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sigringo
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 6-6-2004
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Advice for a Baja newbie
First off, hi. Very informative board, tons of helpful folks, and I have been lurking here for a few months, soaking it up, and now Im ready to go.
But I need some suggestions... Single dad, 3 kids, 4-14, want someplace semi-remote, but still be within driving distance of a town for access to
meals etc. We camp as often as possible, so I really dont mind roughing it a little (the kids actually would prefer that), but would rather not carry
tents and all the accessories. I would like someplace that has access to some good fishing, preferably with panga rentals available, a sandy beach for
the kids, and maybe some decent snorkeling water for the 2 older kids. I will be driving from LA, so distance really isnt an issue. I really want the
kids (and me) to get as much of the "Baja experience" as you can get (in a week, anyway). Any suggestions as to a location? I see palapas listed -
are those pretty much an outdoor addition to be used along with a motor home, or ??? Thanks...
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
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It's hot on the Sea of Cortez side right now.
When are you planning your adventure? This is a major factor as far as weather is concerned.
From the sounds of it, I would recommend the Erendira area. Panga rentals, cheap hotels or camping, beautiful beaches to the north and south, small
restaurants and stores and friendly people. You will catch fish!
If you are interested, let me know and I'll get you phone numbers and more info.
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Anonymous
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If heat doesn't scare you, bay of los angeles has everything for a baja experience... daggett's or gecko is the places to stay if camping. raquel &
larry's if you need motel, next to daggett's
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tim40
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Registered: 3-29-2004
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I would add Campo Archelon (Turtle project) in the Bay of LA. Can camp under a palapa (bring everything you need short of shade) or in one of his two
building units (not sure what to call them...one even has its own full bathroom.). But time of year is a big question that requires an answer and
how much time do you have?
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jrbaja
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"The Baja Experience"
is what was stated in the original post. Although Bahia de Los Angeles is in Baja and has become part of a "Baja Experience" it is more of a gringo
enclave where you will be surrounded by gringos.
May as well stay home or go to the beach up there.
If you want to experience some of the real Baja, which I highly recommend, try something besides a drunken gringo enclave. In my not so humble
opinion.
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PabloS
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Registered: 4-8-2003
Location: North central AZ
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sigringo
Newbie
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Forgot to mention...
About the only time the kids have free this summer are between mid-August to mid - September. They do pretty well in the hot weather, though, so that
shouldnt be a major concern. Mid 80's would be nice, but Im pretty sure that aint gonna happen...thx
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
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August-Sept.
Erindira !
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BajaCactus
Senior Nomad
Posts: 663
Registered: 5-22-2004
Location: Km. 55, carretera transpenisular, El Rosario, B.C.
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Mood: Helpful
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Bah?a Concepci?n...
You could also try Bah?a Concepci?n, south of Muleg?. It is a nice and it has few different beaches: Playa del Burro, El Requez?n, Santa Ixpac, and
few others, Mulege is a nearby town. Some of the beaches have cabins and some other do not have anything... you choose.
Happy and nice trip....
Antonio M.
BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is much more than a dream..."
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Packoderm
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Isn't just about anywhere near decent snorkling going to be a drunken gringo enclave but hopefully not to the extent of Cabo San Lucas? If so, I would
go to Camp Gecko and then maybe somewhere on Concepcion. What about Loreto? That's a pretty good place to hang, but I would want to take 2 weeks off
instead of just one. What the heck, I say take 3 weeks off and go to La Paz and Todos Santos; you can tell your boss that Packoderm said it's alright.
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tim40
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JrBaja....I have spent at least a week in BLA for many years...and yes, like many places there are americans and others some of them even a bit too
interested in etoh for their own good.....BUT and HOWEVER, more times than not we are the ONLY non nationals to be found (always make the trip within
a couple of weeks of easter). This year Antonios place was busting at the edges and we only had a place to stay because he has know us from previous
years (let us camp in and around the research lab) and we were the ONLY gringos to be found. This also held true at our favorite claming spots....it
is good to have opinions, but it is also good to have the story correct..especially when first timers are looking for accurate information. Tim
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calacowboy
Junior Nomad
Posts: 43
Registered: 5-5-2004
Location: ca
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Mood: wondering....
