Thanksgiving 2012
We crossed at the new Chapparel Border crossing in San Ysidro on Saturday, 11/17, about 5am. We were sent to secondary for a quick inspection. I asked the friendly inspector about obtaining and paying for FMT. He said the immigration office and bank were open 24/7. I didn't need a permit this trip so I don't have any first hand info.
The drive down was uneventful for the most part. We stopped at Las Pasaditas in El Rosario to get some food to go. While waiting for our meal, Dern popped in to say hello. He was driving north and saw my truck outside. He suggested the road to San Rafael might be rough which was my fear. We had light rain from El Rosario until the turn off to Bahia Los Angeles.
We filled up in BoLA and headed out of town. The road started off miserable and got worse as we headed out of town. I had a full truck and drove slowly. Between the recent rains and the Baja 1000, this was the worst I had seen the road. After a few hours of driving we had driven about 18 miles and decided to camp for the night. We found a cool arroyo and made camp. My son was stoked as it was the first time sleeping under the stars with Dad. Mommy and his sister slept in the Autohome.
The next morning we packed up and continued on to Pancho's (PSR). We arrived to find our normal camp site occupied. Pancho said something about the people knew me. As it turned out, Nomad Frigate bird arrived the prior night. No worries, we set up camp on the south end of the long beach and set our sites on cleaning up the area. Pancho brought down a rake and we picked up debris left from pangueros. In the end, we felt good about our clean up efforts.
We had a great time with Pancho as usual but the highlight of the trip came via the ocean. Three kayakers appeared out of no where and were seeking water. The three were from Germany and were kayaking from Gonzaga Bay to La Paz. They ended up joining us for the night.
Bahia San Rafael/Bahia Asunsion Thanksgiving Trip 2012
We crossed at the new Chapparel Border crossing in San Ysidro on Saturday, 11/17, about 5am. We were sent to secondary for a quick inspection. I asked the friendly inspector about obtaining and paying for FMT. He said the immigration office and bank were open 24/7. I didn't need a permit this trip so I don't have any first hand info.
The drive down was uneventful for the most part. We stopped at Las Pasaditas in El Rosario to get some food to go. While waiting for our meal, Dern popped in to say hello. He was driving north and saw my truck outside. He suggested the road to San Rafael might be rough which was my fear. We had light rain from El Rosario until the turn off to Bahia Los Angeles.
We filled up in BoLA and headed out of town. The road started off miserable and got worse as we headed out of town. I had a full truck and drove slowly. Between the recent rains and the Baja 1000, this was the worst I had seen the road. After a few hours of driving we had driven about 18 miles and decided to camp for the night. We found a cool arroyo and made camp. My son was stoked as it was the first time sleeping under the stars with Dad. Mommy and his sister slept in the Autohome.
The next morning we packed up and continued on to Pancho's (PSR). We arrived to find our normal camp site occupied. Pancho said something about the people knew me. As it turned out, Nomad Frigate bird arrived the prior night. No worries, we set up camp on the south end of the long beach and set our sites on cleaning up the area. Pancho brought down a rake and we picked up debris left from pangueros. In the end, we felt good about our clean up efforts.
We had a great time with Pancho as usual but the highlight of the trip came via the ocean. Three kayakers appeared out of no where and were seeking water. The three were from Germany and were kayaking from Gonzaga Bay to La Paz. They ended up joining us for the night.
On Tuesday we said our good-byes and headed south. We were worried about the road conditions but figured we could get through. There were some tight spots on the climb out of the valley but nothing too bad. We decided to cut over to San Gertrudis instead of El Arco. In the past this road was a great option but not this trip. With all the rain, much of the initial miles required 4wd and was slow going. We had time and enjoyed the green, green desert.
We stocked up on supplies in Vizcaino and made the trip out to our place in Bahia Asuncion. After cleaning up, we walked down to enjoy the Revolution Day festivities at the community center. A number of mini-restaurants had been contructed out of wood and palms. People were dressed up and milling about. It was a great way to seen amigos and get settled in.
We pretty much went to the beach and played in the waves. My wife and I hosted a small Thanksgiving dinner at our place with some neighbors and my mother. We grilled a two big pork loins stuffed with garlic, enjoyed mac and cheese baked, a nice salad, and even had a pumpking cheesecake. It was a great evening for sure.
Another highlight came on our last night. Shari came by to tell us some friends had sailed into town and were looking for me. They were headed south and had no idea I would be in town but decided to check. They had caught a dorado so Tomas at Loncheria Mari prepared a huge feast for us. I supplied some great beers from Stone and we shared many a laughs.
ec
In all another great trip. We crossed at Tecate on Monday midday with only a 13 minute wait. Looking forward to heading back down for Christmas.
On Tuesday we said our good-byes and headed south. We were worried about the road conditions but figured we could get through. There were some tight spots on the climb out of the valley but nothing too bad. We decided to cut over to San Gertrudis instead of El Arco. In the past this road was a great option but not this trip. With all the rain, much of the initial miles required 4wd and was slow going. We had time and enjoyed the green, green desert.
We stocked up on supplies in Vizcaino and made the trip out to our place in Bahia Asuncion. After cleaning up, we walked down to enjoy the Revolution Day festivities at the community center. A number of mini-restaurants had been contructed out of wood and palms. People were dressed up and milling about. It was a great way to seen amigos and get settled in.
We pretty much went to the beach and played in the waves. My wife and I hosted a small Thanksgiving dinner at our place with some neighbors and my mother. We grilled a two big pork loins stuffed with garlic, enjoyed mac and cheese baked, a nice salad, and even had a pumpking cheesecake. It was a great evening for sure.
Another highlight came on our last night. Shari came by to tell us some friends had sailed into town and were looking for me. They were headed south and had no idea I would be in town but decided to check. They had caught a dorado so Tomas at Loncheria Mari prepared a huge feast for us. I supplied some great beers from Stone and we shared many a laughs.
ec
In all another great trip. We crossed at Tecate on Monday midday with only a 13 minute wait. Looking forward to heading back down for Christmas.
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