Cielomar
Junior Nomad
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San Juanico-San Ignacio??
I too was thinking of heading north from San Juanico to San Ignacio. Some Baja 1000 guys that I met last week in Catavina said that the route was
partially paved, at least from San Ignacio going south. My wife is a bit dubious! I'm sure one day this will be the route that everyone takes which
would eliminate the Bay of Conception/Sea of Cortez detour from Insurentes to San Ignacio. Too bad..Any thoughts on doing this in August? I seem to
remember a horror story last year posted by a Nomad (was it Blanca?) about taking wrong turns traveling with a dog, etc, etc. Thanks for any
feedback.
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honda tom
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Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: middle calif
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about 110 mile trip. if I remember right about 15 miles paved, (right out of san Ignacio south)
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BajaBlanca
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Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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We did indeed take the wrong turn somewhere and I thought we were goners. We were NOT prepared waterwise or foodwise for a breakdown, the boulders
were enormous and the dust made the visuals impossible.
My respect for geo trackers multiplied immensely that day!
That being said, others who take the correct route , say the ride is a nice one. And we stayed at a wonderful little hotel which had no problem with
Rex, the perro. He had a problem, he is an outside dog and was NOT happy when we invited him to come in. So, we left him guarding our hotel room
door and he was very happy!
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BajaBlanca
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Location: La Bocana, BCS
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http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=53847#pid6341...
The thread on part 1 of the San Juanico trip.
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BajaBlanca
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Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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casitassanjuanico@gmail.com
WWW.CASITASSANJUANICO.COM
The neat hotel we stayed at.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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North Road Thoughts
Some dated, but relavent reading by an old amigo!
Hola mi amigos and especial mi amigas, ( I suck spelling in Spanish)
Does anyone know what the road condition is from Loreto to SJ from the south road this year? What will it be like traveling in August?
The tales I hear is the state cops are still kinda hanging out under a tree coming down the hill from Loreto. It’s something like 10K before Ciudad
Insurgentes. And I guess the speed trap in Zaragoza is mellowed out. But let’s get real, the max speed limit is 50 mph or so on the main Mex 1 road,
so take it easy. And thru Zaragoza the speed limit is super slow, it is something like 10 mph.
Remember this is still a small town and if you get a rap being a di*K, everybody in town will know. And you will get stink eye and maybe even
blackballed. As for August, I have no clue. Heck, if a good Hurricane hits, it could wipe the road and all the new road construction.
It’s not that I discourage taking the flats or really any road. Well, maybe the East road. However, unless you have the swell dialed in and have the
time, most of you will miss any type of swell. Sbay is flat 90% of the time. Get real. It’s way easier to go to Abreojos and/or hit all the spots
South. There are more waves, bigger waves, more consistent waves, everywhere else in Baja. And when they say, you really missed it, you should have
been here yesterday, what they really mean is you should have been here last year for 3 days during that swell. I guess the only saving grace is that
you can rent a long board at the Cantina and ride the 6 inch waves. And because there is not a lot of surf, people end up doing stupid stuff.
Ok, you’re a veteran Baja driver. Most people are not. But it is really funny to watch a dude try to dig his car out by himself while his chick is in
full stress mode. Yes, of course I help, that’s the rule, but I will try to get a laugh, and/or at least a beer.
I take the upper North road about once a year. Senior Aguila is a saint in my book and has helped me for years. Senior Aquila has helped so many
people on the upper North road. Please give mucho respect. I bring down food, clothes and other items just for him and his family. You may know him
and his family as the gate keep at Currenta Gap. And since you now know this, please have some food or clothes ready to give him. Please.
Last year, I was kicking back at Senior Aquila ranch/palapa. I stopped by to drop off some clothes and food and talk about what’s going on with the
road and the region. Senior Aguila and sons always ask how is my car running. I have broken down so many times that they are always surprised to see
my old Suburban. But, from the ranch, you can hear every car that comes by. Naturally, it is quiet at the Gap. And the car sound seems to echo. So
while I’m hanging out, one of the sons hears a car coming. Like Pavloff’s dog, at the sound of a car, the son goes running, at full speed, to the
gate.
