Labor Day 2014: Baja Beach Get-a-way! All 3 Parts Posted!

The best cure for civilization I know is a trip to Baja and camping totally on your own.

Now, one would think that Labor Day, the last big weekend of summer, would mean no beach is going to be uncrowded or totally empty?

Not true!

Last Labor Day (2013) a tropical storm was dumping rain on San Felipe, so our customary 3 day beach get-a-way didn't happen. We had gone down on Memorial Day 2013, but the water temperature is still a bit chilly for our liking. July-Sept. the Gulf of California near San Felipe is like a warm bath, still cooler than the air, but so nice and relaxing that it is therapy to us. Over a year since our last visit to Shell Island really had me stressed, as I am so connected to that beautiful beach, nearly 20 miles from San Felipe.

Saturday Aug. 30, 2014

I loaded up the Tacoma with the essentials for a beach weekend in Baja: Sun canopy (Coleman Easy-up), Tent (Coleman Instant Tent), chairs (yup, Coleman), table, stove (guess what brand!), two X-treme ice chests (one for food using block ice and one for beer and water and some mango-ritas using crushed ice). We have an air mattress with an electric pump that I plug into the 110v outlet that Toyota puts in the bed of the TRD Tacomas.

Another reason for Shell Island as our destination is that my wife Elizabeth ('Baja Angel' on Nomad) loves Shell Island and it is her birthday around Labor Day... works for me!

We were on the road at 8:09 am, stopped for gas in El Cajon at 8:54 am, topped tank at El Centro at 10:40 am and crossed into Mexico at 11:00 am.

The drive from Mexicali to San Felipe was fast and easy. There are no more detours along the way as all highway widening is now complete.

The mirage at the base of the mountains around Laguna Salada was going on... it was 108ºF



We made a stop and saw that a lot of water had been falling from the sky sometime earlier in the month from the puddles and dried mud...








We stopped for gas at the El Dorado Pemex station (1:05 pm), which is just past the giant Rockadile sign. The station was fully open, as was the convenience store there. Magna Sin (Regular unleaded) gasoline was 12.95 pesos per liter. 500 pseos topped my tank (38.6 liters). The exchange rate offered was 12.80 pesos per dollar. I paid $39.00 for the gas and a dollar tip to the attendant (who did not wash the windows) but was otherwise friendly and wanted to speak to me in English.

As there was some interest in the gas station situation in San Felipe, I noted the other stations...

There was a second Pemex station open, a few more miles south, before entering town. Just past the arches (town entrance) is the third Pemex station on the right. A few stop signs, a couple of new super markets, and the Clam Man building is passed before reaching the traffic circle where we turn south (right) to leave town. At the traffic circle are two Pemex stations. Just south, about 3/4 mile from the traffic circle, the final town Pemex was closed and the pumps had their hoses removed.

The drive south was easy and almost no other traffic on this U.S. holiday weekend. Near Km. 20 the road to Rancho Percebu is passed (this is not a ranch, but a beach camp for tourists along with private homes). Some years ago, many of the campos became 'ranchos', perhaps for tax reasons the name change was made. Before, it was called Laguna Percebu. It is the lagoon that begins here which creates the barrier island I call Shell Island which runs all the way to Bahia Santa Maria, 5 miles from Rancho Percebu.

The access road to Shell Island is by the Km. 26 marker and some cinder block columns. It is less than two miles to the beach. During high lunar tides, the road is under water the final half mile... it really does become an island!

Some photos on the road and on the beach...







Instead of heading towards the old concrete bridge along the once elevated causeway onto the island, we took the more traveled and original access road that veers to the right towards the fish camp site/ shack. If you find this area underwater (full or new moon), the best bet is to stay on what appears to be the heaviest used track, as that will be the most compact... and often the most water as it is lower by a couple of inches. This trip, the moon was closer to a quarter phase, and the high tides were about 14 feet. When they are over 18 feet is when Shell Island becomes surrounded by water.













We were on the island at 1:55 pm, less than 6 hours from home (North County San Diego). The temperature was 98º

Camp set up... our view from under the sun canopy...



There was NOBODY else on the entire beach, even the fisherman camp was abandoned... Where else can you go on a Labor Day weekend, 6 hours from Southern California cities and have an entire island/ beach to yourself?

Sundown Saturday... view of Diablo Mountain...



