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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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here's the tamale spot, AKA Carmelita's. 75 feet south of the pemex in jesus maria. seen here with my back to the pemex and the hiway on the
right.GREAT chicken tamales. grab 10 (they aren't huge) and 2 cokes to go and you'll be set for the rest of the day.
edit: foto
[Edited on 12-4-2008 by woody in ob]
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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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Carmelita is recovering from a sprained ankle, so she is not exactly mobile at the moment. This probably had something to do with our group
purchasing all of the available Chicken Tamales for the day. Hopefully, Carmelita will be recovered by the time you swing into town.
[img]http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?action=attachment&tid=35645&pid=373418[/img]
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marek
Junior Nomad
Posts: 53
Registered: 6-6-2003
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I've driven from Los Barilles to TJ in 2 days. That was 17 years ago when there was way less traffic and I was way bolder on the road. Even then,
the days were long and that was just with 2 young guys traveling. No towing of anything.
I would recommend the following:
Day one - Border to Catavina - Pink motel on East side of highway as you are coming into town is reasonable and decent enough. Breakfast was good
also.
Day two - You need to get to Loreto. Anything less will make day 3 too long. Stop at Carmelitas for Tamales and burritos (great road food) You can
fuel up there and get food at the same time. Saves time on the road.
Day three - Los Barrilles.
Keep in mind, as others have mentioned, that days are shorter this time of year. There are also a lot of checkpoints now that can cost time. In
addition, you will lose more time heading north as the checkpoint inspections seem to be more vigorous for north bound traffic.
There are also a lot of hills and windy roads when driving in Baja. It's not like you just set the cruise control and go. You have to DRIVE,
especially when towing a trailer.
YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE TOWING A TRAILER IN THE DARK ON THE HIGHWAY IN BAJA. I don't care what kind of lights you have. The desert darkness will suck
up the 500w of lighting you have. I run 3 HID lights on the front of my truck and still hate to drive the highway at night. Besides the dreaded
Mexican highway cow has no fear of light. The first one you see distracts you while their wiley compadres dart out from behind the rocks.
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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 marekI would recommend the following:
Day one - Border to Catavina - Pink motel on East side of highway as you are coming into town is reasonable and decent enough. Breakfast was good
also.
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The restaurant is closed. I would avoid it due to the fact that the water is turned off on the property during the day. 
The motel you speak of had no hot water in the motel rooms. This might be a concern for restaurant workers trying to wash their hands before
preparing your food, also.
The motel was rife with c-ckroaches. Unintended guests to return home w/you? 
The motel staff was short-tempered, perhaps due to the poor services available. Lack of water during the day, cold showers, toilets that didn't work
due to lack of water, inability to wash hands, etc.
If you stay in El Rosario instead, you can spend THE EXACTLY SAME AMOUNT OF $$$ (approx. $27.50) and stay in relative LUXURY at Baja Cactus Motel.
Trust me, you'll be so happy you did.
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3824
Registered: 2-9-2004
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"She wants to get to Los Barriles, drop the camper, and really start the vacation."
No reason not to start the vacation when you cross the border. You'll be missing so much by pushing yourself and driving right by some of the best
that Baja offers. You're bringing bikes? Great OFF-ROAD biking en route. Use that Airstream - 2 people unloading a couple bikes isn't that big a
chore, really. Stay at Rcho Sta Inez the first night. Enjoy a bike ride, a hike, a nice meal there. Watch the sunset in the arroyo. Next night San
Ignacio or Mulege. Another bike ride, explore the town. A day at Conception Bay would be memorable. That's a long way south, and it's not an easy
drive, especially pulling a trailer - give yourself a rest. If I may inquire, why Los Barillos? IMO, the town will be very disappointing - many
stores shut down due to lack of tourists, expensive groceries.
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3288
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
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Mood: Tranquilo
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That's sad to hear Ken. We stayed there about a year ago and found it to be pretty good.....as far as remote Baja standards go and keeping in mind
that we don't mind "rustic". The water was so hot that I nearly scalded myself in the shower and I don't remember any bugs, maybe due to the time of
the year.....dt
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by dtbushpilot
That's sad to hear Ken. We stayed there about a year ago and found it to be pretty good.....as far as remote Baja standards go and keeping in mind
that we don't mind "rustic". The water was so hot that I nearly scalded myself in the shower and I don't remember any bugs, maybe due to the time of
the year.....dt |
We also stayed there a few times last year and found it quite acceptable---had to wait a long time for the hot water, but it was REAL hot---don't
think. Room was fine.
One morning we did have the water go out, but just that one morning.
Ken, we hope your experience was not the normal for now. With winter here, usually El Rosario is too soon to stop, and Guerrero Negro is to far at
times, and the Desert Inn (La Pinta) is too expensive.
Did not see any bugs, but don't doubt they were there---have seen them in many hotels in Baja including the La Pinta.
Things, however, can and do change quickly----too bad as it has been a resonable alternative.
Diane
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
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Location: Buena Vista BCS
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I recall that we were there at the same time Diane. Jill and I were taking our blue Jeep Cherokee down to Buena Vista.......dt
[Edited on 12-4-2008 by dtbushpilot]
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by dtbushpilot
I recall that we were there at the same time Diane. Jill and I were taking our blue Jeep Cherokee down to Buena Vista.......dt
[Edited on 12-4-2008 by dtbushpilot] |
Yep---you sure do have a better memory than I do, but now I remember.
