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woody with a view
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Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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border to el rosario is 5 hours without a trailer. if you leave home at 4am it is an easy drive. baja cactus has secure parking for your rig and the
recent problem in town won't be an issue. lightning NEVER strikes twice, right? i would think mulege is another easy day if you eat breakie and hit
the road by 7-8am, although missing san ignacio would be a drag. i think your first day to chulajuana is throwing a wrench into the works if you can
hit the border around 6am push through to ER....
edit: 7-
[Edited on 12-3-2008 by woody in ob]
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
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El Rosario would be a good choice for the first day all things considered, then San Ignacio for the second stop or, if you have the time/daylight
(another hour+-) and you can be in Santa Rosalia. That would shorten up the third day.
In Santa Rosalia try El Morro, around $40, with a walled in parking lot. Someone else can comment on the pet policy, I don't remember if they are
allowed.
Shari, do you remember if they allow pets?
Ken
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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| Quote: | Originally posted by socalrat
| Quote: | Originally posted by Diver
I like your new plan;
El Rosario or Catavinia,
Mulege or Loreto,
Barriles.
Now what type of lodging are you looking for ?
BajaCactus in El Rosario is clean and very nice for around $35
The Desert Inn in Catavinia is about double that and not so nice
The other place in Catavinia is VERY basic
Others can probably give you good recommendations for lodging in Mulege or Loreto based on a description of what you're looking for.
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Two things I think; "clean and comfortable", and "allows dogs"
It sounds like I don't have much choice in Cantavia - just Desert Inn? Would rather not stop in El Rosario for two reasons; want to get farther into
Baja on the first day, if possible and am just a little bit skittish about being in a real small town which recently had a narco-murder. Feel safer
farther south (as silly as that sounds)
Mulege has a few nice motels, no? and Loreto is a bigger town/small city,? Any suggestions? (I'll also look at some Baja websites)
Thanks again!
gb3 |
If you're willing to stay a night in your airstream then Catavina would be better than El Rosario. Stay at Rancho St Inez. Your day 2 is too long and
day 1 is only 5-6 hours. Add 2 hours to day 1 and subtract them from day 2. Your overall experience will be better. Rancho St Inez campground is $5
and the ranch food is good. Get up early and hike around the boulder fields. Exploring that area is a must for every baja traveler. Don't buzz
through. Trust me. You'll see.
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
border to el rosario is 5 hours without a trailer. if you leave home at 4am it is an easy drive. baja cactus has secure parking for your rig and the
recent problem in town won't be an issue. lightning NEVER strikes twice, right?
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Okay - looking more and more like David K's original suggested route. Anyone know if BajaCactus has a Pets in the Room Policy?
| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
i would think mulege is another easy day if you eat breakie and hit the road by 7-8am, although missing san ignacio would be a drag. i think your
first day to chulajuana is throwing a wrench into the works if you can hit the border around 6am push through to ER....
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
i would think mulege is another easy day if you eat breakie and hit the road by 7-8am, although missing san ignacio would be a drag.
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I'm thinking San Ignacio would be the Day Two stop. Been emailing Terry and with everything I've read, it sounds like it is certainly worth the
stop-over. Just makes the last days a loong drive, compared to the first two...
Thinking out of San Ignacio in the pre-dawn will get me to Los Barriles by late dusk. Sound right?
| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
...clip...i think your first day to chulajuana is throwing a wrench into the works if you can hit the border around 6am push through to ER....
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I'm not sure I understand this part of your post. The plan is to leave Los Angeles on Dec 11th, get down to Chula Vista, leave Chula Vista in
pre-dawn and cross the border in San Ysidro and finish the day in El Rosario. I would hope to be near Rosarito by 5:30
gb3
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 11-15-2004
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"Thinking out of San Ignacio in the pre-dawn will get me to Los Barriles by late dusk. Sound right?"
And miss their breakfast ????  
That's the only problem with that scenario !! 
Maybe they'll prepare you a basket to go ??
And yes, BajaCactus takes dogs but asks you to keep them off the beds.
They even take reservations by email.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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i assumed you were going to drive from LA to chula and overnight. if not, then have fun.
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
If you're willing to stay a night in your airstream then Catavina would be better than El Rosario. Stay at Rancho St Inez. Your day 2 is too long and
day 1 is only 5-6 hours. Add 2 hours to day 1 and subtract them from day 2. Your overall experience will be better. Rancho St Inez campground is $5
and the ranch food is good.
