BajaNomad

A couple of Nomads....M.I.A., or A.B.N.?

AKgringo - 3-7-2022 at 01:26 PM

I have communicated with a couple of members who have suddenly stopped posting, and have not read the U2U messages I have sent them. Are they "Missing In Action", or is it "Adios Baja Nomads"?

Most recent is Fatboy, who was going to start a solo treck between a couple of missions on the old Camino Real. I was sure that he would have been able to communicate something about his adventure, or that the trip was cancelled, but nothing so far.

Does anyone have any info about his status? I don't know what he was driving, but if I was able to drive to the two missions to see if there was a vehicle that has been parked there for a while, I would do it!

The missions are Santa Gertrudis, and San Francisco Borja.

The other Nomad is Motoged, who hasn't posted for about three months, and has not read a U2U I sent a couple of months ago. I know he takes part in other forums, but I don't know which ones to see if he is active on one of them.

Anyone have any information about his status? Ged is one of the few Nomads I have met, and consider him a friend, but I don' have any other way to contact him to see if he is OK.

KurtG - 3-7-2022 at 03:19 PM

I also sent Ged a u2u back on 12/2 which has not been read. I share your concern but have no other contact info. I have met Ged both in Mulege where I am at the moment and in Asuncion.

David K - 3-7-2022 at 03:41 PM

I too hope that Fatboy is safe having vanished from Nomad just before his adventure on El Camino Real was to take place. He was going to do the Sierras route which put him into Paraiso Canyon with rumored drug cartel activity there.

As for other Nomads, well sometimes they are put on a time-out, like Fishbuck was. If anyone has Ged as a Facebook friend, let us know if he is ok. Fishbuck is fine and getting his new Piper lined up for Baja and other destinations.

bajaric - 3-8-2022 at 01:48 AM

Fatboy PM'd me he was driving an older Subaru outback or Jeep Cherokee (XJ). The plan was to park at San Borja then ride a mini bike to Santa Gertrudis.

Someone from BOLA should drive up to San Borja and see if one of those vehicles is still parked there?

David K - 3-8-2022 at 08:54 AM

I posted on Facebook if anyone spotted those cars. Nomad ehall had posted he was at San Borja recently.

mtgoat666 - 3-8-2022 at 09:04 AM
Quote:

For better or worse I have started my trip to hike a section of the El Camino Real between the old Missions of San Borja and Santa Gertrudis.
I have wanted to hike a section of the ECR for a few years now and it was all set up to happen the first week in January of 2022.
The route was mapped out, possible water sources were located, shuttle was arranged and a hiking partner was lined up. Then along came Covid. I caught it in early December and was very sick for two weeks and spent a day in the hospital. The trip fell apart. I was too weak to go and I moved it back a month. But doing so meant hiking it alone and I have been unable to arrange any shuttles. To make matters worse people are reporting that the area is suffering from a long drought.

Then I get an email from a reliable source that two of the more dependable water sources are being used by Narco's.

Yet, here I am. I am camped along the Salton Sea after driving 650 miles from my home in Northern California. Tomorrow I will cross the border at Mexicali and be out of touch for the next 5 or 6 days.

Logistically this trip will be a challenge. Water sources are unknown and if Narco's are using San Sebastian and El Parasio I will have to turn around and go back.

If I am able to do the hike getting back to my car will be a challenge in itself.

The plan is to drive to San Borja which is about halfway down Baja and about 22 miles from the pavement and leave a minibike there. Then drive to Bahia de Los Angeles and then southwards along the gulf coast for a 120 miles stashing fuel every 30 miles or so to Santa Gertrudis. I will also stash water a few miles north of the only road crossing of the ECR section that I will be hiking. After parking at Santa Gertrudis, and if all goes well, I will hike 75 miles north to San Borja where I will hop on the minibike and ride it the 150 miles, mostly on dirt roads, stopping every 30 miles or so to fill up from my fuel stashes back to my car.

What can possibly go wrong.....
He posted his plan on backcountry:
https://backcountrypost.com/threads/it-has-begun-hiking-baja...





