BajaNomad - Mission Santa María 2022

Im happy David you got good food at Mamas last 10 years never had good meal there . Good luck on off road run get that taco dirty.

Hands down the most overrated restaurant in baja. Mediocre would be a charitable description.

PaulW - 3-30-2022 at 11:19 AM

Historical place to visit to say you have been there. Good posters and
trinkets.
Plain Mexican food.

TW, David K and others

John M - 3-30-2022 at 03:24 PM

At 12:45 I got a SPOT from TW. Looks as though they are getting gasoline at Catavina. Part of the group will be heading north, TW and Rudy heading south to the 1 & 5 junction then north on the 5 - at least that was the plan.

So, they (at least TW) made it up the Widowmaker.

I'm certain David K will post something when he gets service.

John M

[Edited on 3-30-2022 by John M]

David K - 3-30-2022 at 07:05 PM

Hola amigos,
We all made it to the mission and back...
Road was virtually impassable and the Widowmaker was not the hardest part!!
We all went south to Chapala and visited with Coco.
Now, at El Comadante Loco's beach house with WiFi.
Gonzaga has gas and diesel.
Tons of photos and details coming...
Ok, dinner is ready!
Heading home tomorrow.
Hope San Felipe isn't crazy getting through!

John Harper - 3-31-2022 at 04:54 AM

Congratulations!! Glad to hear you had a successful adventure. Looking forward to some pictures and stories.

John

larryC - 3-31-2022 at 07:34 AM

I went to the Mission last November and going in was exciting but coming out was a team effort. I was driving a Polaris rzr 1000 4 seat. Ended up breaking a belt but had spares. Fun ride.

geoffff - 3-31-2022 at 10:59 AM

We all made it to the mission and back...
Tons of photos and details coming...

So excited to see details!!!

John Harper - 3-31-2022 at 11:02 AM

I went to the Mission last November and going in was exciting but coming out was a team effort. I was driving a Polaris rzr 1000 4 seat. Ended up breaking a belt but had spares. Fun ride.

They seem to be very susceptible to broken belts. Why is that? Is it a hard task to replace? I read on Polaris site they last 1500-2000 miles, which seem very short life between leaving you stranded. Harley drive belts often last over 100K miles.

John

[Edited on 3-31-2022 by John Harper]

edm1 - 3-31-2022 at 11:43 AM

...
Road was virtually impassable and the Widowmaker was not the hardest part!!

What does this mean?

Nevertheless, looking forward to photos.

[Edited on 3-31-2022 by edm1]

Tough part of the route

John M - 3-31-2022 at 12:54 PM

Though it was more than a few years ago, there was a challenging uphill climb about a mile or so after leaving Rancho Santa Ynez, big rocks - wouldn't surprise me if that has gotten worse, also just after crossing over the divide there was some fun.

JM

David K - 3-31-2022 at 01:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John M

Though it was more than a few years ago, there was a challenging uphill climb about a mile or so after leaving Rancho Santa Ynez, big rocks - wouldn't surprise me if that has gotten worse, also just after crossing over the divide there was some fun.

JM

Hi John, we are on 2-D heading to Tecate.
The big gully is as bad as ever, worse actually!
There is a new route that stays in the arroyo that bypasses that. We did both!

Hard to text while TW is driving. More tonight!
Hi Art!!!

David K - 3-31-2022 at 03:11 PM

Tecate, 28 min line just now.

ehall - 3-31-2022 at 05:23 PM

Tecate, 28 min line just now.

Barely enough time for churros

larryC - 4-1-2022 at 07:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper

I went to the Mission last November and going in was exciting but coming out was a team effort. I was driving a Polaris rzr 1000 4 seat. Ended up breaking a belt but had spares. Fun ride.

The clutch and belt drive system on the Polaris rzr is the weak link for sure. One problem is they do have enough horse power tear up the belt but a second problem is the clutch housing is air cooled and not adequately cooled so the belt can overheat. Also in my opinion they are geared a little too high. They have a low range on the transmission but not low enough if you are trying to do some rock crawling. The clutch housing intake air is not filtered very well either. A lot of dust and dirt gets into the clutch housing and really wears things out fast. I added a K&N filter to the clutch housing intake and a couple of fans to increase air flow and that has helped a lot. I have 8,000 miles on this primary clutch.

TMW - 4-1-2022 at 09:45 AM

Lots of fun to and from Mission Santa Maria.

Damage report:

TMW got flat going in and broke upper shock mount Dr side rear coming out. No problem with my front and rear lockers working great.

Debbie in Jeep Rubicon lost nut on Dr rear shock bottom. Toyota lug nut works for temp fix.

Ed's jeep no lockers but brake control system works but had a few hard times in places.

Rudy's Tacomca no problems

TMW - 4-1-2022 at 09:48 AM

FYI on Mission Santa Maria run.

5.5 hours going in. Took old route, very rocky. Flat took 30 minutes to replace wheel.

3.5 hours coming out. ran wash coming out, saves times and lots easier.

