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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65407
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by LisaR.
Uhhh... What papers? And what is the Discovery club?
We were planning on stopping at the border for tourist cards, are we missing something? Or are you just messin' with the newbies? I've been driving
down to Baja since the '80's...Is there something I should have known all this time?  |
Lisa, while I am a member of DISCOVER BAJA TRAVEL CLUB as are many other Nomads, it is not mandatory... It is good for discounts and annual auto
insurance policies, and a nice on-line newsletter (which anyone can read)... IF you stopped there first, you can get a pre-paid tourist card (as
Skipjack said), BUT you still have to stop at the border to get it validated... So, very little advantage to getting one at Discover Baja, if that is
the only reason to stop at their NEW location in San Diego, off Governor Drive.
As for San Borja and then on to Asuncion in the same day... yah, it could be done... but it wouldn't be wise to plan on that, because it would mean
leaving EARLY from L.A. Bay and not spending enough time at San Borja perhaps. Do you want to see Montevideo, as well...??? It is 7 miles off the San
Borja road, 2 miles after turning off the L.A. Bay highway. See photos from when I first took Baja Angel in there after we left L.A. Bay: http://vivabaja.com/105
[Edited on 6-23-2009 by David K]
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LisaR.
Nomad
Posts: 121
Registered: 6-3-2009
Location: Chapala, Jalisco
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David K-- Thank you for clearing up the Discover Club business! I was a little concerned for a minute there...
Also, thanks for the info on San Borja and Montevideo. We would LOVE to see Montevideo as well, but it may not be possible this trip. We are trying
to do so much, already. I can't pass up San Borja, though. I'm a teacher and I used to teach 4th grade (CA History), so I'm a minor mission junkie.
Not a MAJOR mission junkie like you, though. I have really enjoyed/been impressed by all your information on the forum. In spite of your good advice
(and the advice of other Nomads), we will probably go ahead and get up early and press on to Asuncion that night. We have heard so many great things
about it, and we communicated with Shari, who was so warm and welcoming that we decided to stay two nights there.
Now, can I pick your brain (everyone's) a little more on BOLA? I agree that Mia's website is great! It's what convinced us to take the detour to
BOLA in the first place. Our first thought had been to stay at Villa Bahia--it looks really, really nice. It is aways out of town though, and we
would really like to be able to walk out for tacos and beer or margaritas in the evening, and not have to worry about finding our way back after dark.
In other words, we would like to stay in town and just leave the car parked while we are there. Anyone have any thoughts on Guillermo's, Casa Diaz,
or Villa Vitta? I have read mixed reviews on Casa Diaz and Villa Vitta, and haven't been able to find much info at all on Guillermo's. Their website
just shows information on fishing tournaments, and does not tell anything about the hotel or prices.
Thank you, Nomads, for all of your help and suggestions!
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by LisaR.
Uhhh... What papers? And what is the Discovery club? |
http://www.discoverbaja.com/
1. tourist card
2. mexican insurance
3. fishing license
You may want to call them to make sure you have all your bases covered. They're very helpful and friendly and don't pressure to join.
619.275.4225
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
Member Is Offline
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Bay of LA can be (very) warm til Oct and many people find this difficult. Not me. If you schedule boating activities all day you can enjoy the water,
explore and stay cool. The fishing and sea life is excellent. Being on shore in 100 degrees is fun pero el mar, es mas sabroso!
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LisaR.
Nomad
Posts: 121
Registered: 6-3-2009
Location: Chapala, Jalisco
Member Is Offline
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Beautiful pictures, gnukid! Wow, I can't wait! Only 18 more days until we leave... I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
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I think your plan sounds perfect, you'll need a bathing suit and you can get a big hat when you get there. That's it. Oh yeah, practice saying, y en
el mar es mas sabroso.
The Bay
[Edited on 6-23-2009 by gnukid]
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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Lisa,
BOLA is stunningly beautiful.
Perhaps a panguero will take you to see the whale sharks. What a memory that would be!
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LisaR.
Nomad
Posts: 121
Registered: 6-3-2009
Location: Chapala, Jalisco
Member Is Offline
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We are really hoping that there will be whale sharks in the bay when we get there. That was a big draw for deciding to go there.
