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0to60in6min
Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2006
Posts: 3460
Location: OR & CA (Oregon/California)
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 Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 1:50 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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| I really liked Campo Archelon in Bahia de Los Angeles. Very nice owner. |
oh yeah.. Anthony at Campo Archelon in Bahia de Los Angeles is super great guy. We went there many times back at the time when the camp was a place for sea turtles... now it's not anymore, empty tanks.
Camping at La Gringa is free...
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fxr
Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2014
Posts: 2668
Location: Bay area CA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:24 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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Another vote for La Gringa. 
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Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300 |
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10440
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:31 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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Punta La Gringa......March 2020
Punta La Gringa.....March 2017
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Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10504
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:42 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
| Punta La Gringa.....March 2017 |
MOS, different view. Totally enjoyed that trip!
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
(VW Gas I4)
1988 Westy DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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owokie
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2003
Posts: 575
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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I'll play. Had the whole place to ourselves when we were there...
Loved the all-you-can-eat orange/grapefruit campground just inland from Mulege. Dunno what they're calling it these days.
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fxr
Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2014
Posts: 2668
Location: Bay area CA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 3:49 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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That is the Hacienda de la Habana, aka "Ray's place" - though Ray is deceased. His widow Favi still runs it:
https://mulegervpark.com/
Lots of great reviews on ioverlander, campendium etc. Well worth a visit.
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300 |
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Alluvial Van
Samba Member
Joined: November 10, 2012
Posts: 149
Location: San Diego, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 5:45 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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| Isn't the border still closed to non-essential travel? |
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Love My Westy
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 1898
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| Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 8:18 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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| fxr wrote: |
That is the Hacienda de la Habana, aka "Ray's place" - though Ray is deceased. His widow Favi still runs it:
https://mulegervpark.com/
Lots of great reviews on ioverlander, campendium etc. Well worth a visit. |
Their website says they were close in Dec 2020 due to covid. |
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thatgirlinthevanagon
Samba Member
Joined: January 18, 2016
Posts: 70
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2021 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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OMG! Great photos and recs! Thank you!!
Yes, did my research and supposedly the border is closed to non essential travel until Feb 21st. I've been told it's not being enforced but....
Not sure what I'm gonna do. Leaving Friday.
I have a back up trip planned here in North American but it's cold here : /
Anyone cross the border in the last few days?
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86 VW Vanagon Westfalia. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17266
Location: Brookeville, MD
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thatgirlinthevanagon
Samba Member
Joined: January 18, 2016
Posts: 70
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2021 6:27 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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Really? Dang! DO they have essential business there? working there or just a pleasure trip?
...and, if I get in...will the beaches be closed? I'm finding contradictory info. on the internet.
| dobryan wrote: |
| Friends of mine crossed the border yesterday. No issues. |
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86 VW Vanagon Westfalia. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17266
Location: Brookeville, MD
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thatgirlinthevanagon
Samba Member
Joined: January 18, 2016
Posts: 70
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2021 7:16 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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will do. Thanks!
| dobryan wrote: |
They went in as tourists.
I think beaches are open but may have some restrictions. Not sure.
If you are on facebook search for the group ‘Baja By Vanagon’.
There are several Vanagons in Baja currently. |
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86 VW Vanagon Westfalia. |
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thatgirlinthevanagon
Samba Member
Joined: January 18, 2016
Posts: 70
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2021 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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Ok, just talked to a friend that just drove back over. Said that he went in a few days ago no questions asked. I'm going to do it. I'll pack for a back up trip if I'm turned away.
Would love some more recommendations on deserted, white sand beaches I can drive right up to.
Best first camp spot after crossing the border. I want to drive as far as I can get that first day.
Good places to SUP. Nude beaches or at least deserted enough where that wont be a problem. Best places to see whales!! Best companies to go out to see them with! Yay!
Any more suggestions welcome.
Weeeeeee
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Microbusdeluxe 
Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2003
Posts: 1009
Location: Bellingham, WA
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| Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2021 10:59 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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If you get stuck and have to stay in Ensenada there are a couple of motels in town that have camping places attached and they are secure and safe. South of Ensenada we stayed at a place that was a family home, high on a cliff overlooking the beach, Campo #5. It is just before the "La Bufadora" a touristy but cool ocean blowhole.
Do you have iOverlander or a good map or the Churches' camping guide? You really should have some concrete way to locate yourself and see what's around.
And finally not to be a drag, but years of living and working in traditional societies in the developing world have made me very sensitive to Westerners who come to play and disregard local customs in their pursuit of a tropical paradise. Do not sunbathe nude in Mexico, or really anywhere in a developing nation. It is highly offensive to the local people and you are setting a very poor example, especially for women travelers who come after you. While you may think you are alone, very often there are indeed other people around, fishermen out on the water, etc. so just don't do it. Sermon over.
