| Pages:
1
2 |
Mtndewtime
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 1-19-2009
Location: Tacoma, WA
Member Is Offline
|
|
San Diego to Cabo Feb 16th, 17th or 18th
looking for convoy south to Cabo or just to BCS. Leaving San Diego bright and early with a couple of days to get there. We are two guys in our early
thirties from Tacoma and will be travelling in a 4x4 pick up with camper. not in a hurry but would like to see a little of the baja before hitting the
resort town. Coming back to SD by 28thish.
[Edited on 2-7-2009 by Mtndewtime]
|
|
|
Mtndewtime
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 1-19-2009
Location: Tacoma, WA
Member Is Offline
|
|
Cabo= San Lucas
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
Why do you think you need a convoy? Just to be social? I make that trip with my wife a couple of times a year.
|
|
|
Mtndewtime
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 1-19-2009
Location: Tacoma, WA
Member Is Offline
|
|
I don't mean convoy in the military sense. More of a road buddy.
Considering it is a road I have nevered travelled, and that I spent the last two weeks reading the horror stories in the media and commentary from
website forums regarding the recent spike in violence, not too mention just the danger of vehicle traffic on the road I belive "convoying" to be a
good call.
I am trying to err on the side of caution.
Now, if they would let me take my AR........
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
Sorry to have to tell you this, but it is a safe drive. The most dangerous thing that could happen is that you don't pay attention to the road. All I
can say is that if you are that fearful, maybe you should fly to Cabo. The violence you mention is really restricted to the border area. And just
driving from the border to the toll road during the day will be a walk in the park. What I would suggest is that you solicit suggestions from the
folks here about where to go, what to see and where to stay and eat. You got some kind of timeshare week down there?
|
|
|
Mtndewtime
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 1-19-2009
Location: Tacoma, WA
Member Is Offline
|
|
I am very glad to know you believe it to be a safe drive.
Actually, most of the forum postings I have read from individuals that travel the Baja agree with you but I still think it is prudent to be cautious.
Especially in an unknown part of the country I have never been.
The trip is something I have longed to do since a few years ago when I saw the baja from the Pacific Ocean.
Fearful and cautious are not the same.
Look it up, and thanks for the replies.
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
Just don't want you to be fearful. And do not carry any weapons. The Army checkpoint/ inspections are primarily there looking for weapons
|
|
|
Sallysouth
Super Nomad
Posts: 1835
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Capo Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: missing Baja...
|
|
Jeez howodd, give the guy a chance!He is just asking if anyone is going down at that time.Me thinks it is the word "convoy" that makes you tell him
"no weapons".It is a drive unlike any other for a first timer!Mtndewtime, do some research on this forum and you will find a wealth of
information.Flying is one thing if you are restricted with time but driving down Baja is not to be missed if you are informed ,respectful and
cautious.Don't drive at night!!!Use the search button at the top right, and have a great trip!
Happiness is just a Baja memory away...
|
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65186
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
Spend a day in San Ignacio... about half way to Cabo... Get a feel of real Baja before you get blasted by the Cabo thing (which in no way resembles
anything 'Baja').
Check out http://www.ignaciosprings.com
Casa Leree is also a good option for a real Baja treat! http://www.murrietawebdesign.com/test/leree/index.html
[Edited on 1-20-2009 by David K]
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
Sally- If you go back to his posts, he started out talking about the violence, and implied that he wished he could take his "AR...." which I construed
to be referring to a weapon. Maybe he was talkng about his armadillo.
I have nothing against convoys. Maybe it's just me, but I felt like he was feeling more fearful than he should.
|
|
|
Sallysouth
Super Nomad
Posts: 1835
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Capo Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: missing Baja...
|
|
Ah, got it howodd.You have a good point there, and we all know that "AR's" are Not allowed across the border!Hopefully he has done some research.
Happiness is just a Baja memory away...
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
David- Two very unique places in San Ignacio. Mtndewtime should be warned that each place has only a small number of rooms, so if considering them,
reserve in advance. I always use Ricardo's if all else fails. Rooms are spare, but the bonus is the restaurant. Also, Desert Inn remodeled in 2007.
Rooms are pretty nice.
|
|
|
Packoderm
Super Nomad
Posts: 2116
Registered: 11-7-2002
Member Is Offline
|
|
I think it could be better to feel emboldened with a healthy posse and head further south if that makes one feel more comfortable. He could get some
good advice from some co-travelers. The social aspect sounds fun. Also, there might be some solo travelers lurking here who might not otherwise travel
but would in a convoy situation. If I had the chance to be a solo traveler next month, I'd join them if they would have me. You could meet some new
friends that way.
|
|
|
Mtndewtime
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 1-19-2009
Location: Tacoma, WA
Member Is Offline
|
|
Okay, So the AR comment was a bad joke. I have no intention of spending any time in a mexican jail.