David K - 4-1-2022 at 10:59 AM

Thanks Tom, I will have some more fun data and photos to share, soon!

Monday March 28, 2022: Tijuana to El Rosario

David K - 4-1-2022 at 04:38 PM

Team Mission Santa María 2022 is:

Rudy (El Comadante Loco) and Ken, in a TRD Tacoma;
Ed and Phil (XRPhlang), in a Jeep Grand Cherokee;
Debbie and Miriam (Ed's wife), in Debbie's 4-door Rubicon Jeep; and
Tom 'TW' (TMW) and David (David K), in a Tacoma

Leaving the USA, unmanned checkpoint

Giant flagpole at entrance to parking for FMM (and "something to declare" people). Use the far-right-lane and exit from main flow of traffic.

Parking is covered on the north side of the building. Walk through the building to the opposite side. INM desks are just outside. The bank teller is just inside from the INM desks for paying the 638 pesos (about $32 US).

Easily merge into the south flowing traffic after leaving the covered parking area.

The electronic gates (red light or green light). While we got a green light, as we came to an officer, TW stopped to see if he wanted more from us. He asked where we were going. "La Paz" was said. We were asked to pull into a parking spot out of traffic for a quick vehicle search and were soon on our way. [We had put down 'La Paz' as our destination on the 180 Day FMM, so that was in TW's head]

In Ensenada, we topped the gas tank ($2/gallon cheaper than San Diego) and then telephoned Phil and Rudy to see where they were at. No answer from Rudy (who came from San Felipe and used the dirt road shortcut from Valle de Trinidad). Phil (in Ed's Grand Cherokee) answered from Valle de Guadalupe. They would be stopping for groceries and to buy the Grandpa's bags of rice and beans. Rudy was bringing bedding that TW had collected in the past, and other items (as were we). We continued on south.

The nice wide new road south of Santo Tomás.

San Vicente comes into view.

Near Km. 120 is where the pavement had once ended (1950s to late 1960s). This is where my dad (in 1966) said to my mom and I, "Now, the adventure begins"!

A photos from 1965 at this spot, where happy north-bound people kiss the pavement following miles of bone-jarring washboard or worse road!

We meet up with Rudy after turning off Hwy. 1 for the Grandpa's place (one mile west of Km. 149.5, signed for Punta San Jacinto). TW on the right.

The 'locals' see what we are doing.

TW's 2004 Tacoma (with a posi-traction diff in the rear and lockers in the front. Rudy has a late 90's TRD Off Road Tacoma with a rear locking differential.

At the Grandpa's, Jesus and his tall-brother Guillermo (who speaks perfect English) explain the program and facility as Rudy listens.

This 'beehive-looking' house is where the two brothers live. It makes an easy identification for the Grandpa's home, which is in the background. This is about 1 mile from the highway, on the right, as you near the village of Ejido Mesa de San Jacinto.

Sign along the road. Jesus also wrote out the name: Grupo Vision y Cambios VIVIENDO PARA SERVIR, SAN Jacinto

Note the English message.

I found the raised gardens interesting!

This is Phil, Ed, and Juan (who is the pastor in charge here). They are distracted by a dog.

New sign and other changes at the Baja Cactus Pemex in El Rosario.

Looking next door at the new Baja Cactus Restaurant/ Coffee shop/ Spa/ Event hall (under construction... on hold since Covid) located in front of the motel. Parked in front is some of the emergency rescue and fire department 'Halcones del Desierto' that our very own Nomad, 'BajaCactus' (Antonio) has brought to El Rosario, with trained EMTs. Please use Antonio's businesses or donate to help him help any of us in need.

It is a little rough getting to the office as you squeeze between the new building and the old rooms (which will be removed, eventually). You can also access your rooms from the wider side at the other end of the parking lot.

Big parking lot for Baja Cactus. Jim McCoy lands his helicopter here during Cameron's tours!

Next door to Baja Cactus where we enjoy excellent dinner and breakfast the next morning. Things have changed and prices were reasonable... Had great crab-stuffed chili rellenos for dinner and pancakes for breakfast.

TOMORROW... MISSION SANTA MARIA!

[Edited on 4-5-2022 by David K]

David K - 4-1-2022 at 04:42 PM

GPS for the Grandpa's: 30°53'10.5"N 116°07'24.9"W

TMW - 4-1-2022 at 07:38 PM

Thanks David. Yes we all had a great time at the grandpas and at Baja Cactus. The adventure started the next day.

A few more from Day 1, Baja Cactus:

David K - 4-2-2022 at 09:26 AM

Our four vehicles getting fueled up in El Rosario.

Halcones del Desierto or Desert Hawks (established by a Baja Nomad, Antonio Muñoz 'BajaCactus').

All motel beds are kings in the new rooms.

Huge showers. The pressure booster was not on, so the water came out slower than typical.

