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ibannie
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biggrin.gif posted on 1-9-2009 at 08:16 PM
Newbie heading south!


Hi everyone

I am Annie and we are heading to Baja in the first week of February. We have about a month to explore this awesome looking part of the country and can do with all the help we can get with advice and good places to stop and things to see and do.

We will be in a 29ft Class C with two small doglets and are not in a rush - not towing this time in either. From what I have read, its good to cross at Tijuana - is the coast road good to go on from there on? We want to see the whales on both coasts, hang out at the beach and just see as much as possible. It would be preferable to be in semi-regular internet contact with home, but thats not absolutely critical.

I know this question is pretty generic, but its difficult imagine how to squeeze everything into a mere month! My cameras are jumping with joy at the prospect of everything we have looked at on the internet so far.

You all are so full of information and I am excited to hear your suggestions.

In advance - thanks!
Annie
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shari
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[*] posted on 1-9-2009 at 08:23 PM


a big old baja hearty welcome to you Annie...glad to have another woman on board. We'll be looking forward to your trip reports...some fresh views. Come on out to asuncion if the mood strikes you. Make sure you camp a few nights at the lagoon south of Guerrero Negro and the whales can spout you to sleep!



for info & pics of our little paradise & whale watching info
http://www.bahiaasuncion.com/
https://www.whalemagictours.com/
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oxxo
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[*] posted on 1-9-2009 at 08:35 PM


Annie, you are in for the experience of a lifetime!!!!! Keep a sense of humor, expect the unexpected, and be flexible. Share all of your experiences with us. Discover your own "good places", they are everywhere. All of us are Bajanuts here, we live vicariously through other's experiences.
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Bajahowodd
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[*] posted on 1-9-2009 at 11:51 PM


A month is going to make you an expert. Best advice is to keep in touch with this board. For now, how about what plans you have. Or, are you looking for advice up front?
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 07:46 AM


Welcome Annie. You will have a wonderful experience! Wi-Fi and internet "cafes" are more available than you might think and with what sounds like flexible expectations on your part, you should be fine in the tech department. Plenty of great info on this board so use the search function for every bee that pops into your bonnet.

Good Luck!




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ibannie
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biggrin.gif posted on 1-10-2009 at 07:54 AM


Oh boy - I don't want to be an expert - then there will be less reason to come back again :)
I would love to have advice on where to stay and what places are the best to pass by. We have driven the Alcan Hwy twice now, but this definitely looks different in so many wonderful ways. Where are some good rv parks?....we will need to leave the doglets in the rv. Which is the best place for whale trips and also beach camping...
This is all so new and we are really excited as well as a little apprehensive - especially about missing out on the good stuff! Gotta learn how to enjoy Margaritas!
Any and all input, advice, pointing in the right direction would be welcome..... So far our plans are to leave here, head west, enter through YS.......enjoy and head back. Big, wonderful blank slate that can do with some help in filling in :)
Thanks for your comments :)
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2-tie-dye-4
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 07:56 AM


Welcome aboard! I would advise not to cross at TJ. Cross at Tecate. you should definitely go to Bahia Asuncion. You could stop in El Rosario, and then in Guerrero Negro to see the whales and on to Asuncion. On the Cortez side, we like Mulege and you might dig Pete's camp in San Fellipe. You can camp right on the beach.



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ibannie
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 08:15 AM


I think this is one on my greatest 'heebie geebies' to deal with........the crossing. Tijuana looks like a personal nightmare to me but I had read that there is some road work going on if we go through Tecate that was due to last a goodly while? I know we are going to be screaming "newbie/sucker" as we go through the border....

And yes - I was just looking at Asuncion and Sheri's place - it looks awesome! Hope to meet you Sheri...

The idea of camping right on the beach sounds just what we need. Do you know how hard it is to be landlocked in TN!!??
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Hook
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 08:40 AM


TJ is a breeze. Cross there. I would NOT recommend the Tecate route to a first timer in a 29 foot class C. Especially considering the comparative difficulties in getting an FMT.



