apartment at Dr. Avila's office (two doors south). Go in the office and they can show you to apartment #319-B.

My dental work probably won't be complete before 3pm. Then I'll be shopping at the nearby Faramcias (yippie!).

See THIS POST for more details.

[Edited on 2013-10-30 by bryanmckenzie]

lets see !!

captkw - 10-30-2013 at 09:31 AM

Hola, his second post he ask's more or less about how many days it should take....and many folks chimed in with their opinons and thoughts...no where did I read "my way or the highway" but folks just trying to get the facts of the road across......... suggestions and personal experience........myself,,,don't care how fast or long he drives..since I am not on the road right now...but to snap at folks because he has to read.......is BS.and I AGREE WITH MULAGENEooops ! response !! this board has a lot of seasoned travel folks and can say/give some great advice in regard to the Baja Hwy..which really isn't a hwy IMO.....K&T :cool:

bajarookie - 10-31-2013 at 08:45 PM

just wanna say thanks again... was super smooth sailing. Roads were a little more than narrow no doubt, but I've travelled much worse.. I guess it's all relevant to your own personal experience. The vehicle is safe and delivered first thing in the AM, and now I kick back and soak up this amazing land and surf for weeks on end. Ate some authentic food(big plus) as I love to use it as a 'research' excuse for my restaurant. thanks to my ride along as we both took gained in this last couple days. **freedro knows where to stop, and how to road trip **
p.s. --people are awesome! sometimes you need to give them the benefit of the doubt as tone and situation at present time doesn't come across as intended on a typed note. For those who got wound up.. sorry bout your luck, thats your battle. For the majority who had great advice and well wishes.. it will certainly be passed forward as I enjoy the Baja, not only this time, but the many times I'm sure to return.
-p.s.s. .. I'd love to read more notes on some must see's and especially some must eats. Surf's up !!

woody with a view - 10-31-2013 at 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarookie
Surf's up !!

actually, it ain't!

and without fotos i call double BS!

bajarookie - 10-31-2013 at 11:10 PM

really??? it's an expression Woody. ....Yes, you are correct if you want to get all technical. ...waves are a little limp right now. jesus dude. you should relax... may I suggest less keyboard warrior, and more west coast? try it out, it's very refreshing.

I kid. but since you were so kind to take the time I thought I would to.
-don't hold your breathe on any 'fotos' sorry. couldn't resist.
peace out

shari - 11-1-2013 at 06:37 AM

thanks for checking back in mr.rookie...I always like it when folks who solicit help are grateful and post their successes...or failures.

Traveling baja is different for everyone....I have driven to Vancouver to Guerrero Negro in 38 hours before....that's the way I wanted to do it....just get thru the states as quick as humanly possible to get to my destination and relax on the beach.

What makes me happy is that this forum provided bajarookie a most excellent travel partner. The travel companion forum is very useful for hooking up and this is another example of how Baja Nomad forums rock! Now enjoy your vacation dude surf or no surf....hey Woodie....big ass swell coming down from your neighbourhood bro ya?

Pacifico - 11-1-2013 at 07:42 AM

Very cool that you made it in your time frame! What was your total travel time? I once had to get back north quickly and drove from La Paz to Ensenada in 18 hours! Crazy, long day! But, do-able. Enjoy your time in Baja!

bajarookie - 11-2-2013 at 03:06 AM

super stoked I found this site just in time.(mostly because I made a new kick ass friend and stellar tour guide with history and stories)

- So the time went along these lines... by the time we got both us and the cargo loaded, papers in order etc.. we were a little behind sched and crossed US/Mex approx 11am'ish. Stopped for Tourist cards, quick but worthwhile lunch in south Ensenida(*sp)and kept a solid but safe pace. Couple Pemex stops, an amazing side road stop for coffee approx 8'ish?? while the RedSox looked to finalize the last 3 outs(in Spanish) to capture the WS..personal Highlight as a lifelong fan... we arrived in G.N. approx 10-1030... up by 7, on the road by 8am sharp. Couple quick stops to enjoy authentic eats and also two pitstops that will last a life time. Food and friends that I'll never forget.(can't express how well this meeting of my co-pilot confirms my belief that things happen for a reason) Rolled into La Paz with ease by 7pm'ish by choice. Instead of pushing forward chose to kick back, take notes and re-fresh for a super easy coffee/drive combo into Cabo. Smooth and groovy. Thanks to BajaNomad for existing and allowing me to meet, travel in the exact way I would have wished for. I'm officially a Baja pusher/returnee.
-I look forward to keeping an eye and encouraging everyone to do this trip. ...and I'm only 4 days deep. Can't wait to fill in the rest of the blanks.
**I'd apologize for the long winded answer but hey, if you didn't have time you wouldn't have read it.