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I think I have to agree, the first day is too short. But Day Two is just about right. Much more worried about Day Three and ~450 miles.
The problem is with staying in the AirStream. The current plan is to pack things like some bicycles, the dog's kennel and other miscellaneous stuff
into the trailer for the trip down. An overnight sleeping in the Great Aluminum Wonder would mean unpacking then repacking all that gear for 7 hours
of sleep. Another thought - I know I don't need to unhook the trailer for just an overnight, but do I need to extend the leveler jacks? (trailer
newbie too)
| Quote: | Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Get up early and hike around the boulder fields. Exploring that area is a must for every baja traveler. Don't buzz through. Trust me. You'll see.
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Not really interested in any side trips - wife just wants to get to the final destination and 'start' the vacation. It's not about the journey, it's
about the destination, for her.
Want about Punta Prieta; anything there? May just have to 'suffer' and do Desert Inn in Cantavina, but that still leaves a 12+ hour day getting from
San Ignacio to Los Barriles; maybe I DO need to skip San Ignacio and push through to Mulege.
Any lodging suggestions for Mulege?
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
i assumed you were going to drive from LA to chula and overnight. if not, then have fun. |
No, no, you're correct. I think I was a little confused with the abbreviations.
Apologies,
gb3
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64852
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Yes, a pet can stay in your room at Baja Cactus if it stays off the bed! Any problems from the staff, ask for 'Antonio'... he is always reachable on
Nextel, even when he's in Tijuana... Tell him you are a Baja Nomad (he is as well) and David K (and others) said a pet in the room that behaves and
stays on the floor would be fine.
I thought you had kids, that's why I thought you wanted a motel room instead of staying in the trailer, on the way down... The desert is still great
in Baja Norte... worth seeing.
Rancho Santa Ynez (Ines) was once a great place to park your RV for the night or stay in their comfy bunk house... Word is that is no more... not even
serving food at the cantina...? It is one mile south of Cataviña, and one mile in on a paved driveway... A historic checkpoint in the old Baja dirt
road days and the original Baja 500 and 1000 races before the highway, and a few times since.
Gasoline out of the cans is fine... they get their gas from the same Pemex you will use... they add about a dollar per gallon for the service of
having it where there is no station anymore (in front of the closed up Pemex stations built when the highway was completed). I have used them several
times in my new Tacomas... no problems.
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Diver
"Thinking out of San Ignacio in the pre-dawn will get me to Los Barriles by late dusk. Sound right?"
And miss their breakfast ????
That's the only problem with that scenario !!
Maybe they'll prepare you a basket to go ??
And yes, BajaCactus takes dogs but asks you to keep them off the beds.
They even take reservations by email. |
Yeah, I thought about that. Was wondering about that, but me needing to leave at o:dark:30 isn't their problem,. Maybe I can substitute the
wonderful dinners everyone talks about?
great news about the hotel. the dog has her own bed, so that's not an issue.
thanks again.
gb3
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by tripledigitken
El Rosario would be a good choice for the first day all things considered, then San Ignacio for the second stop or, if you have the time/daylight
(another hour+-) and you can be in Santa Rosalia. That would shorten up the third day.
In Santa Rosalia try El Morro, around $40, with a walled in parking lot. Someone else can comment on the pet policy, I don't remember if they are
allowed.
Shari, do you remember if they allow pets?
Ken |
Looking more and more like I should skip San Ignacio and head all the way to Mulege for overnight on Day Two...
thank for the suggestion, Ken...
gb3
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Yes, a pet can stay in your room at Baja Cactus if it stays off the bed! Any problems from the staff, ask for 'Antonio'... he is always reachable on
Nextel, even when he's in Tijuana... Tell him you are a Baja Nomad (he is as well) and David K (and others) said a pet in the room that behaves and
stays on the floor would be fine.
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Okay...sounds like El Rosario will definitely be the stopover for Day One. I'll find/ping them via the web for a reservation. Thanks for the
suggestions on lodging.
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
I thought you had kids, that's why I thought you wanted a motel room instead of staying in the trailer, on the way down... The desert is still great
in Baja Norte... worth seeing.
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None that I know of.....