Stay Tuned for the second half of our beach weekend photos!



[Edited on 9-3-2014 by David K]

Thank you for the questions... Earlier this morning I responded to a thread on tire pressure with a photo and description of the air pump...

As this was the first time on Shell Island for this tire on this model truck, I drive as far as I am able to see how well it does... and I was amazed that with my heavy load in the bed (2 ice chests, etc.) that I drove onto the beach and down to the surf line and even continued about 1/4 mile before the truck struggled. The tires (Destiny Dakota AT) were at 35 psi and I was in 4WD-HI with traction control (limited slip) on.

I stopped, Baja Angel began shell searching while I deflated the tires. I simply use a tool on my car keys that is like a small screwdriver to depress the air stem valve. It takes like 2 minutes and 15 seconds (I am counting as the air is released) to remove 15 pounds. Since the tires did so well at 35 psi, I only dropped to 20 psi... and sure enough, they did great the rest of the time driving to our camp spot and back to the road-head. We camp 2 miles down the beach from the road-head.

After I switched from a cigarette lighter connected compressor to the Harbor Freight battery connected compressor, the fill time was 3 times quicker (2 psi per minute to 6 psi per minute). However, I had issues with the Harbor Freight compressor fuse holder melting, and fuses melting. I was later given a Tsunami MV-50 red compressor... it is less bulky, has a smaller carry case than the Harbor Freight one, and does not melt the fuse folder or fuse when used. It is a little slower at 5 psi per minute, but that is the one I use.

We did not leave the island for meals or anything. In the past we gone to or have joined with Baja Rob and Connie, and eaten at the places in Colonia Delicias sometimes. This is rare compared to eating simply while we are on the island.

Since these beach trips are a get-a-way from the usual for us, and I usually cook at home, there is not much to our eating... and we want to lose weight anyway!

Breakfast is cereal (oatmeal or raisin bran was brought), we had some bananas also. Baja Angel likes coffee. We have orange juice, too.

Lunch is sandwiches, and Baja Angel makes great ones. We have tomatoes and sweet onion, use sandwich buns. Chips and beer (Tecate Light) with lime juice complete that meal. Snacks are cheese and crackers or chips and salsa.

Dinner can be sandwiches, snacks, or a hot freeze dried meal in a bag (just add a pint of boiling water) and plenty for two. We had beef stew Sunday night. Our favorite is the beef stroganoff and I also like the chicken and rice.

We drink lots of water, beer, ice tea, mango-ritas. We enjoy a camp fire, and in the summer, we just don't need to sit close to it! We bring a couple of those 4 hour instant logs and a bundle of store firewood. This last weekend, some fisherman had camped at our spot and left a pile of local wood there (see it in the photo above).

The whole idea is to unwind and not work any more than what is needed to set up and tear down camp. We haul out any trash that doesn't burn along with the mess the fishermen left when they went away (cans, tequila bottle). We are fine with simple camp life and the only use for the stove is to heat water for coffee and the camp meals in a bag. When we were younger and took our kids camping, we cooked up scrambled eggs, burgers, etc. Now that it is just us, we don't need to do that, so we don't!

I was a fisherman and may be again still... I just didn't fish much after my dad died... it was his thing and reason for going to Baja. My reason to go to Baja is to explore, relax, photograph, write travel stories. I love to eat fish, but am just fine if they are caught by someone else. I did mention to Baja Angel as we were floating in the Sea of Cortez and had fish jumping out of the water all around us, that I would like to bring a pole down and maybe fish off the beach again, as I had with my dad in the same area from 1966-1983.

[Edited on 9-2-2014 by David K]

Sunday (Part 2)

Good Morning Shell Island!











Looking north to Rancho Percebu, which is across the lagoon from the north end of the island.



Looking west from the island.



Looking south.



Yes, the vehicle that takes us where we want to go, a 2010 Toyota Tacoma 4WD TRD Off Road Double Cab.


The day was beautiful, but about 11 am the wind picked up and stayed with us until about 5 pm. In the past, the wind in September was none existent. That keeps it hot, but the sea is flat and nice for swimming/ floating. With the wind created waves, swimming at high tide was not easy. High tide was about 4 pm. We did go to the lagoon at high tide where it is as calm as a lake and floated in there to almost sundown... NICE!

