freshwater
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 12-1-2004
Location: CA
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Baja before my toes freeze!
I want to make my first trip to Baja. Want to head down about Dec. 15 or after. After reading many posts, I'd like to follow someone so that at least
there are two vehicles. I'm not a leech and am fine with not even camping near the other. I just want some sense of what it's like, and not meeting
one of these check-points in the middle of nowhere. It seems it would be better to go through these with at least one other friend vehicle. Also in
case of a breack down.
I'm a friendly person witha small dog but I'd respect some other individual/group if they like to keep to themselves.
Is there a place just over the MX border where people meet and decide to travel together?
Thanks,
Lee
http://freshxwater.tripod.com/
[Edited on 12-2-2004 by freshwater]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64867
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Hi Lee, this is mostly a friendly group and you will likely be welcomed to join anyone heading south. The important thing we need to know is what
vehicle do you drive and if it a 4WD, are you willing to use it?
Here is last February's Nomad group tour from Nuevo Mazatlan to Shell Island, Matomi Canyon Oasis, & the sulfur mine: http://vivabaja.com/204
In April, some of us Nomads met in Parral canyon and explored more... http://vivabaja.com/404
In August, BajaCactus had a 'Cultural Fiesta' for the Nomads at Tijuana's CECUT and PalmAzul restaurant, it was awesome!: http://vivabaja.com/fiesta
All three were announced here on Nomad.
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3826
Registered: 2-9-2004
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You might want to consider traveling by bus. Board in Tijuana and go to Loreto or Mulege for a few days. Lots to do without a car in both those
locations, or rent a car in Loreto. Less risk and expense too.
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freshwater
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 12-1-2004
Location: CA
Member Is Offline
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I have a non-4wd. I've got what they call a mini-SUV. Actually a station wagon type. Toyota Matrix 04. It works perfect in the US. My dog and I sleep
in the back.
I've ridden dirt bikes/enduros all my life. But my life is really changed with my dog cause I don't like to go anywhere without him. I was wondering
about pulling a dirt bike trailer but I think the first time I'll just have the car. So you mean for some groups one needs 4WD to access the
locations? Or you are a group which 4WD a lot? I was in a dirt bike club in Los Altos and had a lot of fun.
I have a dog who is my first priorty so I don't think I can take him on the public buses in MX?
I want to drive my car. I just don't want to be alone going through one of these checkpoints. I really think there is a difference between one single
guy at a lonely checkpoint compared to 3-4 retired Boeing engineer couples with grand children. I think it would be so easy for me, being alone, to
be accused of something. (I'm just assuming this from all the posts I've read about MX. I'm not paranoid! I'm used to Asia which is competely safe for
even single women to be travelling even the most remote locations. (Except the PI.)
Besides sports, joking, thirst of knowledge, I'm kinda boring cause I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, or dance.
[Edited on 12-2-2004 by freshwater]
[Edited on 12-2-2004 by freshwater]
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freshwater
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 12-1-2004
Location: CA
Member Is Offline
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David K
your picture links are great! I'm all the more sure that I wouldn't want to break down alone out there!!!
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4863
Registered: 2-2-2003
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You don't need 4wd
to get to most places in Baja. If you want to go places where you need 4wd, it is up to you.
4 your 1st visit to Baja, you probably want to go to places like Bahia de los Angeles, Bahia San Luis Gonzaga, San Ignacio, Mulege and places where
you will be around english speaking people.
If you speak Spanish, avoid those places at all costs There are much
better things to see!
Keep an eye on this board and see when someone is driving down around then if you feel you want companionship.
If you go to the places I originally recommended, you will have no problem as far as being alone. You won't be for long.
As long as you don't have drugs, carry any weapons and can look people straight in the eye, (like the soldiers) and smile and be friendly, you don't
have a worry in the world.
Eat at taco stands, drink Pacifico for breakfast, and catch youself some clams to eat on the spot. That's Baja !!
For another side to Baja, http://groups.msn.com/TheBajasBestGuidesPhotoAlbum
[Edited on 12/2/2004 by jrbaja]
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
Member Is Offline
Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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If you leave your Bike behind you will be really sorry when you get here. leave the car ,leave the wife leave the dog anything but the bike .
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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freshie-
like jr said, there are no worries about "checkpoints". the only spanish you'll need at one is "vacation"
you don't say what you're hoping to do/see/explore etc...so it's hard to offer any opinions as to where you may find such things.
GENERALLY speaking, the pacific side is cold and desolate. mainly fish camps and surfers. the gulf side is warmer and more developed. mostly
retirees, fisher-people and vacationers galore!
so, whaddaya ya wanna do?
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Mexray
Super Nomad
Posts: 1016
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: California Delta
Member Is Offline
Mood: Baja Time
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No Problemo.....
checkpoints are a breeze...with all your camping gear in view, just tell them 'vacation' as mentioned above...also, with your dog in the vehicle, they
usually don't want to mess with you anyway...inless it's a Teacup Chichaua...
They usually just wave you through on the way south. On your way back north, they will stop you and ask where you've been, and may want to look at
some of your stuff. I always get a kick of their usual question, "Do you have any guns or drugs?" Just keep your doors locked, and only open one
at a time to show your stuff as you stand there - don't let them distract you, use common sense, etc. It's really no big deal! We've never had
problems - don't carry illegal stuff with you, and you won't have problems. A smile goes a long way to speed things along, as has been said!
The journey is always one the best parts of our trips to/from the Mulege area...we always try to stop at different places, visit new shops and places
to eat. Adventure is where you try and find it...enjoy the trip.
According to my clock...anytime is \'BAJA TIME\' & as Jimmy Buffett says,
\"It doesn\'t use numbers or moving hands It always just says now...\"
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freshwater
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 12-1-2004
Location: CA
Member Is Offline
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Do you guys get an International DL or use you states DL?
I really don't like new US vehicles cause you can't turn off the headlights.
Then all I'll need to do is pick the insurance company.
I'm going on a two week vacation. I'll check back later. Thanks for everyone who posted! I'll check back later after I'm back in CA. Then it's off to
Baja! I sure wish I got that shortie wet suit in Costco last summer! I'll bring my body board.
[Edited on 12-3-2004 by freshwater]
[Edited on 12-3-2004 by freshwater]
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Debra
Super Nomad
Posts: 2101
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
Member Is Offline
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Freshwater.....
As a woman who travels in Baja alone alot (and with small child) I can tell you you'll have no worries....as long as you pay attention, use common
sence (if you speak Spanish, pretend you don't) and as Mexray advises "only open one door at a time" for inspection. Most of all have fun and relax.
Try www.Lewis&Lewis.com (they can Fax it to you) for insurance. Remember also, rule of thumb is, if you are needing ins. for 2wks. it generally
costs the same for a 1yr. policy.
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