The model of the future fire station, to be built on the lot across from the Pemex station. Just need more funds! I donated a few of my books that they sell in the motel lobby along with other items to raise money. See their Facebook page for a PayPal link to donate (very top of page). https://www.facebook.com/HalconesdelDesierto

DAY 2 (part 1: El Rosario to the Peninsular Divide, 4.3 miles from the mission)

David K - 4-2-2022 at 09:48 AM

Mex. 1

TW's Tacoma at Santa Ynez

Santa Ynez campground

Rancho Santa Ynez (Inez, Inés)

Debbie's Jeep

The four rigs and TW is next to his.

OK, so we knew that the newer route stayed in the arroyo and avoided 4 rough miles, including the big gully (2 miles from the ranch). Inadvertently, we drove into the corral area above the wash and then drove back to the old route, up on the mesa. We should have turned right, in the wash, as soon as we left the corral area. On the return we did the wash route!

All the spotting work is driving Phil to drink!

The peninsular divide is about 10 miles from Santa Ynez and 4.3 miles from the mission.

That is Punta Final (south end of 'Gonzaga Bay')

DAY 2 (part 2: Peninsular Divide down to the Widowmaker)

David K - 4-2-2022 at 12:40 PM

Big boulder next to the road, down from the divide.

View back up towards the divide.

TW's tire rips its sidewall, and young Phil helps us get the spare put on. TW's rear shock mount also had snapped off earlier... It was previously re-welded. Perhaps there is an issue with the shock travel length? The Jeep Rubicon also lost a shock mount nut and was loose, causing a rattle.

See that trail to the north of the road? It is the Antelope Spring Trail that we also call the 'Cargo Trail' which Junípero Serra ordered to be built as a supply line for the future missions of San Fernando to San Diego. It begins at the warehouse on Gonzaga Bay and meets El Camino Real near the bottom of the divide grade. The new Baja Atlas from Benchmark shows it as well as the rest of the mission road from Loreto to El Rosario.

Phil spots the Cherokee, driven by Ed.

TW, pilot of the '04 Tacoma.

Ken spots the Tacoma driven by Rudy.

Here are three shots from inside TW's Tacoma as we come down the Widowmaker, a cliff-like rocky grade. I named it in 1999 after Baja Mur and I were tossed onto the rocks, leaving our blood upon them. I was on a quad and Mur was on a motorcycle. It inspired me to make my very first web page: https://vivabaja.com/missionsm/

Selfie at the bottom of the Widowmaker.

Selfie looking up the Widowmaker.

Debbie's Rubicon begins to come down the Widowmaker.

Phil spots the Cherokee as it begins to come down the Widowmaker.

Ken spots Rudy at the top of the Widowmaker.

Rudy reaches the bottom of the Widowmaker.

[Edited on 4-2-2022 by David K]

Through the Bog, to the mission, and our camp, nearby.

David K - 4-2-2022 at 01:08 PM

The first good news, unlike my last time here (with water up to 2 feet deep), the bog was now dry!

When we finally reached the mission, 6 hours and 14.3 miles since leaving Santa Ynez, the sun had just gone behind the mountain. I took a bunch of photos at the mission while the others trickled in. The next morning I would take photos of it in the morning sun.

We set up camp down in the palm oasis, just a few hundred feet from the mission, where others have, before. A great Cajun dinner was prepared by Phil (Owner and chef at Bon Temps Creole Café, in San Luis Obispo). Around the campfire, Rudy told us the Bunda story. [I may get in trouble, since they say "what happens at Mission Santa María, stays at Mission Santa María"!]

David K - 4-2-2022 at 01:16 PM

To show you the area around the mission:

Day 3 is next!

bajatrailrider - 4-2-2022 at 01:41 PM

great job reporting David thank you

David K - 4-2-2022 at 01:56 PM

great job reporting David thank you

My pleasure!
Notable this trip (my 5th time to the mission) is how much worse the road is from washed away or spun away dirt, leaving deep gullies and steep steps on the several other places besides the Widowmaker, too. We all agreed that the Widowmaker is no longer the toughest part. The nice part of this trip is that the Bog was dry... maybe one muddy spot, is all.

Day 3 photos are coming... driving out, the Cherokee (without lockers ot traction controls) had an issue that required road building.

David K - 4-2-2022 at 02:30 PM

As I mentioned, earlier, we missed using the newer, arroyo route to the mission and ended back on the original, washed out, deep gully road.

Where the arroyo route returns to the original Fred Hampe road was easy to spot. On the return, we did not hesitate to use the newer route and it was much better! The GPS where the new and old meet, about 4.3 miles from Santa Ynez/ 5.6 miles from the divide/ 10 miles from the mission/ or about here: 29°46.295', -114°39.648'. The newer, arroyo route is a litle bit longer drive to the mission but is well worth it to avoid the big gully and rest of the 4+ mile rocky road.

I have made a GPS track but, alas, I don't know how to transmit the tracks from my Avenza/ Benchmark map app on my phone to my home PC or email???!!

ehall - 4-2-2022 at 03:02 PM

Great pictures. Looks like another fun adventure.

