BajaNomad - Intro + Trip Idea Advice Needed!

Intro + Trip Idea Advice Needed!

manbearpig - 4-27-2014 at 07:14 PM

Ok I'll start off with an intro as that makes the most sense. I'm 24 year old and an experienced traveler from NY. I'm lucky enough to work in a field that is seasonal and I get Jan-mid March off. I recently spent 8 months solo car camping through New Zealand, east coast Australia and Tasmania, have done California solo numerous times as well as many other trips abroad, a lot solo and others with people. Its tough to find people who can travel for that length of time so I'm planning on going somewhere this winter solo for the whole winter. Baja has always been on my map.

THUS, leads me to my main idea (although I have some crazy idea ADD until I get something like a flight or organization set in stone), I want to drive cross country from NY with my own vehicle and down into Baja for those 2 1/2 months. The plan would be to set up my 2004 Nissan Frontier with a false floor across the railings of the bed and have a tarp I can have go from the cab down to the end as shelter to sleep on. I would keep the storage needed below and hopefully have a dry, warm and safe place to spend the nights. I'm a surfer, fly fishermen and spear fishermen so gear would definitely take up a lot of space. Obviously necessities would get priorities. I would also have my Mac Pac 3 season tent for days when I want to switch it up or hike in to places.

So I'm doing some research but to me the best research is to hear directly from the people who know from experience, I will definitely scour this place for info. What is the conscientious on a trip like this through Baja solo? I know its definitely mellowed out but its still a different place and always will be looked at rightfully so as the modern wild west. I actually went down when i was 14 on a surf trip with my father and friend, a spark for my traveling off the beaten path. What advice do any of you guys have? Have any of you done something like this that required a cross country trip or significant time on the road just to get down there? Any necessities/musts that anyone would like to include would be greatly appreciated. I know the place has a knack for killing tires and doing some serious wear on your vehicle. My truck is reliable but chit happens.

I know it'd be a ton of driving, but I would plan on splitting it up and to me its part of the adventure. My NZ-AUS trip was A LOT of time spent on the road, I mean it all was, and I loved every minute of it. Its definitely a mode of travel thats not for everyone, but I can say with confidence its my favorite way.

Thanks for your time!!!

BajaBlanca - 4-27-2014 at 07:54 PM

First off, whew! And welcome to the land of BajaNomads.
You will have a blast, the wild west of Baja will welcome you as long as you take some precautions.
1 know where to gas up
2 always have a lot of water on hand, it is a desert and will eat you alive otherwise.
3 woody will give where to surf tips
4 be sure to visit Shari in Bahia Asuncion, camping and info on traveling Baja
Visit me, Blanca and hisband Les in La Bocana, camping, $10 a day gets ypu bathrm, shower & internet

Somewhere we once had a looooong list of what to bring on a Baja trip - does anyone have it? It started out as a joke, I think, but really, a lot of items were needed such as a small shovel ....we live in the land of very tricky sand! Looks safe and bingo, you are mega stuck.

Pls have a 4 wheel drive vehicle - simply safer

And have fun! Hope to see you!

Http://www.labocanahotel.com

Other places that you should see here in Baja:

San Ignacio
Mulege
Bahia Concepcion, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Loreto
La Paz, bigger city, not really for camping
TodosSantos , artist colony
Los Barriles, simply gorgeous

And in between there are lots of surfer spots, but others will have to pitch in with that onfo

[Edited on 4-28-2014 by BajaBlanca]

Ateo - 4-27-2014 at 07:55 PM

You are in for a great trip. There's tons of fishing, diving and surfing possibilities. You sound like a seasoned traveler. Just bring a well maintained vehicle (if it's not, it can be fixed in Baja, usually at a very cheap cost), decent tires, an open heart, smiles, an ability to change plans. You will spend a lot of time on the roads of Baja, but from my experience, it's worth every moment. Always something to see. The people of Baja are a caring and giving people. They know what they have and want to share it. Get out into the wide open Baja. Go into towns for a reminder that there is an internet and to resupply. Have fun.

Ateo - 4-27-2014 at 07:59 PM

Carry a 5 gallon gasoline drum in your vehicle when traveling off the main roads for refueling. 10 if you're hard core.