Thank you all for the advice, insight and reassurances. I will keep you apprised of my travels . You can get my fresh NOOB perspective.
|
|
|
bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
Just so you know
There is plenty of Baja here in Los Cabos. Just get out of town. Ride up an arroyo, take a dirt road to who knows where, take a picnic to one of our
beautiful beaches, take a glass bottom boat to the arch, go to the Pueblo Magico, Todos Santos, come to the San Jose Estuary to see all the birds,
take a surfing lesson, have a fish taco at Cabo Mama at the Mega shopping center, shop and lunch in the charming town, San Jose del Cabo.....to name
a few.
If you make it to San Jose, drive across the arroyo to La Playa/Puerto Los Cabos and stop in to see me!
|
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65186
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajajudy
Just so you know
There is plenty of Baja here in Los Cabos. Just get out of town. Ride up an arroyo, take a dirt road to who knows where, take a picnic to one of our
beautiful beaches, take a glass bottom boat to the arch, go to the Pueblo Magico, Todos Santos, come to the San Jose Estuary to see all the birds,
take a surfing lesson, have a fish taco at Cabo Mama at the Mega shopping center, shop and lunch in the charming town, San Jose del Cabo.....to name
a few.
If you make it to San Jose, drive across the arroyo to La Playa/Puerto Los Cabos and stop in to see me! |
Exactly... get OUT of Cabo (town) to see 'Baja'!
Judy, what's the latest on the Santiago Zoo? Jeans used to give us updates, but haven't seen any in awhile...
|
|
|
qtystarr
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 7-27-2008
Location: ensenada BC
Member Is Offline
|
|
Don't miss the whale watching!!The best is in Magdalena Bay it is 30 miles out side of Ciudad Constitucion in Puerto San Carlos.It is amazing they
take you out in a boat,on cristal clear water you see all kind of marine life it is beautiful and you can stop at Magdalena(an island)for a lobster
lunch!!Look for Mar y Arena in San Carlos ask for Rafael. It is worth the drive,if you want a true Baja experiance this is a great one!And we do the
drive down the Baja 2-4 times a year it is very safe just take it slow and look out for the cows!!!
|
|
|
Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
|
|
Actually, there are at least two other highly frequented places where you can get up close and personal with the whales. Of course, everyone on this
forum has their own favorite. David K had previously recommended places to stay in San Ignacio. From there, you could drive to Laguna San Ignacio-
about 40 miles, with at least 2/3 of that unpaved. Or in town, you could arrange transportation to the Laguna. Road is quite passable. Decision is
more based upon how much punishment you are willing to have your truck sustain. Further north, these is very popular whale watching near Guerreo
Negro. you can see the whales at Laguna Ojo de Liebre. That can be accessed several miles South of Guerrero Negro. You can't miss the sign on the West
side of the road. Drive in is about 15 miles dirt, but easily to drive. Or, if you decide to stay in Guerrero Negro, people at both Los Caracoles
hotel and Malarimo can take you from your hotel to the Lagoon. Personally, during whale season, I drive down just for that experience, and so have
never ventured to Magdelena Bay during that time. Have been to Puerto San Carlos, mostly in summer. You can't go wrong at any of the locations. I
recommend you decide where it will fit into your schedule best.
|
|
|
cftlet
Nomad
Posts: 119
Registered: 11-13-2008
Location: Grants Pass,OR.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Modelo Negro on my mind
|
|
you guys are tough. Ijustmade my first trip down the baja (with a fifth wheel) and I was with a vagabundos caravan. I am so thankfull I was with the
caravan I can't tell you. Now that I have done it and have learned some of the ins and outs, I would feel comfortable doing it alone. As a rookie at
driving the baja I would strongly recommend your first trip be with a caravan or a experienced group.
|
|
|
DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by cftlet
you guys are tough. Ijustmade my first trip down the baja (with a fifth wheel) and I was with a vagabundos caravan. I am so thankfull I was with the
caravan I can't tell you. Now that I have done it and have learned some of the ins and outs, I would feel comfortable doing it alone. As a rookie at
driving the baja I would strongly recommend your first trip be with a caravan or a experienced group. |
Great post. It is not familiar territory to many, and looking for support for the first trip down is VERY understandable. In your case, towing a
fifth wheel, IMHO, help with the first time was a very wise decision.
It is easy to feel that our comfort level should be shared by all, but we were all first timers at one time or another, and with all the bad news that
comes out of Baja, assistance to see that it is a great place to be is valuable.
We are planning another trip to drive to Central America and would not even think of asking for a companion. But, even after riding busses all over
Mexico, we were happy to have companions on our first driving experience through Mexico. The people are great---it is just a matter of developing a
comfot level with what is different. i respect all who ask for assistance.
Diane
[Edited on 1-26-2009 by jdtrotter]
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
