Baja Bound

[Ron in BC]

We'll be leaving Quartzsite on Sunday heading for Baja. Just purchased our Mexican insurance so we're all set.

Before anyone chimes in and starts relating horror stories that they've read on the net let me say we have done our homework and are comfortable with the decision to go to Baja. The funny thing is that we made the decision without ever having talked directly to anyone who had actually taken their trailer to Baja. Then a couple of weeks ago a friend mentioned that someone she worked with was leaving for Baja in a couple of days and that they take their trailer there every year. So, despite their trailer being a stickie, I invited them over to dinner. Lot's of good info. Many years of going there. Total police stops, 0, total problems, 0. So it was nice to have that direct info.

On the way down we met a couple with a 19 headed to Baja. First time taking the trailer but have been driving down every year for years without incident.

I started the thread while I have good wi-fi, not sure what access I'll have in Mexico but I'll update as I go if possible.

Ron

[AK snowbiker]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

We'll be leaving Quartzsite on Sunday heading for Baja. Just purchased our Mexican insurance so we're all set.

Before anyone chimes in and starts relating horror stories that they've read on the net let me say we have done our homework and are comfortable with the decision to go to Baja. The funny thing is that we made the decision without ever having talked directly to anyone who had actually taken their trailer to Baja. Then a couple of weeks ago a friend mentioned that someone she worked with was leaving for Baja in a couple of days and that they take their trailer there every year. So, despite their trailer being a stickie, I invited them over to dinner. Lot's of good info. Many years of going there. Total police stops, 0, total problems, 0. So it was nice to have that direct info.

On the way down we met a couple with a 19 headed to Baja. First time taking the trailer but have been driving down every year for years without incident.

I started the thread while I have good wi-fi, not sure what access I'll have in Mexico but I'll update as I go if possible.

Ron

Ron, this is one thread that I will keep a close eye on, this is one of the trips on my bucket list. Have a great time. Scott

Scott, Lori and Fritz the Schnauzer
Fat bikes and Baja, good combo.

[PGDriver]

Hi Ron

I couldn't agree with you more. We have been to Mexico and taken taxis to smaller towns and have never felt threatened. I think there was more crime when we lived in Cloverdale, BC.
We have also talked about going there one of these winters. Hopefully sooner then later. Please post any campsite info etc. when your able.

Cheers (a jealous) Doug

[Brian B-P]

No horror stories here - I'll just note that Mexico is whole country, of significant size, with many differences between regions... just like other countries. Information about one region may not be applicable at all in other regions.

Enjoy Baja, Ron!

[MacMan]

Baja could be on my list for next year. I am sure you will get lot of interest in this thread. Thanks, in advance, for posting 'the good, the bad, and the ugly'!

[Loren & Cathy]

Everything I have heard or read on Baja as of late seems to be quite positive. Have a good trip and keep the forum posted. I guess I should say try, as internet access down there might be a little scarce. Loren

[LarryandLiz]

All the very best and have a great trip.

Please keep us updated along the way. And I'm sure many of us will want as much indepth info you are able to share when you get home.

Larry

[PGDriver]

Maybe there should be a Baja Rally next winter. [emoji6]

Cheers
Doug

[Mary Strasser]

Judging from the numbers of trailers, RV's etc. that we saw on the beach when we were sailing on the west side of the Sea of Cortez, there's plenty to feel just like you do. We never heard a discouraging word from the campers we visited. Common sense applies, as it does anywhere. Keep us posted, next winter we plan to do the Baja tour there ourselves in "Dog House".

[Ruthe]

I too am eager to hear about the Baja adventure. I'd really like to go somewhere where the snorkeling is great without having to fly.

[drpaddle]

Count us in as highly interested in your trip! I find the idea of an Escape (or fiberglass) caravan to Baja really appealing.

[Jill]

Count us too among the highly interested! Wishing you safe and smooth travels we look forward to hearing your stories!

[craiginpetaluma]

My first trip to Baja was 1975 my last was 2014 and there has been many in-between. I've camped in remote and populated areas, rented beach houses, stayed in hotels large and small. Ive never towed a travel trailer ,but have a fishing boat into Baja.

There was a company called "Caravans to Baja" that would lead groups of travel trailer to Bahia de Los angeles on the Sea of Cortez. They took over our best camp site. This is one of my favorite places to camp, fish, and a return is on the Bucket list.

All my experience's with the people of Baja have been great, The highway is the biggest danger in my opinion.

[Jim Bennett]

I too am looking forward to your trip to The Baja, Ron. This is one trip we plan on too.

As well, maybe a separate trip, I hope head all the way down the west side of Mexico, and maybe beyond.

[Fox hunt]

Very interested!

[Ron in BC]

Getting our visa's today and crossing with the trailer tomorrow.

John and Sherri, Escape 21, Colorado, pulled into Quartzsite a couple of days ago. 6 windsurfers on the roof and just returning from 3 months of windsurfing in Baja. They've been going there every year. Great info, always better to get it from someone who's been there, done that.

Escape Rally, Baja maybe a Caravan. Great idea.

Ron

[float5]

They were lucky ones to get a 21' that Escape put up. They actually stay in a rented place in Baja, not in their trailer because they are there so long. They didn't have the trailer on prior trips, so probably already had used such places.

[Ron in BC]

Edit, that was Rick and Sherry, my bad for doing a rushed update at McDonalds. They did stay in the 21 this year.

Quite a day. We had 3 goals; get across the border, get through Tecate without a traffic ticket and get through Ensenda.

The border took about 3 minutes because we already had our 180 day visas, Tecate stop signs we'd scoped out yesterday so no problem there except for highway construction and a lack of flag people but we made it and Ensenada was much easier than most large city rush hours.

Roads are narrow, varied condition but OK. Crazy drivers though, don't know why they waste money on yellow paint to put solid double yellow lines down. No one but me seems to obey that rule.

Gas price is about the same as at home.

Longish day but we're now south of San Quinten in a place called Los Olivos. It's an olive grove that has facilites for a few RV's by the olive grove. Full facilities for 250 pesos or $20 US. Very nice.

We've had two longish days so tomorrow we'll make an easier day and hopefully get to Guerrero Negro the next day and Michele will be able to get up close and personal with the whales.

Already regret not taking a few Spanish classes. We'll get by, we always do but I can see it'd make the trip much easier.

Ron

[Ron in BC]

Best showers ever This place is one of a kind, sort of like staying on a private estate. No water in the pool yet.

Only thing that really takes getting used to is the abrupt transition for road to shoulder. Even a modern store doesn't usually have a paved area so care pulling off the road is required. Not a biggie but a bit of a surprise.

Ron

[Jill]

Thanks for the update Ron. For the spanish lessons, if you have wifi access give Duolingo a try. It's a great website/app for learning many languages. It's fun too. My husband and are both using it and I have to say I'm making much better progress since he joined and now it's a competition too!