Carry H2O.

SPOT devices are awesome.

U2U me if you want a basic list of easily accessible known surf spots. Buy the Baja Surf Guide or whatever it's called.

welcome!

Whale-ista - 4-27-2014 at 08:16 PM

What you are considering is a great experience. Baja is beautiful, the food and people memorable- you'll have a great trip!

I did three solo whalewatching trips into Baja this year (Jan, Feb, March), plan to do more travel in June and August. Let me know if you want to caravan.

One note: As a fellow truck owner (Mazda B4000), I suggest getting a simple camper shell on back. That would be more private and offer better protection/safer for gear/more comfortable bedroom than a tarp for sleeping.

Depending on where you go you'll need the protection from wind, bugs, dust, heat/cold/rain/fog etc. Weather in Baja is as diverse as the landscape.

Check Craigslist- even a basic fiberglass, cab-high would be better, and if you are solo, it's do-able to fit yourself inside w/the platform you describe.

Visit expedition portal website for ideas on outfitting a basic shell for extended camping and travel. Check this thread for camper photos/suggestions: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23272-Lets-see...

Aside from that- if you are an experienced traveller, you'll have no problem prepping for the rest.

Have fun!

redhilltown - 4-27-2014 at 11:53 PM

It will be a blast and if a seasoned traveler I would not worry in Baja about anything except the troubles that can happen anywhere when driving that much! Two spares are great but you may not have the room (a patch kit and some slime can get you out of a jam as well) ...good shovel is nice for a variety of reasons. Jejenes or no-see-um bugs can be a pain so some deet can work wonders...as would a shell or using your tent...you may run into them and you may not but if you do, you wanna get away from them...if camping on the beach coyotes WANT your water and they WILL get it if you leave it out...just coyote proof your camp at night before going to bed. As with coyotes wind proof your camp at night...easier than doing it at 3 a.m. Don't know your route but if you have a chance, head south though Gonzaga Bay (San Luis Gonzaga) to experience that part of Baja before it changes and hang out at Coco's Corner. Tons of posts here for all of this! Have fun!

Marc - 4-28-2014 at 06:26 AM

Don't drive at night.

ligui - 4-28-2014 at 06:52 AM

I travel down baja with a small shell on my truck , as Whale-ista brought up . Can sleep any where you need to with protection from the outside weather . :spingrin:

No fun getting beat up in the wind .

You are going to love this trip ! Got Baja !

Good book......The Baja dventure Book Walt Peterson

BooJumMan - 4-28-2014 at 08:26 AM

I dont trust this guy...

He's half man, half bear, half pig?? Or is he half man, and half bear-pig??

That time of year is the best IMO for Baja, from Northern to the tip, you can pretty much find waves along most of the peninsula. Weather is nice, but can be very windy, especially that time of year, so make sure you bring stuff to tie off too. It will blow for weeks straight!

Driving through Baja expedition style is my favorite thing... I bring a full set of tools, tire repair kit, good compressor, 10gal gas, 15 gal water, hi-lift jack, shovel, spare... Depends on where you go I guess. These days seems like there's more people at even the secretest of surf spots, so even if you were to break down, you could get help.

ATT phones work pretty much 90% of Baja. So get a ATT GoPhone if you dont have an ATT phone (Telcel networks and ATT share same technology so the ATT phones work, while Verizon only works in a few big towns).

shari - 4-28-2014 at 08:35 AM

Howdy...or I guess I should say Hola...Manbearpig...hmmm unusual name!!!! thanks for the intro...it's always nice to know a bit about a new kid in the sandbox. I look forward to hearing about your choice of board names...hahaha.

You are going to have a blast and we look forward to sharing a few beers on the patio here in Asuncion and hooking you up with some waves.

I wouldnt bother with an extra spare as used tires are super cheap here and plentiful...they take up too much room in your "pad". Keep in touch with those of us who live here and can help you out...I will U2U you my number in case of emergencies...good to have a name and number in your wallet if something happens.

I highly recommend you stopping into our base camp for awhile at the laguna Ojo de Liebre near Guerrero Negro. This season a nice fella your age and from your neighborhood became part of our tribe and we had a gas. And surf spots that shall not be publicly named are nearby. When the surf is down, the surf rats hang with us at the lagoon. My daughter and assistant are your age and our tribe is known for having a wee bit of fun.