Looks like you scored---the heat might keep people away, does me anyway--after spending a summer in Texas I'd be heading to the Pacific! Nice pics---love the one with Diablo in the background. Shell Island looks wonderfully pristine, will stop there next time on the gulf, eh, maybe when the weather cools down a bit.

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexitron Looks like you scored---the heat might keep people away, does me anyway--after spending a summer in Texas I'd be heading to the Pacific! Nice pics---love the one with Diablo in the background. Shell Island looks wonderfully pristine, will stop there next time on the gulf, eh, maybe when the weather cools down a bit.

Yes, but at 98º it is no warmer than we are!

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by desertcpl you didn't say anything about airing down, what PSI do you use and how do you air down,, as it can be time consuming, I know their is a air down devise, ( forgot the name of it ) what do you use or as air compressor,, I know in the past you have used some from Harbor Frieght, as I have one,, sure is slow, wondering if you have gone to a onboard air pump also do you stay on the island or go to one of the close restaurants what does your usual meals look like, we know your not a fisherman,, just wondering Thank you for the questions... Earlier this morning I responded to a thread on tire pressure with a photo and description of the air pump... As this was the first time on Shell Island for this tire on this model truck, I drive as far as I am able to see how well it does... and I was amazed that with my heavy load in the bed (2 ice chests, etc.) that I drove onto the beach and down to the surf line and even continued about 1/4 mile before the truck struggled. The tires (Destiny Dakota AT) were at 35 psi and I was in 4WD-HI with traction control (limited slip) on. I stopped, Baja Angel began shell searching while I deflated the tires. I simply use a tool on my car keys that is like a small screwdriver to depress the air stem valve. It takes like 2 minutes and 15 seconds (I am counting as the air is released) to remove 15 pounds. Since the tires did so well at 35 psi, I only dropped to 20 psi... and sure enough, they did great the rest of the time driving to our camp spot and back to the road-head. We camp 2 miles down the beach from the road-head. After I switched from a cigarette lighter connected compressor to the Harbor Freight battery connected compressor, the fill time was 3 times quicker (2 psi per minute to 6 psi per minute). However, I had issues with the Harbor Freight compressor fuse holder melting, and fuses melting. I was later given a Tsunami MV-50 red compressor... it is less bulky, has a smaller carry case than the Harbor Freight one, and does not melt the fuse folder or fuse when used. It is a little slower at 5 psi per minute, but that is the one I use. We did not leave the island for meals or anything. In the past we gone to or have joined with Baja Rob and Connie, and eaten at the places in Colonia Delicias sometimes. This is rare compared to eating simply while we are on the island. Since these beach trips are a get-a-way from the usual for us, and I usually cook at home, there is not much to our eating... and we want to lose weight anyway! Breakfast is cereal (oatmeal or raisin bran was brought), we had some bananas also. Baja Angel likes coffee. We have orange juice, too. Lunch is sandwiches, and Baja Angel makes great ones. We have tomatoes and sweet onion, use sandwich buns. Chips and beer (Tecate Light) with lime juice complete that meal. Snacks are cheese and crackers or chips and salsa. Dinner can be sandwiches, snacks, or a hot freeze dried meal in a bag (just add a pint of boiling water) and plenty for two. We had beef stew Sunday night. Our favorite is the beef stroganoff and I also like the chicken and rice. We drink lots of water, beer, ice tea, mango-ritas. We enjoy a camp fire, and in the summer, we just don't need to sit close to it! We bring a couple of those 4 hour instant logs and a bundle of store firewood. This last weekend, some fisherman had camped at our spot and left a pile of local wood there (see it in the photo above). The whole idea is to unwind and not work any more than what is needed to set up and tear down camp. We haul out any trash that doesn't burn along with the mess the fishermen left when they went away (cans, tequila bottle). We are fine with simple camp life and the only use for the stove is to heat water for coffee and the camp meals in a bag. When we were younger and took our kids camping, we cooked up scrambled eggs, burgers, etc. Now that it is just us, we don't need to do that, so we don't! I was a fisherman and may be again still... I just didn't fish much after my dad died... it was his thing and reason for going to Baja. My reason to go to Baja is to explore, relax, photograph, write travel stories. I love to eat fish, but am just fine if they are caught by someone else. I did mention to Baja Angel as we were floating in the Sea of Cortez and had fish jumping out of the water all around us, that I would like to bring a pole down and maybe fish off the beach again, as I had with my dad in the same area from 1966-1983. [Edited on 9-2-2014 by David K]

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by Mexitron Looks like you scored---the heat might keep people away, does me anyway--after spending a summer in Texas I'd be heading to the Pacific! Nice pics---love the one with Diablo in the background. Shell Island looks wonderfully pristine, will stop there next time on the gulf, eh, maybe when the weather cools down a bit. Yes, but at 98º it is no warmer than we are!