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Rancho Santa Ynez (Ines) was once a great place to park your RV for the night or stay in their comfy bunk house... Word is that is no more... not even
serving food at the cantina...? It is one mile south of Cataviña, and one mile in on a paved driveway... A historic checkpoint in the old Baja dirt
road days and the original Baja 500 and 1000 races before the highway, and a few times since.
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So, sounds like this isn't even an option. a bit sad....
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Gasoline out of the cans is fine... they get their gas from the same Pemex you will use... they add about a dollar per gallon for the service of
having it where there is no station anymore (in front of the closed up Pemex stations built when the highway was completed). I have used them several
times in my new Tacomas... no problems. |
Okay - well, that's a better option that trying to find gerry/jerry cans, since the AQMD has made them impossible to find here in Los Angeles...never
mind figuring out a rack...
thanks gain David...I appreciate the help from you and everyone on this trip planning.
Now, I think I need to find a place to stay in mulege...
gb3
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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somewhere around here? bahia conception.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18383
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by socalrat
The auxiliary lighting on the truck is just so we can drive late dawn and early dusk. |
| Quote: | Originally posted by socalrat
I did drive from Mexicali to San Felipe most of the way in the dark last December and it was a bit nerve-wracking...but that was with stock lighting
(and was caused by not making the kind of time I expected to make...)
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Slow down, socalrat, and save the auxilary lights for your high speed offroad racing sans trailer. I drive paved roads at night in Baja and many
other places with normal stock lighting and the stock lights are fine for the safe speeds you should be driving at night with a trailer in tow.
If you think auxilary lighting is necesssary to drive a paved road at night, then you need to let someone who is not blind do the driving. If you
think you can tow a trailer at 70 MPH in dark just because you got high beams on, you are nuts. The cows on the side of the road are visible only at
last minute when they wander out from behind the brush -- your auxilary lights won't allow you to see cows any earlier than normal lights. Your
auxilary lights will make for quite a light show as you collide with the cow that suddenly steps out from behind the bush you lit up so well.
When the sun goes down, you should drop your speed, regardless of the auxilary lights you will have on to blind the oncoming drivers.
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
Slow down, socalrat, and save the auxilary lights for your high speed offroad racing sans trailer. I drive paved roads at night in Baja and many
other places with normal stock lighting and the stock lights are fine for the safe speeds you should be driving at night with a trailer in tow.
If you think auxilary lighting is necesssary to drive a paved road at night, then you need to let someone who is not blind do the driving. If you
think you can tow a trailer at 70 MPH in dark just because you got high beams on, you are nuts. The cows on the side of the road are visible only at
last minute when they wander out from behind the brush -- your auxilary lights won't allow you to see cows any earlier than normal lights. Your
auxilary lights will make for quite a light show as you collide with the cow that suddenly steps out from behind the bush you lit up so well.
When the sun goes down, you should drop your speed, regardless of the auxilary lights you will have on to blind the oncoming drivers.
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Thanks for the help. The sarcasm is especially appreciated.
No intentions of driving 70 mph towing the trailer on Highway 1, even during daylight. No intention of driving past dusk or before dawn, at least not
if the trip goes according to plan. And I learned how to use the low beam switch for oncoming traffic back when I was 16.
The lights are just as much for off-road TRAIL DRIVING as they are for safe and sane driving in areas where there stock lighting could use a little
help. Like the middle of the Baja Penisula at 5:30 at night
If you read the whole thread, you would have seen the original idea of making the drive in two long days had been adjusted. Probably have little use
for the lighting based on the new schedule. So you won't have to worry about me blinding you with my aux lights.
gb3 <---no off-road racing, just night time driving.
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Wiles
Nomad
Posts: 337
Registered: 10-1-2006
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Socalrat
Planning and travel itineraries are a good thing. All replies posted thus far are right on the money (IMHO). The only thing I might add is keep in
mind that your trip plan is a guideline, not a mandate. Often times the best of plans go flying out the window and land on the thorns of a roadside
cactus. After all, it is Baja. There are too many variables that can alter or completely change your itinerary, things you might never of planned
for. Broken lug as a result of a flat tire, engine trouble, NO gas, NO electricity to pump the gas, road delays, closed restaurants or hotels (that
were open the previous day). It’s all good, you’ll be on your way soon.
My recommendations are simple.
