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Author: Subject: MISSION SAN BORJA: Fire burns the Gerardo home
David K
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 08:02 AM


Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
We are headed to LaPaz in September, my plan is to bring down as many tools, screws and nails as I can haul. My question is, what is the best way to go in, I've only done it on my moto, so hard to judge the drive in my jeep.
Would it be better to go in and out off of Hwy 1, or from Hwy 12? We usually pass through and stay in BOLA, but we will want to keep heading South on this trip after the drop off.


We went to San Borja two months ago. Drove down from L.A. Bay highway, spent the night there then went out to the west to Nuevo Rosarito. Photos (on page 2): https://vivabaja.com/baja-526/

I have been to the mission several times since 2001, and the north road was always the better drive, but not a big difference. This trip, however, was a really slow, rough drive. The hurricanes of past recent years really chewed up the roads. All 'fill dirt' has been washed away, leaving the jagged, step surface. Near the mission, the arroyo route was washed out and a detour now takes you up the hillside giving you a high view of the mission before dropping down to it. We were in a loaded Tundra, which also was slower driving than my Tacomas had traveled the 21 miles. 10 mph or less average this time.

The east road was better, but it too was detoured up the slope, out of the arroyo going west... off camber driving for a few miles. Really a shame, as this most-northern of the complete stone mission churches should be seen by those without 4x4 or fearful of bad roads.

I texted with Nonnih (the youngest daughter of José & Ana Licia) last night and learned her mother is in Guerrero Negro, to see a doctor, and Nonnih is at the mission staying in one of the rooms that didn't burn.

Nonnih's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gerardo.nonnih
Her mother's (has several FB pages, but this is the most recent): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585093354222

[Edited on 7-29-2026 by David K]




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wilderone
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 08:51 AM


I want to go there and bring some stuff. I don't want to go by myself in my 13-year old Honda CRV. I'll split gas with someone - camp along the way. Anyone in with me?
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 10:14 AM


I don't have access to Facebook. Maybe this has been reported on Facebook, but I will ask here:

Is it known that this fire was an accident?

Reportedly, there is increasing cartel activity just south of San Borja. There is a good water source at San Borja, perhaps the cartel would want?
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 11:06 AM


Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
I want to go there and bring some stuff. I don't want to go by myself in my 13-year old Honda CRV. I'll split gas with someone - camp along the way. Anyone in with me?


Very hot and unforgiving time of year. Go prepared.
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David K
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 01:30 PM


Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  
I don't have access to Facebook. Maybe this has been reported on Facebook, but I will ask here:

Is it known that this fire was an accident?

Reportedly, there is increasing cartel activity just south of San Borja. There is a good water source at San Borja, perhaps the cartel would want?


Of course, it was the family home and Ana Licia was living in it while conducting tours and providing camping accommodations.

Now, I want to ask if anyone knows how to set up a Go Fund Me page. Baja Bound Insurance and an off road tour/racing group will contribute. My friend Dave W. (of Toyotas in Baja group) is crossing into Mexico today for the Ejido Eréndira Monos Baseball Team event this weekend: https://www.facebook.com/events/1912179996141050/

Anyway, as he is kind of busy and so many things happening, I want to try and gather the details so people can help Ana Licia rebuild.




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cupcake
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 01:52 PM


Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
I want to go there and bring some stuff. I don't want to go by myself in my 13-year old Honda CRV. I'll split gas with someone - camp along the way. Anyone in with me?


Perhaps you could deliver your donation to Nuevo Rosarito. Depending on what vehicles the family still has, and what logistics you can organize, you might be able to work around having to make the drive to the Mission. In any event, you might want to coordinate with the family to make plans.

[Edited on 7-29-2026 by cupcake]
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 02:04 PM
You have a 13 year old CRV?


I'm jealous! My current Baja rig is a 22-year-old Honda Element. It is basically a CRV with a different box slapped on top, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it into the mission. I do spend a lot of time off-road though, and tend to push the limits of my vehicles, so my advice is questionable.



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David K
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[*] posted on 7-29-2026 at 02:26 PM


As soon as I get more data from Nonnih or Ana Licia, I will report.



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David K
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[*] posted on 7-30-2026 at 08:26 AM


Quote: Originally posted by David K  
As soon as I get more data from Nonnih or Ana Licia, I will report.


What I asked Ana Licia on Wednesday:

I am trying to help organize assistance for you. Can you provide me with more details? Are coming back to San Borja soon? Is there a room you can sleep in until the home is rebuilt? Are you staying in Guerrero Negro for very long? Thank you!

Some are asking how the fire started? An accident of some kind?

8:15 am Thursday text message reply, translated:

No, I'll be back at the ranch tomorrow. They just brought me to the doctor, but I'm already better and ready to go. Yes, thank you. The truth is, I didn't have anything left. My eldest daughter and I were left with nothing; everything burned down.; it all burned. We were left with only the clothes on our backs. Everything burned: dishes, clothes, work tools, blankets, everything!

Yes, in an internet room and I start cooking in the palapa.!!

Muchas gracias amigo x su ayuda .!!




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Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
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[*] posted on 7-30-2026 at 07:56 PM


EDIT - I dont do Facebook so I look here for info/updates.
As usual DK thank you for taking that on.

When someone has scheduled a trip to bring supplies, please contact me email cabo"at"cabomagic.com or text/WhatsApp 619-819-8634
We will make a monetary contribution.
Thank you, Lori

[Edited on 7-31-2026 by CaboMagic]




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