Since I was done giving my respect, I left the ranch and I drove on the high side to the gate. Now this crew stopped at the gate was very surprised to
see me. In a way, this crew was shocked and asked me where the heck did I come from? I guess they were thinking is some other road.
But this bunch of surfers did not seem to speak any Spanish. The rancher’s son gave the crew a simple piece of paper asking for any supplies. But it
seemed to me, this crew was so uptight that they could not even cut lose a half gallon of water. This crew started to talk to me and complain. On top
of that, this crew was giving the rancher’s son major stinkeye and vibe.
Regardless of what you think is right or fair, one must cross his land to get to the other side. One is a guest of Baja, a tourist. One must be
respectful, grateful and in many ways, humble. This is not your country, not your society, and not your standards on what is important in life. And if
you are heading southbound, we all know, more than likely, one is stocked up on supplies and other goodies.
I was bummed out with this crew. And I tried to explain to them, but they had their gringo ears shut. Like whatever and this crew blazed on down the
road. I was bummed out with my fellow Norte Americanos and I apologized for my countrymen.
Enough said, be cool, be mellow, take the chill pill, give more respect.
The section from his house to San Jose Gracia sucks. It’s really really bad washboard these days. So bad most people cruise 5 mph over this 10-mile
section. And sure you can try to take the side road, the parallel road, but that side road has major moondust sections and even my Suburban 4x4 could
get stuck and then what…. Plus there are some washout arroyo sections with moondust to cross. It’s not that bad, but you should check it out before
you cross them.
But most of the time I take the Flats. Now the flats are great because of no washboard, but deal is, well many deals.
First if you get off the main track, it is easy to break thru the crust and get stuck. Black tar mud and even if you think you can dig out, it’s like
quicksand and you sink back down to the axle. There are no rocks, no bushes or really anything to stick under your tires to help you get out. If the
tides are high, then Sbay will suck for waves. And if the tide is high and you break thru the crust, you will find water.
On top of that, there are many forks in the road. So you think you are on the correct salt flat track and you are jamming along. The forks in the road
come up fast and you take the wrong fork, the wrong track and bam, you are stuck. And it is that easy. And that’s the first section before Datil.
Southbound, on the first section of the salt flats, one will notice the burm of the small mesa on the left. And if you really notice, one will see a
road going along the burm of the mesa. This dirt road is used when the salt flats are not passable. It is use only during heavy rains or tides. But
generally I do not use this mesa burm road. Thankfully.
It’s not that bad for a veteran, but you will be tested.
The heat, the salt, and the tire rubber create a freeway type condition. One can see the black rubber tracks on the salt road. But it is easy to
follow the black rubber tracks into the wrong black salt fork. Look into the horizon and pick the best line.
Going South bound, many a veteran gets disorientated. The biggest thing is at one point one can see a village in the distance on the right. But that
is the wrong village. One needs to look for a small plain block building. This will be on the left side of the road, but from a distance it could look
like it is on the right. And this very small building is in the middle of nowhere and a lot of people miss it. It’s a little bit above, on the high
ground, on top of the mesa. If you make it this far, you still have to figure out 2 more different and challenging sections.
One turns left at the small block building and the road goes straight into Datil and as one enters into the village, one turns left at the tire guy
with a tire burm. Datil is a really small fishing village. Slow down. At certain times of the day, you will see lots of people. As one turns left and
exits the village, stay on the high side of the mesa burm that bends to the right.
But after Datil, it gets even more difficult to figure out the road with multiple forks in the road. From salt flats to sand dunes to salt flats, back
to sand dune sections. Which road? The problem is as you exit a salt flat area, there are multiple forks leading into the sand dune sections on the
other side. And it only get worse with more forks in the road as you head further South. This section is not like the first. It is mostly drier, but
it has some good sand sections, so don’t stop in the wrong spot.
And then the last section is a major arroyo crossing with deep burm ruts. From a salt flat into a sand dune area, bending left and going up a small
sandy whoop-tee-doo road and hill, one must turn hard right. Then one goes down, cross the arroyo. And yes, most likely there may be some water. Or at
least you can see some water. In a way, it’s like crossing the arroyo at Cadaje. Plus it gets really rocky. And this low area has some deep rut
sections in the road. Then one goes slowly up and to the left and up to the upper road. Watch the terrain for guidance. Stay to the high side once you
cross the main arroyo.
