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wornout
Senior Nomad
Posts: 595
Registered: 10-24-2004
Location: San Felipe, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Bad Days
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Had a great time yesterday Lou. I feel really good when you found out my dune buggy problem just before getting home was a bad rotor.
I did good staying away from the prior posts in this thread as your first signature line pretty much says it all si I wasn't going there.
This Space Available, E-Mail Me If Interested.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64743
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaWarrior
DK,
That was only a cell phone shot, the rest are on my wife's camera which her son Geoff took over 200 photos, pretty much got everything and everyone.
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Cool!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64743
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
Some of the gang at our first stop.
Clouds obscuring Diablo and other mountains from our second stop.
As you can see, this is not a secret place up winding obscure trails, It's typical baja dirt roads all the way. In fact the canyon is visited by 100+
people every month of the year, year in and year out. |
Lou, that is a really beautiful view of the valley! If you can upload at a larger size, it would be great to see!
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
Member Is Offline
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I'll put it in a different thread so as not to screw up viewing of this one.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9009
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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I went on the trip. And I have to say, there were some mistakes made. By the group and especially by Tim. Yeah, Baja is all about being personally
responsible. But that doesnt mean you throw sound safety practices out the window.
While we were in our cars, we were a fully synchronized wagon train, as it were. We had an assigned leader, a tail gunner and a midshipman who
regularly checked in as they passed landmarks. We knew the number of our vehicles and we monitored it continuously via radio.
But when it came time for the hike, we had no leader and really no buddy system. The leader of the caravan did not do the hike. We should have had a
point and a tail gunner, despite the varying speeds of hikers. There should always be someone at the rear, willing to go as slow as necessary, to
bookend a group of about 20 hikers. This is not like hiking with 4-5 people you know. This was 20 or so people who did not know each other or their
level of hiking skills. We should have been more organized about it.
Our route into Diablo Canyon was moderately difficult for many on foot and we had some people in their 60s and 70s. Although some in the caravan had
been into the canyon before along the designated, ducked, orange taped route, somehow the group was allowed to begin on a different route that
was often cross-country bushwacking over what looked like a granite moraine edge, consisting of boulders from 1-10 feet in diameter.
Bushwacking in this area consisted of dealing with tightly bunched vegetation consisting of 4 types of cholla, prickly pear, cardon, mesquite, palo
verde, creosote, torote, rabbit brush, desert lavender, etc. In all my years of desert travel, this might have been the lushest of all deserts I have
ever seen. It was more densely packed and had more variety that the desert region north of the BOLA turnoff. And the trees and cardon were of such
size that, when combined with the granite boulders, you could literally be 20 feet away from someone and not see them at all.
So, the terrain was moderately difficult. But taking that unmarked, part cross country way IN made for a difficult route to find again on the way out.
I believe this was a large contributing factor in Tim not finding the way back. For some reason, he decided to head back to camp much earlier than
anyone else. I dont know if he told anyone he was doing this. I did hear that, at one point, others heading back caught up to him and he turned to
them and jokingly said "dont follow me, I dont know where I'm going". Well, if it was a joke, it was also prophetic. The group that caught up to him
eventually turned off onto the correct path and he apparently continued on down-wash ahead of them.
So, to summarize the group's failings in my mind:
1-we werent shown the easy route in, complicating finding it on the return trip
2-we had no organized structure
3-we should have collected everyone together for the return trip, as we were on a time schedule.
There is no one person's fault. It was the group's fault (some of whom had lots of hiking experience, including myself) for not doing this. For my
part, I was under the false impression that this was an easy hike and didnt need this type of organization. It was not easy.
Well, it wasn't easy UNTIL many of us found the GOOD, MARKED route (much by accident) when we returned. Tim obviously missed this
route.............but Tim had never seen this route. He, like the rest of us, took a much fainter route in that forced us over a much steeper section
of that moraine. We should have been shown the main route in.
Still, good personal responsibility would have saved Tim from walking 6 miles instead of two. When we inspected his vehicle back at camp, we found a
water bottle, A HANDHELD MARINE RADIO (that MANY of us were carrying on the hike) and his jacket. Just carrying that radio would have saved a lot of
searching and worry.
Also critical was his decision to head back without any escort and possibly without letting anyone know he was leaving. (Did he tell anyone?) He also
chose to continue hiking downstream with no one coming upon him from the rear, even with his slow speed. Right then and there, when he had been hiking
for at least a half hour from where the return route came out of the wash, he should have turned back until he encountered the others. Not a good
decision.
And, finally, during the groups search and rescue mode (which I thought we were pretty organized at) we sent vehicles to cut the wash well below where
the return route climbed out of the wash. Unfortunately, these vehicles must have almost certainly missed his tracks in the wash. But they insisted
that he couldn't have gone that way because they were adamant that THERE WERE NO TRACKS in the sand. Well, he DID go that way. Some of us wanted to
walk that downwash area to search for tracks after the vehicles returned but the drivers were insistent that there were no tracks to see. In my mind,
there must have been.
So, the best way to regard this whole experience is to learn from the mistakes made by the group and the individual. That's what I'm going to do. No
reason to get defensive about it. WE all made mistakes. WE didn't have to pay for them this time. An inexpensive lesson, really.
