Anais
Newbie
Posts: 6
Registered: 12-13-2009
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driving from San Francisco to Baja with 14 month old
Hi there,
My husband has been a long-time surfer in Baja, taking 3 days to drive from San Francisco to points way south in Baja. He is all fired up for a
surfing vacation with our one year old but I'm a little hesitant about the long drive! 3 full driving days with adults could turn into, what, a week
driving with an on-the-go, hate-to-be-strapped-into-the-car 14 month old boy?! 
So I'm looking at taking 2-3 days to drive from San Francisco to San Diego to visit family (stopping to surf in Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, etc).
Then, driving somewhere in Baja that's not too far south, remembering that there is the drive all the way back home still to do ... My husband has
said, well, we don't have to surf this trip, just camping on the beaches at the Sea of Cortez, playing in the water, looking for dolphins, boating --
but he's still thinking we'll get all the way just north of La Paz. But I'm wondering if just getting into San Felipe or Puertecitos would be fine?
Never having been to Baja, I'm not even sure where an easy yet absolutely beautiful, warm, blue-watered destination might be.
Thank you so much for any advice!!
ps We have almost two weeks available, from Dec 20 - Jan 2.
[Edited on 12-14-2009 by Anais]
[Edited on 12-14-2009 by Anais]
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13052
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Anais....a hearty welcome to nomadlandia!!! Dont sweat it at all about travelling baja with baby....I did it and it was a fantastic
experience...mexicanos LOVE babies and babies love baja...they can go diaperless...au natural and babies that age are just fine...its actually easier
travelling with babes rather than toddlers so it's a perfect time for baby's first baja trip...he will even pick up some spanish!! You and baby will
love it so dont worry....just relax and enjoy...it's all beautiful.
One thing...dont be surprised when everyone wants to pick up your baby and they disappear with it for awhile...they just love to go and show their
family the white babies. It's normal but kinda freaks new moms out...even little kids want to hold your baby. I cant wait to hear how your trip
goes...so make sure you post a little trip report.
Do consider going a bit further south to get some warmer weather.
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Anais
Newbie
Posts: 6
Registered: 12-13-2009
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Dear Shari,
Thanks for your note! I'm really excited to get to know Baja. How long does it take to drive from San Diego to Bahia Asuncion? The Laguna Ojo de
Liebre is one of my husband's many favorite spots.
My son is a walking, running, climbing toddler who goes stir crazy in the car! The long drive is our biggest concern at this point. Especially since
we're starting all the way in San Francisco, CA.
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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Is part of Dec 20 - Jan 2 going to be used by the 3 day trip to San Diego?
You said boating. Are you intending to trailer a boat?
How warm do you consider the water to be to be warm?
Two weeks is doable from San Francisco but best to drive directly to a location without multiple stops. The cortez side should be more to your child's
liking in the winter.
I took my son to Baja when he was 18 months old but if you're really worried about the driving why not fly. That would extend the vacation and give
your son less time in the seat.
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Anais
Newbie
Posts: 6
Registered: 12-13-2009
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I know, we totally should have planned this ages ago so we could get a flight! Now the flights are sooo expensive, way over our budget. My inclination
is actually to take a trip in February, plan ahead, and fly down. Then we can just relax in one or two spots. My husband, on the other hand, has
gotten really itchy to go now and is really pressing the idea. Plus, his work is in a slow period and things are ramping back up again in January and
he won't be able to take time off for awhile.
Yes - we can start driving on the evening of December 19th, and we'll get as far south as we can. Spend two days in San Diego visiting family, then we
can start our Baja trek.
Thanks!
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BajaNuts
Super Nomad
Posts: 1085
Registered: 5-11-2008
Location: eastern WA, the DRY side
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Mood: no worry, no hurry....it's all good!
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there's always the old trick of traveling while the baby is asleep.
The general consensus around here is DO NOT DRIVE AFTER DARK! And that is WISE advice for driving along the Baja peninsula. So here's the caveat~~~
How do you long-time Baja drivers feel about advising this young family to get up really early in the AM and hit the road at say...4:00am? Most of
the cows would be off the roads, most of the drunks also, and toddler would be still sleeping.
They could get a solid 8 hours of driving in by noon, find their place to stay for the day and the little one could run his pants
off.....(uummm....maybe they are already off... } until bedtime. Bring a good
pair of ear plugs, as kid will scream, but not be in distress/danger/or injured when they have to stay in a car seat longer than what THEY deem to be
acceptable! This could get you to your destination fast and then play time for all!
I did a 10 hour drive with a 14 month old baby ( in the USA) left the house at 3am.......one stop for gas ...and the rest was DRIVE! The last hour
was pretty rough as the little guy really wanted out, but we had to get to the destination, no other stops along the way. I'm sure there were some
diaper changes along the way, but I think I must have blocked that part out of my brain....
Welcome Anais! and keep in touch during your travels.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13052
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Dear Anais...check your U2U which is up in the right hand corner under the login thingy...click on it.
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bajafam
Senior Nomad
Posts: 654
Registered: 9-6-2009
Location: Northeast AZ, Bahia Asuncion, BCS :)
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Mood: DLTBGYD
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We travel with our lil' monsters a lot!!! Bobo, our daughter went on her first Baja trip at 16 months, and Mister, well, he was born there, and has
been back twice now (at 5 months and again at 14 months). The key is to not have a set schedule and to be flexible. Stop frequently to let the kid out
to run around. Keep a stash of new and fun books and toys to keep him occupied. Point out things on the trip, and have him point them out too. You'd
be surprised at how "unboring" a road trip can be for a little one. Ours love it!
Good luck and have fun!
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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OK. So I'll be a bit of a smart*ss here because you cannot surf in San Luis Obispo, because it is inland. That said, you also cannot surf on the Sea
of Cortez, except in unusual storm conditions. La Paz is a really long trek. And, again, no surfing in La Paz. People tend to fail to realize that in
winter it can get pretty cold in Baja. In fact, it can actually be colder on the Sea of Cortez side than the Pacific, if only for stretches at a time.
Since you seem to have not decided about the surfing v. the camping thing, I'd recommend Bay of Los Angeles for the camping thing, if you don't wish
to travel too far. Otherwise, there are several beautiful spots along the Bay of Concepcion that you would enjoy. Whatever. I truly hope you will
enjoy your trip.
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
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I totally agree with b-wood. sounds like for the amount of time you have and what you seek, Bahia de Los Angeles is the best bang for the buck.
Stunningly beautiful, some infrastructure, fishing, camping, and not toooooo terribly far. A a good/decent chance of great weather (though don't
count on Cancun style water temps!). Have fun.
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Mulegena
Super Nomad
Posts: 2412
Registered: 11-7-2006
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Bring warm and cold weather clothes. If you have a light weight wetsuit, bring 'em along with mask snorkel & fins.
With everybody's advice, you're good to go and your family is gonna have a blast!
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zforbes
Nomad
Posts: 334
Registered: 4-11-2005
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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Mood: Living the dream
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Anais, bajaboy and family, are leaving San Diego 12/20 for a 2 week trip to Bahia Asuncion. Their 16 month toddler has been going to Baja frequently
since he was a newborn. Why don't you u2u bajaboy for some hints about how they travel? (He's my son and will be glad to share with you.) What Shari
says about passing the baby around is absolutely right. It's a great custom, and it gives mom and dad a break!
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