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manbearpig
Newbie
Posts: 13
Registered: 4-27-2014
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Intro + Trip Idea Advice Needed!
Ok I'll start off with an intro as that makes the most sense. I'm 24 year old and an experienced traveler from NY. I'm lucky enough to work in a field
that is seasonal and I get Jan-mid March off. I recently spent 8 months solo car camping through New Zealand, east coast Australia and Tasmania, have
done California solo numerous times as well as many other trips abroad, a lot solo and others with people. Its tough to find people who can travel for
that length of time so I'm planning on going somewhere this winter solo for the whole winter. Baja has always been on my map.
THUS, leads me to my main idea (although I have some crazy idea ADD until I get something like a flight or organization set in stone), I want to drive
cross country from NY with my own vehicle and down into Baja for those 2 1/2 months. The plan would be to set up my 2004 Nissan Frontier with a false
floor across the railings of the bed and have a tarp I can have go from the cab down to the end as shelter to sleep on. I would keep the storage
needed below and hopefully have a dry, warm and safe place to spend the nights. I'm a surfer, fly fishermen and spear fishermen so gear would
definitely take up a lot of space. Obviously necessities would get priorities. I would also have my Mac Pac 3 season tent for days when I want to
switch it up or hike in to places.
So I'm doing some research but to me the best research is to hear directly from the people who know from experience, I will definitely scour this
place for info. What is the conscientious on a trip like this through Baja solo? I know its definitely mellowed out but its still a different place
and always will be looked at rightfully so as the modern wild west. I actually went down when i was 14 on a surf trip with my father and friend, a
spark for my traveling off the beaten path. What advice do any of you guys have? Have any of you done something like this that required a cross
country trip or significant time on the road just to get down there? Any necessities/musts that anyone would like to include would be greatly
appreciated. I know the place has a knack for killing tires and doing some serious wear on your vehicle. My truck is reliable but chit happens.
I know it'd be a ton of driving, but I would plan on splitting it up and to me its part of the adventure. My NZ-AUS trip was A LOT of time spent on
the road, I mean it all was, and I loved every minute of it. Its definitely a mode of travel thats not for everyone, but I can say with confidence its
my favorite way.
Thanks for your time!!!
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13196
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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First off, whew! And welcome to the land of BajaNomads.
You will have a blast, the wild west of Baja will welcome you as long as you take some precautions.
1 know where to gas up
2 always have a lot of water on hand, it is a desert and will eat you alive otherwise.
3 woody will give where to surf tips
4 be sure to visit Shari in Bahia Asuncion, camping and info on traveling Baja
Visit me, Blanca and hisband Les in La Bocana, camping, $10 a day gets ypu bathrm, shower & internet
Somewhere we once had a looooong list of what to bring on a Baja trip - does anyone have it? It started out as a joke, I think, but really, a lot of
items were needed such as a small shovel ....we live in the land of very tricky sand! Looks safe and bingo, you are mega stuck.
Pls have a 4 wheel drive vehicle - simply safer
And have fun! Hope to see you!
Http://www.labocanahotel.com
Other places that you should see here in Baja:
San Ignacio
Mulege
Bahia Concepcion, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Loreto
La Paz, bigger city, not really for camping
TodosSantos , artist colony
Los Barriles, simply gorgeous
And in between there are lots of surfer spots, but others will have to pitch in with that onfo
[Edited on 4-28-2014 by BajaBlanca]
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5900
Registered: 7-18-2011
Member Is Offline
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You are in for a great trip. There's tons of fishing, diving and surfing possibilities. You sound like a seasoned traveler. Just bring a well
maintained vehicle (if it's not, it can be fixed in Baja, usually at a very cheap cost), decent tires, an open heart, smiles, an ability to change
plans. You will spend a lot of time on the roads of Baja, but from my experience, it's worth every moment. Always something to see. The people of
Baja are a caring and giving people. They know what they have and want to share it. Get out into the wide open Baja. Go into towns for a reminder
that there is an internet and to resupply. Have fun.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5900
Registered: 7-18-2011
Member Is Offline
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Carry a 5 gallon gasoline drum in your vehicle when traveling off the main roads for refueling. 10 if you're hard core.
Carry H2O.
SPOT devices are awesome.
U2U me if you want a basic list of easily accessible known surf spots. Buy the Baja Surf Guide or whatever it's called.