Do you happen to know if there are any around now? I know that this is the beginning of their "season."
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
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before you go "see" the sharks you REALLY should go rent this movie
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65407
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by LisaR.
David K-- Thank you for clearing up the Discover Club business! I was a little concerned for a minute there...
Also, thanks for the info on San Borja and Montevideo. We would LOVE to see Montevideo as well, but it may not be possible this trip. We are trying
to do so much, already. I can't pass up San Borja, though. I'm a teacher and I used to teach 4th grade (CA History), so I'm a minor mission junkie.
Not a MAJOR mission junkie like you, though. I have really enjoyed/been impressed by all your information on the forum. In spite of your good advice
(and the advice of other Nomads), we will probably go ahead and get up early and press on to Asuncion that night. We have heard so many great things
about it, and we communicated with Shari, who was so warm and welcoming that we decided to stay two nights there.
Now, can I pick your brain (everyone's) a little more on BOLA? I agree that Mia's website is great! It's what convinced us to take the detour to
BOLA in the first place. Our first thought had been to stay at Villa Bahia--it looks really, really nice. It is aways out of town though, and we
would really like to be able to walk out for tacos and beer or margaritas in the evening, and not have to worry about finding our way back after dark.
In other words, we would like to stay in town and just leave the car parked while we are there. Anyone have any thoughts on Guillermo's, Casa Diaz,
or Villa Vitta? I have read mixed reviews on Casa Diaz and Villa Vitta, and haven't been able to find much info at all on Guillermo's. Their website
just shows information on fishing tournaments, and does not tell anything about the hotel or prices.
Thank you, Nomads, for all of your help and suggestions! |
The motels in town are Casa Diaz (the original place since the 1940's) very simple rooms. Stayed there in 1967!
Guillermo's on the beach, nice bar and restaurant... Herman Hill lives in Guillermo's compound.
Costa del Sol (avoid the new rooms, stay in the original ones). Great food served here as well. Stayed in a new room 6 mos. ago, bed hard as a door,
shower issues.
Las Hamacas... stayed there after the Baja 1000 in 2006... basic rooms with almost no water pressure in the shower.
Villa Vita: It has been several years since there were some scary stuff reported about this place, so I offer no opinion now. It would be my last
choice, however.
[Edited on 6-23-2009 by David K]
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Paulina
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3812
Registered: 8-31-2002
Location: BCN
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by LisaR.
We are really hoping that there will be whale sharks in the bay when we get there. That was a big draw for deciding to go there.
Do you happen to know if there are any around now? I know that this is the beginning of their "season." |
Lisa,
I got an email about two weeks ago from a local friend who said that there were four whale sharks in the bay at that time. I've heard since then that
they are still there.
There are many pangueros that will take you out to see them. Memo Smith, Joel Prieto, are the first two that come to mind, they pretty much all do it.
While we were there last summer the majority of the whale sharks were in the south end of the bay, although there were days when they were also
swimming right out in front of town.
A few summers ago we were hanging out at La Gringa when one swam very close to shore, so close that an old friend and I were able to swim right up to
it.
A few photos...
Our buddy John (d.e.p.) caught a ride for his first whale shark encounter ever.
Our experience has been the best time to see them is between 8 - 10 am when the water is still glassy, before the winds pick up. Then again after 5pm
if the winds are cooperating.
Be sure to take snorkling gear. The first time you see one in person, eye ball to eye ball is amazing!
I've got tons more photos. U2U me if you'd like to see them. If you haven't seen the photos on Mia's website, check them out.
P<*)))>{
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
Member Is Offline
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Paulina,
Very nice sharp photos! You need to post more, your photos are some I allways enjoy!
I especially like the one of the shark with the hitchhikers on it's back.
Ken
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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Thanks Paulina.
Aren't those remoras amazing?
Doesn't anyone ever get smacked by those tails accidentally? I've always wondered about that.
Swimming out to a giant like that must be remarkable. I'm so envious.
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Paulina
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3812
Registered: 8-31-2002
Location: BCN
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Thanks Paulina.
Aren't those remoras amazing?
Doesn't anyone ever get smacked by those tails accidentally? I've always wondered about that.
Swimming out to a giant like that must be remarkable. I'm so envious. |
I've never been smacked by a tail...yet.