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jrbaja-
Erindira sounds just what I am looking for. I am in the middle of planning a camping trip/cheapish hotel rm. one week trip in the middle of July. I
would like to explore the west coast of n baja. So far first night at estero beach to camp some where, then on to Erindira area??...from there down to
San Quintin area. If you could give me some info on Erindira, and who I could contact, I would be very grateful. Thanks
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Although jrbaja's advice of a Pacific side area is better in August (also try Cielito Lindo, San Quintin area)... I will contest his Bahia de L.A.
comments. He is describing San Felipe or Rosarito at Spring Break. L.A. Bay (in August) will be the quietest Baja 'tourist' town you will ever
witness! I have not been there in August, but in July it is pretty quiet (after 4baja's fireworks show at Gecko on 4th of July)!
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
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OK then
I am truly sorry SiGringo. If you go to Bahia de los Angeles (2 weeks before Semana Santa), you will have the place to yourselves.
But, bring a tent and supplies just in case there happen to be a couple of gringos the rest of the time.
It is beautiful there. There is a meth problem among the locals there. It is one of the most famous of all the gringo enclaves because it is
weekendable for some. There is sometimes excellent fishing there. The times specified can be the hottest as most everyone knows.
What it is not is "The Baja Experience".
Depending on how you look at it of course.
For many, the Baja experience is coming to Baja to be around people more like themselves. Mostly for security reasons as they are afraid of being
ripped off by the Mexicans.
And they get ripped off by the dishonest Mexicans because the dishonest ones know better than to bother ripping off a fish camp or rancho when
there's a good chance of being shot and buried. Besides, the gringo enclaves have more stuff and it's easier to take.
On the other hand, if you go to a non gringo environment, meet some of the locals, there is not a chance in the world of you having any problems
whatsoever. And, you'll probably eat better and cheaper as well.
Tim, have you spent any time in other places in Baja?
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
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Not the ones I hang out in !
Except Rosarito that is!
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sigringo
Newbie
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Registered: 6-6-2004
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Thanks...
for all the feedback.
jrbaja - no need to apologize to me. (Maybe Packoderm should apologize, for trying to help me get myself fired )
I came looking for opinions, and got a few different opinions. Im sure all have valid points and I really do appreciate everyone taking the time to
offer suggestions.
Im kicking myself for waiting so long to make Baja happen.
So tell me more about Erendira... I did a google search and got nothing - that sounds like a good palce to start.
Thanks again...
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tim40
Senior Nomad
Posts: 574
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Yes Jr, I have been to a GREAT # of places (almost bold enough to convey near all) once and many, many, many mutiple times. My father raced in the
first Mexican 1000 and then for many years after which started my family love for Baja and the people of baja. I have raced baja from both in the
mid to late 70's and then again mid 90's to 2001. Made my first solo trip down the peninsula when I was 17 and that wasn't yesterday! Every place
in Baja has pros and cons (still searching for the modern day pros for Cabo...lol). So far this year I have spent 3 trips making it at least as far
as Loreto and many more as far as SQ. My only issue with your comment was it was vastly over stated and could possibly sway a person from a
delightedful true baja people and place experience. Thanks for asking. Tim
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
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Erendira
I will find more info. for you later. There is a place called Castros that offers a hotel (around 10$ u.s. per night) per person last time I was
there.
The rooms have kitchens, showers with hot water, you climb in your boat to be transported down to the launch ramp in the morning, and then you catch
fish. Probably Ling and Rock Cod but this time of the year, you may get really lucky and hit who knows what.
To the north is Punta Cabras (about 5 miles)which has sand dunes and a beautiful crescent beach. The snorkeling and beach fishing there is quite
good but it's true, the water will be cold. And, a lot colder than the Sea of Cortez side.
To the south are various beaches with erosion canals in the rocks. Some go underground and reappear farther up the beach. Most scenic and last time
we were there, the dolphins were surfing right up to the beach.
The weekends can get crowded with surfers if there's a swell but during the week, you will probably have the place to yourselves.
Here's my note from the first trip there, I'll see if I can scan and post.
The name at the bottom is of a lady that lives there full time. You will probably meet her.
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jrbaja
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The note
If you have 4wd, you can uncross the parts I have changed and camp on the beach. The hill coming back up was a little much for my 2wd van!
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
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1st Baja mil
Cool Tim, did you or your Dad know Don Jimmy ?
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