Sorry for the small hijack.
But I agree with the people who suggest you enjoy the trip down. So much to see and enjoy.
JMHO
Diane
[Edited on 12-4-2008 by jdtrotter]
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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 wilderone
"She wants to get to Los Barriles, drop the camper, and really start the vacation."
If I may inquire, why Los Barillos? IMO, the town will be very disappointing - many stores shut down due to lack of tourists, expensive groceries.
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We were looking for a town with RV camping (power, water and sewer) hookups that was on the beach and farther south (read:warmer) than San Felipe.
Other suggestions? We want to be beach-front, with hookups.
gb3
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3288
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
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Mood: Tranquilo
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| Quote: | Originally posted by socalrat
| Quote: | Originally posted by wilderone
"She wants to get to Los Barriles, drop the camper, and really start the vacation."
If I may inquire, why Los Barillos? IMO, the town will be very disappointing - many stores shut down due to lack of tourists, expensive groceries.
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We were looking for a town with RV camping (power, water and sewer) hookups that was on the beach and farther south (read:warmer) than San Felipe.
Other suggestions? We want to be beach-front, with hookups.
gb3 |
We have a place in Buena Vista and just came back from there. I don't recall stores being closed in LB or groceries being expensive.
The wind blows this time of the year and there will be many wind surfers there. LB has a large gringo population and many of the locals speak at least
a little bit of English. Where do you plan on setting up camp, do you have reservations, how long do you plan to be there?....dt
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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 dtbushpilot
| Quote: | Originally posted by socalrat
We were looking for a town with RV camping (power, water and sewer) hookups that was on the beach and farther south (read:warmer) than San Felipe.
Other suggestions? We want to be beach-front, with hookups.
gb3 |
We have a place in Buena Vista and just came back from there. I don't recall stores being closed in LB or groceries being expensive.
The wind blows this time of the year and there will be many wind surfers there. LB has a large gringo population and many of the locals speak at least
a little bit of English. Where do you plan on setting up camp, do you have reservations, how long do you plan to be there?....dt
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I believe the name is Playa Norte - need to check the email. Reservation and deposit. Planned on staying until the 2nd, I think, maybe the first,
now, with he added day coming back.
So, what's the verdict...El Rosario or Cativina?
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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push for catavina and if it's getting past 4pm when you hit ER, i'd call it a day.
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3288
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
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Mood: Tranquilo
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
push for catavina and if it's getting past 4pm when you hit ER, i'd call it a day. |
Good advise woody....dt
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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
push for catavina and if it's getting past 4pm when you hit ER, i'd call it a day. |
Okay then...I'll start saving old mayonnaise jars now. 
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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It is getting too dark to drive before 5 pm (soon).
El Rosario to Cataviņa is 76 miles and is a slow drive with the construction and curves... so at least 2 hours towing...
That (to me) means if you get to El Rosario at 3 pm or later, STOP and stay at Baja Cactus after you top your tanks (last Pemex for 200 miles).
The price Ken quoted must be for payment in Pesos? Those rooms are a bargain at $40... But under $30 are a steal!
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UnoMas
Nomad
Posts: 328
Registered: 2-8-2008
Location: East Cape
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Mood: Great
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I have driven that road many times, towing a 27ft. travel trailer.
I would stage close to the border prior to crossing, I use Potrero near Tecate but have used the K.O.A. in Chula Vista. Get an early start and try to
make it to Cativina the first day, El Rosario is not far enough for the first day. Rancho Santa Ines is a great place to stay, if you can sleep a
night in the trailer. Day two on to Loreto. Day three on to Los Barriles, easy day, stop in La Paz, load up on supplies at one of the Big Super
Markets then on to L.B.
As far as shops being closed and being disapointed
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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 woody in ob
push for catavina and if it's getting past 4pm when you hit ER, i'd call it a day. |
That's what I always do.
Regarding day #2:
El Rosario to Loreto is a long haul. Longer than what it looks like on the map. You won't be doing 60 between ER and Catavina. Not even beyond
Catavina. And the section around Conception Bay looks so short but you're hugging the shoreline with every turn and it takes a lot longer than it
appears. Miles don't convert into time very well on that highway. And you don't have to deal with c-ckroaches in Catavina. That's a bunch of B.S.
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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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| Quote: |
Miles don't convert into time very well on that highway.
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UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE MONTH!!!!!!!
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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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1) He obviously does not want to stay in the trailer, from reading his questions and replies... so, Santa Ynez camping is out (plus it was reported no
caretakers there at night). The Desert Inn is $$$ and the other place is a dump with no hot water or any water at times (per last week report). The
next motel is at the Eagle Monument or L.A. Bay...
So, let the guy get some rest at Baja Cactus then he can make San Ignacio (316 miles) or even Mulege (399 miles) easily the next day.
San Ignacio to La Paz is 387 miles/ Mulege to La Paz is 303 miles... Los Barriles is what, 68 miles from La Paz?
Besides, the Baja Cactus showers are the best in Mexico! Unlimited hot, pressure boostedwater and room to party!
[Edited on 12-5-2008 by David K]
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