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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 08:44 AM
Loreto Shores RV Park


As you pass through Loreto on your way down Baja you might want to spend some time at Loreto Shores RV Park. They have Wi-Fi and a brand new swimming pool. We have friends who are currently staying there for the season and we have stayed in some of their villas in the past. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.loretoshoresvillasandrvpark.com/
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 08:54 AM


I would never, ever,cross in Tijuana, as things are just too hurried.. We just came through the road from Tecate and the main constuction was closer to Ensenada and there really was no delay. The Wine Country of the Guadalupe Valley is a real treat and there are numerous RV Parks that you could stay in and make it a point to visit some of the wineries.
Coming south, we always stop in at El Pebellon in San Quintin which is right on the Pacific and you get put to sleep with the Pacific ocean waves.
Then it is Catavina and a great stop at Rancho Santa Inez where you will be off of the highway and a great place to let the dogs stretch their legs. From there it is a great trip into Guerro Negro where you can visit Ojo Liebre and see the whales and a must side trip to Asuncion to visit with Juan and Sheri. Further south is San Ignacio, where you will find some great places to park your RV and for sure you will want to go to the lagoon for a visit with the "Friendlies" where the whales are famous for coming right up to the boat. Santa Rosalia is a great exploration and one of my favorite places in all of Baja that is not loaded with tourists night and day and gives you a real flavor of true Mexico.




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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 08:59 AM


Annie,
be sure to keep us posted on your views, We love to see the perspective of a new traveler in Baja...the freshness and amazement of the eyes.




Udo

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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 09:27 AM


Hola Annie, I would also recommend crossing at Tecate. I think the road from Tecate to Ensenada is very "do-able" in a 29' coach as we have often towed our 27' Alpenlite 5th wheel on this particular highway. Stop and park before crossing the border in your rig to get your visas (if you don't already have them). You might want to contact the Vagabundos for your visas/fishing licenses/auto insurance/etc. at: http://www.vagabundos.com
Baja is a truly wonderous part of our planet, but can be dangerous just as anywhere else could possilby be. Use common sense, don't drive at night, don't camp alone in remote places, etc. Also use this forum to research areas you may wish to visit while you're down there (wish I was too!). Bien Viaje, Paul Boe




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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 09:48 AM


hey annie...have you figured out how to U2U messages and check your mailbox on nomad yet? It is up in the upper right corner and says you have a message...just click on it or the U2U thingy in blue.
If you head our way, it's good to have our phone # and call us before you leave the main highway so we can look out for you...U2U me for the number or email me sharibondy@gmail.com its also a good plan to have someones number in case of any problems, emergencies or questions you might have en route.

Does that campground in Loreto have their swimming pool heated in the winter?...it's real chilly there.




for info & pics of our little paradise & whale watching info
http://www.bahiaasuncion.com/
https://www.whalemagictours.com/
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 04:07 PM


Hi Annie, welcome to the board. I've sent you a u2u as well.

Go Titans!

P<*)))>{




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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 04:24 PM


I would rather have a newbie to Baja cross into Mexico at TJ where it is much easier to obtain your travel permits. However, those who are recommending the crossing at Tecate should provide advice on where and how to get your travel permits there.

The drive down the toll road after passing through TJ is a wonderful drive along the ocean for a first timer. I would then recommend crossing back in to the US via Tecate when returning, which is a wonderful drive through the wine country, etc.

Just my 2 centavos..... Bob H

[Edited on 1-10-2009 by Bob H]
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 04:25 PM


OH, and I would most definately recommend camping a couple of nights at Coyote Bay, just south of Mulege along Bahia Concepcion! And/or El Requeson (sp?)
Bob H
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ibannie
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 05:06 PM


Oh wow - you have all been FANTASTIC - thanks so much.... I just don't think that one measly month is going to be enough at all :)
Could any of you recommend a reasonable amount of Peso's to carry? We live kinda low-key..
And yet another question.... I am a Permanent Resident of USA, Green Card, but have a British Passport. Am I going to need anything different at the border - other than the FMT? I only just thought of this, which is a bit late as we leave home last week in Jan.
Again -many many thanks for all your input :)
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 05:28 PM


I don't see any problems passing southbound at TJ. Like said above, the toll road is nice during the day. Just remember to take the far left lane into the automatic gate to customs. I like El Pebbelon for beach front camping. I was there the day before yesterday. I really missed not having my mini baja dirtbike from Pep Boys. If I were to take a motor home, I'd for sure put on a receiver hitch and get one of those bike holders for it. Like also said above, Santa Ines is good for a night of safe camping in Catavina. I'd say after that, the adventure is up to you. Maybe El Requeson in Concepcion would be a viable option. I wish I had a month to do what you're doing.
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[*] posted on 1-10-2009 at 08:46 PM


Have fun Annie and u2u if you come to La Paz



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