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'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig! |
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Love My Westy
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 1898
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| Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 12:16 am Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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| Microbusdeluxe wrote: |
And finally not to be a drag, but years of living and working in traditional societies in the developing world have made me very sensitive to Westerners who come to play and disregard local customs in their pursuit of a tropical paradise. Do not sunbathe nude in Mexico, or really anywhere in a developing nation. It is highly offensive to the local people and you are setting a very poor example, especially for women travelers who come after you. While you may think you are alone, very often there are indeed other people around, fishermen out on the water, etc. so just don't do it. Sermon over. |
X2 I was thinking about telling you about nudity being offensive in Mexico. I would just say be discreet.
Are you driving down Hwy 1 or 5. Hwy 5 is new road and is in good shape. Hwy 1 is narrow, no shoulder. San Filipe has lots of beach camps and miles and miles of beach. I would recomend crossing at Tecate or Mexicali going on 5, much less population and traffic. That will take you to Gonzaga Bay and the nice beach camps there (Beluga, Punta Final). The road then leaves the water and joins up with Hwy 1. Fill up with gas at Gonzaga Bay.
If you drive Hwy 1, don't camp on the deserted beaches around (both north and south of San Quintin). Lots of robberies happen along that stretch. Stay in a campground at San Quintin.
If you are going to Bahia Los Angeles, be aware that a woman just disappeared from there: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=95473
I don't want to scare you, but if you are traveling by yourself I just wanted you to be aware, (not that people don't disappear in LA).
BTW Winter on the Sea of Cortez has a prevailing north wind (Norte) that usually comes up late morning and may last for several days. The weather is usually warmer once you get south of Mulege. For whale watching, Guerrero Negro beach, just outside of town. Shari, a poster on the Baja Nomad site runs a whalewatch business there.
South of Mulege are several beaches. Our favorite is Escondida, although Playa Santaspac is protected also for SUP. No nudity on these beaches though as they are pretty populated. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17266
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 6:41 am Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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We were in Baja back in March 2020 and stayed at the Kuyima camp at San Ignacio Lagoon. Wonderful camp facilities and people. Very safe.
Whale watch tours were outstanding.
https://www.kuyima.com/en/home/
Maybe check them out. I'd call for info since Covid may have interrupted operations.
Have fun and stay safe.
Since you are traveling by yourself currently you likely can use the Baja By Vanagon fb group to link up with other Vanagon travelers there and caravan together. My friends just did that and they have a nice group of 4 together.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2010 Subaru EJ25 (Vanaru) and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
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johnnygreenham
Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2013
Posts: 466
Location: Upper Jay NY
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| Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 10:31 am Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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Bring a very loooooong tow strap, or the sand monster my get you.
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10440
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 11:38 am Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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I've spent many wonderful days and nights camped along the Baja shoreline. Hopefully you will too.
This is winter season down there so you may need to lower your expectations somewhat.
The days are shorter and cooler and this is a time when rains occur with minor flooding common in low spots.
Many beaches are accessed by dirt roads that get muddy and/or have pools of standing water you must get past.
Since I don't know how much time you plan to spend down there I won't make too many suggestions for your journey. I will say that based on what you have said so far the Mulege and Bahia Conception camps are your best bet for safe relaxing days along clear calm waters.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OyH1GNDv6JA/maxresdefault.jpg
While the Baja highways have been improved and become safer year by year they are still unforgiving in many long stretches.
You must pay attention all the time as well as keep speeds down. This means less miles per day but that is just how it is
Plan to stop for the night before sundown, like an hour before. I mean it.
This may mean starting out early on driving days, like just after sunrise so you have time to cover some distance.
It is a long way to Cabo and not much reason to go that far IMHO.
Wherever you camp along the way, if it is nice and feels safe consider staying another night to take advantage of it. Conditions can change dramatically from day to day so try to make the most of the good days.
Wind is the big spoiler in Baja. If it starts to really blow that is a possible signal to travel on assuming you have other spots you don't want to miss. Stay put when it is nicest and move along when conditions warrant it so you don't waste the best beach days driving.
Since very strong wind can come on fairly suddenly, make a habit of stowing most of your stuff before nightfall. That way you can avoid chasing your stuff around in the middle of the night with blowing sand pelting you. When you feel the van start rocking in the wind, get up right away and put everything inside.
I strongly recommend taking a porta potty. Thetford or Dometic are good brands.
Mark |
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thatgirlinthevanagon
Samba Member
Joined: January 18, 2016
Posts: 70
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
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| Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 6:40 pm Post subject: Re: Baja bound. Tips, Advice, etc. |
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Great recommendations! Thank you!
I'm actually not going alone. Going with a male friend. He's interested in whale watching and surfing and I am interested in national park type of spaces for hiking and deserted beaches. : )
Should I go all the way down to La Paz? Looks like there is some beautiful beaches there.
Yes! Absolutely understand about nudity and the mexican people. I have traveled in Mexico many, many times (just not driving in on my own) and know that the mexican people are typically conservative and that they are offended by nudity. This is why I asked for recommendations for particular places that I may be able to partake. ; )
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