OK, figured out how to share the track:

David K - 4-2-2022 at 03:08 PM

Three zoom levels to show the original and new arroyo routes:

A short section in the arroyo, the tracker was off, on accident.

wilderone - 4-2-2022 at 03:16 PM

Those are some great photos of the mission - creative angles, lighting, etc.

David K - 4-2-2022 at 03:25 PM

Gee thanks, Cindi! A couple look really good when we first could see it, before the sun went behind the mountain. It was after 6 pm when we got there... six hours drive and repair time since leaving Santa Ynez!
Wait to you see the photos I took at sunrise, on Day 3... Coming up...

bajatrailrider - 4-2-2022 at 04:42 PM

that must have been a hard trip David as many broken parts. So you would say this is the hardest run ever? to the mission

DAY 3, Part 1 Mission in the morning + canyon oasis view just east

David K - 4-2-2022 at 04:45 PM

Camp in the morning (the night was very cold), before sunrise.

I walk to the mission to get photos as the sun first lights it.

We drive to the east to have a look down at the arroyo palms where we camped with Roy, 'the squarecircle' and Blanche, back in 2007: www.vivabaja.com/msm when the bighorn came to visit us.

The steep drop off was tough to climb back up, but we managed.

Some group photos at the view and at the mission.

In the next installment, we attempt to leave... climbing up, up, up to the peninsular divide, just over 4 miles away.

Photos:

L to R: Ed, Phil, Debbie, Rudy, and Ken

mtgoat666 - 4-2-2022 at 04:46 PM

Three zoom levels to show the original and new arroyo routes:

A short section in the arroyo, the tracker was off, on accident.

trip sounds like a lot of drive time with little time out of the vehicle, my legs and back hurt just thinking about it.

next time you go, skip the mission site, and stop at the northernmost point of orange track in your map above. then hike a few miles (or more) northish into the rocky countryside. great boulder scrambling. take just a sleeping bag/pad and light meals and overnight high above in the rocks. best in cooler seasons, and best as just a 2-day/1-nite out and back, as water is heavy to carry or plan for.

David K - 4-2-2022 at 04:54 PM

The mission is my main interest, followed by the challenging road to get there. I think for most people it is the challenging road that is the main attraction with the mission being a secondary interest.

So, it is all about the drive time... that it is hard and dangerous makes it a special attraction. I get what is interesting to you, and those white sand arroyos with palms and boulders, and boojums, are attractive to me, too.

There is a spring near where you mention, just off the Camino Real, called San Antonio.

Paco Facullo - 4-2-2022 at 05:23 PM

Great trip report, David !

Hell-of-a-trip....
Outstanding photos and write-up. It's great to see you gettin' your "rocks off" doing what you love best.

Thanks for letting us join in on you-all's adventure...

edm1 - 4-3-2022 at 05:35 AM

Congrats to all for a successful and fun trip, with just a few minor vehicle glitches.

I remember that first climb after leaving Sta Ynez when everyone in the group had no idea how my motorhome would make it to the mision, but with everyone's help spotting/guiding, it made it. Of course, the vivid images coming up and down the Widowmaker. And finally navigating the bog, before the Mision, which was 3-ft deep at the time. The way back to Catavina was an entirely different story.

Thanks for the photos and memories, David!!! So it looks like you're back on the saddle, as I thought you stopped going south for a while? Good for you.

[Edited on 4-3-2022 by edm1]

David K - 4-3-2022 at 07:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by edm1

Congrats to all for a successful and fun trip, with just a few minor vehicle glitches.

I remember that first climb after leaving Sta Ynez when everyone in the group had no idea how my motorhome would make it to the mision, but with everyone's help spotting/guiding, it made it. Of course, the vivid images coming up and down the Widowmaker. And finally navigating the bog, before the Mision, which was 3-ft deep at the time. The way back to Catavina was an entirely different story.

Thanks for the photos and memories, David!!! So it looks like you're back on the saddle, as I thought you stopped going south for a while? Good for you.

[Edited on 4-3-2022 by edm1]

You're welcome, Art.
I will post the photos of the drive out from the mission, next.
I never got out of the saddle... but my horse just didn't go to Baja! LOL
Covid restrictions and a cancelled TV show gig are the reason no trips since 2019. How about you? When was your last Baja trip and when is the next? I hope to bring mi esposa ('Baja Angel'/ Elizabeth) to Shell Island this summer... maybe Bahía Concepción, too?

David K - 4-3-2022 at 07:58 AM

that must have been a hard trip David as many broken parts. So you would say this is the hardest run ever? to the mission

Hi Larry, it was a great trip... but I am glad I was a passenger and not taking my truck. TW was a champ and he is a dozen years older than me. I was worn-out from getting out to spot him, and take photos. His Tacoma broke a shock mount and sliced a tire open. Driving would have also worn me out, but good!

Rudy's older TRD Tacoma was stock and only had 15" wheels but he did fine. The Cherokee with open differentials had a tough time climbing out of the mission valley.

The Rubicon had the shock mount bolt's nut come off.