I always think going Northbound crossing the flats is easier for any first timer.
It would seem you have some experience and you have another car to pull you out or go get help. It is always a good idea to team up for back up. But
unless there is a smackin swell hitting, what is the rush? Most of the time the surf will be flat for weeks and weeks at a time. There are so many
other places to go without the stress and hassle of the dirt road.
But taking the south road is so much better. Of course, one must consider many factors. But one should not use time as a factor, because it usually
leads to a bad decision. Like driving at Night.
Many people stop at San Ig for the night. It’s logistics. However, Rice N Beans seems like the place to go. They have Internet access, good food and a
clean place to sleep. Ricardo, the owner, will also brief you on the North road. But you have to figure at least 3-5 hours to cross the North Road.
Again, please do not drive at Night. And if you get stuck, lost or break down in the salt flat, it could take you days to get out.
I prefer to stop in San Ig at MiKasa Restaurant and visit Theresa, the mom and owner. Really nice lady and she can help you in many ways. First, I
love getting a snack or lunch at her place. MiKasa is next to the oasis/lagoon, on the left hand side, across from the baseball field, maybe half a
mile after one turns right, off Mex 1. She may give you some crackers or bread so you can feed the fish, right from your table. She cooks some good
typical Mexican food. Although her English is very good, she can also brief you on the North Road. She also rents Kayaks so you can paddle up and
check out the amazing oasis/lagoon. But the best thing is if you and your car are limping out of the North road, Theresa can hook you up with a
mechanic. You can also camp on her property, under the shady oasis palms. MiKasa has a clean bathroom and if you ask nicely, maybe you can use the
shower. A must stop for any traveler. Ladies, this is not the Hilton, get real. Nevertheless, just tell her Marco with the Suburban says Hi!
At this point, I would like to say that I’m done. But I really have to say a few words on camping at Sbay. Most people have it figured out, but enough
people are just lowdown lame. I’m not perfect and I’ve done plenty of dumb stuff. But every year I see some really stupid, lame, crazy stuff.
However, I must discuss this important subject later.
Marco, AKA The Taxcutter.
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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We took both routes in April. From San Ignacio to San Juanico by way of El Datil, usually called the coastal route and going north by rancho El
Cuarenta, usually called the inland route. A couple of sandy spots north of El Datil and there is a gate, not locked, by El Cuarenta and the people
there usually request food, water, money etc if you have it. If they don't hear you coming you can open the gate and go on but please close the gate.
If you want pictures etc go to
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=66863
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
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I did this road 7 days ago. It's in good shape but i took the salt flats. Unfortunately I cant elaborate at the moment.....heading out for a drive.
Take the salt flats. The paved portion is about 25 miles I think.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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Can't get more up to date than 7 days ago! Woody, i thoroughly enjoyed reading that report.....there are many many forks and it kis very hard to
knoe if they really all go to Rome. Ours went to Timbuktoo and back before we hit San Juanico.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
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I would avoid the inland route as TW calls it. The stretch from San Ignacio to the lagoon is perfect. Paved for like 25 miles. At the lagoon sign
hang a left. Go 5 miles. Then turn off into the salt flats. Follow the road most traveled. Enter Datil. Find way out of town to the left and follow
the tracks thru the salt flats. Go thru the ranch. Cross dry river bed. Climb hill. Then the road from here on is slow going unless you have some
serious tires and suspension. I aired down to 20 psi and the washboard still sucked. You will then hit a road in a few miles. Turn right. This is the
main North Road or inland route. This road is in crappy shape as of today. Nothing you couldn't still do in a passenger car but its just crap as far
as hauling arse. Once at Cadaje the road is great again till you arrive in San Juanico. Just watch out for a hole in the road south of the military
checkpoint. I hit it going 35 and nearly took off my front end. Later!! I'm bailing out this road in 12 hours. Wish me luck.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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North Road Thoughts!
more from my Amigo - Taxcutter
I have traveled every road into S-bay since 1979. And even though I
want less people in the water, I really want to stop people from making
the wrong choices in roads. The photo of the dirt road on the web site
looks too easy. Don't fool yourself. And please remember to be prepared
for the camping conditions; shade, windscreen, lanterns, etc. However, I
do stick to the one rule of helping fellow travelers that are stuck and
broken down on the dirt road, usually in the middle of nowhere.
