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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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Words of wisdom.....
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Jaybo
Nomad
Posts: 240
Registered: 12-7-2009
Location: NW Oregon
Member Is Offline
Mood: Praying for Baja!
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On our drive down in 2013 to deliver a friends Jeep Cherokee we made lots of plans. We reserved in advance and missed out on going to see Juan and
Sheri's place at BA. While planning was good in that we did get to see and pet the whales with Sheri I would have loved to have spent a day or two on
the Pacific side as well It was still an epic trip for us, We took 10 days to get to Cabo and while not rushed, I could have spent 2 or 3 more days on
the road down.
Gonzaga was a bit overrated to me, but part of that was having to sleep in a double bed with the wife. We just don't fit in one for comfortable
sleeping  Mulege was nice, we stayed at Cliff's place which was fantastic, but we
really loved Coyote Bay much more. So beautiful! BOLA was OK, but I don't get the allure that many have for it. Maybe I missed something? People told
me to stop planning so much and while I dismissed them, I totally get why they told me that  We know now for our next trip, and will NOT plan accordingly! LOL
..Jay
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64836
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Quote: Originally posted by Jaybo  | On our drive down in 2013 to deliver a friends Jeep Cherokee we made lots of plans. We reserved in advance and missed out on going to see Juan and
Sheri's place at BA. While planning was good in that we did get to see and pet the whales with Sheri I would have loved to have spent a day or two on
the Pacific side as well It was still an epic trip for us, We took 10 days to get to Cabo and while not rushed, I could have spent 2 or 3 more days on
the road down.
Gonzaga was a bit overrated to me, but part of that was having to sleep in a double bed with the wife. We just don't fit in one for comfortable
sleeping Mulege was nice, we stayed at Cliff's place which was fantastic, but we
really loved Coyote Bay much more. So beautiful! BOLA was OK, but I don't get the allure that many have for it. Maybe I missed something? People told
me to stop planning so much and while I dismissed them, I totally get why they told me that We know now for our next trip, and will NOT plan accordingly! LOL
..Jay |
We all have different 'favorites' for various reasons. Sometimes you just switch places to go due to 'conditions'. In Baja you have to be flexible and
that is while rigid planning and reservations may really reduce your experience enhancement. Have some target ideas of what you would like to see, but
be free to make some discoveries that are not on the itinerary.
The only place we have ever made reservation I think was Baja Cactus (El Rosario) as it now fills up regularly (it's just that good). We just wing it
other places, but we mostly tent camp.
I have always enjoyed Bahia de L.A., perhaps because so much history is nearby, but Baja Angel sees it just as a fisherman's destination. It used to
be fun to camp/ cabin with other Nomads at Camp Gecko, but that feature ended after our 2005 stay there when Doc understandably converted the camping
place to leased lots.
Gonzaga Bay is special to me, as it was the first Baja destination my parents had when they bought the Jeep in 1965. I find it both beautiful and has
history and geology nearby that interests me. Stayed at friends in Alfonsina's or at Campo Beluga, nearby. With the highway there now, I think for
camping we will stick with Shell Island, now just 75 easy miles away.
Bahia Concepcion, now there's a special place... even with the highway close by... it is so beautiful to camp next to the water at El Requeson or La
Perla (or many other spots), that any trip into Sur will include time there.
Bahia Asuncion... now that is like Bahia de L.A. in being a fisherman's destination! However, the good friendship we have with Juan and Shari makes
staying at their place a special treat. Exploring the desert and looking for fossils was so much fun, we can go there without fishing or surfing as a
reason!
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VegasNick
Junior Nomad
Posts: 75
Registered: 4-14-2015
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| Quote: Originally posted by chuckie | | Amazing!!! For once I agree with the goat....Seems as if people have lost their cojones when it comes to do anything that isn't choreographed for
them...Need GPS coordinates to the cheapest taco stand .....Sad state of affairs.... |
I wasn't asking anyone to choreograph the trip for us. Just asking for experience from people that have been there is all. 
I as much wanted to see if there were anyone had a "don't go there" place. I am all about adventure, but that adventure doesn't include having my rig
jacked.
[Edited on 4-28-2015 by VegasNick]
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VegasNick
Junior Nomad
Posts: 75
Registered: 4-14-2015
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K |
We all have different 'favorites' for various reasons. Sometimes you just switch places to go due to 'conditions'. In Baja you have to be flexible and
that is while rigid planning and reservations may really reduce your experience enhancement. Have some target ideas of what you would like to see, but
be free to make some discoveries that are not on the itinerary.
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Certainly not looking at reservations anywhere. We have sleeping quarters and food with us.  The ocean provides a good bath when you need it! I am thinking it will just be all about the drive and exploring and we'll know when
turn back north. Our plans are for 14 days of vacation (just in case we really just have to keep going south, but we will see where we can get in ten.
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2729
Registered: 5-10-2011
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| Quote: Originally posted by VegasNick |
I as much wanted to see if there were anyone had a "don't go there" place. I am all about adventure, but that adventure doesn't include having my rig
jacked.