To answer your question, YES. However, the bog being dry was a great plus. In 2010, it was the hardest part of the drive with 2-foot-deep water!

Leaving the Mission and the long climb up the mountain!

David K - 4-3-2022 at 08:15 AM

Steep dips near the mission

The bog ahead

The bog was dry!

The bottom of the Widowmaker

The Peninsular Divide:

A short break here then on to Santa Ynez, 10 miles away. This time, we will use the new arroyo route for a much smoother drive the final 4-5 miles.

Stand by for more!

BajaNomad - 4-3-2022 at 08:22 AM

https://goo.gl/maps/5QJJkYLJ2TZW6wgK9

As I mentioned, earlier, we missed using the newer, arroyo route to the mission and ended back on the original, washed out, deep gully road.

Where the arroyo route returns to the original Fred Hampe road was easy to spot. On the return, we did not hesitate to use the newer route and it was much better! The GPS where the new and old meet, about 4.3 miles from Santa Ynez/ 5.6 miles from the divide/ 10 miles from the mission/ or about here: 29°46.295', -114°39.648'. The newer, arroyo route is a litle bit longer drive to the mission but is well worth it to avoid the big gully and rest of the 4+ mile rocky road.

4x4abc - 4-3-2022 at 08:34 AM

Rudy's older TRD Tacoma was stock and only had 15" wheels but he did fine.

how many years have you been doing Baja and 4x4?

15" wheels are better than 16" or bigger
in the end tire diameter (for clearance) and volume of air count (for the ability to air down)

4x4abc - 4-3-2022 at 08:40 AM

so sad to see a beautifully built road being driven to pieces but hordes of clueless drivers.
Just like the Rubicon Trail - started out as a great road and then was slowly hammered into a boulder festival.

And of course, the news of "challenging" attract even more clueless drivers who make it more challenging

IMG-7822.jpeg - 130kB

[Edited on 4-3-2022 by 4x4abc]

David K - 4-3-2022 at 08:52 AM

Rudy's older TRD Tacoma was stock and only had 15" wheels but he did fine.

how many years have you been doing Baja and 4x4?

15" wheels are better than 16" or bigger
in the end tire diameter (for clearance) and volume of air count (for the ability to air down)

Baja since 1965.
Driven myself since 1974 (VW dune buggy).
Driven my own 4x4 since 1975 (Jeep Cherokee Chief).
My wheel size comment was because Off Road TRD Tacomas have had 16" wheels all the years I drove them (2000-2022).

Jack Swords - 4-3-2022 at 09:09 AM

Interesting trip David. We hiked in many years ago (parked before the bog), swam in the "stream" and wandered about the area. Nights were awesome. We did notice some areas that were cleared of rocks and had been tilled at one time. Also noticed areas of "sleeping circles'' that are still present. Habitants must have had a challenging life.

4x4abc - 4-3-2022 at 09:10 AM

My wheel size comment was because Off Road TRD Tacomas have had 16" wheels all the years I drove them (2000-2022).

meaning the older Tacomas had more suitable wheels for off road

the reason for 16" wheels (or bigger) on newer vehicles has to do with increased brakes size and, of course, looks. As long as the tire diameter increases increases the same amount, all is good.

David K - 4-3-2022 at 09:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

And of course, the news of "challenging" attract even more clueless drivers who make it more challenging

But what's the fun in conquering something if you don't publicize your epic adventure?

I think showing how bad a road is will keep away "clueless" drivers.
How about I add a disclaimer when I make the web page for this trip... something to the effect of all motorized vehicles should avoid except the most highly modified with skilled off-road drivers, companion vehicles, traction systems, good tires, and respect for the land and the history. :light:

Peninsular Divide to Cataviña to (Nuevo) Coco's Corner

David K - 4-3-2022 at 10:40 AM

The fork to the new arroyo route.

View towards the mission from the fork.

Miriam tells us a funny joke from Guayaquil, in her Ecuadorian accent.

Ken, Phil, Rudy

On the arroyo route.

Nearing Rancho Santa Ynez/Inez/Inés

Huge caravan of BIG motorhomes is pulling into the Santa Ynez camping area.

The Santa Ynez driveway was once fully paved.

Cracks me up on the spelling choices. The ranch owner, years ago, preferred 'Ynez'. The correct Spanish spelling of the name is 'Inés'. This seems to be a compromise?

Km. 180, as we climb from the arroyo to Cataviña

New Pemex is still not open.

Independent dealers, like this, are all over Baja where there are no service stations. Sometimes you need to ask where to find gas in small towns, if you need some. Punta Prieta, Santa Rosalillita, and San Miguel Comondú are such places I have bought gas from jerry cans.

Tom buys 5 gallons for 550 pesos, as I recall, and that is still cheaper than gas is in California!

Next to the gasoline sales is a tire shop and air compressor. Tom has air added and I tip the guy $2 plus we buy 2 more gallons of gas + another dollar tip

Hwy. junction at Laguna Chapala.

