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Author: Subject: La Ultima Baja Grande 4WD - Days 1-3 [San Felipe/Shell Island/Gonzaga]
Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 05:46 PM
Gonzaga Bay at last!




A bad waterpump gasket did not keep us from reaching Gonzaga Bay. Jerry loaned me some Stop Leak which did the trick. My Jeep pulled up to the water at Papa Fernandez' camp, and we were able to unload and set up camp for two nights.




Our next step early the next morning was to go for showers. Rancho Grande has new units, but cost $4 per shower! Kinda pricey, but we paid since they are located right along "That Road."




After our showers, we left for La Turquesa Mine.:!:




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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 05:48 PM


Nice pics nancy
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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 06:12 PM
La Turquesa Mine (to Hwy 1)


Our group of 3 Jeeps ambled up the trail to La Turquesa Mine for a bit of exploring with the possibility of reaching Hwy 1 on the other side of a massive canyon.





On the road up to the mine, there was evidence of decomposing wildlife. Jerry investigated.




Thick foilage and volcanic rock stood in our way, but before attempting the impossible, we stopped at La Turquesa Mine for some photos.




Because Aaron is the least adverse to heights, he took his trusty YJ up to the mine entrance!:o














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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 06:18 PM
Attempting the route to Hwy 1


Coming in from Hwy 1 to La Turquesa Mine was this faint hillside road.



Going up in the opposite direction it looks like this.








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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 06:23 PM
We eventually turned it around, and headed back to Gonzaga Bay.


The route got more dense with brush, and our small 33" and 31" tires were no match for the terrain.



Along the road back to Gonzaga Bay was this tempting trio of caves.



At Papa Fernandez' Campo, we examined the beauty of the Bay while our friends fished.







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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 06:26 PM


I took Leidys to dinner at Alfonsina's. The food is good, and it represents the best that Gonzaga Bay has to offer - mostly in terms of ambiance.



Leidys loved Gonzaga Bay!:bounce:





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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 06:29 PM


As a repeat visitor to Gonzaga Bay, I would definitely recommend Papa Fernandez' campo to other tent campers. I would like to return with Leidys to spend additional days camped out and relaxed in the beauty that this Bay offers.







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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 06:35 PM
Night became Day, and it was time to depart the Bay...








The thing I like about Gonzaga Bay, is that you could be anywhere in the world...even, the isle of Ibiza!






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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 06:44 PM
To Coco's Corner and Chapala




The dirt road to Laguna Chapala has not yet been paved, so our knobby tires were able to do what they were engineered to do - provide traction where there sometimes is none. We ended up at Coco's Corner and spoke with Javier - friend of Coco who discussed Coco's condition and the recent treatments Coco had received.




Javier spent some time in the United States, and he spoke like a Sailor - using foul descriptors for effect. But, in the end, he was a nice guy who was down on his luck after being deported from the US.

I checked my fluid levels, but they were holding thanks to the 'Stop Leak' I had added back in San Felipe.



Leidys added to Coco's Register...


Aaron provided a Firefighters emblem patch.



...and suddenly, we were off towards Chapala dry lake and Hwy 1.




[Edited on 5-5-2011 by Ken Cooke]




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David K
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 09:32 PM


Cool!:biggrin:



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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 10:08 PM
Great story and photos, Ken


Great story and photos, Ken
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[*] posted on 5-4-2011 at 11:23 PM


This was just a great report! I felt like I was there with you. Txs.



Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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[*] posted on 5-5-2011 at 09:02 AM


Excellent Ken, as always the pictures are great. Thanks
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