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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Mision Sta. Maria - "Mission Impossible"
Our group of 4WD rigs is back from tackling the notorious Mission Impossible trail just south of Catavina. Each of our vehicles contain a plethora of
hard parts; Brad's Cherokee XJ contains a Rusty's Long-Arm suspension with 33" BFG AT rubber, ARB air-locking differentials, Super Dana 35 axle kit,
Advanced Adapters transfer case, York/Kilby onboard air, power tools, all all of the electronic goodies. Chris Glass' Ford Explorer features a 2"
Torsion Twist w/heavy duty aftermarket torsion bars up front and a spring-over-axle flip over the Ford 8.8" rear axle. Fender clearance is rounded up
by a 3" Performance Accessories body lift and some subtle fender trimming. Traction is aided by an Ected cable-actuated locker system in the rear and
Powertrax locker in the front differential. 33" Pro-Comp X-Terrains provide traction and style to his well-appointed "Tijuana Taxi." Chris' Explorer
provides comfortable seating for the entire family! Ken and Suzanne Cooke's Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features an All J Products interior basket that
provides virtually the same amount of interior storage as his Ford Ranger provided. With sturdy Dana 44 axles, and a 1 ton drivetrain, there is less
fear of overloading the Rubicon like the Ford Ranger. A 4" Pro-Comp suspension, TeraFlex swaybar disconnects, and a Rock-It City oil pan skidplate
provide the means of traveling some of Baja's more demanding stretches of "road."
Our party got an early start and dropped a majority of our water and heavy supplies off at the Shoemaker's residence in Rancho Santa Ynez before
tackling Mission Impossible. With Suzanne tracking our movement using a Garmin GPS unit and the new and updated Baja Almanac, we were well on our way
w/o any worries of getting ourselves lost.
The Widowmaker sections of trail were amazing stretches of trail. Just like David K. had described, our Jeep was pointing straight down as it
scrambled for traction on the loose rock and powdery dirt. Both Brad and Chris had an easier time due to their driving longer wheelbase rigs.
Our group came upon a nice group of gentlemen from the Tijuana area who were driving out of the Mexican Blue Fan Palm oasis after camping for 2 days
in the backcountry. This group started out as an all Toyota 4WD Club, but eventually, some members bought newer SUVs, and you could see a Land Rover
Discover tackle upper Widowmaker along with a Hummer H2 and H3! These gentlemen
were very nice, and when speaking among themselves, described us as being "Nice Americans." 
We drove into the muddy swamp that lie below, and afterwards, I scrambled atop a rock garden where I scraped the boulder bars of my Jeep. After
repositioning my Rubicon, it was an easy drive back onto the trail - and off we were to the adobe mission! 
We reached the mission, and immediately, it was time for some hard-earned lunch. Ravens circling overhead landed, and walked towards our party even
though our two Chihuahuas barked hysterically at them. Just across the ridge to our east lie the turquoise Sea of Cortez!
Thanks goes out to David K. and all of the Baja Nomads for his tireless responses to all of the questions I had about traveling into this region with
our 4WD group. It was plenty of fun getting out for 5 days of adventure in the backcountry of Baja.
Oh, before I forget. On our way from Coco's Corner to Catavina, my pristine Silver Rubicon was struck by a young deer that had been eating on the
side of the road (Hwy 1). The deer was okay and it even ran off into the grassland with its mate, but my drivers side door was dented heavily. Some
bodywork will solve this. In late December, our group will travel to the Pole Line Road which we consider to be just a tad more difficult than the
"Mission Impossible" trail. 
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Members of the Tijuana 4WD Club looking at video, and talking among Suzanne and Rhoda:
Tackling a rock garden just outside of the Swamp on the Mission Impossible trail:
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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GREAT KEN!!!
It was great seeing you, Suzanne and your friends Sunday morning at Baja Cactus and Mama Espinoza's!
More photos please!!
Here is Hugo Lopez's vision of the Santa Maria area...
[Edited on 11-29-2005 by David K]
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Parked on level ground beside the Mission Santa Maria.
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Great shot at Gonzaga Ken!!! Send it into Jeep! How was Beluga?