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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welcome!
What you are considering is a great experience. Baja is beautiful, the food and people memorable- you'll have a great trip!
I did three solo whalewatching trips into Baja this year (Jan, Feb, March), plan to do more travel in June and August. Let me know if you want to
caravan.
One note: As a fellow truck owner (Mazda B4000), I suggest getting a simple camper shell on back. That would be more private and offer better
protection/safer for gear/more comfortable bedroom than a tarp for sleeping.
Depending on where you go you'll need the protection from wind, bugs, dust, heat/cold/rain/fog etc. Weather in Baja is as diverse as the landscape.
Check Craigslist- even a basic fiberglass, cab-high would be better, and if you are solo, it's do-able to fit yourself inside w/the platform you
describe.
Visit expedition portal website for ideas on outfitting a basic shell for extended camping and travel. Check this thread for camper
photos/suggestions: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23272-Lets-see...
Aside from that- if you are an experienced traveller, you'll have no problem prepping for the rest.
Have fun!
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
Member Is Offline
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It will be a blast and if a seasoned traveler I would not worry in Baja about anything except the troubles that can happen anywhere when driving that
much! Two spares are great but you may not have the room (a patch kit and some slime can get you out of a jam as well) ...good shovel is nice for a
variety of reasons. Jejenes or no-see-um bugs can be a pain so some deet can work wonders...as would a shell or using your tent...you may run into
them and you may not but if you do, you wanna get away from them...if camping on the beach coyotes WANT your water and they WILL get it if you leave
it out...just coyote proof your camp at night before going to bed. As with coyotes wind proof your camp at night...easier than doing it at 3 a.m.
Don't know your route but if you have a chance, head south though Gonzaga Bay (San Luis Gonzaga) to experience that part of Baja before it changes and
hang out at Coco's Corner. Tons of posts here for all of this! Have fun!
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2802
Registered: 5-15-2010
Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
Member Is Offline
Mood: Waiting
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Don't drive at night.
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ligui
Senior Nomad
Posts: 837
Registered: 2-9-2008
Location: Fraser co.
Member Is Offline
Mood: love Baja !
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I travel down baja with a small shell on my truck , as Whale-ista brought up . Can sleep any where you need to with protection from the outside
weather . 
No fun getting beat up in the wind . 
You are going to love this trip ! Got Baja !
Good book......The Baja dventure Book Walt Peterson
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BooJumMan
Senior Nomad
Posts: 897
Registered: 8-11-2007
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
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I dont trust this guy...
He's half man, half bear, half pig?? Or is he half man, and half bear-pig??
That time of year is the best IMO for Baja, from Northern to the tip, you can pretty much find waves along most of the peninsula. Weather is nice, but
can be very windy, especially that time of year, so make sure you bring stuff to tie off too. It will blow for weeks straight!
Driving through Baja expedition style is my favorite thing... I bring a full set of tools, tire repair kit, good compressor, 10gal gas, 15 gal water,
hi-lift jack, shovel, spare... Depends on where you go I guess. These days seems like there's more people at even the secretest of surf spots, so even
if you were to break down, you could get help.
ATT phones work pretty much 90% of Baja. So get a ATT GoPhone if you dont have an ATT phone (Telcel networks and ATT share same technology so the ATT
phones work, while Verizon only works in a few big towns).
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Howdy...or I guess I should say Hola...Manbearpig...hmmm unusual name!!!! thanks for the intro...it's always nice to know a bit about a new kid in the
sandbox. I look forward to hearing about your choice of board names...hahaha.
You are going to have a blast and we look forward to sharing a few beers on the patio here in Asuncion and hooking you up with some waves.
I wouldnt bother with an extra spare as used tires are super cheap here and plentiful...they take up too much room in your "pad". Keep in touch with
those of us who live here and can help you out...I will U2U you my number in case of emergencies...good to have a name and number in your wallet if
something happens.
I highly recommend you stopping into our base camp for awhile at the laguna Ojo de Liebre near Guerrero Negro. This season a nice fella your age and
from your neighborhood became part of our tribe and we had a gas. And surf spots that shall not be publicly named are nearby. When the surf is down,
the surf rats hang with us at the lagoon. My daughter and assistant are your age and our tribe is known for having a wee bit of fun.