We look forward to meeting you and hearing about your travels.

check your U2U up in the right corner for a private message.

David K - 4-28-2014 at 08:36 AM

Get ideas for what to see and do from the trip report forum here. Also utilize my web site http://vivabaja.com with many photos and links there.

desertcpl - 4-28-2014 at 08:38 AM

yes get a shell,,, more secure for your gear, other wise don't let the truck out of your site

BajaBlanca - 4-28-2014 at 09:00 AM

And here is a list I was talking about which we have compiled over the years!

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=9392#pid89062...

:biggrin:

dasubergeek - 4-28-2014 at 10:06 AM

I would say whatever you have to hold your gear, make it lockable. Mexico in general and Baja in particular is a friendly, generally safe place, but the prevailing culture is "if it isn't locked up, you didn't care enough about it".

Martyman - 4-28-2014 at 01:32 PM

Hey bearpig;
Sounds great. All the cool places are barely specks on the map. Go check em out.

manbearpig - 4-30-2014 at 06:13 PM

You guys rule!

Looks like I'll have to pony up the cash for a shell. Actually found a reasonable priced shell near me. My idea for the cover/tarp did allow the ability to lock the bed/storage below but it'll be much more comfortable with the shell, and one less thing to worry about dealing with each day. Never did get the tarp to work perfectly when sleeping in the bed if I needed a cover. Actually saw an awesome set up with a bed one half and storage to the side and below it I might need to cop. If anyone has some set ups they'd like to share on their truck beds I'd love to see a photo or hear a description!

Camper Shell set ups

Whale-ista - 4-30-2014 at 06:25 PM

Check out some of these: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23272-Lets-see...

There are some very clever ideas on this website.

manbearpig - 5-11-2014 at 09:41 PM

Would a big 12'6 board strapped to the roof be a problem of any sort? Especially if left on car while I surf or not necessarily within my sight?

Ateo - 5-11-2014 at 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by manbearpig
Would a big 12'6 board strapped to the roof be a problem of any sort? Especially if left on car while I surf or not necessarily within my sight?

No problem. Only if you're in an urban area and out of your site do people generally have the balls to unstrap something to steal it.

Take it into your hotel for the night.

Cliffy - 5-11-2014 at 10:38 PM

Just back from a 2 week trip You will love the people of Baja. Some of the nicest and friendliest folks I have ever met (and I've been around the world).
Good water is available almost anywhere in small and large cities (agua purifica). Food in small and large markets is available. Ice is available. Big changes from when I went down 30 years ago.
Tire shops are very 25 miles on Baja 1. New tires are available in all the bigger cities.
Surfing is on the Pacific side but you probably already know that.
Go down through San Felipe and Gonzaga to Mex 1 rather than TJ / San Quintin on Mex 1.
Depending on how far off of Mex 1 or 3 you want to go will dictate how much extra gear you might want to take. If you do go through TJ/San Quintin fill up in El Rosario below SQ as the next gas station is around 200 miles
A 5 gallon gas can is a wise idea as is two boxes of bottled water in the truck.
Build a bed platform in the bed of the truck with liftable panels to get at storage under. I built one with 3 inches of foam rubber to sleep on. Worked great. Get a camper shell.
The weather will be cool on the Pacific side and warmer on the gulf side. Bring a coat.
Be aware the roads are not like in the states. Narrow and NO shoulders. Drive careful and watch everyone in front AND in back of you. Be prepared to hit the brakes to let someone pass you if you don't think they can make it before the car ahead gets to you! The roads are not high speed roads! But don't tell that to the Mexicans!!!!!
Rule #1
DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT!
Rule #2
Reread rule #1

Have 2 credit cards from which to withdraw PESOs from ATMs. They have a habit of being cancelled in Mexico even if you call them ahead of time and tell them you are going to use them in Mexico. Try to live on pesos and not dollars down there. It's usually 100 pesos or $100 dollars when you purchase something when the rate is 12.5 to 1 officially. You do the math. Use pesos!

No fishing license needed to shore fish. License needed if in a boat.