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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We didn't make it into Gonzaga on the 2nd night. Too much good food, shopping, and just taking our time. So, we slept about 12 mi. north of Gonzaga
on the beach, and had a wonderful time.
We checked out Beluga and it looked like a nice place with plenty of soft sand to keep the pesky tourists away! 
Suzanne said that this was her favorite Baja trip ever!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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" Suzanne said that this was her favorite Baja trip ever! "
Maybe you were more relaxed and didn't stick to a ridgid schedule?
I was quite surprised to find you tapping on our window at Baja Cactus Sunday morning!!! You were supposed to be back home Saturday night... per your
schedule...
Now, the next step is to see you put away that watch when you cross the border!!! Learn 'Mexican Time' or even better, 'Baja Time' (Eat when you are
hungry and sleep when you are tired)!!
The more you abandon ridgid 'gringo-like' habits, the more you will enjoy Baja and the longer you will live!
Get an annual auto. insurance policy for the Jeep, so no mad rush north if something comes up that makes you want to stay more days... PLUS it is a
LOT cheaper... like 10-15 days of daily coverage is about the same $$ as an annual policy!
More photos please!
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
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Ken, sounds and looks like you had a great trip. Fun fun fun.
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
" Suzanne said that this was her favorite Baja trip ever! "
Maybe you were more relaxed and didn't stick to a ridgid schedule?
I was quite surprised to find you tapping on our window at Baja Cactus Sunday morning!!! You were supposed to be back home Saturday night... per your
schedule...
Now, the next step is to see you put away that watch when you cross the border!!! Learn 'Mexican Time' or even better, 'Baja Time' (Eat when you are
hungry and sleep when you are tired)!!
The more you abandon ridgid 'gringo-like' habits, the more you will enjoy Baja and the longer you will live!
Get an annual auto. insurance policy for the Jeep, so no mad rush north if something comes up that makes you want to stay more days... PLUS it is a
LOT cheaper... like 10-15 days of daily coverage is about the same $$ as an annual policy!
More photos please! |
David,
I felt that we had to make the rush to Gonzaga Bay from San Felipe because the man who runs the Pemex Station there only operates the gas station
from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The reason we took longer to reach Catavina is because of the accident I got into with the deer, and my fear of heights when driving Hwy 1 at night
with all of those semi trucks.
I haven't bought an annual policy for auto insurance since my horrible experience with Discover Baja - Never got around to researching other insurance
companies, but I may get around to it early in '06.
The reason we had such a good time on this trip is because of the good friends and good times. We planned to see lots of new places in a short span
of time, so it was expected that we would travel long distances during the daylight hours. On the Pole Line Run, we plan to spend 2 nights at Canyon
Jaquegel which will give us time to relax and just unwind. But, that last morning out of Jaquegel, we plan to be up and on the trail at 8 a.m. in
order that we will be across the border by dusk - I'll be wearing my wristwatch that day...you can count on that!
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Neal Johns
Super Nomad
Posts: 1687
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Lytle Creek, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: In love!
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Tell the truth, Ken! Did that Tiajuana Toyota Club tow you into Mision Santa Maria?
My motto:
Never let a Dragon pass by without pulling its tail!
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
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 Neal Johns
Tell the truth, Ken! Did that Tiajuana Toyota Club tow you into Mision Santa Maria? |
Actually, I caught a ride on this neat Toyota that they loaned me!  
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Neal Johns
Super Nomad
Posts: 1687
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Lytle Creek, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: In love!
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Very good, Ken!  
My motto:
Never let a Dragon pass by without pulling its tail!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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"I haven't bought an annual policy for auto insurance since my horrible experience with Discover Baja"
Ken, since you brought that up, perhaps some additional info. would be only fair here...
I know much of the story, but it would be better if you wanted to tell more. Graham Mackintosh mentioned the incident in his third book, as you went
to him for advice while he was camping there (no car) with the dogs.
I know that Hugh and Carol (owners of DB) did a lot to solve that insurance company's telephone contact issue, but I don't know what else you needed
or expected from them. They knew you from my Viva Baja events you both attended.