We look forward to meeting you and hearing about your travels.
check your U2U up in the right corner for a private message.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Get ideas for what to see and do from the trip report forum here. Also utilize my web site http://vivabaja.com with many photos and links there.
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desertcpl
Super Nomad
Posts: 2396
Registered: 10-26-2008
Location: yuma,az
Member Is Offline
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yes get a shell,,, more secure for your gear, other wise don't let the truck out of your site
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13196
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
Member Is Offline
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And here is a list I was talking about which we have compiled over the years!
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=9392#pid89062...
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dasubergeek
Senior Nomad
Posts: 694
Registered: 8-17-2013
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I would say whatever you have to hold your gear, make it lockable. Mexico in general and Baja in particular is a friendly, generally safe place, but
the prevailing culture is "if it isn't locked up, you didn't care enough about it".
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Martyman
Super Nomad
Posts: 1904
Registered: 9-10-2004
Member Is Offline
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Hey bearpig;
Sounds great. All the cool places are barely specks on the map. Go check em out.
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manbearpig
Newbie
Posts: 13
Registered: 4-27-2014
Member Is Offline
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You guys rule!
Looks like I'll have to pony up the cash for a shell. Actually found a reasonable priced shell near me. My idea for the cover/tarp did allow the
ability to lock the bed/storage below but it'll be much more comfortable with the shell, and one less thing to worry about dealing with each day.
Never did get the tarp to work perfectly when sleeping in the bed if I needed a cover. Actually saw an awesome set up with a bed one half and storage
to the side and below it I might need to cop. If anyone has some set ups they'd like to share on their truck beds I'd love to see a photo or hear a
description!
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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Camper Shell set ups
Check out some of these: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23272-Lets-see...
There are some very clever ideas on this website.
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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manbearpig
Newbie
Posts: 13
Registered: 4-27-2014
Member Is Offline
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Would a big 12'6 board strapped to the roof be a problem of any sort? Especially if left on car while I surf or not necessarily within my sight?
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5900
Registered: 7-18-2011
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by manbearpig
Would a big 12'6 board strapped to the roof be a problem of any sort? Especially if left on car while I surf or not necessarily within my sight?
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No problem. Only if you're in an urban area and out of your site do people generally have the balls to unstrap something to steal it.
Take it into your hotel for the night.
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Cliffy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 986
Registered: 12-19-2013
Member Is Offline
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Just back from a 2 week trip You will love the people of Baja. Some of the nicest and friendliest folks I have ever met (and I've been around the
world).
Good water is available almost anywhere in small and large cities (agua purifica). Food in small and large markets is available. Ice is available. Big
changes from when I went down 30 years ago.
Tire shops are very 25 miles on Baja 1. New tires are available in all the bigger cities.
Surfing is on the Pacific side but you probably already know that.
Go down through San Felipe and Gonzaga to Mex 1 rather than TJ / San Quintin on Mex 1.
Depending on how far off of Mex 1 or 3 you want to go will dictate how much extra gear you might want to take. If you do go through TJ/San Quintin
fill up in El Rosario below SQ as the next gas station is around 200 miles
A 5 gallon gas can is a wise idea as is two boxes of bottled water in the truck.
Build a bed platform in the bed of the truck with liftable panels to get at storage under. I built one with 3 inches of foam rubber to sleep on.
Worked great. Get a camper shell.
The weather will be cool on the Pacific side and warmer on the gulf side. Bring a coat.
Be aware the roads are not like in the states. Narrow and NO shoulders. Drive careful and watch everyone in front AND in back of you. Be prepared to
hit the brakes to let someone pass you if you don't think they can make it before the car ahead gets to you! The roads are not high speed roads! But
don't tell that to the Mexicans!!!!!
Rule #1
DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT!
Rule #2
Reread rule #1
Have 2 credit cards from which to withdraw PESOs from ATMs. They have a habit of being cancelled in Mexico even if you call them ahead of time and
tell them you are going to use them in Mexico. Try to live on pesos and not dollars down there. It's usually 100 pesos or $100 dollars when you
purchase something when the rate is 12.5 to 1 officially. You do the math. Use pesos!
No fishing license needed to shore fish. License needed if in a boat.
You will be stopped at military check points all down the road. NO BIG DEAL. Smile say hello and speak no Spanish. They may not check too much going
down but may check everything coming back Takes 5 mins. Again NO big deal.
You'll be harder checked coming back into the states than you were down there.
You will have a good time.
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