You will be stopped at military check points all down the road. NO BIG DEAL. Smile say hello and speak no Spanish. They may not check too much going down but may check everything coming back Takes 5 mins. Again NO big deal.

You'll be harder checked coming back into the states than you were down there.

You will have a good time.

Cliffy - 5-11-2014 at 10:42 PM

Forgot to add-
Make sure you have Mexican car insurance Don't leave home without it!
I used BajaBound at the top of this page.

redhilltown - 5-11-2014 at 11:52 PM

As to the you'll be checked harder coming back north...maybe other Nomads have their own favorites but two things that always seem to get the military at the checkpoints going in my truck are cigars and a two way radio (which we use for car to car contact and boat to shore contact). For whatever reason they associate both with drugs...go figure. Since they only do a cursory check it is just best to hide a few things than having to deal with them...put them in a backpack. As I said, maybe others have thoughts on items that set them off, but since what I have is nothing illegal, I have no problems stashing it a bit. And I always have my passport, id/wallet and phone on me as I get out for the inspection...never heard of any trouble but I feel more comfortable knowing I have control of them.

Oh...and yes, I should quit the cigars but that is for another thread!

shari - 5-12-2014 at 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cliffy

A 5 gallon gas can is a wise idea as is two boxes of bottled water in the truck.

You will have a good time.

I quite disagree with bringing boxes of bottled water down...they take up alot of space and water is available everywhere down here. You can buy it as you need it but better yet, get a half size "garafon" a water jug, it costs 5 pesos to fill it with drinking water that all villages have. I sure love my stainless steel water bottle!!! much better than plastic and plastic water bottles locked in a hot car are toxic...ewww...better to get fresh water.

wilderone - 5-12-2014 at 07:41 AM

Get the Baja Adventure Book - any edition - cheap on Alibris or similar. Ditto the camper shell to keep your stuff secure as needed. Jan-Mar is whale season so be sure to take advantage of that - you could see them at Scammons, San Ignacio and Magdalena. There is plenty of free camping rather than finding a campground, but in the San Quintin area, stay at a campground. Check out "The List" on this forum. Where do you plan to enter Mexico?

Osprey - 5-12-2014 at 09:51 AM

Pigbearman, In your truck you must have Sirius for music, credit cards for gas, beer, tacos, you. All that other stuff is gringo "things to worry about".

manbearpig - 5-12-2014 at 05:28 PM

Awesome. I pretty much 100% will have a big jug for water. Is it easy to find clean water to fill a jug with water or is that kind of sketchy? I know not to drink the tap water but is there places that have purified water I can purchase or get to refill that? I plan on going off the beaten track quite a bit so I want to make sure I have enough water for drinking and cooking. Will water purifying pills clear up the water?

In regards to the board on top, what about places like Baja Malibu (the surf spot). To my understanding its in a city and is very high on the list for spots to stop and surf. Is the board on top pretty much a no go? I really don't think I'll use hotels too much.

[Edited on 5-13-2014 by manbearpig]

willardguy - 5-12-2014 at 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by manbearpig
Awesome. I pretty much 100% will have a big jug for water. Is it easy to find clean water to fill a jug with water or is that kind of sketchy? I know not to drink the tap water but is there places that have purified water I can purchase or get to refill that? I plan on going off the beaten track quite a bit so I want to make sure I have enough water for drinking and cooking. Will water purifying pills clear up the water?

In regards to the board on top, what about places like Baja Malibu (the surf spot). To my understanding its in a city and is very high on the list for spots to stop and surf. Is the board on top pretty much a no go? I really don't think I'll use hotels too much.

[Edited on 5-13-2014 by manbearpig]

baja malibu is just a crappy beachbreak with questionable water quality, no parking, and a cool bar that nobody goes too. I'd scratch it off the list.

willardguy - 5-12-2014 at 05:43 PM

or are you talking about baja malibu at erendira?