1. Note the distances and estimated travel times between towns/stops on your map.
2. Review the distance/time to the next town/stop before you leave current town/stop. Check your watch.
3. Top off your fuel tank at EVERY opportunity . Carry 5 gal emergency fuel. If you don’t use it, you might make a life long friend helping someone
else stranded along the way.
4. If you do not know Spanish, a simple question to ask the gas station attendant is
“tu sabes si hay gasoline en (next town)? Estas seguro?
Do you know if there is gas in (next town) ? Are you sure?
They will most likely say ‘si’ whether they really know or not, but it can ease any worry (for awhile, anyway ).
5. Make friends with all other travelers you meet. It’s the best source to find out what might await you on down the road.
6. There are always good food stops within walking distance of most every fuel stop.
7. Early starts usually make for a less stressful day.
8. Remember, your itinerary is a guideline and not a mandate. Don’t push yourself.
If you try to bite off more than what you can chew, you might get bit back…..hard.
Have a great trip. Can’t wait to see your trip report and pictures.
p.s. Watch out for those darn bicyclists hiding on the blind curves.
.
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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Thanks Wiles. All good advice, some of it common sense, some of it not so obvious.
Certainly understand the need to be flexible on the schedule too.
Hadn't even considered the 'friend in need' scenario for the gas can.
Will find a gerry can this weekend.
RE: Bikes - I think that's a hook into another thread, but on a serious note, wasn't a bicyclist killed near Rosarita one year pre-running the
Rosarita - Ensenada ride in the middle of the night some years back?
Have lots of pictures of San Felipe...except for that time I got the FJ stuck in the sand...forget the camera that morning.
thanks again...
gb3
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8946
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
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Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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| Quote: | | Originally posted by socalratThe 200 mile stretch between Pemex stations has me a little worried; Buying gas from guys with barrels sounds
like an invitation for contaminated gas. Anyone have experience with this? |
During Baja Grande last week, I spoke with the gentleman selling gasoline from Gerry Cans across the street from the Desert Inn in Cataviña. The cans
looked well-used, but served their purpose well. I doubt the gasoline is contaminated, unless these metal cans contain rust in the bottom. The
nozzle for the cans should contain a screen to keep rust from entering your gas tank. You could also use a rag as a precaution.
The elderly man is outdoors at the row of speedbumps as you enter Cataviña on your left (east side) of the street -- DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY. This
is 72 miles from El Rosario. I believe with an extra 10 gallons of gasoline (CASH ONLY), you will be all set/ready to roll until you make it to Jesus
Maria (Jesus Mary). Avoid Guerrero Negro because, last week, there was only 1 Pemex station open in town, and a looong line of patrons - which would
delay your arrival to your next stop. Jesus Maria is fast, the Tamale Shop next door to the Pemex is also fast, and you can gas up again in San
Ignacio as well.
There is a small Restaurante just south of the Pemex there where you can eat home made Tamales - which are good, filling, and safe. I ate 5 tamales
(chicken), and I wished I had more. Excellent fast food which will cover you until you reach San Ignacio or Santa Rosalita. Have fun...Baja awaits!
[Edited on 12-4-2008 by Ken Cooke]
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socalrat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 83
Registered: 8-16-2008
Location: South Bay, LA
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EXACTLY the kind of advice you'll never find in a guide book, on a Navi system, or even on a static website!
Thanks so much Ken!
Just need to make reservations...and maybe delete the original Banzai caravan request and post the new route/schedule.
again, thanks to everyone who offered advice and constructive criticism. I'm sure it will be safer and more enjoyable trip.
warmest regards,
gb3
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8946
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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| Quote: | Originally posted by socalrat
EXACTLY the kind of advice you'll never find in a guide book, on a Navi system, or even on a static website!
Thanks so much Ken!
Just need to make reservations...and maybe delete the original Banzai caravan request and post the new route/schedule. |
If you get hungry in Cataviña, the only place for REAL FOOD is at the Desert Inn. You'll see cheap people stumble across the street to the restaurant
that reads 'RESTAURANT' on the left side of the street across from the Desert Inn in search of some way to save a buck, but the restrooms there are
sick, you have to wash your hands out of a pool of polluted water about waist high, and the beans are made w/lard & the food covered in butter.
Not exactly low in cholesterol.
You'll pay about $12 per person for your meal at the Desert Inn, but walk away feeling that Baja feeling in your tummy. Go to the other place, and
you'll be reminding your wife where you stopped...(phew!)
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