First, thanks Dave and Laurie for getting the message board up and
running! And is the wireless working at the Cantina? I imagine Internet
access is now working as well at the Cantina. Again, many thanks. The
both of you work very hard and have to deal with a lot of funky people.
Especially you, Lauire.
Before you go remember this, S-bay has a very, very small swell
window and it could be flat for days, weeks. So before you go,
think and plan very carefully about going to S-bay. Plus remember the
tides, high tide can shut down 3rd point.
Another thing to consider is even though a swell maybe hitting S-bay,
the surf is very lully or inconsistent. It makes it great to paddle out. Most
times you can paddle out without getting your hair wet. But waiting for
20 minutes for a 3 wave set can tax your patience.
And remember this, if you are reading my post, on this web site, I
imagine thousands of other people are eye balling S-bay. Last summer,
June, July, August, the place was packed. Now it's not Newport Beach, but
more than likely, it's packed and prime campsites are gone. At least most
people are somewhat respectful and share waves, but after a 20 minute
lull, the crowd gets hungry.
Ok, I can understand you really want to go to S-bay. Please be
respectful to your fellow travelers. And be very, very respectful to the
Mexican locals. You are a guest in their country and it is the hyper kooks
that ruin it for the rest of us.
Regardless of which road, is your car up to the challenge? Although in
1980 a friend drove a VW Karmenn Gia via the south road (he got stuck in
moon dust sand and was eaten alive my sand fleas while digging out) and
a three years ago, I saw a Porsche at S-bay, your car is your life and is
your car up to the challenge?
May I suggest you bring an extra tire or 2 and dump any donut spare
tire. And make sure the spare is properly filled with air. Get a good jack
and lug nut wheel wrench. The standard car jack does not cut it and the
standard lug nut wheel wrench does not have the torque to get the lug
nuts of your car. Bring an air compressor that plugs into your car cigarette
lighter. And don't buy the small cheap air compressor. It gets to hot in
the desert and either the device will shut down quickly or break. The
combo battery charger and air compressor is my choice; it does not need
the car cig lighter.
I always bring duck tape; zip ties, various hose clamps and ropes. The
dirt road, North, East or South, will rattle any bolt, screw or clamp. So if
you break down, maybe you can limp on out using some duck tape, etc.
In April, my front grill rattled off on the upper North road. At San
Ig, fellow traveler, laughing at me, mentioned that he saw my grill on the
side of the road just north of Cadaje. One year, I used my surf leash to tie
up my back rear bumper. A zip ties saved me another year. One year I
went thru 3 tires! Another year, I duck taped my radiator hose and
poured beer into the radiator. Last year a shock mount busted and I had
to get that wielded back on. Be prepared, please!
Remember, every bolt, screw, clamp will be tested. The dirt road will
rattle your car to pieces. One year my car CD player rattled loose and was
stuck so hard inside the dash board that I could not get it out. I ended up
listening to one CD for 3 weeks. Now I know the words to every song,
POD plays. Even if you take the south road, your car will be tested.
This last April, my 4x4 Chevy Suburban broke down, going home on
the upper North road. Just pass El Cuarenta, and just pass Senior Aguila's
Ranch. The seal for the back end differential broke and the drive shaft
popped off and the oil spilled out. The seal costs 2 bucks to replace. But I
was stuck in truly the middle of nowhere. It took me 3 days to get out.
And I was very, very lucky.
I am not a negative person, but get real. Your car will be tested and
your camping skills will be tested. Be very, very prepared. As a general
rule, if you did not bring it, you will not have it.
Here's one hot tip for camping. It gets really windy and if you are
camping, go buy telephone pole stakes to hold down your tent and/or
shade. I bought mine at Home Depot, located near the rebar and cement
section. The ground is a hard as rock, in fact, it's lava rock. And forget
about plastic stakes for your tent. You will not get plastic stakes into the
ground. Even regular metal tent stakes break or bend. You need the
heavy duty telephone pole stakes. Trust me on this one.