Hey, it was still lots of fun. Great, great area. If I still lived in the vicinity, I would be hitting that area often. Bet it's REALLY nice in late
March or early April. Thanks to all the organizers. I drove 660 miles IN ONE DIRECTION to make this trip. And 660 miles back. It was idiotic, stupid,
expensive; another bad personal decision. 
But, all in all, good memories.................and a good lesson.
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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Anxious to get south
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Here you go, this is what we did this past weekend...
http://s508.photobucket.com/albums/s326/BajaWarrior_photos/P...
Hit "reverse order" for correct order in slideshow view.
Enjoy.
[Edited on 2-23-2011 by BajaWarrior]
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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surfer jim
Super Nomad
Posts: 1891
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: high desert
Member Is Offline
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Thanks for taking the time for writing the details. I often wonder how hikers get lost in the desert/mountains in SoCal. It really isn't that hard to
do. Just takes a few "bad" choices.
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BAJACAT
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2902
Registered: 11-21-2005
Location: NATIONAL CITY, CA
Member Is Offline
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What happen, this was a happy thread yesterday and I log in today and wow.
but it's ok everybody has a different opinion,so back to the story.I will port my pix tomorrow I came late from work today and don't have the energy
to do it, I will send all the photos to photobucket and I will do my version tomorrow.
PS. I want to belive that we are all grown ups, mistake happen on this trip, but we didn't mean to do them, Yes it was a happy ending, no it's not
necesary to do the WHAT IF game, Tim was found and thats what counts, the people that stay behind just had enough food for one day outing, but they
never thought about twice when they where ask to speend the night.. there is alot details that people that didn't participated in this trip ignore, WE
search for him with out taking a rest for two hours,,friends of Tim and people that didn't know him , worry the same...so just enjoy the trip report
and leave the negativity for another time....
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Anxious to get south
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Well, I can say that myself and my Family had a great time, but yes, that turned to misery when my friend Tim was lost in the late afternoon.
After two hours of searching with at least 14 men each with VHF radios we fell silent and didn't know what to do. During that search BajaLou contacted
the Army for help and so they were aware of the situation and calling in to get permission to help.
It was decided that some would stay the night and most would go home and some of them like me and BajaRob and others would return the next morning for
another search.
Those that stayed were given food and drink for all who participated and down the hill we went. We, my wife and step son drove on to catch up with the
others as we had left 5 minutes late. It only took me a couple of minutes to decide that my wife and her son should go on with my friends and
neighbors Rob and Cynthia and that I would go back to join the others at our Base Camp for the night. I radio'd that information to the Convoy leader
who was Nomad Wornout and they stopped and waited for us to catch up.
Once we showed up my friend Rob cleared his back seat to make room for his added passengers. My wife kissed and hugged me goodnight and at that moment
the Army truck came roaring up and low and behold, TIM stepped out of the cab of the truck.
There was an explosion of laughter and cries and I rushed in to be the first to hug TIM and welcome him back to the group. The rest of the group
followed with good wishes and hugs and we had TIM back.
I called back to Base Camp to give them the news and they asked for confirmation. I said "I just gave the man a hug!" and they broke camp and came
down the grade to meet us.
I can only hope my last minute decision while driving in silence into the dusk before nightfall created the Karma we needed to deliver our friend to
safety.
I knew TIM from work over 10 years ago and encouraged him to visit with me to my Baja home one weekend and he fell in love with the place. He bought a
funky old beach house filled with a lifetime of treasures and retired from his job all within two weeks then ultimatley selling his home in San Diego
County to live nearly full time in Baja and also Minnesota in the summers where TIM has many family members.
TIM, I'm honored to call you my friend.
Chuck Cherry
[Edited on 2-23-2011 by BajaWarrior]
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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racheldarlin
Junior Nomad
Posts: 69
Registered: 9-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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Hook
You are a ray of sunshine. Thanks for your detailed report and analysis.
BajaWarrior
Great photos.
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
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I had a great time. Going up the canyon people were walking in groups, some 2 or 3 other 4 or 5 etc. I was among the last going up with Fred, Manny,
Rudy and Bajawarrior was the rear guard. Coming back Tim took off among the first couple of people to leave. Later one of the lady's who was following
him said he told her don't follow me I don't know where I'm going so she waited for others to catch up with her. Several of us stayed back until all
were on their way back. Rudy, Fred, Manny and I followed Bajacat and his group back.
I think the mistake made was in Tim not staying in eye contact with the other hikers. He did going in but not coming out. We probably should have made
that clear before we took off. He probably thought he made it in so it can't be that hard coming out. The turn coming out was a clearly marked large
painted rock and right turn arrow at the side of the wash. He must have been out of the main wash by then and did not see the sign.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9009
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BAJACAT
What happen, this was a happy thread yesterday and I log in today and wow.
but it's ok everybody has a different opinion,so back to the story.I will port my pix tomorrow I came late from work today and don't have the energy
to do it, I will send all the photos to photobucket and I will do my version tomorrow.