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After all those pages does it still need to be said in plain words? There is no such a "no go place" in Baja. You won't have you rig jacked under
gunpoint.
A common sense is still advisable. Don't hang around where your guts tell you not to, ex. you don't like the looks of the place or the looks they are
giving you. Things do get stolen. Don't wander away for hours where you don't see your rig, unless you're on a safe camp - and even then lock
everything up. Pretty much same precautions as in Ca or Az.
There were a few recent armed robbery incidents in Baja Sur - in La Paz and Cabo, but you don't plan on going there. I don't recall this happening
before, but consider that those towns were literally devastated by hurricane in September 2014 and there are no fat wellfare checks out there.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64836
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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I too think Baja is safer than the USA in many places, like Baltimore...
However, as a camper, you should have a good sense of what's a safe place and get a 'feeling' if something's not quite right. Get away from the
highway and cities, except if using an RV park.
I think if you are traveling solo, I would avoid setting up camp anywhere you can be seen from the highway or major access roads... except in an
established camp area or next to someone's rancho or fish camp if you made an effort to greet them and get an okay to camp there.
Anyplace that requires 4WD to get to is always a good place to camp. 'Banditos' don't cruise off road looking for targets. Otherwise, camp in an
established camp area, near other campers, but give them some space (locals camping tend to play loud music all night long, and are generous with
sharing their music with you).
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24baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 951
Registered: 2-3-2009
Location: Grants Pass Oregon/Bahia de Los Angeles
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wishing we were in BOLA
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| Quote: Originally posted by VegasNick | | Quote: Originally posted by chuckie | | Amazing!!! For once I agree with the goat....Seems as if people have lost their cojones when it comes to do anything that isn't choreographed for
them...Need GPS coordinates to the cheapest taco stand .....Sad state of affairs.... |
I wasn't asking anyone to choreograph the trip for us. Just asking for experience from people that have been there is all.
I as much wanted to see if there were anyone had a "don't go there" place. I am all about adventure, but that adventure doesn't include having my rig
jacked.
[Edited on 4-28-2015 by VegasNick] |
Nick,
Don't take these guys too serious. Just go out and have fun, don't try to plan too much and see where you end up. We have driven thru Gonzaga and
though it is beautiful we have never spent time there. We fell in love with Bahia de Los Angeles and made our home there and when the hubby retires in
a year we plan on spending mucho time there and traveling to other parts of the Peninsula. Our advise to first time travelers is be aware of your
surroundings and do not drive at night. If your gut feels something is not right then it probably isn't ok. Enjoy yourself, the people and the
country!!
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2729
Registered: 5-10-2011
Member Is Offline
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The best plan for such a trip is a no plan. Have an approximate itinerary, like Gonzaga-BOLA-Westcoast-Concepcion, but be prepared to change any part
of it. Carry enough canned food, fresh water and stove fuel, so you'll have more freedom.
I wouldn't drive at night - there can be cows, or topez, or just poor road.
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
Member Is Offline
Mood: Retireded
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Head south from BOLA
My suggestion for some memorable driving would be to head south from Bahia de Los Angeles, with a stop at Las Animas, Bahia San Rafael, or Bahia San
Francisquito, which ever fits into your schedule best. Heading out through El Arco to Vizcaino gets you back to Highway 1, and you can head north or
south, or west to Bahia Asuncion, depending on your next place of interest.
I love that stretch of road, and traveled it last October after Hurricane Odile, pulling my camp trailer with a less capable rig than yours. That
stretch is used by the Baja 1000 race, which should be over by the time you get there.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2729
Registered: 5-10-2011
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | | My suggestion for some memorable driving would be to head south from Bahia de Los Angeles, with a stop at Las Animas, Bahia San Rafael, or Bahia San
Francisquito, which ever fits into your schedule best. Heading out through El Arco to Vizcaino gets you back to Highway 1, |
You're reading my mind.
Didn't want to choreograph this too much, but - yes, with a good car I would go down there. Possibly, spending the night at Pancho's "camp" in San
Rafael. Quiet, on the beach (on the bluff), no showers, very few other campers, if any. He'll make a good dinner if you're tired of living off the
can. Then lunch stop at San Francisquito, - or again spend a night in their camp on the beach if you feel like. The actual SF "village" of 6 or 7
homes is in the bay, and the camp is on the open beach South of the point.
[Edited on 4-29-2015 by Alm]
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VegasNick
Junior Nomad
Posts: 75
Registered: 4-14-2015
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | I too think Baja is safer than the USA in many places, like Baltimore...
However, as a camper, you should have a good sense of what's a safe place and get a 'feeling' if something's not quite right. Get away from the
highway and cities, except if using an RV park.
. |
I could get car jacked in North Vegas almost any night of the week!
I have gotten used to the music. LOL
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VegasNick
Junior Nomad
Posts: 75
Registered: 4-14-2015
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | My suggestion for some memorable driving would be to head south from Bahia de Los Angeles, with a stop at Las Animas, Bahia San Rafael, or Bahia San
Francisquito, which ever fits into your schedule best. Heading out through El Arco to Vizcaino gets you back to Highway 1, and you can head north or
south, or west to Bahia Asuncion, depending on your next place of interest.
