Anyone heading to Baja?

[penner]

Wondering if anyone is planning a Baja trip this winter? We are thinking of heading out there around mid Feb or so. The only other time we were there was 4-5yrs ago after we picked up our ATC. That trip we just went a little further south than Mulege but would likely go further down this time. I do remember it being awful windy in spots but maybe it was just the time of year. Would we be better going earlier or later? Also, I was reading the travel warnings for Baja the other day. Does that deter anyone from traveling there? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Vic Harder]

Wondering if anyone is planning a Baja trip this winter? We are thinking of heading out there around mid Feb or so. The only other time we were there was 4-5yrs ago after we picked up our ATC. That trip we just went a little further south than Mulege but would likely go further down this time. I do remember it being awful windy in spots but maybe it was just the time of year. Would we be better going earlier or later? Also, I was reading the travel warnings for Baja the other day. Does that deter anyone from traveling there? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

Possibly. Starting to think about a winter trip down south. Let's stay in touch!

 

[Wango]

We are planning on a 3-4 week baja Feb trip.
Have several ideas if anyone wants to meet up.
w

 

[craig333]

I'd love to join up. Never been but its on my bucket list

 

[Beate]

We wanted to do it for years now, but always hesitatet because we read such a lot of drug crime there. And as we always would stay in the wild we are a bit nervous not to come by chance between the lines of two enemy ganges. What do you think about these?

 

[Wango]

Yes trouble can find you down there, but my experience in 2017 was great. I have also flown down to cabo a few times, and no problems.
That being said, i can understand folks being more comfortable in a group.
w

 

[Vic Harder]

We are planning on a 3-4 week baja Feb trip.
Have several ideas if anyone wants to meet up.
w

How to you want to meetup? There, or during the planning phase? Zoom?

 

[WanderingBison]

We will likely be there for a couple of months after Christmas so I’ll keep an eye on plans that take shape here, if you don’t mind

We have travelled to Baja twice in the last five years and can’t recommend it enough … especially as it’s changing and it’s “resort”/“gringo” areas continue to grow.

We have seen it change since our first trip and this slice of paradise might not quite be the same in 5-10 years.

As for “danger”, we regularly visit Chicago and never give it a second thought (even if no travel advisories have ever been issued for Chicago … ) and while there are a few precautions to take, we have never felt scared or in danger.

Oh wait! No, NO, Baja is dangerous, the roads are treacherous and the locals don’t want us there …. And I’m sure the pandemic is worst than ever there

 

[Wango]

How to you want to meetup? There, or during the planning phase? Zoom?

i'm up for whatever. anything ti get back down there right?
w

 

[Beate]

Oh wait! No, NO, Baja is dangerous, the roads are treacherous and the locals don’t want us there …. And I’m sure the pandemic is worst than ever there

Hahaha, I know such roads very well, we travelled there about 30 years ago, but with a small group and overnight in Hotels.
But if we go again we want to travel alone, with a 4x4-camper and staying overnight somewhere in the wild. And therefore I'm a bit afraid of encounter by chance a group of criminals. Maybe they want to hide there and are not so glad to meet tourists. LOL

 

[Taku]

Another resounding maybe. We are likely going to be in Baja around Jan/Feb especially if our house sells we will certainly be south. Would be good to meet up with some fellow WTW folks!

 

[penner]

For us there usually isn't a whole lot of planning involved, we tend to wing it a lot. Since we are both retired, well kinda, we travel at our own pace with not much of a schedule. I will be watching the forum to see who might be there because it would be nice to meet some of you . ( maybe even have a beer or 2,3,4, ??)

 

[craig333]

What are your thoughts about dogs? Some of the guys leading trips say no dogs. Kind of a no go for me.

 

[penner]

What are your thoughts about dogs? Some of the guys leading trips say no dogs. Kind of a no go for me.

I couldn't imagine leaving your dog at home. Ours went everywhere with us.