Bob H - 5-12-2014 at 05:57 PM

Welcome to Nomad land manbearpig. I also would be interested in how you came up with your board name...
You will absolutely have a blast. You can take your time and really enjoy what Baja has to offer. I agree about entering Baja at Mexicali and drive through San Felipe and Gonzaga Bay, through Coco's Corner and connecting to MX-1 on your way South.
Again, don't drive at night!
Also agree on a shell for your truck. If the wind kicks up you will be very happy that you have it. The wind can really blow, and for days at a time!
Can't wait to read/see your trip report next year.

willyAirstream - 5-12-2014 at 07:23 PM

You can get purified water in any tiny town. No pills needed. Bring a 5 gal jug and you are good to go, anywhere. Secure your board, if you can, as you would in a walmart parking lot in the usa. Most likely it will be safe, but....
Driving on mex 1 requires concentration, everything else is easy, food, camping, meeting people etc. Enjoy

manbearpig - 5-12-2014 at 07:43 PM

Awesome, glad to hear about the water.

I've seen a bunch of photos of a beach break called Baja Malibu that, in the photos and words included, is barreling and firing in all them. I think this Surfline feature was what got me first clued in about it, although theres a reason they call it surfLIE.

http://www.surfline.com/surf-report/baja-malibu-northern-baj...

willyAirstream - 5-12-2014 at 08:00 PM

from your link...

Quote:

Another element to take note of is the water quality at Baja Malibu. You won't even have to get off the main highway, Mex 1, to realize this area isn't exactly pristine in the poo run-off department. Subject to a pollution double-whammy from a nearby sewage-treatment facility and the dubious plumbing of an adjacent mega condo complex that's been recently built, Baja Malibu should be avoided in times of heavier rainfall.

THAT is water you should worry about

bypass this and head south!!

manbearpig - 5-27-2014 at 07:13 PM

What are temperatures like that time of year (Jan-March)? Night vs. day and water as well, I know water will vary as I get south and I'm assuming temps fluctuate quite a bit?

shari - 5-27-2014 at 07:34 PM

In our barrio the sea temps are nice until March...usually around 70 which makes the air temps pretty nice even in winter. It can be beach weather or friggin cold in January depending on if there is a cold front upon us.

manbearpig - 5-28-2014 at 05:52 AM

Ok so a sleeping bag rated to 36f should be plenty?

shari - 5-28-2014 at 06:32 AM

hahaha...you wont need that...never gets that cold...might dip into the 50's in a cold snap...it's a crap shoot, one day it's in the 80's and a few days later it can be in the 60's!

bajalearner - 5-28-2014 at 07:01 AM

You are a young man and I am an old man with many experiences that will keep you happy and not miserable. I will advise you to not do some things to make your time in Mexico go on the positive side.

Don't;
possess illegal drugs
possess any firearms
[possess any ammunition
attempt any smuggling
commit any crimes
get into a fight.
drive drunk

Mexico may have a reputation of a lawless land but it is not. They are like any other place when it comes to laws and punishment. Many Americans come here thinking we can do anything we want and that just ain't so.

I will be the first to tell someone they deserve what they get when they disrespect laws and go to prison and then cry that they are American and should be exempt. If you have not learned that you are responsible for your actions, you should expect some very hard times.

If you are responsible and smart, you will have a great time in Baja and anywhere else you visit. Please respect Mexico and it's people. I hope you live by these words, the same words I have told my own sons' because I care about them.

David K - 5-28-2014 at 07:29 AM

Wearing seat belts is the law, and no talking on a cell phone while driving... also no loose dogs in the vehicle. :light:

bajalearner - 5-28-2014 at 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
... also no loose dogs in the vehicle. :light:

You've seen some of my dates? They have good personalities!

apple - 5-28-2014 at 08:17 AM

I found this book to be an amazing resource for our camping/road trip into the Baja: www.amzn.com/0974947180
Has lots of great info about roads, attractions, gas, food, campsites and more.

durrelllrobert - 5-28-2014 at 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
Welcome to Nomad land manbearpig. I also would be

???man - bear - pig??? Which one best describes you?

manbearpig - 9-3-2014 at 08:56 AM

Just and update!!!! Best 25$ i ever spent

So this trip idea has been on my mind a lot and its a toss up between baja solo or ecuador solo. I guess my only concern about baja comes down to safety. Alot of people think its a crazy idea and i just read a negative travel advisory that mostly pertained to big citys but claiming homicide rates were up over 60%. Im definitely at a crossroads here to decide if i should fully commit to this baja idea or go to ecuador where i know it is safer. So what is the current concencious among you seasoned baja goers?

