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Utahchic
Newbie
Posts: 5
Registered: 1-21-2012
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Baja Newbie with Airstream
Hi! I am considering a trip to Baja Mexico for my maiden voyage with my new trailer.
I'd like all the "need" to know information.
I came across Mike Church's book. The last edition was 2009, have there been many changes?
My biggest concern is safety, both personal and property. I haven't come across any posts about recent (2012) safety information. I did read NOT to
drive at night, but any other tips would be much appreciated!
Also, what is the best area or towns to visit?
TIA
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
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Get insurance. Go to anywhere south of El Rosario.
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Spearo
Nomad
Posts: 153
Registered: 11-30-2010
Location: Moscow, Idaho and Pescadero, BCS
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There are lots of past threads covering things to bring and safety. Use the search option on the site to find them.
Bring two spares for the trailer and an air compressor, full tool kit and an open mind. As a rule people (both Mexicans and gringos) are very
helpful. A little spanish goes a long way.
Towing on Mex 1 is definitely challenging and a little unnerving. The road is narrow with no shoulder in a lot of places. Your outside trailer wheel
will be on the white line most of the time. If the trailer is new to you I would recommend pulling it on some narrow winding roads near home until
you learn exactly where it is behind you. Baja is not the place to get to know your trailer. You will see Mexican semis driving in ways that would
land you in jail in the states.
Were it not for the abdomen, man would easily reckon himself a god.
Friedrich Nietzsche
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BajaRat
Super Nomad
Posts: 1304
Registered: 3-2-2010
Location: SW Four Corners / Bahia Asuncion BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Ready for some salt water with my Tecate
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Check out some of the past forums on this site, gleen the info that interests you. Though the trans peninsular hwy has seen much improvement its still
full of sudden curves, domestic and wildlife.Trucks and oncoming traffic often cross the center at the most inconvenient time. Take your time, enjoy
the ride.
[Edited on 1-22-2012 by BajaRat]
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Utahchic
Newbie
Posts: 5
Registered: 1-21-2012
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Thank you Spearo & BajaRat, very useful info. Ateo where do I get the insurance? For health and vehicles?
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Spearo
Nomad
Posts: 153
Registered: 11-30-2010
Location: Moscow, Idaho and Pescadero, BCS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Utahchic
Thank you Spearo & BajaRat, very useful info. Ateo where do I get the insurance? For health and vehicles? |
I get my auto insurance through Vagabundos del Mar travel club. There are lots of options but Vags has good insurance at great rates.
Were it not for the abdomen, man would easily reckon himself a god.
Friedrich Nietzsche
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
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I do bajabound. All online.....not sure about medical though.....
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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http://vagabundos.com/ we got them too. There is a club membership fee...cheap.
Towing a trailer can be hair raising. I have to assume that you are going down the pacific side. Yes indeed that road gets real narrow! You must be
calm, alert.....while driving it. I swear that lane is 6 feet wide and my RV is 7 feet wide! Over statement...but done to give you an idea how tight
that road is.
Obey the speed laws.....understand that if you are pull over for a speeding ticket...that fine must be paid for....on the spot...at the police
Station. Officers are NOT allowed to take the fine! Also...if you get in a wreck...both parties go to the police station to clear things up...so dont
freak out :-)
Bay of Los Angeles is fantastic.....as well as the rest of Baja.
Have fun.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
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If someone knows about medical coverage for 1-2 weeks let me know.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
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What do you like to do? Kayak, surf, camp, swim, scuba, swim, read, historical places, strip bars, bars, mountains, dirt, snow, or ??
All depends on where we recommend you go. No skiing like Utah though. 
Definitely recommend searching the nomad archives.
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Utahchic
Newbie
Posts: 5
Registered: 1-21-2012
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| Quote: | Originally posted by ateo
What do you like to do? Kayak, surf, camp, swim, scuba, swim, read, historical places, strip bars, bars, mountains, dirt, snow, or ??
All depends on where we recommend you go. No skiing like Utah though.
Definitely recommend searching the nomad archives. |
Ha! I love to Kayak, I've been twice so need easy paddling suggestions. What about rentals?
Fishing! My brother would love some suggestions.
RV campsites.
Historical places.
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Utahchic
Newbie
Posts: 5
Registered: 1-21-2012
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Staring to wonder if it is a good idea to take the trailer down there for the first trip
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Utahchic
Staring to wonder if it is a good idea to take the trailer down there for the first trip |
You're intuition is spot on. Leave it home and take it easy. Come back later with the trailer.