Never say never. I've probably jinx'd myself now.
The only problem I've had is whale rash. I get it on my forearms and knees from their rough skin. I was hoping it would go away before having to
return stateside as I figured it would be a bit tricky to explain it to a Doctor.
P<*)))>{
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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just as a note:
2 saturdays ago we hit tj about 5.30 am. the migra office by the turnstiles was open and we wanted to pay for 6 month fmt's. he sent us to the bank
which was lit up. the guy inside said he was closed until 8am. when i asked why he was there so early if he was closed he got mad and started
hollering in spanish faster than either of us could comprehend. we walked back to migra and told the guy the story and asked for 7 day free fmt's.
after 4-5 phone calls he finally woke the right guy who told him verbatim how to fill it out without the "paid" stamp. total time wasted trying to
comply with the law? 25 minutes, and the stupid beauraucracy (sp?) still didn't get my money. a total waste of time for all-but we were legal.
be prepared for similar if you get there early.....
whatta country.....
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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And they are the professionals!
BTW- if DK checks back in, I was actually curious about his reviews of accomodations at BOLA. I came away from the post with absolutely no idea where
the best place to stay there is. Not trying to criticize. Just looking for guidance.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65407
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
just as a note:
2 saturdays ago we hit tj about 5.30 am. the migra office by the turnstiles was open and we wanted to pay for 6 month fmt's. he sent us to the bank
which was lit up. the guy inside said he was closed until 8am. when i asked why he was there so early if he was closed he got mad and started
hollering in spanish faster than either of us could comprehend. we walked back to migra and told the guy the story and asked for 7 day free fmt's.
after 4-5 phone calls he finally woke the right guy who told him verbatim how to fill it out without the "paid" stamp. total time wasted trying to
comply with the law? 25 minutes, and the stupid beauraucracy (sp?) still didn't get my money. a total waste of time for all-but we were legal.
be prepared for similar if you get there early.....
whatta country..... |
An A for effort Woody...
There is a Bank and a bank teller window at secondary... The teller window is open 24/7 and is ONLY for taking the FM-T fee, no dollar/ peso exchange.
Naturally, this is Mexico and they may not play by the same rules from day to day.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65407
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And they are the professionals!
BTW- if DK checks back in, I was actually curious about his reviews of accomodations at BOLA. I came away from the post with absolutely no idea where
the best place to stay there is. Not trying to criticize. Just looking for guidance. |
I didn't try and say where 'The Best' place was (in town)because that is an OPINION... If you want my advice... I would check Costa del Sol and stay
only if one of the original rooms is available. I would check Guillermo's because it is on the beach... I haven't stayed there, but looked in a room
once... nothing negative seen.
Here is what I posted before from my findings, with some added comments:
The motels in town are Casa Diaz (the original place since the 1940's) very simple rooms. Stayed there in 1967! Haven't checked the rooms since.
Popular with off roader and fisherman.
Guillermo's on the beach, nice bar and restaurant... Herman Hill lives in Guillermo's compound.
Costa del Sol (avoid the new rooms, stay in the original ones). Great food served here as well. Stayed in a new room 6 mos. ago, bed hard as a door,
shower issues...
Las Hamacas... stayed there after the Baja 1000 in 2006... basic rooms with almost no water pressure in the shower. Would stay here again if other
places were unavailable.
Villa Vita: It has been several years since there were some scary stuff reported about this place, so I offer no opinion now. It would be my last
choice, however.
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LisaR.
Nomad
Posts: 121
Registered: 6-3-2009
Location: Chapala, Jalisco
Member Is Offline
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Tomorrow! Tomorrow! We leave tomorrow! (Obviously, I'm very excited!)
 
I want to thank all of you wonderful people who offered information, advice, and suggestions. We have gotten so much great information both in
response to this thread, and by reading all of the other stuff on the forum. Baja Nomad is truly an excellent resource! Thank you all!
We will be sure to post a trip report when we get back (I already set up a photobucket account for pics), or maybe even partial ones along the way if
we find ourselves at an internet cafe.
Thanks again!
--Lisa and Mark R.
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
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Lands End
When you reach your goal you will not be disappointed. We were at the Finnesterra yesterday and almost had the place to ourselves.
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