brucedog
Junior Nomad
Posts: 87
Registered: 10-26-2015
Location: Oregon/BCS
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Seattle to Loreto Trip Report
Thought I'd post about my trip to La Ventana while I have good internet in Loreto. I'm driving solo in a Sprinter cargo van full of furniture,
household goods, water toys, and a puppy. The van is so full the puppy barely fit.
I had lots of anxiety over the border crossing/importing new goods. I was turned around at San Ysidro and told to go to Otay Mesa which cost me a day
(happened Sunday afternoon). The inspectors at Otay were very nice and professional. I had a couple couches, a bed, table, chairs, and other stuff
that cost me over $4000. They just put a $2500 value on it all which I paid 16% on and was on my way.
Overall I think the roads were good. The van rides a lot rougher than my Honda Pilot so I was feeling every bump but there was nothing really bad. As
I have read on this forum there are some really nice new sections although their exact locations now escape me.
The best part of the trip was a friendly smile followed by "Adelante" at every military checkpoint. If that could only happen on my way north next
month!
Cheers and thanks for everybody's advice.
Bruce
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Maron
Nomad
Posts: 458
Registered: 4-14-2014
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So far, so good. Glad your trip is going well.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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You will get more through searches northbound, but a puppy might be an advantage
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
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Mood: mellow
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Quote: Originally posted by brucedog  | Thought I'd post about my trip to La Ventana while I have good internet in Loreto. I'm driving solo in a Sprinter cargo van full of furniture,
household goods, water toys, and a puppy. The van is so full the puppy barely fit.
I had lots of anxiety over the border crossing/importing new goods. I was turned around at San Ysidro and told to go to Otay Mesa which cost me a day
(happened Sunday afternoon). The inspectors at Otay were very nice and professional. I had a couple couches, a bed, table, chairs, and other stuff
that cost me over $4000. They just put a $2500 value on it all which I paid 16% on and was on my way.
Overall I think the roads were good. The van rides a lot rougher than my Honda Pilot so I was feeling every bump but there was nothing really bad. As
I have read on this forum there are some really nice new sections although their exact locations now escape me.
The best part of the trip was a friendly smile followed by "Adelante" at every military checkpoint. If that could only happen on my way north next
month!
Cheers and thanks for everybody's advice.
Bruce |
Somehow ,regarding the road conditions coming south, you forgot to mention the conditions of the roads coming through Santa Rosalia. Right now they
qualify for the most deplorable roads anywhere in BCS. Just came through there yesterday and I believe the municipality of that town should be ashamed
letting their local roads become nearly impassible wihout doing damage to your vehicle. Time to hold those mining folks responsible, it's their
equipment doing most of the damage.
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white whale
Nomad
Posts: 158
Registered: 12-15-2015
Location: canada
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Sprinter van here also - 2006 - considering a summer '16 trip
1. any issues with diesel fuel - performance wise?
2. what is the realistic drive time from the border to Loreto?
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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realistic is to choose a place to stop for a night and then do the second part to get into Loreto.
first night might be san quintin at los jardines hotel which everyone loves. make sure it ain't a Monday or the restaurant will be closed.
second choice might be catavina because it is a wonderful place to explore
another stop point might be guerrero negro - lots of choices of places to stay and lots of places to eat. someone else can give that suggestion.
Your second day will be a breeze - pretty drive.
-----------------------------------------------no idea about diesel---------
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honda tom
Nomad
Posts: 493
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: middle calif
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| Quote: Originally posted by white whale | Sprinter van here also - 2006 - considering a summer '16 trip
1. any issues with diesel fuel - performance wise?
2. what is the realistic drive time from the border to Loreto? |
border to loreto can be done 4am to 4pm without worries, however not a good plan for a long trip as you wont see much. When the plan is to go to
loreto, 4 to 4 is what I do.
my 2004 ford diesel does not have any issues on mexico diesel.
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Howard
Super Nomad
Posts: 2353
Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
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Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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Honda Tom
That is averaging almost 60 MPH. I sincerely hope I don't come anywhere near you as you drive recklessly down highway 1.
I wish you a safe drive but sooner or later it will catch up with you and hope you don't take me down with you.
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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honda tom
Nomad
Posts: 493
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: middle calif
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No Howard, I don't drive recklessly. I make 2 only fuel stops, and at 1 of them eat lunch. When my destination is Loreto I don't dilly- dally around
at all the neat things to stop and see, Ill do that on trips that are meant for that. My speeds are based on the conditions, and all of them are safe.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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It's great to be young!
50 mph is the average Hwy. 1 trip 'speed' for us (no towing, no RV).
600 miles @ 50 mph = 12 hours (Tijuana to Mulege)
Did that once, in 2007 coming home from Bahía Concepción. Never again. Stopped for photos, saw the old salt pier at Laguna Guerrero Negro and stopped
for meals. We should have stayed at Baja Cactus Motel in El Rosario instead of getting home after midnight!
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