bajacalifornian
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Thinking . . . Comondu Viejo
I first found in Antigua California, by Crosby on my page 221, a trip I want to make.
A pearl of significance, was the route originally stopping in San Juan at Londo. In 1701, the Indians taught Salvatierra an easy way into mountains,
previously passable only with the aid of ropes, and elaborate trail-clearing efforts. He learned to "circumnavigate" the six-thousand foot peak of La
Giganta. Then came the mission of San Jose & others.
I've invited a buddy to go first to "San Juan at Londo". If it is good, I'm making images afternoon & morning then moving to San Juan. San Juan
for the evening & morning light as well. From there, no se.
Have time to stare at some bee one are dees. Looking forward to it with intention of posting images. Jeff
P.S. The point of San Juan will be Comondu Viejo.
[Edited on 4-25-2011 by bajacalifornian]
[Edited on 4-25-2011 by bajacalifornian]
American by birth, Mexican by choice.
Signature addendum: Danish physicist — Niels Bohr — who said, “The opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth.
Jeff Petersen
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David K
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Quote: | Originally posted by bajacalifornian
I first found in Antigua California, by Crosby on my page 221, a trip I want to make.
A pearl of significance, was the route originally stopping in San Juan at Londo. In 1701, the Indians taught Salvatierra an easy way into mountains,
previously passable only with the aid of ropes, and elaborate trail-clearing efforts. He learned to "circumnavigate" the six-thousand foot peak of La
Giganta. Then came the mission of San Jose & others.
I've invited a buddy to go first to "San Juan at Londo". If it is good, I'm making images afternoon & morning then moving to San Juan. San Juan
for the evening & morning light as well. From there, no se.
Have time to stare at some bee one are dees. Looking forward to it with intention of posting images. Jeff
P.S. The point of San Juan will be Comondu Viejo.
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Old and new photos, GPS, notes on:
San Juan Bautista Londo:
http://vivabaja.com/missions3/page2.html
San Jose de Comondu (first site, Comondu Viejo): http://www.vivabaja.com/missions1/page3.html
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shari
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just back from there....that morning light is fantastic...incredible subjects for photography. Stop in and buy some amazing pomogranate vino from
Vladamir beside la cancha or Adan the palm furniture maker...
check out la vinia up from the mission too, ask for Oscar Aguillar...Im working on another trip report from there...say hi for me.
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bajacalifornian
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David & shari thanks, & you got it. I'll watch for the amazing pomegranate wine as well.
American by birth, Mexican by choice.
Signature addendum: Danish physicist — Niels Bohr — who said, “The opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth.
Jeff Petersen
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David K
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There are many miles between Comondu Viejo and San Jose Comondu... over 20 tough dirt road miles on what was the main Baja highway in the 1960's!
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Jack Swords
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Having taken the photos of Comondu Viejo included in David's site, I can attest to what David has said as to the difficulty in finding the site. It
is not on a main road, which can be bad enough in the area, but a branch of the road. Then again, it all depends upon the condition of the road THIS
year. The site is off the road a bit, surrounded by cactus. However, there are indicators such as well-built rock walls nearby leading one to hike
around and encounter an area of ruins. A nearby ranch may be occupied seasonally and can offer help. THEN when you walk around such history,
thinking of the amazing people who endured incredible hardships in establishing the first Comondu mission, you will gain an even greater appreciation
for Baja and have a smile on your face. Next, hike into San Pedro Martir's mission for an even greater challenge.
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David K
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On 1962 map, between San Juan and La Presa:

The Londo site is at San Juan along the road to Loreto.
On modern map with line connecting Comondu Viejo (A) with San Jose Comondu (B):

The two La Purisima mission sites are also shown the same way.
On 2003 Topo Map:
Between San Juan and La Presa, also the mission trail to Londo is shown along Arroyo Las Tasajeras
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bajacalifornian
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I'd like to back up here, on thoughts leading to the adventure. Interesting as the "sites" are, my primary interest remains the "road" in the sense
that the Indians are the same as a good pongero today. It was life changing for the padre. New overnight spots, the old route no longer in use. I'd
like to see through Sal's eyes.
Presently, I got up this morning with Google, Auto Club & a big topo map book waiting, knowing today, I'd have a look at planning. Looking at
Nomad, you all had done that for me. I like flight planning as much as anyone . . . and a couple hours up the road, I see it from the opposite side
of a surfer. Glad to feel the support, with coffee.
Finally, DK for the umpteenth time didn't understand my post. I thought about it. A be one are dee of course is a bird.
American by birth, Mexican by choice.
Signature addendum: Danish physicist — Niels Bohr — who said, “The opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth.
Jeff Petersen
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shari
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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old routes were usually established for burros and mules or foot traffic to get to water sources... I bet these old trails are still used by vaqueros
in the area...it would be cool to ride with them.
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bajacalifornian
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shari, truth is this whole idea began when I was looking for a walk with Don-Kay.
American by birth, Mexican by choice.
Signature addendum: Danish physicist — Niels Bohr — who said, “The opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth.
Jeff Petersen
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monoloco
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Don-Kay's probably good and rested and ready for a new adventure.
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MikeYounghusband
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Don't even think about taking the road from San Isidro to Comandu. It is unpassable. Well not totally, you can walk it.
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Baja Bucko
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In BCS I have ridden (mules) el camino real from San Javier north to almost San Ignacio (couldn't ride into SI due to INAH). Coming into Comondu the
trail is worn so deep that you can touch the sides of it. Incredible country, incredible trail....no better time machine exists.
My other 4WD is a Baja Mule!
La Mula Mil Survivor 2013-2014!
1000 miles by mule from the tip to Tecate!
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Bajatripper
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Quote: | Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
Don't even think about taking the road from San Isidro to Comandu. It is unpassable. Well not totally, you can walk it. |
Oohh, now that sounds like a challenge. Bet someone will get though. A few of our fellow Nomads have some pretty capable vehicles (I'm not one of
them).
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David K
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True enough with photos posted even...
There is one wash out gully in photographs recently posted, but the Nomads got through on motorcycles!
see dtbushpilot's post/ photos from 3-21-11:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=51774
One of Ged's photos of the road:

[Edited on 4-27-2011 by David K]
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David K
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Quote: | Originally posted by bajacalifornian
Finally, DK for the umpteenth time didn't understand my post. I thought about it. A be one are dee of course is a bird. |
Umm, no I didn't (I guess??)... You did say this earlier, however:
posted on 4-25-2011 at 05:38 PM
"David & shari thanks, & you got it. I'll watch for the amazing pomegranate wine as well."
So, in English... what are you seeking and what does
"A be one are dee of course is a bird" even mean??
Many thanks... and I was only wishing to help with your planned visit to (or interest in) San Juan Londo and Comondu Viejo, with maps, photos, GPS.
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bajacalifornian
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Bird watching in camp. That's it. Thank you DK. The maps are very helpful.
American by birth, Mexican by choice.
Signature addendum: Danish physicist — Niels Bohr — who said, “The opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth.
Jeff Petersen
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MikeYounghusband
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I met two motorcyclists who rode thru and they had square rims at the end. Really don't think a vehicle could get thru. BUT if they are going to try
it I would love to tag along or at least see some photos. "Yeah" lets call it a challange.
Quote: | Originally posted by Bajatripper
Quote: | Originally posted by MikeYounghusband
Don't even think about taking the road from San Isidro to Comandu. It is unpassable. Well not totally, you can walk it. |
Oohh, now that sounds like a challenge. Bet someone will get though. A few of our fellow Nomads have some pretty capable vehicles (I'm not one of
them). |
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