Baja Adventure 2008

[pappy]

First off, I've been traveling to Baja since the late 1980's, and this will be sixth trip down there solo in the last few years. I'm aware of the issues and the risks, but like the story said, it mostly involves the border towns, Tijuana and Ensenada. Just so folks know there are also forums like MUD for Baja, and I do hang at one of those. That story above is only the tip of the problems going on down there.

Also, consider that I have had my cars broken into at least four times in my driveway, and the recent attempt on my house. Realistically, I feel safer in Mexico than the USA. Yes, I've felt uncomfortable and left a beach camp. Like the story says, visitors need to be vigilant, but it doesn't matter if I'm in Baja, or Utah.

 

[Beowulf]

Do I still get da 40 and could you maybe get it running before you leave for Baja?
-Mike-

 

[mep1811]

Baja Adventures

You are right . I just wanted to point out that Baja is not the safe playground anymore. Keep in mind that the Government of Mexico is behind most of the crime and that things are going to get worse there. As we speak, there is a price on all Federal Agents along the border and there has been escalating violence against Border Patrol Agents as well as attemps to kidnap Agents.

 

[juane]

It's the mythical desert oasis...

It's clearly a movie set.

 

[Beowulf]

My statement about the family on the remote beach was tonguel-in-cheek. I was poking fun at Jon. However, I think he should leave the keys to da 40 with someone in HDC. Just sayin'

-Mike-

 

[pappy]

I understood that Mike. Come get 'em.

 

[pappy]

Today's picture from the past.

 

[pappy]

Another blast from the past.

 

[Rudical]

Usted sabe que los tipos aquí sólo le cuidan. Despite that hope you have fun!

 

[cruiserfien]

Awesome Thread, I have always wanted to go on a Baja Adventure. I hope your trip goes well please post lots of pictures!! Do you have a map you can attach that shows where you are going and where the spots are to camp. Im going to try and make this adventure within the next couple of years.

Awesome posts

 

[pappy]

I don't have a map for this year. Yes, I know where I'm going, including two new beaches that are not on the maps, plus Las Animas which is well known. Depending on how nice they are I may or may not share them . Other than that I'll be visiting familiar places ... La Turquesa Canyon, Mission Santa Maria, Valle Calamajue, LA Bay, maybe some of the palm canyons in the Sierra San Pedro Martir, or some beaches on the Pacific side. It's all time dependent. I plan on spending more time at each spot instead of picking up each morning.

My trek is GPS'd each year. About all I could do is re-upload the Google Earth KML files and the reports I've posted in the past. Reports are also here at MUD if you search on my user name.

Pics will not be forthcoming right away this year. A few of my HDC cohorts have requested I think about a TT article. Now if they attend the meeting at my house in April I might have something playing on the TV.

Da'BajaRat

 

[pappy]

A quicky web page up at Bushrat's Baja Adventures

 

[pappy]

First, for those of you who will take the time to raz me for sending this post, I'll get this out of the way ...

OK, I feel better.

I'm half way through, and I'm still alive. The last three days have forced me indoors. Three things have come together. 1- the wind has been insane thanks to a storm off/in San Diego. There is only so much sand raining on me in the tent I can stand. Call me a whimp - I don't care. 2 - I'm half way through my adventure and decided a shower and soft bed sounded like a good idea. Call me a whimp - I don't care. 3 - It's my birthday, thank you very much.

So after four remote beaches, and one palm oasis, I'm taking a break in Bahia de los Angeles before going over the rough road to the palm oasis at Mission Santa Maria. Hello from one of the best bays on the Sea of Cortez. I've had a nice dinner cooked by somebody other than me, and three cerzeza, two of them presents for my bday from other folks staying here.

So far things have been good, except for the usual wind which always seems to blow in the spring. Fishing at Las Animas (south of LA Bay) was real good. I stayed on a "new" beach north of LA Bay and didn't see another person for two days ... not on land, or on the sea. Usually I at least see a fisherman go by, or a shrimp boat, or something. I saw nothing. There was the skull of a fin whale on one beach.

I've added three new "life birds" ... oyster catcher, little blue heron, and a red-breasted merganser. Sea lions have fished off my camp. Blue footed boobies, masters of the dive bomb, dove for dinner. The desert is in bloom, though I'm a little late. Poppies, lupines, desert dandelions.

I've learned that the boats transmit on VHF - channel 16, their equal of channel 19 on CB, is 156.80, which my ham radio will receive, but not transmit. I'll need to make that mod to fix that.

So with that, I'll see ya'all in a week.

 

[Pyro-boy]

Glad to hear your doing well. The wind has not been kind here in Espanola (50mph gusts). H

Take Care,
Vince

 

[Beowulf]

Call me a whimp - I don't care.

Is a "whimp" the combination of a whiny wimp? If yes, then you are a whimp. I've been telling all my friends what a fearless, intrepid explorer you are what with a nickname of Bushrat and driving solo for 2+ weeks in Baja... fending off banditos with only a stern look and sending drug dealers running with a cold hard stare. This old guy that is afraid of the wind can't be the same Bushrat that I talked to a few weeks ago. Please, don't let it be so.

Happy Birthday princess.












BTW, the wind was brutal here today. It blew over the basketball goal onto the top of the cruiser. Yep, big dent in the roof. I was pi$$ed to say the least. $500 deductible so I'll live with the dented roof.

-Mike-

 

[evanz80]

Happy Birthday princess.

BTW, the wind was brutal here today. It blew over the basketball goal onto the top of the cruiser. Yep, big dent in the roof. I was pi$$ed to say the least. $500 deductible so I'll live with the dented roof.

-Mike-

Jon -

I don't think I can say it any more eloquently than Mike, but Happy Birthday anyway! Have a great time. I hope the wind quits for you. It's been blowing like h*ll here and I'm about sick of it.

And for Mike - sorry to hear about your roof. That sucks. The good news - I am guessing no one can see it unless they stand on your slider, or if they happen to be flying over in a helicopter!

Evan

 

[Ruadhrigh]

Jon,

Happy B day. Enjoy the luxuries while you have them


Sorry about your roof Mike, all I can say is... sell it. She is damaged goods now. But is unfortunate that all of your damage seems to happen in the city.

 

[Beowulf]

And for Mike - sorry to hear about your roof. That sucks. The good news - I am guessing no one can see it unless they stand on your slider, or if they happen to be flying over in a helicopter!

It is on the leading edge right above the windshield. Most won't notice but its there and bugs me. I'll get over it.

-Mike-

 

[alia176]

She finally got a scratch/dent...! That sucks big.

 

[pappy]

I've been telling all my friends what a fearless, intrepid explorer you are what with a nickname of Bushrat and driving solo for 2+ weeks in Baja... fending off banditos with only a stern look and sending drug dealers running with a cold hard stare. This old guy that is afraid of the wind can't be the same Bushrat that I talked to a few weeks ago. Please, don't let it be so.

Happy Birthday princess.

[sigh]

I have a story to go with that, but alas, I can't tell it here. Too bad.

Also, a milestone this trip.