I know i can handle it, and deal with things as they come up but if its not advised to go down there solo i am smart enough to know when to pull the plug

vandenberg - 9-3-2014 at 08:59 AM

Are you for real or just trolling ? :no:

manbearpig - 9-3-2014 at 09:05 AM

Not trolling just looking for advice

Re: best 25$ i ever spent and the recommendations to get a shell

[Edited on 9-3-2014 by BajaNomad]

mtgoat666 - 9-3-2014 at 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by manbearpig
Just and update!!!! Best 25$ i ever spent

So this trip idea has been on my mind a lot and its a toss up between baja solo or ecuador solo. I guess my only concern about baja comes down to safety. Alot of people think its a crazy idea and i just read a negative travel advisory that mostly pertained to big citys but claiming homicide rates were up over 60%. Im definitely at a crossroads here to decide if i should fully commit to this baja idea or go to ecuador where i know it is safer. So what is the current concencious among you seasoned baja goers?

I know i can handle it, and deal with things as they come up but if its not advised to go down there solo i am smart enough to know when to pull the plug

why do you think ecuador is safer?

bajaguy - 9-3-2014 at 09:14 AM

There are more people murdered in Las Vegas, Chicago, Detroit and Washington DC in six months than US citizens "murdered" in Baja during an entire year (and what were these "murdered" US citizens doing that made them victims???".

It would be interesting where "Alot of people" live and what that homicide rate is, and if they have ever been to Baja??.

If you are not into drugs, gangs and criminal activity, you chances of being a homicide victim is miniscule .......although you can be a bullet magnet being solo in Baja just as well as where you live now.

Quote:

manbearpig - 9-3-2014 at 09:17 AM

I have been and have friends there. I suppose maybe not as a whole but the small beach side town i have been too and plan on returning too i found to be very safe. So i should have specified. Just trying to make a decision based on some recent information i just saw.

BajaBlanca - 9-3-2014 at 09:46 AM

the danger, if any, is really on the mainland or in border towns rife with drugs and people trafficking.

we live in Baja and I consider Baja Sur to be very safe in the 8 years we have been here.

Not one murder - EVER- in La Bocana and I would venture to say in BahiaAsuncion as well,altho' I haven't asked anyone.

Keep to villages
Keep away from drugs
Don't flash your cash
Get to bed at a decent hour and keep your wits about you like you would do anywhere else

Have a fun trip, no need to worry any more, let us know how the trip went when you return!

manbearpig - 9-3-2014 at 09:53 AM

I mean the main people who i have talked to about it and been helping me get set up have either travelled through mex (mainly mainland) or grew up in el salvador during and fought in the revolution. So definitely not your average suburbia types and have info both directly and indirectly of baja.

Look this wasnt meant to be negative, trolling or whatever. I saw a recent travel advisory that got me thinking and since it wasnt the best of advisorys it didnt exactly encourage me, though it didnt deter either. Just want to hear from some people that actually go down there

manbearpig - 9-3-2014 at 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
the danger, if any, is really on the mainland or in border towns rife with drugs and people trafficking.

we live in Baja and I consider Baja Sur to be very safe in the 8 years we have been here.

Not one murder - EVER- in La Bocana and I would venture to say in BahiaAsuncion as well,altho' I haven't asked anyone.

Keep to villages
Keep away from drugs
Don't flash your cash
Get to bed at a decent hour and keep your wits about you like you would do anywhere else

Have a fun trip, no need to worry any more, let us know how the trip went when you return!

Thanks. It was my understanding and plan to keep away from cities and be very low key. How is baja norte in general?

David K - 9-3-2014 at 10:13 AM

The same advice Blanca gave applies to Baja Norte... If you want to see a city, then stay home. If you want to see really beautiful country, come to Baja! See the Baja Trip Reports forum here on Nomad and SEE what we Nomads see and read what we experience on our trips.

manbearpig - 9-3-2014 at 10:26 AM

Awesome. I guess just some pre trip jitters to a unique place. I have been checking out the trip reports a bit.