Km. 201 is about 1/2 km. from Hwy. 1 junction. This is 3 kms. over what it should read. The latest section of paving began after Km. 167 by naming the next kilometer, 171 instead of the true 168!
Another note is that Km. 0 is 10 kms. south of San Felipe center (traffic circle). So, San Felipe traffic circle to Hwy. 1 is actually 208.5 kms.
See how weird I am with details!!!

The older road going to the original Coco's Corner, is near Km. 190.

Km. 180 and we see the New Coco's Corner, just past the remains of Las Arrastras, in the arroyo to the right of the bridge.

Coco welcomes us from his electric wheelchair.

Coco and Tom (TRW on Baja Nomad)

In the next post, Gonzaga Bay, the Enchanted Islands, and Rudy's beach home...

[Edited on 4-5-2022 by David K]

4x4abc - 4-3-2022 at 11:53 AM

too late - the word is out

if anyone really wanted to "save" a place - don't talk about it
otherwise (Columbus is a good example) it's downhill

not complaining
that's how humans use the planet (always have)
for food, money or fun
no holds barred

mtgoat666 - 4-3-2022 at 12:04 PM

if anyone really wanted to "save" a place - don't talk about it
otherwise (Columbus is a good example) it's downhill

Best way to save a place is to designate it “wilderness” and ban roads and motorized vehicles. Majority of people are too lazy or fat to hike, bicycle or ride horses.
And agree, never publicize easy-to-access/drivable locations or the lemmings will ruin it.

Coco's Corner to Gonzaga Bay

David K - 4-3-2022 at 12:09 PM

This is the newest section of Highway 5 (Km. 167 to Km. 201.5) opened up in February 2020. The paving had ended at Km. 167 or nearby from 2014 to 2020 as crews blasted through the mountain to Laguna Chapala and had some down time for a year+.

This is the bridge over Arroyo Santa María, coming down from the mission valley. A view parking area with a monument is on the north side of the bridge.

The Gonzaga Bay region comes into view.

Isla San Luis Gonzaga (some call it Isla Willard) separates the smaller Bahía San Luis Gonzaga (some call Willard Bay) from the larger Ensenada de San Francisquito (most call Gonzaga Bay).

The gas station was a Pemex, but all that signage has been painted over and the attendant says it will be an ARCO station. Km. 147.

The price of gas is a bit higher than other places.

Exchange rates are higher in this remote area, 220+ miles from the border.

The entrance for Alfonsina's compound, next to the gas station. Looks like a prison camp tower???

Runway 08, and across are the mobile rooms of Rancho Grande.

Runway

Prices for rooms, camping, etc.

Rancho Grande Market's mascot

[Edited on 4-5-2022 by David K]

David K - 4-3-2022 at 12:38 PM

Abandoned Gonzaga Checkpoint.

Some photos for those who say the view northbound on Hwy. 5 sucks...

Okie Landing and Isla Lobos.

Isla el Muerto (Dead Man Island)

Isla el Huerfanito (Little Orphan Island)

Puertecitos

Cow Patty's

Rudy's beach view, low tide...

Rudy's house

Thursday sunrise, goodbyes, San Felipe to Tecate:

David K - 4-3-2022 at 05:23 PM

Tom 'TW' (seated) chats with Georgia and Ron, who live near Rudy's place. Georgia runs the South Campos Amigos Facebook page.

Ed (Jeep Grand Cherokee) and wife, Miriam.

People watching the San Felipe 250 race time trials for Tropy Truck starting positions. Clouds of dust and a helicopter above can be seen as we drive north.

San Felipe Bay

I photograph the six gas stations showing there are no long lines or outages as had been reported just days before. I also photographed a Score truck, the kilometer marker (190 kms. from Mexicali), and the Hotel Sky Blu:

Sights from Hwy. 2-D (Mexicali to Tecate):

Tecate Border line (2:40-3:08 or 28 min.) on Thursday.

That's our 2022 Mission Santa María trip. I hope you enjoyed the views from my camera! Yes, I know it is too many photos... LOL
I will make a web page with only the best photos for this trip and see it it not so much!

What more can I do to answer your questions? Let me assist you with planning a Baja adventure!
Do enjoy my Facebook pages and websites:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions
https://vivabaja.com/
https://oldmissions.com/

I recently had to do another printing of my book, Baja California Land of Missions, and there are plenty of them for your Baja-loving friends to enjoy.
I also donated several copies to the Baja Cactus/ Halcones del Desierto (Desert Hawks) Fire and Rescue Service. Buy my book at the motel lobby and 100% of sales goes to help a great service and maybe get a fire station built in El Rosario.

4x4abc - 4-3-2022 at 06:54 PM

where in san Felipe is the RedPetrOil gas station?

David K - 4-3-2022 at 06:57 PM

where in san Felipe is the RedPetrOil gas station?