If it is your first time into Baja, or traveling with people that stress out
easily, or speak none or very little Spanish, or have no time for a break
down, or not well equipped, or just love your car, do not take the North or
East Road. In fact, don't drive down. Fly to Hawaii and surf.
Upper North Road
I always fill up with gas at the Pemex station, on the main road, at San
Ig, it is the last chance to purchase gas from a Pemex station. You can
purchase gas in San J from Camacho, and other local places along the dirt
road, but it will be more expensive, if you can get it at all. One year, a
friend purchased gas from a local, in the middle of nowhere, but soon
afterwards, his car fuel injection system clogged up. Dirty gas and you
know what happened next. However, in San J, Camacho is a super cool
local and I have never had any problems with gas from him. In fact, he is a
great mechanic and has a super cool family.
Turning right off the Mex 1, the main paved road, I go into San Ig.
Depending on the time, I stop off and get something to eat. Remember,
it's 105 or so off road miles and generally takes 3-4 hours to get to San J.
And if you start late in the day, it could be nite time by the time you get
into S-bay. One golden rule: do not drive at night. Just too many
stories and friends that die, crash or get lost at night. Please, do not
drive at night. Regardless, you do not want to set up camp at
night. It sucks and it's a hassle. Personally, I do not want you to camp
next to me, if you pull up next to my camp at night. Again, show some
simple respect! If you don't think you will make it to San J. before
sundown, stop at San Ig. and stay at Rice and Beans. Super cool people,
the speak English, clean rooms and more than likely, you'll run into some
fellow surf travelers. On top of that, you can get a report on the North
Road.
I always stop at the church in San Ig. I light a candle, pray for safe
travels and donate some pesos. The church is at the main town square. If
you go into the church, it will blow your mind away, super cool. Turning
left, at the church, passing the square, the (I been doing it for so long, I
don't even think about it) third street or so, I take a right, up a small hill,
the satellite tower is on top, and turn left and that's the start of the dirt
road to Laguna San Ig.
In April, taking the North Road, just outside of San Ig, the locals were
dumping and covering the washboard with hard dirt. It was around
Zacaria area, about 10 k outside San Ig. So be prepared to see dump
trucks and a grader. Drive slowly and try not to kick up a lot of dust.
Remember this motto, I am a guest, a tourist in Mexico. Show some, no,
show a lot of respect. Don't be a hyper kook from the big city. As they
say, " take it easy."
About 30 miles on the washboard, heading towards Laguna from San
Ig, more than likely, you will see a sign suggesting you to turn left. The
sign should say something like Scorpion Bay, and has an arrow
pointing left. A typical Mexican sign. You look at the sign and think is this
for real? This is the start and one of the route to take the upper North
road. You have a choice to make. Keep going straight, and the road will
take you pass Laguna and Fish camps and through the salt flats to San J
or turn left on what I call the upper North road.
If you never have been on the North road, I suggest you turn left at the
marker and take the upper North road. A lot of locals take this road
(maybe, one car a day). Since it is in daily, weekly use, the road is ok for
being a washboard. For the first 30 miles or so, generally, it's flat. There
are some sand sections, but not that bad. The last 30 miles it can get
steep hilly with arroyo washouts. The arroyos can be nasty. But with a 4x4
car, it should no problem, maybe. Thankfully, I did not come across the
famous moon dust, sand sections, this last April.
On dirt roads, at times, you will notice a parallel road to the main dirt
road you are on. The locals, at times, start, make or travel on the parallel
road. This is because the main road is too washboard or was washed out
from rains the year before or for some other reason. But be aware. This
parallel road is usually sandy and sometimes difficult to get back on the
main dirt road or it will take you away in a different direction and you can
get lost or worse you can get stuck. So if you are a rookie, stay on the
road most traveled on, the main dirt road. If in doubt, stop and check out
the dirt for tire tracks on the road. And when I say stay on the main dirt
road, you will be laughing on what is considered the main dirt road.