Having said that, if you know what you're doing, don't always trust the advice on this forum. People can sometimes be overly cautious. Know your
capabilities.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13238
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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welcome to the site utahchic !!
how much time do you have ? a couple of musts:
el rosario to see mama espinoza's restaurant. it is a piece of history. you should gas up here since there's a looooooooooong way to the next
official gas station.
bahia asuncion since it is really pretty. lots of options for places to stay. surfing if you are into that.
la bocana because we live here and it is also VERY pretty.
san ignacio to see the whales up close and personal. Go visit CASA LEREE and talk to owner Juanita. She is American so Spanish is no issue. There
is a museum there (free) and she has plenty of Baja books for sale.
santa rosalia since eiffel designed the church there - the architecture is french colonial.
mulege - just a neat place - tons of restaurants to eat at - stores to buy things at
bahia concepcion has the most beautiful beaches maybe in the world - nice place to swim. absolutely gorgeous.
Next - Loreto is one of my personal fav places. the walkway with the stores is fantastic.
someone else will have to give you specifics on where to park your vehicle !
Have fun !!
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
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No waves kayaking and fishing should lead you to the sea of Cortez side. Warm water. Maybe somewhere south of Mulege. Lots of pristine, quiet
coves.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
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I second BajaBlancas post. Take notes on what she said. Santa Rosalia is awesome. If it was me I'd head to the pacific side, but that's my personal
preference. You need to hit up both coasts for a balanced Baja trip. Then you'll know where you want to go next time.
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Utahchic
Newbie
Posts: 5
Registered: 1-21-2012
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaBlanca
welcome to the site utahchic !!
how much time do you have ? a couple of musts:
el rosario to see mama espinoza's restaurant. it is a piece of history. you should gas up here since there's a looooooooooong way to the next
official gas station.
bahia asuncion since it is really pretty. lots of options for places to stay. surfing if you are into that.
la bocana because we live here and it is also VERY pretty.
san ignacio to see the whales up close and personal. Go visit CASA LEREE and talk to owner Juanita. She is American so Spanish is no issue. There
is a museum there (free) and she has plenty of Baja books for sale.
santa rosalia since eiffel designed the church there - the architecture is french colonial.
mulege - just a neat place - tons of restaurants to eat at - stores to buy things at
bahia concepcion has the most beautiful beaches maybe in the world - nice place to swim. absolutely gorgeous.
Next - Loreto is one of my personal fav places. the walkway with the stores is fantastic.
someone else will have to give you specifics on where to park your vehicle !
Have fun !! |
Great stuff! Thank you. We have all the time in the world. I am just worried about the roads with my vehicles, might be too stressful.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5918
Registered: 7-18-2011
Member Is Offline
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What's your normal vehicle? Truck? Air down, and take it easy. You'll be fine.
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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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| Quote: | Originally posted by Utahchic
I am just worried about the roads with my vehicles, might be too stressful. |
stay home.... it's less stressful there, i'm sure!
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Mulegena
Super Nomad
Posts: 2412
Registered: 11-7-2006
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| Quote: | | Quote: | | Originally posted by Utahchic |
Ha! I love to Kayak, I've been twice so need easy paddling suggestions. What about rentals?
Fishing! My brother would love some suggestions.
RV campsites.
Historical places. |
You can camp and/or rent a trailer spot in Huerta Don Chano in the charming historical
village of Mulege. Its in town on the river, not out on the highway so you can easily walk around the pretty little town and out to the lighthouse.
The beaches south of Mulege in the Bay of Conception are ranked 'way up there among Baja's many treasures. They're a destination in and of themselves,
and yes the kayaking is good to excellent. There is bio-luminescence in the water in these cooler months, so a boat ride at night may be in your
future to experience this marvelous phenomenon.
San Javier, the historical mission and charming village has to be on your list, too. Its 'way'way up in the mountains south of Loreto. You definately
will NOT be taking a trailer up there, but you can spend the day and come back down or rent a charming little room on the plaza.
WhalesWhalesWhales: This time of year they're a "Must Do"
Here's some contact information:
~ Huerta Don Chano, Manuel Romero owner/operator
615-153-0720 (call at night is best; he speaks English)
email: manuel_romero25@yahoo.com.mx
~Ecomundo De Eduardo, Kayaking & water-related tours
located on Playa Burro in the Bay of Conception
email: edsworldmulege@yahoo.com
USA/message: 218-257-4433
~Cave Painting Tour near Mulege
go to Las Casitas Hotel and Restaurant in Mulege
ask for Salvador.
btw, you can stay at Las Casitas in downtown Mulege
its in one of the historical buildings, is beautiful and friendly
and is very reasonably priced
"Raise your words, not your voice. It's rain that grows flowers, not thunder." ~Rumi
"It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." ~ Aristotle
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