Thanks for sharing. Good times, even if it was for only a short time.

Here's a hint, try wrapping your easy-up with shade cloth on three sides. You don't have to chase the shade all day long, and the cloth allows the breezes to flow.

I suggest you carry extra fuses with this one too. Just sayin'.

Enjoyed your pics - as well as your recollections about time in Baja with your dad.

Quote:

Originally posted by Taco de Baja Thanks for sharing. Good times, even if it was for only a short time. Here's a hint, try wrapping your easy-up with shade cloth on three sides. You don't have to chase the shade all day long, and the cloth allows the breezes to flow.

Holaq/Hi DK

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad Quote: Originally posted by David K Tsunami MV-50 red compressor... it is less bulky, has a smaller carry case than the Harbor Freight one, and does not melt the fuse folder or fuse when used. I suggest you carry extra fuses with this one too. Just sayin'. Enjoyed your pics - as well as your recollections about time in Baja with your dad.

Thanks Doug... I do have a small case of 30 amp fuses for it, just in case!

My dad was really a special man in that he always made sure everyone was enjoying themselves, having fun... he never complained or missed a day of work being sick... Most of all, he supported my love of four wheeling, Baja and camping by going places I wanted to see in the years before I could drive.

Here is a photo my mom took of my dad and I when I was 15, on the road to the observatory, San Pedro Martir in Oct. 1972...

LOL !!! LOL !!!

A K&t..... TrUE BaJA RAT !!! With Respect !! HEFE !!..

Monday (Labor Day 2014), Part 3 of trip report:

Since we wanted an early start, we collapsed the sun canopy and packed it in its case the night before... We had our breakfast of orange juice and crunchy raisin bran, burned all paper trash and cleaned up the cans and bottles left by the previous camp site guests. There was a surf board and a glove box along with some plywood that was a wind break, I didn't have room to haul away.

We were packed, washed, and driving away at 9:23 am. It was 78º and a beautiful morning!







Wow, I hate to leave this perfect place!

Off the deep sand and on the hard-dry mud flats, I stopped to refill the tires back to 35 psi from 20. We were once agian driving at 9:53. The distance from the beach to Hwy. 5 (Km. 26) is 1.9 miles and just under 1/2 mile is on the mud flats. During a high tide of over 18 feet, the sea floods the flats as the lagoon from Percebu and the back bay of Bahia Santa Maria connect and make Shell Island surrounded by water, as the map shows...



The umbrella is close to where we camp.

It's about 22 miles back to the San Felipe traffic circle, where it is 10:30 am and 95º. No need to buy more gas, as I am still above the 3/4 full line. We head north on Hwy. 5.

The military check point at the Hwy. 3 junction was the fastest ever. This was the first time we were not asked to get out of the Tacoma for a search, northbound!

At Km. 106+ we take the graded road east towards the Arroyo Grande wells that supply water to the large gold mine that is passed north of El Chinero mountain (north of Hwy. 3). We take a break about a mile into the desert and make lunch. Soon I see a large earth mover scraping the road and when he nears us I hold up a cold bottle of water and a mango-rita for him to enjoy. He tells me he is grading the road to the water pumps (wells). I take a photo as he drives on west...



Here is the arroyo gully by our lunch stop...





We leave at 11:49 am and it is 99º... La Ventana restaurant/ store is just north of the Arroyo Grande well road, maybe 1/4 mile.

We are headed to Tecate, and the fast, Libramiento de Mexicali goes over Hwy. 5, about 10 miles south of the Mexicali/ Calexico border crossing. To get onto it, you must drive a ways north and make a U-turn and enter it going southbound on Hwy. 5. The toll booth is soon reached and it is 68 pesos. The time is 12:40 pm, and it is 105º.

Hwy. 2 is reached in 18 miles, 1:02 pm (we made a stop along the way) and still 105º.