I love that stretch of road, and traveled it last October after Hurricane Odile, pulling my camp trailer with a less capable rig than yours. That
stretch is used by the Baja 1000 race, which should be over by the time you get there. |
You know, I have been doing some reading about many of the towns you mentioned and some side trips to abandoned mining camps and such. The more I
read, the more I think I need to take three weeks off.
I met a fellow FJ owner up in TJ that has the route maps for the race. We thought about seeing how much of it we could follow.
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VegasNick
Junior Nomad
Posts: 75
Registered: 4-14-2015
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by Alm | The best plan for such a trip is a no plan. Have an approximate itinerary, like Gonzaga-BOLA-Westcoast-Concepcion, but be prepared to change any part
of it. Carry enough canned food, fresh water and stove fuel, so you'll have more freedom.
I wouldn't drive at night - there can be cows, or topez, or just poor road. |
Sounds like a plan! That is kind of what I want to do. Mapping it out is more of a "suggestion". I do that out here in the desert all the time. You
know when you pass a dirt road and go "I wonder where that goes; let's find out".
In my side business we sell the Mountain House foods so we eat well from dehydrated goodies. We'll surely go down there with more than we think we will need.
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ehall
Super Nomad
Posts: 1906
Registered: 3-29-2014
Location: Buckeye, Az
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's 5 o'clock somewhere
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If you want to follow some of the race course here is a good place to start.
http://rlhcomm.com/bfg.html Go to race history. Lots of nice maps.
[Edited on 4-29-2015 by ehall]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64836
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: Originally posted by VegasNick | | Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | My suggestion for some memorable driving would be to head south from Bahia de Los Angeles, with a stop at Las Animas, Bahia San Rafael, or Bahia San
Francisquito, which ever fits into your schedule best. Heading out through El Arco to Vizcaino gets you back to Highway 1, and you can head north or
south, or west to Bahia Asuncion, depending on your next place of interest.
I love that stretch of road, and traveled it last October after Hurricane Odile, pulling my camp trailer with a less capable rig than yours. That
stretch is used by the Baja 1000 race, which should be over by the time you get there. |
You know, I have been doing some reading about many of the towns you mentioned and some side trips to abandoned mining camps and
such. The more I read, the more I think I need to take three weeks off.
I met a fellow FJ owner up in TJ that has the route maps for the race. We thought about seeing how much of it we could follow.
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Check out photos at Pozo Aleman from my 2012 visit or other Nomads. The painted cave of El Carmen and Mission Santa Gertrudis are close by, too. On
the graded road between El Arco and Punta San Francisquito along the border between the two states.
2012 Trip Report: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=61576 (Day 13 for the mentioned sites)
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64836
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Yes, a nice collection! Thanks Ed!!
http://rlhcomm.com/BFG/RACES/archives.htm
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
Member Is Offline
Mood: Retireded
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Nick, the places I mentioned are not towns! There is an air strip and a restaurant on the beach at San Francisquito, but gas is a crap shoot.
The fish camp at the north end of the strip caters to sport fishermen with rooms and meals, but he has a few campsites available, and showers. I also
re loaded my ice chest there.
As Alm mentioned, Pancho and his dogs are at San Rafael, but unless some commercial fishing is happening, that is the population.
You will want to spend a couple of days on that route, hope you have the time.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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Jaybo
Nomad
Posts: 240
Registered: 12-7-2009
Location: NW Oregon
Member Is Offline
Mood: Praying for Baja!
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| Quote: Originally posted by VegasNick | | You know, I have been doing some reading about many of the towns you mentioned and some side trips to abandoned mining camps and such. The more I
read, the more I think I need to take three weeks off. |
If you can take 3 weeks that would be great! That would be a great amount of time to be able to say screw it, this place is awesome, lets stay
another day or 3. My plan for our next drive down was to take 2 weeks to get to SJDC (where we have a friend who lives there) and meander a little
bit, before staying at her place and visiting and sit by the pool for a few days before going home. I just hope she needs another Jeep brought down
soon
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | Nick, the places I mentioned are not towns! There is an air strip and a restaurant on the beach at San Francisquito, but gas is a crap shoot.
The fish camp at the north end of the strip caters to sport fishermen with rooms and meals, but he has a few campsites available, and showers. I also
re loaded my ice chest there.
As Alm mentioned, Pancho and his dogs are at San Rafael, but unless some commercial fishing is happening, that is the population.
You will want to spend a couple of days on that route, hope you have the time. |
stock up in LA Bay on all essentials, ice, fuel, beer, stripper poles, etc.... heading south from there are close to zero places to buy important
things like beer and fuel until you hit pavement again.
oh, bring tire plugs. I travel with 30 plugs just because. I actually used 12 on one tire once and then aired back up to barely survive a donation to
the cartel sex slave industry.....
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