On the upper North road, you will come across a little ranch just past
an arroyo washout. It's about 25 miles from the laguna turn off around
the El Cuarenta area on the map. You have to cross his property to
continue south and usually he has a gate closed. No problem, his name is
Thomas Aquila (last name may be misspelled, I know him as Senior
Thomas). He has a huge family, something like 8 sons and who knows
how many daughters and he knows everybody in the region. He even has
a son, that's a fisherman. And the fishermans son lives next to the salt
flats road. At one point, but not today, I'll tell you about him and the salt
flats. Senior Thomas is around 70 years old and in great shape and does
not speak English. But when he opens the gate for you, he will show you
a piece of paper.
The piece of paper will ask you if, (very respectfully) if you can spare
some water or some food. Please, show him some kindness and respect
and offer/give his family whatever you can spare. If you flip over the
piece of paper, hopefully you will see my comments. More importantly, if
you are leaving S-bay, heading Northbound, give him everything you can
spare. You don't need all your junk. You are leaving heading home. Not
only is Senior Thomas a nice guy and great family, not only he knows
everybody in the region, more than likely if you get stuck, lost, broken
down, whatever, he will helped you. He has help many of my friends and
me. Please give what you can.
This upper North Road is pretty much straight. No major decisions on
which fork in the road to take. If you make a wrong choice and turn left,
you will end up in the mountains. If you make another wrong choice, and
turn right, you will end up at the ocean. Remember to look for tire tracks
on the road. You may make a turn, go around a bend but you should end
up heading South again. And if you make a wrong choice, you will know
pretty quickly. If you took the salt flats, you can get lost very easily. The
East Road is very, very easy to take a wrong fork in the Road. And you
must be lame if you get lost on the South Road. Again, look for the
road most traveled!
From his ranch, you are a little less than half way there. The road is
washboard and at times can get a little hilly. Be careful on the hills.
Another rule: If you can't see the road ahead of you, slow, slow
down. It just seems a lot of people crash around the hilly sections
because as they go around a corner, a cow, a horse, a mule, a donkey, a
person, a car, the burm, a rut, soft sand and so many other reasons,
something makes your crash.
In the early days of my Mexico travels, I met this guy at S-bay. He told
me, a couple of years earlier, he was driving alone, at night, in a new
camper/truck to S-bay and he hit a cow. He totaled his car. Furthermore,
if you hit a cow, it's like hitting a family member!
Remember, you are automatically guilty if you get into a car accident
and more than likely to will go to jail until the police figures it out. Which
means getting money from you. So here's my plug; I always get my
Mexico car insurance at size=2>www.mexicanautoi
nsurance.com/ It's Lewis & Lewis and even though Old
man Lewis is retired, his son is a great person and he a some great stories
of idiot/stupid/horror stories of American drivers in Baja.
Anyway, this guy did not have Mexican car insurance and after the
accident some Americans grabbed him, hush, hushed, him into their car
and drove him North and across the boarder. This guy had to leave
everything he owned and he was in bad shape. But he was very grateful
and alive. Can you imagine being thrown into a Mexican jail and you need
a doctor? However, when he hit the cow, the cow bounce up over the
hood and smashed into the windshield and the cow hit his head and
leather burnt his forehead and hair. So when I met him at S-bay, he had a
big scar burn on the front quarter of his head and that section of his hair
was gone and could never grow back again. Although it was a kinda
funny story told to me many, many years ago at S-bay one night,
please drive safe and not at night.
Around 10 miles before Balena del Raymondo is the turn off for the salt
flats. I'll talk more about the salt flats route later, much later.
Around Balena del Raymondo (it's on the map) sometimes, the Military
has a minor checkpoint. This last April, the Military boys were hanging
out and stoped me. And when I say minor, it's usually just a couple of
guys bored stiff. Sometimes, the Military guys are there. Sometimes they
are not. And these guys almost never can speak a lick of English, so be
prepared. I usually never get hassled because I speak Spanish. But, if you
give them some gum or maybe a deck of playing cards, it will make there
day. My buddy likes to give them Playboy Magazines!