The next military checkpoint was interesting in that the first gun holder asked to see inside my ice chest... I offered him a cold water. He ordered me to the pull over lane where his comandante wanted to see inside the same ice chest. I again offered them cold water (Kirkland bottles) but the comandante wanted a mango-rita... and the machine gun holder reached in and helped himself to a can of ice tea. OK, but maybe ask to be polite amigos, right? Before going to the back of my truck, the comandante did search behind my seat and unzipped the tote bag of my air pump, before asking me to show him my ice chests. That's it... adios!

The toll both at La Rumorosa would not take any U.S. coins (we were out of pesos), just paper bills and she asked for $2. Then she gave me 3 pesos in change! It was 1:34 pm and 92º. The final toll booth is El Hongo, it was US$5.05 (the nickel coin was ok). It was 1:49 pm and 92º.

Stopped at the Pemex on the right coming into Tecate on the free road, the final miles to the border access road. Magna Sin was the same $12.95 pesos/ liter (as it was at San Felipe). The exchange rate was 12.70 pesos: dollar. I put in 69.5 liters (18.3 gallons) per the pump (which I know was not accurate as my low fuel light comes on at 17 gallons consumed and it hadn't come on yet). It was 900 pesos or US$71 (really $70.86). The attendant was really nice and did a great job washing the windshield, which was pretty buggy, told me he has family living in the L.A. area, and I gave him a big tip.

New surprise at Tecate border line northbound... the street along the border fence has been extended along the fence further east and it was long! So instead of turning west to head up the big hill the line began to the east a half mile away, where we drove and made a U-turn to get into the back of the line. Not sure how far this new border fence road goes or how to get on it without doing the U-Turn from the previous entrance. One thing it does is removes long lines from in front of businesses along the free Mexicali highway.



Here is the big hill, west of the access road.



Here is a look in my mirror at the line back, east of the access road which was new road to me since I was last here. The truck with a black door is on the access road from Hwy. 2.

The end of the border wait line was reached at 2:21 pm Monday (yesterday). It took one hour to travel 0.4 mile (not quite to the access road from Hwy. 2). In 2 hours, we traveled 1.0 mile. The border had 3 gates open. The standard two and one of the commercial truck lanes was being used for automobiles to help the line. We got to the border at 4:33 pm (2 hr. 12 min.) after driving a snails pace in a 1.2 mile long line. The U.S. officer was great (and a pleasant change from the one we got here a year and a half ago who asked us the most bizarre and racist questions). I handed him our passports, rolled down my rear passenger window, removed my dark glasses and exchanged greetings. He only asked what was in my ice chests, and sent us on our way.

We were home in less than 2 hours, and while the wait was little fun, it didn't ruin our quick Baja beach vacation!

Going to Shell Island (our favorite beach get-a-way spot) was really needed by both Baja Angel and myself after a hard summer of work and health issues. We both needed it, and Baja didn't let us down!

Sad that so many Americans are afraid of going to Mexico. Sure it is different, but it is not dangerous. It is wonderful and does for us something that I have not found north of the border. It is probably the same for most of you who do go to and enjoy Baja California?

THANKS to Baja Angel for being such a wonderful partner in life and sharing my love for camping and four wheeling. A big happy birthday to you as well today!

THANKS to Baja Bound for great service, easy to use on-line purchasing, and great people at their office!

THANKS to Toyota de Baja California for building such an awesome truck and Toyota Corporation for great quality in the engine, transmission and four wheel drive system!

THANKS to Baja Nomad for great friendships, an opportunity to share and to help others!




[Edited on 9-3-2014 by David K]

Sure... the road to the island is not too rough or bouncy, and you can always drive it slow.

The pucker part of getting on the island is when it is an island and you drive through the sea water and mud to get on the beach! See the tide chart for when you will be there on the San Felipe web site, weather/ tides page http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx If it is over 18 foot high (around full or new moon phases), the water will be on the mud flats that are dry in my photos from last weekend.

Here is the access road taken during one of those high tides:



It really is an island!

In July, 2011, Art (edm1) tried to drive his 4WD (with front and rear lockers) motorhome onto the beach... and the mud was just too slippery for his tires and the weight stuck him. The fisherman at the nearby shack was there with his truck and pulled Art's beast out of the mud.





Out at Hwy. 5, edm1 is a happy camper!

[Edited on 9-3-2014 by David K]

Looks like the new road snaking in from Hwy 2 to the east has been "completed"?