PS. I want to belive that we are all grown ups, mistake happen on this trip, but we didn't mean to do them, Yes it was a happy ending, no it's not
necesary to do the WHAT IF game, Tim was found and thats what counts, the people that stay behind just had enough food for one day outing, but they
never thought about twice when they where ask to speend the night.. there is alot details that people that didn't participated in this trip ignore, WE
search for him with out taking a rest for two hours,,friends of Tim and people that didn't know him , worry the same...so just enjoy the trip report
and leave the negativity for another time.... |
Sorry, Jose, I cant agree. There are lessons to be learned from the negative things that happened on the hike. Why hide them or ignore them, just for
the sake of keeping things "happy"?
I dare say that all the participants will be taking a short day hike in a group much more seriously in the future. THAT might be the most "happy"
thing to come out of the weekend.
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BajaRob
Senior Nomad
Posts: 722
Registered: 9-15-2003
Location: Bahia Santa Maria y Newport Or
Member Is Offline
Mood: Life is good
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Thanks Hook
For putting our trip in perspective. It was a pleasure to meet and travel with you. Happy Trails, Rob
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9009
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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Hey, Chuck, I am curious. Did Tim walk all the way to the military checkpoint or did they find him while they were conducting their OWN search or
?????
The last I heard was that the military was requesting permission to help searching but we never heard any confirmation as to whether they were granted
permission.
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
Member Is Offline
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He was located by the military on a road in the dry lake north of the point where we hit the road. They were granted permission to search as soon as
they contacted their headquarters in Tia Juana.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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Borregoman
Junior Nomad
Posts: 81
Registered: 3-4-2009
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Member Is Offline
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Great Trip!
Just a note to say what a wonderful time I had this past long weekend. Going to the Sulfer Mine on Saturday lead by BajaWarrior with BajaKat and
Hook, followed by a fine dinner and conversations at BajaRob's. Putting faces to names on the Board really makes a difference.
Very nice to meet you BajaWarrior, Geoff took some outstanding pictures, he has a real talent there.
I throughly enjoyed meeting all the rest of the Nomads for the Sunday run. You just never know what an average day might turn into!
It was nice to see my best friend Hook, make the 650 mile trip to join us. His post on the event, in my estimation, summed it up perfectly....live an
learn, that is what living is all about.
We look forward to seeing more of all you in the days, months, years ahead.
Thanks!
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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Anxious to get south
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| Quote: | Originally posted by racheldarlin
Hook
You are a ray of sunshine. Thanks for your detailed report and analysis.
BajaWarrior
Great photos. |
My step son Geoff (14 y.o.) who many of you now know took the photos with my wife's whiz bang Canon so credit goes to this aspiring young
photographer. I'll pass on the compliment, thanks
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Anxious to get south
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Borregoman
Just a note to say what a wonderful time I had this past long weekend. Going to the Sulfer Mine on Saturday lead by BajaWarrior with BajaKat and
Hook, followed by a fine dinner and conversations at BajaRob's. Putting faces to names on the Board really makes a difference.
Very nice to meet you BajaWarrior, Geoff took some outstanding pictures, he has a real talent there.
I throughly enjoyed meeting all the rest of the Nomads for the Sunday run. You just never know what an average day might turn into!
It was nice to see my best friend Hook, make the 650 mile trip to join us. His post on the event, in my estimation, summed it up perfectly....live an
learn, that is what living is all about.
We look forward to seeing more of all you in the days, months, years ahead.
Thanks! |
BorregoMan and V.
Glad we finally hooked up, good friendship formed there!
Hook, you driving stud you! 660 miles is very impressive for a weekend away, just my style.
El Commadante Loco, what can I say? A great guy, full of life with a real cool attitude. I'll see ya sometime at KM. 43, we'll have a beer together...
BajaCat, damn man, part mountain goat, part bull dozer! I want this man looking for me if I ever get lost!
BajaLou, thanks for helping organize this event, your a real pro!
BajaRob, our pre-run the week before was just as fun as this past weeks run. I'm glad we've become good friends.
Wornout, I think we met a few years ago on an earlier trip? You know the desert well, nice to meet you again, see ya soon I hope.
The gang from El Dorado, very nice to meet you and spend a glorious day in the desert with you.
DanOver, another real desert pro, hopefully we'll all ride again soon.
My friends Rob and Cynthia and dog Patch, good friends and neighbors, always up for a adventure.
Tim, when's the next desert ride? I wanna come down and see your latest project sometime. Oh, and I'll take another beer.
I didn't miss anyone did I?
Next year, Calamuje for a fish fry and drop off supplies to Coco. (Suggested by BajaRob?) I'm in!
BW
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64743
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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That is a very nice reply to everyone Chuck! Good on yah!
CALAMAJUE sounds like a great plan!
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BajaRob
Senior Nomad
Posts: 722
Registered: 9-15-2003
Location: Bahia Santa Maria y Newport Or
Member Is Offline
Mood: Life is good
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Thank you Chuck
Very well said. I am sorry that this thread took a negative twist. Our trip was one of the best examples of how we pull together and watch out for
each other.
[Edited on 2-24-2011 by BajaRob]
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