Mexican auto insurance is to keep you out of jail if there is a collision or injuries. You weren't in a collision. After you left the truck up there
because you had to leave, some items were taken... and that happens in Mexico (and here to).
I know it was a rough time for you guys with the sad event and Desert Bull was a hero with his assistance in getting your Ford towed back.
I am still with Discover Baja (GE Insurance now), but Bedman and others swear by Lewis & Lewis (Qualitas Insurance)... I am not sure what company
DB was using when you were insured with them... ??
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
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 David K
"I haven't bought an annual policy for auto insurance since my horrible experience with Discover Baja"
Ken, since you brought that up, perhaps some additional info. would be only fair here...
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David,
I feel I have provided plenty of personal info for you and the rest of the Nomads to read. I'm not interested in explaining myself further.
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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Ken------
that is a shame, as many of us are insured thru Discover Baja, and would be very interested in what happened to sour you on them-------------???
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Bedman
Senior Nomad
Posts: 523
Registered: 9-4-2002
Location: Orange County, CA.
Member Is Offline
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DB, Desert Bull, Tim S. any name you call him doesn't do him justice. If I ever have a need in Baja (or anywhere else for that matter) HE and a very
few others will be at the top of my list.
Yes, Ken. I like Lewis and Lewis. They have always treated me well. I have never filed a claim with them and I (God willing) never will. I do know of
a few folks that have and have been treated well and fairly.
UNLIKE my Progressive insurance policy for my Motorhome.
Bedman
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8947
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Initially, the phones did not work for Zurich when I needed to ask questions about my vehicle insurance policy while in Baja. With my transmission
completely burned up, and no 2nd vehicle to help tow or drive out of Sierra San Pedro Martir, Suzanne and I had to rely on strangers to drive us down
the Observatory Road to meet with friends from our area who were traveling from "Shipwrecks" (outside of Camalu) back to the Riverside area.
While in Camalu, a good friend tried repeatedly to connect with the Zurich insurance co. but could not because the companys phones were not working
all weekend (supposedly). That friend who drove us around and tried calling, purchasing Ladatel phone cards, etc. died exactly 6 months after this
situation took place. Leaving 5 young daughters and a great husband. Her words to all of us were not very good about Zurich or DB.
Back in the 'states, I called around and David K. put me in connection with Desert Bull (Tim Sanchez) who loaned me his trailer without ever meeting
me. My buddy Andrew Simpkins drove south from San Jose, CA and picked up the trailer and hauled the disabled Ford Ranger back to the 'states.
Once back in the USA, my wife discussed the passing of her Grandfather and how she wished I could have been at her side. We both purchased plane
tickets to Michigan and I could not leave with her since I had to wait for Andrew to arrive from the Bay area, etc.
Discover Baja investigated what had happened with Zurich and followed up other complaints that Zurich's phones were inoperable during that duration of
time. I was told that my claim and the claims of others was "Driving up the price of carrying Zurich" for Discover Baja. Now, I did not feel this
was my fault. I did not intentionally set out to watch my Ford Ranger bite the dust, miss a plane to see a man in his last days, and find out that I
could not reach an Insurance Co. while in Mexico.
What I did find out was that David K., Desert Bull, and all of the other Amigos turned out to be a tremendous asset to a person in need while stuck in
Baja - I found out who my real friends are.
I felt that this was a horrible experience because; 1) I could not reach Zurich International on their telephones to discuss coverage. 2) I was
ridiculed for allegedly "raising the rates" for Zurich Coverage by DB. 3) I missed a plane to see someone before he died. 4) The shock and anxiety
of trying to figure out a way home from Sierra San Pedro Martir.
As a learning experience, I now travel with other people/vehicles while in remote stretches of Baja and I purchase policies over short stretches of
time (this may change) from Instant Baja. Hopefully, I will not have to experience this kind of experience in the future.
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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Thanks, Ken. I know that---------
------I appreciate hearing of your experience, and I am pretty sure that many others do to.
Thanks again.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Thanks Ken... DB no longer uses Zurich (perhaps because of your experience)!
I am still not sure why you needed to call them as there was no accident.
But, that is your business and you may want it left burried...
I am sure the newer Nomads appreciate the details of this past dark moment for you both... Thanks!
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