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Author: Subject: Seattle to Asuncion - fastest route to maximize my baja time
monoloco
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 12:12 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by WideAngleWandering
As always, a diversity of opinions. In summary, the best route is any one of the available routes. :) Keep in mind that I'll be driving an '84 diesel Landcruiser. Slow and steady.

I've considered:


  • I-5 to 395, crossing at Tecate. I like this crossing. A bit concerned about road conditions up north and at high elevation (Willamette Pass, Oregon? Somewhere in California?).
  • I-5 all the way to Tijuana. Cross in San Diego?
  • I-5 to just north of the grapevine, then 210, I15 and I805, crossing at San Ysidro. Never crossed here.


That said, I'm leaning towards the last route for the US leg.

New questions:

  • Can anyone describe where I can park at San Ysidro and find the office for a tourist card? I've never been asked for one in Baja but I'd rather avoid the hassle and just have it on hand.
  • Will that office giving out tourist cards on weekends?
  • What is a realistic drive time from San Ysidro to San Quintin?


[Edited on 2014-2-24 by WideAngleWandering]
I 84 to 197 to 97 to 31 to 395. Great drive little traffic.



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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 12:22 PM


The tourist card, called an FMM, is available at the offices to the right as soon as you cross the border. Be sure to drive cross in the right lane. The office is open 7 days a week. Not sure about the bank to pay the fee at, that seems to vary.




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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 12:29 PM


don't forget to wave as you pass thru ensenada!:lol:

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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 12:47 PM


I wonder if it might be faster right now to go via Lancaster, Palm Desert, Mexicali and San Felipe, given the traffic in LA/San Diego as well as the toll road collapse near Ensenada. We did this route in January and I was surprised how quick it was.
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 12:55 PM


The simpler and more direct the route, the less chance there is of missing a turn. I lived in the high Eastern Sierra for several years. I did NOT like WALKER CANYON, CONWAY SUMMIT and from the south junction the June lake loop, over the top of DEADMAN'S PASS until descending the grade toward BISHOP at Tom's Place.

When District 9 plows 395 it is to remove snow and spread cinders. A layer of compacted snow remains. When a long period of blue skies is forecast a motor grader is used to PEEL ICE, after which I used to increase speed to something approaching "normal".

The route is beautiful when there is no snow. November through March usually.

The highways from Vizcaino to Bahia Asuncion are great for the present. High speed - near as I can figure about a half hour faster than what they were 2-years ago.

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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 12:57 PM
No worries


Toll road collapse north of Ensenada is a non-player in regards to time/traffic.

Been over that route several times at different times of day and at most a 15-25 minute add to trip


Quote:
Originally posted by chavycha
I wonder if it might be faster right now to go via Lancaster, Palm Desert, Mexicali and San Felipe, given the traffic in LA/San Diego as well as the toll road collapse near Ensenada. We did this route in January and I was surprised how quick it was.




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monoloco
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 01:28 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
The simpler and more direct the route, the less chance there is of missing a turn. I lived in the high Eastern Sierra for several years. I did NOT like WALKER CANYON, CONWAY SUMMIT and from the south junction the June lake loop, over the top of DEADMAN'S PASS until descending the grade toward BISHOP at Tom's Place.

When District 9 plows 395 it is to remove snow and spread cinders. A layer of compacted snow remains. When a long period of blue skies is forecast a motor grader is used to PEEL ICE, after which I used to increase speed to something approaching "normal".

The route is beautiful when there is no snow. November through March usually.

The highways from Vizcaino to Bahia Asuncion are great for the present. High speed - near as I can figure about a half hour faster than what they were 2-years ago.

Que le Vaya Bien
I have had a couple of friends tell me that it was much quicker taking the San Felipe to Gonzaga road and cutting over to Chapala to miss all the traffic between Ensenada and San Quintin.



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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 01:47 PM


I've driven from Gonzaga to Chapal a few times - that's a long rugged drive.

Given that the road from San Felipe to Gonzaga is now fully paved, what would you say is the drive time from San Felipe to Asuncion via Gonzaga/Chapala?