This next section has plateau/hills. And going up and down the
plateau's, the road get a bit steeper and you traverse thru some arroyos
(washouts) that may have some water flowing. It can be round river rocky,
and have soft sandy areas. The washout areas can have deep ruts. The
local Mexican do not like or want to drive in the ruts or heavy
washboards. Always look for the most traveled road. But it depends on
the time of year and/or storms that year. Since my trip in April, the upper
North Road was not bad at all (Last year, late Aug/Sept. heavy rains
from a hurricane washed out the South Road and the rumor is the South
Road still has many soft sand areas). Going southbound, on the North
road, on your left is a huge mountain range. It could be dry as a bone on
the road, but up in the mountains, it could be raining hard and a flash
flood could happen. So be advised, any arroyo, washout or riverbed can
flash flood or have enough water to sweep your car away. I've seen it
happen. So the hot tip is not to park in the center of the arroyo. If in
doubt, stop your car and check it out before any crossing. Always look for
the most traveled road.
This last April, it was dry as a bone, except for a trickle at Cadaje.
Now Cadaje is like the county seat. It is where they make the decisions
for the area, including San J. There is a small airport, a Military outpost
and a school and a bunch of homes. On the North road, going south, you
are on a plateau, you come around a corner, now going down a steep hill
and there it is, Cadaje. At the school, turn right, cross the arroyo and
back up the steep hill. If you miss the turn, the road ends in town. You're
about 15 miles to San J.
But remember, anytime you travel thru a town, village or by a home,
slow down. You don't want to kick up dust or run over a chicken and a lot
of times a local policeman just may be hanging out just waiting for some
gringo to fail to stop at some stop sign that is hidden or going faster than
5 miles an hour.
This is especially true as you head into San J. It's around 10-15 miles
from Cadaje. And as you approach San Juanico, you are hot, tired and just
want to get a beer at the cantina. But slow down. You are going down a
gentle hill approaching San J. The local police can see you coming down
this gentle hill. The police are really mellow, but they still have to make
some beer money. Slow Down! As you enter the town, turn at the
first left. Go slowly down the street. Please drive slow. Make a right at the
end of the street. This is the Malcon and the ocean is right there. Go
straight ahead on the Malcon, past Arthuro's liquor store, up gringo hill,
and about half a mile from the Malcon is the Scorpion Bay Cantina.
Last year, I heard, a young girl, alone, in a VW camper bus took the
upper North Road, drove in from San Ig and had no problems. A 2 wheel
drive car can make it. I have taken the North Road with a 2 wheel drive
van with little clearance. You see the Mexican locals do it all the time. But,
I have also taken the South road in a 2 wheel drive car and I got stuck in
the soft sand. But if you get stuck or break down, you have better have
stocked up on the beer and ice before your trip.
On a closing note, be respectful, be patient, relax; it could be worse.
Bring candy for the local kids and clothes for the families. Count the
billion stars at night. Relax, you can always fix your car later. But be
prepared to rattle every bolt, nut and screw in your car. And if you break
down and I see you, please have a cold beer for me.
I will stop to help you.
Taxcutter
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
Member Is Offline
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I remember this story! Go to Hawaii instead is FUNNY! I didn't know the dust was called moondust. Perfect term for the fine dust.
This trip is not for the faint of heart. From san ignacio to datil was OK. It is the part after that which is brutal.
Take food and most importantly, take a lot of water.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Visual Aid: San Ignacio to San Juanico
North Half:
Rancho Cuarenta is just to the right of mileage 30.7 on the map above.
South Half:
Not shown on the above two maps is the pavement now halfway from San Ignacio to the lagoon and the new highway from San Juanico south along the coast
to Las Barrancas.
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BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
Member Is Offline
Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
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The salt flats are the way to go. My first time through there was with a 2WD 4Runner hauling a very heavy trailer....at night. We had no problems and
the road was great!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaGeoff
The salt flats are the way to go. My first time through there was with a 2WD 4Runner hauling a very heavy trailer....at night. We had no problems and
the road was great! |
Must not have been high lunar tide? In the old Baja 1000 days the racers would choose which road. Some were hopelessly stuck in mud hoping for a fast
run. Parnelli Jones would mark the best route with reflective tape on stakes when he pre-ran. During the race he would drive over them preventing his
competition from having an advantage should he be slowed or stopped before La Paz.
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