[Edited on 3-8-2022 by mtgoat666]

Timo1 - 3-8-2022 at 09:06 AM

Ged is just fine. We talk often via email and when I'm home he sometimes visits.

David K - 3-8-2022 at 09:36 AM

Just now, one FB member is in line at the border. He has drone footage showing Fatboy's car at San Borja. I asked what car and what day, awaiting a reply...

AKgringo - 3-8-2022 at 10:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Timo1  
Ged is just fine. We talk often via email and when I'm home he sometimes visits.


Timo1, thanks for the information! Tell him that I said hello, and if he ever decides to do another Baja loop run, I would be happy to be the SAG wagon again.

Goat...thanks for the link!

AKgringo - 3-8-2022 at 10:29 AM

I would never have found it. It confirms that Fatboy did start his adventure, and it is troubling that the five or six days is turning into five or six weeks!

If his car is indeed at San Borja (drone video) did he change his plan, or is the mini bike there too?

I wish I was down there to check it out, and talk to the people at the mission.

David K - 3-8-2022 at 12:51 PM

Before we get too carried away... Another FB poster was at San Borja and the only other car there was a Suzuki belonging to someone visiting the mission...??

2 hrs ago:
"Had some friends that were up there this past weekend. I just asked them and they said they only saw two younger people in a Suzuki type suv from Guadalajara."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fatboy never sent a Spot signal, at least to me. He sent them to me daily when he explored Salsipuedes Canyon a couple years back.

I will keep an eye out and report what I see online.

mtgoat666 - 3-8-2022 at 01:16 PM

Need to look for his car at santa gertrudis, and ask at san borja if someone left a bike and did not return for it.
His plan (posted to backcountrypost) said he was leaving a minibike at san borja, and leaving his car at santa gertrudis. Hiking from santa gertrudis to san borja, then minibiking from san borja to santa gertrudis.

https://backcountrypost.com/threads/it-has-begun-hiking-baja...

that's a rugged, remote hike...

[Edited on 3-8-2022 by mtgoat666]

bajaric - 3-8-2022 at 01:38 PM

Goat is correct.



[Edited on 3-8-2022 by bajaric]

JZ - 3-8-2022 at 01:45 PM

Scary stuff. Hope he is OK.

Timo1 - 3-10-2022 at 08:56 AM

Ged just emailed me and wanted me to post this.

Ged has imformed me that he was banned from Nomads for alleged "doxing" JZ....A false accusation

His words not mine so don't shoot the messenger.

BajaNomad - 3-10-2022 at 10:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Motoged is not listed as banned. Maybe he mistook a scolding for a ban.

Quote: Originally posted by David K  

As for other Nomads, well sometimes they are put on a time-out


Correct x2. Ged not participating here is Ged's choice. fyi
Quote: Originally posted by Timo1  
alleged "doxing" JZ....A false accusation


Factual, not false. No interpretation needed. Just sayin'.




[Edited on 3-10-2022 by BajaNomad]

advrider - 3-10-2022 at 11:14 AM

Nothing on Fatboy yet? I was hoping he would post about his hike when he got back. A little worrisome that he hasn't posted or contacted anyone! Hope he shows up or stops in soon.

mtgoat666 - 3-13-2022 at 07:44 PM



Where is fatboy? Is he alive? Anyone send out a search team?

Skipjack Joe - 3-13-2022 at 08:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I would never have found it. It confirms that Fatboy did start his adventure, and it is troubling that the five or six days is turning into five or six weeks!



He's sure to lose weight that way.

mtgoat666 - 8-14-2022 at 12:08 PM

Anybody ever find fatboy, dead or alive?

LancairDriver - 8-14-2022 at 12:40 PM

Vehicles or Bikes left unattended would be probably be noticed by opportunistic characters and not left in place for very long.
I recall a post by fatboy a while back on a water trip around Sacramento with I believe his daughter? If there was a way of contacting her it could provide some answers. Hope some positive information turns up.

[Edited on 8-14-2022 by LancairDriver]

BajaBlanca - 8-14-2022 at 02:08 PM

Someone posted that GED was not participating here out of choice, but that he is fine.

AKgringo - 8-14-2022 at 02:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Anybody ever find fatboy, dead or alive?