It used to be known as the 'Ejido Pemex' and is at Km. 184, west side of highway.

bajatrailrider - 4-3-2022 at 07:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

if anyone really wanted to "save" a place - don't talk about it
otherwise (Columbus is a good example) it's downhill

Best way to save a place ban idiots like you :bounce:

Thank God Mexico cant stand your kind

bajatrailrider - 4-3-2022 at 07:24 PM

You have been a drunk your whole life to fat and lazy to ride a dirt bike . Just a boring useless life just cause you cant do it dont be silly.

PaulW - 4-4-2022 at 08:05 AM

Wow what a trip. Took a long time to digest all the content which happened during our migration back to Colorado USA.
TW, you are very lucky to have teh best tour guide in the other seat.

Anyway Thanks David for all your images and descriptions.

David K - 4-4-2022 at 08:17 AM

My pleasure Paul, TW was great driver... even if he had to go faster than everyone else on that road!

So, I pretty much posted almost all the photos I took. I did the same on my Facebook pages. Now, I will make a VivaBaja.com web page for the trip, using just the best photos. That is the hardest thing for me to do!

I was sure happy to get back to Baja, after almost 3 years! My last time south was in May 2019 with Cameron Steele's Trail of Missions Recon.

I am in hopes of a summer trip with Elizabeth ('Baja Angel' on Nomad) to Shell Island and maybe Concepción Bay. Of course, if anybody wants to hire me for their tour guide or TV show, I am interested!

I hope to finally see the new Baja Bound Road Guide published this year... postponed due to Covid:

bajatrailrider - 4-4-2022 at 10:39 AM

many thanks again David for write up much work on your part . Mi gusta Mucho

David K - 4-4-2022 at 01:26 PM

many thanks again David for write up much work on your part . Mi gusta Mucho

Thanks Larry, I am happy the good Nomads here are enjoying this! I really hope more Nomads will post trip reports or travel stories from the past. That is such a high value item to be found on Nomad. Unlike Facebook, you can easily find the reports using the forums and search.

David K - 4-4-2022 at 05:32 PM

One of the other MSM 2022 members just shared her camera's photos. Here is the entire gang, at Rudy's place:

L to R: TRW (Tom), El Comadante Loco (Rudy), Ken, David K, Debbie, XRPhlang (Phil), Miriam and Ed.

More photos, from Debbie's camera:

David K - 4-5-2022 at 09:39 AM

Sign at road to the Grandpa's (Km. 149.5, just north of Camalu)

The Baja Cactus Motel lobby

Baja Cactus Motel

Mama Espinoza restaurant. We sit in the side room, see me on the far right, at our table.

Mama Espinoza's menu, first page.

Rancho Santa Ynez, 1 km.

Our camp near the mission.

Another Rudy story, as TW and I listen, in his home.

Sunrise, March 31, 2022.

Ron (Rudy's neighbor) puts the right nut on the Jeep shock mount. A Toyota lug nut was used on the trail.

Ron and Debbie

rimmerdev1 - 4-5-2022 at 04:26 PM

I thought Coco died? Must have been a rumor.

Great trip, would love to do it someday.

Is it possible to stay at the hotel in Catavina and do the trip as a day trip? Is it 28 miles round trip from hotel to the mission? Probably too far for one day.

Randy

larryC - 4-5-2022 at 04:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rimmerdev1

I thought Coco died? Must have been a rumor.

Great trip, would love to do it someday.

Is it possible to stay at the hotel in Catavina and do the trip as a day trip? Is it 28 miles round trip from hotel to the mission? Probably too far for one day.

Randy

Depends on what you drive and how fast you go. I made it in to the mission in about 2 hours. Coming out was a little longer 3.5 to 4 hours. Rougher coming out than going in.

David K - 4-5-2022 at 05:12 PM

Coco was alive and looking good, very happy attitude!

'The Last Mission' TV show crew went in and back out in one day (Oct. 2020). They had local guide Nathan Velasco along and took the nicer arroyo route. Three Toyotas and one Jeep.

In fact, they wanted more, and did go down the La Turquesa Grade to the pools... and included some of that in the filming but didn't mention it was a different place in Baja.

The show is 21 minutes, commercial free (not counting the plug for my book at the very end)!

https://vimeo.com/487608164

4x4abc - 4-5-2022 at 05:21 PM

Depends on what you drive and how fast you go. I made it in to the mission in about 2 hours. Coming out was a little longer 3.5 to 4 hours. Rougher coming out than going in.

what did you drive/ride?

TMW - 4-5-2022 at 05:41 PM

You can do it in 1 day. Its about 5+ hours each way using the old rough road. About 3 hours using the sand wash each way. Between March and Sept you have 12+ hour days (June 14 hours) so it is an easy day trip provided you have no problems.

geoffff - 4-5-2022 at 07:16 PM

The show is 21 minutes, commercial free (not counting the plug for my book at the very end)!

https://vimeo.com/487608164

Funny how all the cars in Cataviña are simultaneously driving backwards at 2:17 in the video :biggrin:

David K - 4-6-2022 at 05:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by geoffff

The show is 21 minutes, commercial free (not counting the plug for my book at the very end)!

https://vimeo.com/487608164

Funny how all the cars in Cataviña are simultaneously driving backwards at 2:17 in the video :biggrin:

LOL... easy to explain: In Baja, you travel back in time! LOL :lol:

Good eye, geoffff!

larryC - 4-6-2022 at 07:37 AM

Depends on what you drive and how fast you go. I made it in to the mission in about 2 hours. Coming out was a little longer 3.5 to 4 hours. Rougher coming out than going in.

what did you drive/ride?