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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 01:55 PM


I-5 will beat 395 anytime, just let the hammer down and try not to get run over. Lived alongside 395 for a while. It's scenic. If you're in a hurry, I-5. Better have a rig that can go 75 mph+ or you're gonna be a traffic hazard.:biggrin:
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 02:00 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by WideAngleWandering
I've driven from Gonzaga to Chapal a few times - that's a long rugged drive.

Given that the road from San Felipe to Gonzaga is now fully paved, what would you say is the drive time from San Felipe to Asuncion via Gonzaga/Chapala?
I don't know, but my neighbor left La Paz, driving a Ford van, at 6am and was in SF just after dark. It would be pretty hard to pull that off on Mex 1.



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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 02:07 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Been over that route several times at different times of day and at most a 15-25 minute add to trip


Good to know, thanks!
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 02:12 PM
However


YMMV........

Quote:
Originally posted by chavycha
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Been over that route several times at different times of day and at most a 15-25 minute add to trip


Good to know, thanks!




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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 03:01 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by chavycha
I wonder if it might be faster right now to go via Lancaster, Palm Desert, Mexicali and San Felipe, given the traffic in LA/San Diego as well as the toll road collapse near Ensenada. We did this route in January and I was surprised how quick it was.


That would be a mistake.

It would be a mistake north of the border and a mistake south of the border. If timed properly the I5 is the fastest way to the border. You proposed route will also consume time south of the border routing back to hwy 1. That will add more than an hour to your drive. Don't even think about driving down hwy 3 and to Chapalla. Your dentures will fall out trying to do that dirt road in an hour.
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 03:21 PM


REWARD OFFERED. A Twin Pack of Acetaminophen (Kirkland Signature) 1,000 count, and when you get to B.A. pesos, and a free shrimp dinner and beer. I use six tablets a day and the Alka-Seltzer size Mexican "Tylenol" and choked and gagged me to distraction. The COSTCO pills slide down easy.

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monoloco
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 03:29 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
REWARD OFFERED. A Twin Pack of Acetaminophen (Kirkland Signature) 1,000 count, and when you get to B.A. pesos, and a free shrimp dinner and beer. I use six tablets a day and the Alka-Seltzer size Mexican "Tylenol" and choked and gagged me to distraction. The COSTCO pills slide down easy.

You'll find me in the MIRAMAR MARKET in the rear in the housewares section.
If you have never done so, research acetaminophen side effects, then read up on turmeric extract.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/2...




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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 03:39 PM


Given the gigantic rainstorm over the LA area this Friday, should I alter my route?

I don't like the idea of I-5 in heavy rain around populated areas (possible traffic nightmare) or crossing over the Sierras to I-395 (winter snow fall?).

I'm still thinking I'll stay on I-5 until just north of LA, and then focus on cutting over and around to San Ysidro.




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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 03:58 PM


Not much of alternative. Rain on I-5, possibly snow on 395 and the several passes. Rain is a lot easier to deal with than snow.

Before you go, replace you wiper blades and apply Rain-X to all of your windows:

http://www.rainx.com/product/glass-and-cleaners/rainx-origin...

I would stick with the I-5, then hit the 210 east.....follow the route I sent you in your u2u box

Quote:
Originally posted by WideAngleWandering
Given the gigantic rainstorm over the LA area this Friday, should I alter my route?

I don't like the idea of I-5 in heavy rain around populated areas (possible traffic nightmare) or crossing over the Sierras to I-395 (winter snow fall?).

I'm still thinking I'll stay on I-5 until just north of LA, and then focus on cutting over and around to San Ysidro.




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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 04:18 PM


stick to I5,
and dont forget to stop at Dewar's in Bakersfield for a box of taffy (peanut butter, of course), and an ice cream at the bar.
never pass B'filed w/o stopping at Dewar's, most important stop in the central valley

ya know, with your speed limited vehicle, you should take the 99 thru central valley,... another route for you to consider,...
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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 06:21 PM


I usually do follow the 99 south from Sacramento unless I'm heading for San Diego, so probalby will this time as well. Just need to plot out the details of how I'll get from the 99 to San Ysidro.



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[*] posted on 2-24-2014 at 06:44 PM


99 runs into the 5, and the rest is just your choice of all the branches going through la la land. (Bakersdiego) I went I-5 last time, then Tecate, and feel that I wasted a lot of time not just going San Isidro.

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