Two years ago, I had a couple of U2U exchanges with him when his place was surrounded by wildfire. All I know about him is that his first name is John, and he had a place in Berry Creek (north of Oroville CA.

I know he had family near Oroville, but I don't know any other first, or last names. If anyone on this forum has more information to go on, I would drive up there and ask around to see if anyone can provide an answer.

Fatboy Mystery, Correspondence going back in time:

David K - 8-15-2022 at 10:54 AM

I just did a search of my emails and found these exchanges I was trying to help Fatboy with logistics... I found no emails to him, so they must have been all Nomad u2u exchanges.

On Feb. 1, 2022, this email came from Kevin of CaminoRealBaja.com:
Hello David,

Funny that you write asking about new waypoints. I have my gps unit and 2 computers sitting in front of me and I am getting ready to begin the process of updating the waypoints. Yes, we do have some waypoints to add and a couple of corrections to make. Also, we decided to add the, known to us, water sources for the Sta Gertrudis to San Borja section for future backpackers. I sent an email to John (Fatboy?) asking him if he was backpacking this same section, but he never responded. We had hoped to provide him with some corrections and waypoints for water sources if that was his plan. He should be ok as long as he was willing to hunt down the waterholes, carry a lot of water and avoid the narcos.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U2U on Jan. 26 from Fatboy:

David,
A lot of unknowns with this hike, and I honestly will not make a decision until I am at the trailhead and even then I may start and then bail at some point during the trip due to the conditions.
I will not be carrying a Spot device so nothing to track.
Keeping it low key on the board since there is a better than even chance I wont be able to pull it off, between the limited water, the drought and now that there may be Narcos at key water holes it does not look encouraging.

Still, heading down Friday and will just wait and see.

John
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My reply (Jan. 26):

Understood. Well, if you change your mind, let me know. Also, if you don't want your location made public, I would honor that. But, do take the Spot for emergency!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ON Jan. 24, 2022 from me to Kevin (CaminoRealBaja.com):

I don't know his last name, but it is a 'John' with the Nomad name "Fatboy" and he plans on leaving to this in four days.
I am sure it is the same person as I had initially suggested he contact you regarding water holes, etc.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An hour earlier, from Kevin (Jan. 24):

Are you talking about John S...? I did give him the warning about the narcos. If you are speaking about someone else, yes, pass on my warning and feel free to quote me. Does John still plan to go on this same route?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nov. 4, 2021 from me to Edie (The Mission Walker):

Thanks for the reply... I had already sent 'Fatboy' your other email address, so check that one. His real name is John S... and his daughter is 22 years old.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nov. 2, 2021 from me to 'Baja Bucko':

On Baja Nomad, 'Fatboy' (who has been a good Nomad explorer in years past) is looking for details (especially water sources) on ECR north for Santa Gertrudis. I think he is walking solo and not hiring a burro to carry water?
You know more about this section than anyone else...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upon searching my emails under his real name, I discover that John (Fatboy) ordered books from me in August 2020 and November of 2021. So, I have his email and home address, but no phone number. In u2u exchanges last November, we discussed the books he ordered.

I sent him an email today...

On Facebook, I have two friends named John S..., so I messaged them both to see if either of them is our long lost Fatboy.





[Edited on 8-15-2022 by David K]

AKgringo - 8-15-2022 at 11:11 AM

Thank you David for the added information, a last name is something to work with. Out of respect for privacy (his, yours, and mine) U2U or personal e-mail would probably be the best wat to proceed from this point.

David K - 8-15-2022 at 11:19 AM

One of the two John S. on Facebook just replied, and he is not Fatboy.

[Edited on 8-15-2022 by David K]

David K - 8-15-2022 at 01:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Thank you David for the added information, a last name is something to work with. Out of respect for privacy (his, yours, and mine) U2U or personal e-mail would probably be the best wat to proceed from this point.


I won't post anyone's personal info but I think all the Nomads working together to find Fatboy can continue to get updates. I just hope another member here has a connection to him.

David K - 8-15-2022 at 01:56 PM

I think we have concluded Fatboy is okay, but only from finding his daughter on social media and not reading anything negative about her dad from January to now. Will hope for more from messages or emails!

