From TeamDonde:
The trip started smoothly taking dirt south from Santa Veronica. Fist stop would be San Felipe. Weather was cool but it was beautiful. Next day would
be Catavina. Stopped at Alfonsinas for lunch and had a wonderful plate of fish and shrimp tacos. Made a quick stop into La Turquesa. Well worth the
detour. Then off to Coco's and then the highway north to the hotel.
Hotel Mision Catavina is a true oasis in the desert. After losing power or having no heat in San Felipe everyone was looking to sleep in and enjoy a
little satellite TV. So we sat down to eat breakfast around 8:30 a.m. Got the trucks all prepped and then went to order some burritos to go. 50
minutes later they order was finally ready. Can't blame them though as the restaurant was packed. We should have ordered ahead!
While waiting for the burritos we spoke to two separate groups of Mexican travelers. One said that the trail was a no-go after Hurrican Odile. The
second one said they had just done it a few days ago and it was passable. They had moved some rocks around to make the Widowmaker passable. So off we
went around 11 a.m.
I knew our daylight would be limited and had doubts about our chances to make it. First point on the trail is Rancho Santa Ines. Nobody seemed to be
around so we hopped back in our trucks and continued on. As we made the turn off the ranch we came across an old gringo named Ralph in a little Toyota
truck. He explained that he lives there and had recently taken a group to the mision. ''You have a challenge ahead'' he said. Very, very rough with
much of the dirt taken away during the hurricane. Losts of rocks left for us to conquer. He tells us he is ex-search and rescue and that if things
take a turn for the worst, to come and get him. His description of the trail turned out to be exceedingly accurate. Certainly not for the beginner of
faint of heart.
The good news was he gave us an alternate route via the sand wash. It would bypass the first rough section and also avoid some narrow trail that would
be scratching up the full size truck that was in our group. I was grateful but knew our chances of getting to our end goal were not good.
The wash was amazing. Super fun and great scenery. Smooth rock and palms all over. We took it as far as we could and then doubled back a bit to a
turnoff that took us back up to my original planned track.
Once we got back on the main trail we made our first of many beverage stops. One of the Baja newbies took a big cactus ball through the shoe
immediately after stepping out of the truck. He now knows not to wear canvas shoes and always watch where you step. A little time with the plieers and
we were back on the road.
Trail opened up for a while and although it was still rough we were able to make some time. We were getting anxious to see if we would reach the
famous Widowmaker. We stopped at the divide where we got a glimpse of the Sea of Cortez. Time ticked on and several steep and rocky grades had us
wondering if we had already completed the Widowmaker... possibly an anticlimactic event. Granted they were challenging, but not earning the name. It
was about 2 p.m. when we found it. The FJ was on point so I offered to take the lead. The driver was having so much fun working the A-Trac that he
opted to keep the position. And down he went.
Pictures don't do it justice. The drop is steep and often off camber. Not a big deal on 37s, but with 33s, there were a few three wheel moments. The
driver of the full size truck was very inquisitive on the radio as we made our way down. Was asking and asking if he could make it. There were a few
narrow spots that were iffy. I had my co-pilot, who was on the cliff side of the Jeep, look over. If there was a foot to spare. We radioed back the
green light and he started his descent. A few bangs, and scrape of the skid plates followed.
Immediately after completing the Widowmaker the road dropped into the first oasis. This meant that we were rially close. Within a mile and a half of
Santa Maria. Then the FJ, still on poin, radioed back that it was a no-go for the full size truck. Very narrow spots with palm trees on both sides
showing scars of previous travelers.
So he hopped in with me, and we continued on. We had been on the trail over 3 hours. Sunset was 4:45 and I was doing the math. Figured as long as we
made the sand wash before dark we would be good. So I set the drop dead return time at 2:45. With three-fourths of a mile left, I made the call...
Santa Maria would have to wait for another day. Got lots of flack about giving up so close, but I reminded them that all bad things in Baja happen at
night. We could have a series of flats or a mechanical issue and end up with a very long night. Not to mention we still needed to make our way back UP
the Widowmaker.
I took point just in case the FJ needed a tug. Locked up the diffs and away we went. Not the worst thing I have climbed, but certainly a fun time.
The FJs A-Trac system worked like a charm, and he too went up sans-problems. Amazingly the full size truck did great as well. Those rear e-lockers
make all the difference.
With the clock ticking we made only two stops along the way for loading 9unloading) some cervezas into our systems. Heavy footing it through the
terrain we made it to the half way point much faster then on the way in. Amazingly, no flats were had. Before we knew it, we were back in the wash.
With a bit of daylight left and could now breath easy.
Just before 5 we arrived back at Santa Ines. Ralph came out to see us as the last vehicle came by. We have no doubt had we needed help, Ralph would
have been there for aid. After a brief chat and thanks we all were back at the hotel. The trip was a great experience even if we didn't reach our
goal. We will be back and I'm confident we will make it.
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