-back to sleep for me, 7 30 AM is sure to have more adventures in store.
Loving Life.

woody with a view - 11-2-2013 at 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
hey Woodie....big burro swell coming down from your neighbourhood bro ya?

define "big!" actually, not much on the charts at present.

T minus 13 days!!! :cool:

motoged - 11-2-2013 at 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarookie
really??? ....jesus dude. you should relax... may I suggest less keyboard warrior, and more west coast? ....

Buddy, you might try to follow your own advice :biggrin:

We don't want folks to start another "canukistan" bashing.... :light:

Surfer snobs are one thing....Woody is NOT one of them.

bajarookie - 11-2-2013 at 05:58 PM

touche.

Freedro - 11-2-2013 at 06:49 PM

As a first time user of this forum I would like to say muchas gracias for the ease and speed with which I was able to hook up a ride south for myself and my cargo. Thanks more so to Bajarookie for solid vehicle prep and a steady hand and foot heading into the narrow Baja twisties facing down the chuky-fueled traileros unflinchingly. We had a strong wind out of the east for most of the drive which put a lot of trailers well on our side of the line. This was compounded by a larger than normal quantity of bicycle tourists with a death wish. Do these people have any concept of how narrow and dangerous the Carretera Transpeninsular is or do they just wander into this blindly straight off the plane from Springfield, USA? I was happy to not be stabbing the virtual brake nor fearing the drop off the shoulder from the copilot seat. Good tunes - tip: always ask to listen to other peoples' music, as long as its not P-nche Sinaloan banda music, haha! Bajarookie is gonna do just fine with the peninsula. He proved himself resourceful, intelligent, worldly, with a wealth of life experience and an appreciation for the Baja folk with their roots closer to the earth. Gracias! Muchas gracias!

woody with a view - 11-2-2013 at 06:56 PM

Thanks, Ged. The rookie will fit right in with the rest of us. plenty of room here in the deep end!

Soon he will take off the rookie part !!

captkw - 11-2-2013 at 08:20 PM

BUTT, PLEASE don't tell us the bikes are NOT back...NO,,NO,,NO OMG..Rockafella was right..." We do need to cull the herd "" I come around a curve and your in my lane and some thing else is in the other....YOUR DEAD MEAT...IDIot...rather simple..fool !! not even 1/49 of a sec. for me!!! MORE FLOURIDE IN THE WATER PLEASE !!!

bajarookie - 11-2-2013 at 08:45 PM

super kind words Freedo. appreciate it. I look forward to tipping a few more pints together before I head back North. I could NOT have had this smooth of a trip without you. I really do appreciate how the Globe has a way of joining the like minded together. People speak of how amazing and friendly Van Isle is and we love to hear it, but I feel the same as a 'newbie' here on the Peninsula as a guest. I'm in hopes of being a small piece of wisdom to others who inquire if/when I can as I 'feel' this is now a annual must for me. Working like a dog for 6 months allows me 6 months to enjoy all you fine folks and the vast world we share. AGAIN, I thank BajaNomad for the efforts and time to make this interwebby site available for us all. Win, win, win!!!! or as I say in my horrible Spanish skills... ganar,ganar,ganar!!! (ya, I totally googled that)
-Baja-hahahahaha-

baja...ex..rookie..

captkw - 11-2-2013 at 09:04 PM

I think woody said it first about the deep end..... Glad Ya here..welcome...You are Having Fun it sounds like and anit that what we know so far know about life...BUT,,If you start hanging in Baja.....some day..some ..where some nomad will bust ya on your firsts on the BAJANOMADS....Kudos and welcome to the sand box.......OBTW the return trip can/will/could be a another story..drive with caution and from all of US,,, WELCOME!!....Any Burro that doesn't kick back,,,,wasn't a Burro !!

BajaNomad - 11-2-2013 at 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarookie
I thank BajaNomad for the efforts and time to make this interwebby site available for us all. Win, win, win!!!!

And that's the whole point. Thx.