AKgringo - 8-15-2022 at 02:04 PM

Thanks again! All I know is what has been presented on this forum, and nothing here even confirms that he crossed into Mexico.

contact?

John M - 8-15-2022 at 03:28 PM

David, are you able to confirm that you did contact his daughter? Did she reply to anything? Can you confirm that it IS fatboy's relative?

John M

David K - 8-15-2022 at 03:42 PM

We are still collecting data, John M.
When Fatboy ordered my mission book, has asked me to sign it to him and his daughter. That same female name has the same dad (per her Facebook posts) as is Fatboy and the hometown that I mailed the books to was mentioned by her... So yes, I am sure she is her.
When we learn more about her dad or why he went silent, it will be shared here.

Maderita - 8-15-2022 at 03:53 PM

I sent a detailed message via Facebook to the daughter of "Fatboy". I just received confirmation that he is alive and well.

"Fatboy" returned from his trip safely.

Maderita - 8-15-2022 at 03:58 PM

From Fatboy's daughter, on August 15, 2022:

"Thank you for your concern 🙂 John is home safe! He had a beautiful time on that trip and I'm sure has lots to tell his bajanomad friends - I'll remind him to update you all so you don't have to worry and can hear about his adventure. He ended up shortening that hike a bit, I think due to organizing rides and such, but it ended up still being quite a journey.

Thanks again so much for your care and concern. I'll pass your message along!"

David K - 8-15-2022 at 04:00 PM

Excellent 😊

AKgringo - 8-15-2022 at 05:07 PM

Good to know that he isn't still out there somewhere! I was planning on helping him out with shuttling him from one end of the trail to the other, but family issues beyond my control forced me to back out of the trip.

I have felt guilty ever since he dropped out of contact with this forum.

Hook - 8-16-2022 at 03:59 PM

Wow, an older-person-who-"disappeared"-in-Mexico story (well, maybe just disappeared from Baja Nomads) that has a happy ending.

That's refreshing........:rolleyes:

willardguy - 8-16-2022 at 04:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
Wow, an older-person-who-"disappeared"-in-Mexico story (well, maybe just disappeared from Baja Nomads) that has a happy ending.

That's refreshing........:rolleyes:


:lol: no kidding, we call em "escapee's"

advrider - 8-16-2022 at 06:00 PM

Hope fatboy shows up to tell us about his hike, its one thats on my list.

bajatrailrider - 8-16-2022 at 08:05 PM

Good to know happy ending

JZ - 8-16-2022 at 09:20 PM

I'm sure when he comes on here he will be excited to see how many of us were worried about him.



[Edited on 8-17-2022 by JZ]

Ateo - 8-17-2022 at 07:57 AM

Congratualtions to Fatboy for staying off the internet. Cell phones, internet and social media are decreasing our enjoyment of life. I'm only speaking for myself. Steve Jobs would feel like his ideas were a little less incredible if he was still alive today.

Go Fatboy!

=)

sancho - 8-17-2022 at 09:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo  
Congratualtions to Fatboy for staying off the internet. Cell phones, internet and social media are decreasing our enjoyment of life

=)








X2, aside the info one can find online, allowing it to
become a major part of one's waking hrs. is pointless.
But I don't have a cell ph., don't know how to dial one

Remembering Roy, The Squarecircle

David K - 8-18-2022 at 12:49 PM

Roy is still with us but he will likely not be on Nomad again.

The squarecircle is friend who loved traveling in Baja and he joined Elizabeth and I on several trips. Many know him from driving the first full-size vehicle on the La Turquesa Grade, in 2008 (with help from TW and others). At least it's the first that we know of.

In 2007, his lady-friend, Blanche, joined Elizabeth and I on a trip to Mission Santa María... That was the trip that a bunch of bighorn visited us.

Roy suffered some kind of malady that caused him to have to move to a care facility. A few of us from Nomad pitched in to help Roy and his brother sell off his things and put his El Cajon mobile home and vehicles up for sale. Fellow Squarecircle amigo, TW (TMW/ Tom) helped Roy a lot and now Roy is living near Tom's home and he gets regular visits.