I was driving a 2020 Polaris rzr xp4 1000. I has 32" tires and for the most part was fine but some of the steep spots were rough enough that it would have been nice to use a lower gear than what the rzr is equipped with to come up out of some of the arroyos. Smaller tires would also have helped.

4x4abc - 4-6-2022 at 08:18 AM

any video/images?

larryC - 4-6-2022 at 12:14 PM

No video's. I'm usually traveling alone and don't have time for that stuff. DK's pictures are pretty good.

bajatrailrider - 4-6-2022 at 12:52 PM

HAAA yes Larry broken rubber bands from polaris we see. On main routes never will I understand good machine . With rubber band weak link

David K - 4-6-2022 at 05:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

DK's pictures are pretty good.

True. But are there enough of them?

You see, that is a good question!
How do I know what is interesting to the viewing Nomads?
Sure, not everyone hear is nutzo about the missions or seeing 254-year-old adobe walls (what's left of them). So, I mix in history photos with 4x4 road photos with landscape photos... and you can look at what interests you, if any of them.
Some like to read about Nomad adventures, so I write a little detail.
When I write an article for Baja Bound's monthly bulletin, I will have more details but fewer photos (only around 4)!
It's all about giving... and if you don't want what I give, you can just not look! Isn't freedom wonderful?

Today, I began building a web page for this trip. Fewer photos than the Nomad post but a few from another member of our little group, who is not a Nomad... like this one, from Debbie:

bajatrailrider - 4-6-2022 at 06:04 PM

The more pictures the better David anything off road cool

AKgringo - 4-6-2022 at 07:47 PM

A lot of pictures is great....unless of course you have a slow connection that completely chokes up trying to download them!

It doesn't happen often, but there have been a few Wi-Fi spots that I wish I had the option of viewing 'Text only'.

David K - 4-7-2022 at 10:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

A lot of pictures is great....unless of course you have a slow connection that completely chokes up trying to download them!

It doesn't happen often, but there have been a few Wi-Fi spots that I wish I had the option of viewing 'Text only'.

Yes, indeed! I think it was my 2012 big Baja peninsula trip that I did a text only post along with the typical, photo-filled one.

This trip from last week has very little text, but I am happy to make anything that helps the Baja Nomad viewer! A web page for this trip is under construction.

4x4abc - 4-7-2022 at 10:34 AM

more pictures?
yes - if they show different locations
5 shots of the same scene?
please don't!

and please - more quality pictures
good light
sharp

David's pictures made me go to the eye doctor
I thought, my eyes were going bad
still 20/20 he said

some phones have questionable image quality
an automatic enhancement app does wonders

pictures are like text
you edit them before you publish them

David K - 4-7-2022 at 11:40 AM

Indeed, please don't go blind looking at my photos!
The web page will have fewer images.
Good or bad, they are photos of Baja. Take it or leave it.
I for one would rather see bad photos of Baja than posts that complain or criticize others. I think I may not be alone with that preference.
Have a nice day, Harald.

DouglasP - 4-7-2022 at 12:10 PM

Bless your heart. :biggrin:

4x4abc - 4-7-2022 at 12:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

Have a nice day, Harald.

Translation from Kaliforniaspeak to Standard American English:
"Screw you, Harald." :lol:

(Don't shoot the translator).

[Edited on 4-7-2022 by lencho]

it is the usual answer of hurt and angry people

there was a California company years ago with a good advertising slogan
"Good enough isn't!"

we can learn here about Baja history, locations, culture
but we can also learn how to present better images
JZ comes to mind (sorry for not remembering the other ones)

4x4abc - 4-7-2022 at 12:43 PM

I got good advice from a media pro before I attempted to get published
select 5 of your best pictures - no matter if you have 50 or 5,000
don't submit a written script
sit down with the editor show your pics and pitch an idea (with an alternative, so he can chose)
Got the job with the first meeting

I know editing is painful if all your many pictures mean so much to you
but you have to capture your audience with a few "wow!" images
ad the vitals of when, where, why, who, what

mtgoat666 - 4-7-2022 at 01:00 PM

Ansel adams said 12 good pictures per year was a good output.
Digital allows people to spray and pray… you use your shutter button like a machine gun and pray you get one good photo per day.
99.9% of everyones photos are junk, use that as a rule of thumb for editing.
Better yet, hand your phone to someone artistic and let them pick one best photo off your phone… it is likely you only got a couple worthwhile photos on your phone, the rest are junk or only memorable to yourself as a reminder if something.

mtgoat666 - 4-7-2022 at 01:06 PM