[Edited on 9-3-2014 by BajaNomad]

It's before the Pemex Circle K store on the right before the curve to the right going into town. There is a sign for it. But it looks like the Pemex turnoff will get you to it too.



[Edited on 9-3-2014 by TW]

[Edited on 9-3-2014 by TW]

I wish the guy that pumped my gas would have clued me in... and maybe there were new signs, but I didn't notice them.

I will do a close up Google Earth as the one Doug posted is not clear as to the east end junction with the free road (Mex 2), but does show it all. Stay tuned!

OK, on edit, I see that TW made a good GE map. I wasn't looking for any signs back that far, plus I needed gas first. The street that comes in at the gas station looks like it goes all the way to the new entrance road.

Was this new road posted on Nomad, and I missed it?

On Doug's overall map, the end of the border line for me was where the new road curves around that hill.

[Edited on 9-3-2014 by David K]

Thanks Bob!

You know if you guys need to get onto Shell Island, you can always hop in back of my Tacoma... like 10 years ago...

Nice!

What a beautiful image! DK & BA, thanks for the share!

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by Bob H Great trip report and photos David. Even though Audrey and I don't camp any more, we still enjoy the reports from those who still do. Looks like you had a great time!! Thanks Bob! You know if you guys need to get onto Shell Island, you can always hop in back of my Tacoma... like 10 years ago...

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H Quote: Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by Bob H Great trip report and photos David. Even though Audrey and I don't camp any more, we still enjoy the reports from those who still do. Looks like you had a great time!! Thanks Bob! You know if you guys need to get onto Shell Island, you can always hop in back of my Tacoma... like 10 years ago... Hah! 2004 President's Day weekend Matomi run! Wow, 10 years have passed.

That was a great group camp-out! The first one of Baja Nomads... Previously we were all Amigos de Baja. That forum ended in 2003, and Baja Nomad new forums began in 2002 and has carried us on ever since! Thanks Doug!

From 2004 (Shell Island Saturday, Nuevo Mazatlan camp, and Matomi Oasis Sunday):
(Many of these photos are from Bob H's camera)...












Mike Humfreville chats with Chris ('Via Baja')



Tunaeater (Paul)



Surfer Jim...



Edie H, Mary, & Pat (Mrs. Mexray)



Mexray cooks some JiffyPop popcorn over the campfire.



David K chatting with Pat (who was enjoying a fine Caribbean cigar)



Suzanne (GeoRock) and her cigar.



We meet TW (Tom) on Sunday morning.









I was indeed thinner 10 years ago!



Having a geologist along is great for an educated tour... Thanks Suzanne ('GeoRock')!



Mike Humfreville in Parral's cardon forest.



The world famous Matomi falls!




Photo from GeoRock's automatic camera at Rancho Matomi.
From the left: Bob H & Audrey, MaryAnn & Mike Humfreville, Pat & MexRay,
Steve & Edie H, David K, GeoRock & Pete, Bill W & TW.
On the Hummer: Alicia, Sarah, Brittany. In front: Surfer Jim (+Shelby the wonder dog).
Tunaeater & Rudy left before photo taken

LOL... it was really nice and coolish after midnight. You can't sleep indoors in the summer. Like in L.A. Bay in the 60's, sleep on a cot outside of your room, under the stars. Our new tent has big screen windows all around, so not too bad. If it was me alone, I would sleep under the stars on the beach. Baja Angel prefers to be inside a tent, or in the bed of my truck if it is a quick overnight stop somewhere. I don't know what in the world she thinks is crawling around at night, in the desert?













[Edited on 9-11-2014 by David K]

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Sure... the road to the island is not too rough or bouncy, and you can always drive it slow. The pucker part of getting on the island is when it is an island and you drive through the sea water and mud to get on the beach! See the tide chart for when you will be there on the San Felipe web site, weather/ tides page http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx If it is over 18 foot high (around full or new moon phases), the water will be on the mud flats that are dry in my photos from last weekend. Here is the access road taken during one of those high tides: It really is an island! In July, 2011, Art (edm1) tried to drive his 4WD (with front and rear lockers) motorhome onto the beach... and the mud was just too slippery for his tires and the weight stuck him. The fisherman at the nearby shack was there with his truck and pulled Art's beast out of the mud. Out at Hwy. 5, edm1 is a happy camper! [Edited on 9-3-2014 by David K]