Because Roy enjoyed Baja activities with such gusto and he was always eager to go exploring, I made a website page to remember those trips we took with Roy (Pyramid Resort Book Signings, Discover Baja parties, Off Road Expo, El Rosario Festivals, The Seven Sisters Coast and on to Shari's, Baja races, etc.)

Enjoy my fond memories of Roy Hall, The Squarecircle on Baja Nomad, with this album: https://vivabaja.com/squarecircle/



Roy at Montevideo



Coco’s Corner Nov. 2006: Roy, Josh, Coco, Elizabeth, David

More: https://vivabaja.com/squarecircle/

Fatboy - 9-5-2022 at 08:35 PM

Very Sorry about this.. :(

JZ - 9-5-2022 at 08:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fatboy  
Very Sorry about this.. :(


Welcome back! We are all very happy that you are doing well!

Fatboy - 9-6-2022 at 04:25 PM

Thanks, JZ!!!!

To this....
Quote:

Congratualtions to Fatboy for staying off the internet. Cell phones, internet and social media are decreasing our enjoyment of life. I'm only speaking for myself. Steve Jobs would feel like his ideas were a little less incredible if he was still alive today.

Go Fatboy!


Social media has gone sideways for me and it is such a shame, because distant friends and relatives enjoyed my posting about my trips. While I still go see amazing places and do stupid things fewer now know about it.

AKgringo - 9-6-2022 at 04:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fatboy  


Social media has gone sideways for me and it is such a shame, because distant friends and relatives enjoyed my posting about my trips. While I still go see amazing places and do stupid things fewer now know about it.



One benefit of not posting everything as it happens, is that as your stories develop color with age, you won't be pestered with conflicting details that you reported in the past! :rolleyes:

David K - 9-6-2022 at 05:55 PM

Thanks Fatboy... but never hesitate to ask for help or have me as an inReach/ Spot contact. I can get the word out pretty timely if you need assistance. Graham, Mike Younghusband, Pappy Jon, are just some of the Nomads I am happy to do relays for.

Fatboy - 9-6-2022 at 07:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Thanks Fatboy... but never hesitate to ask for help or have me as an inReach/ Spot contact. I can get the word out pretty timely if you need assistance. Graham, Mike Younghusband, Pappy Jon, are just some of the Nomads I amn happy to do relays for.


I appreciate it and I have seen some threads where you are able to post their location which is way cool.

Problem/issue for me is I don't own one, but understand it is not an issue for me.

Don Pisto - 9-6-2022 at 08:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fatboy  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Thanks Fatboy... but never hesitate to ask for help or have me as an inReach/ Spot contact. I can get the word out pretty timely if you need assistance. Graham, Mike Younghusband, Pappy Jon, are just some of the Nomads I amn happy to do relays for.


I appreciate it and I have seen some threads where you are able to post their location which is way cool.

Problem/issue for me is I don't own one, but understand it is not an issue for me.



or perhaps not everyone opts for the umbilical cord and seeks a bit more "adventure"??

Fatboy - 9-6-2022 at 08:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto  
Quote: Originally posted by Fatboy  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Thanks Fatboy... but never hesitate to ask for help or have me as an inReach/ Spot contact. I can get the word out pretty timely if you need assistance. Graham, Mike Younghusband, Pappy Jon, are just some of the Nomads I amn happy to do relays for.


I appreciate it and I have seen some threads where you are able to post their location which is way cool.

Problem/issue for me is I don't own one, but understand it is not an issue for me.



or perhaps not everyone opts for the umbilical cord and seeks a bit more "adventure"??


Which is really the truth but when I approach it that way it is common to get push back, so it is easier to avoid the topic.

Since I often go alone into the backcountry one could one day save mine or someone's else's life.

Of course it would be safer to not go into the backcountry, or to leave town, or to leave my house but it is my own personal decision to decide what is too risky and what safety level I want.

I am not deciding for you, just for me. Some people ALWAYS go into the backcountry armed, and some people will say that is usually too much, but if it is legal and makes them feel better than it is none of my concern.

So no Spot device for me in the near future, maybe someday I will, and if I should die in the backcountry DO NOT say he should have had one.