 

[Wango]

Our dates are now set, as she is flying in and out of San Diego to save vakay days. We are crossing via Mexicali on the 4th of Feb, and entering the US on the 25 of Feb. Had hoped for longer, but i was told to make it work.
We plan to hit mostly remote areas, not crazy 4x4 stuff, but there are lots of areas we didn't go last time do to a trailer.
No set plans yet, maybe Pete's the first night, easy, good food and showers.
We are thinking Cabo Pulmo for the 13th 14th and 15th, but that is as far as any dates go.
I am compiling a list of places, and now am putting the puzzle together.
I have a buddy that wants to join, part or all? Some folks have concerns about the border crossings, general security issues as well.
I get this, having people come and go as part of a loose group can help with these.
The last time we took our dog, he is now chasing Elvis, so no pooch for us this time, BUT, we love dogs, and have no issues with them.
Kinda like kids, they don't bite me, i don't bite them.
Would love to brainstorm, zoom, meet in passing, old fashioned phone call any ideas.
Keep it loose, yet under control is my idea.
Would be a great way to meet some folks on here, either down there, or pre trip.

In 2017, we spent about the same amount of time there, the crossings went fine, Be nice, remove your sunglasses, and remember you are a guest.
Know the laws, and DON"T break them, No drugs, guns, watch the speed, You better, because nobody else will.

I have not been in a situation where a bribe was asked for, but after talking to many people about this, i say no(mostly). Play dumb, and ask to follow them to the police station/headquarters. Otherwise, no situation is the same. Again, nice, polite, learn some spanish.

We had one minor incident, we were at Juncalito, late at nite and i hear my buddy yelling. i hopped off the bed, went down my steps,
and there was my buddy, bare as a babe having an animated conversation over our firewood stash, i started in as well, explained that yes it was a problem for us and that he should find his own.
He decided that two naked gringos was too much, went and found his own, built his fire right in front of us and sang to his girlfriend.
Meanwhile our wifes are wondering who exactly had lost th minds.

I could go on and on, but it's hard to type, i came down with Bells Palsey a month ago. So, my vision is a little wonky, and speech is even worse. My loved ones are enjoying the quiet.

Anyway, reach out if you like, i love WTW, this group has really helped me, hard to believe it's been 12 years. And Baja is to me the best part of Mexico. I love it's contrasts, the people have been awesome, the food, it's rawness is breathtaking. And it is accessible,
not crazy Nat Geo accessible but there. Do your homework, be honest about your comfort level. For me it's my wife. I would go there any time with a guy, or solo, but my wife is another matter. Her safety and comfort is priority one. Hence our rig "Ernie" it was designed with her comfort in mind. It's not an Earth Roamer, but she slept like a baby in an arctic storm at TUK, kept her groovy in Baja in 2017.
My point is, know your comfort level, be it terrain, remoteness, group size, borders etc. Be honest, about this, and work from there.
You may need to push your boundaries a bit, and that is great as well.
Spending a week at el requeson might really be heaven, (it was) or maybe some place in Todo Santos, even camping in Cabo San Lucas is an option. We fly down there every once in a while, so not sure if i would want to, but if i needed Tequila?
Baja remains.

 

[penner]

Wango. If we decide to make the trip it will probably be around the time you are there. Its 2500 miles from home to Mexicali so we probably wouldn't have a set day to cross. Would really like to see that flatbed of yours!

 

[Wango]

Wango. If we decide to make the trip it will probably be around the time you are there. Its 2500 miles from home to Mexicali so we probably wouldn't have a set day to cross. Would really like to see that flatbed of yours!

First round is on me!
w

 

[Lighthawk]

Living the dream my friend.
Who knows?

 

[goinoregon]

Pretty good chance that my gal and i will be making our first baja trip after thxgiving. back by christmas.
check out prior posts. occidental went last year for their first trip, and had an excellent time.

 

[bajaphile]

Heading down this weekend for a few weeks, going to "almost Cabo".

Main highways are up and running post Hurricane Kay.... Still a lot of unmarked and some marked detours and washouts from what I've heard. I'm hoping some of the dirt roads that go out to some more scenic/less crowded areas are roughed up to deter some.

I was luckily born and raised in SD to parents taking me down 100s of times growing up. I still make trips down 2-4 times a year. Things are appearing to swing back to being a bit more lawless unfortunately. From what I've been noticing, even the fishermen in the small camps are into meth these days. I've had a few "interesting" encounters including petty theft at night. Best to have a dog, a cheap motion sensor light (solar powered off Amazon) and keep everything locked up.