Sunday, 27 October 2013

Contact Me

Many of these pages contain kilometer-by-kilometer photos of the road & surroundings. Check the date and travel direction to see what the pavement looks(ed) like --- and also see old abandoned segments next to new segments. I defer to David K's extensive Baja history websites for better historical maps, photos and narrative.

Maps

The Missions of Baja California

Google Earth Placemarks

Baja Nomad Forums

A typical entry in my little red journal(s). I've filled hundreds of pages on this and other trips.

When I reference Km markers, they are reset to ZERO at various locations along the peninsula which can make it confusing. The zero-reference start points include: US-MX border, Ensenada, El Rosario, the border between Baja Sur & Baja Norté and Los Cabos.

Learn more & get the list HERE

"Outback" song by Outback Steakhouse

The usual suspects:

• Bahia Cantiles Bar & Restaurant
• Splash Bar & Restaurant
• K-38 Surf Shop
• K-38 Baja Open House
• K-38 Robert's Motel
• K-55 (La Paz) Playas Pacificas
• K-0.5 (Los Cabos) Club Cabo

Fun Facts

Baja 2010 Grand Trip Map
Set terrain = 2x for best effect.

Missions of Baja History
Set terrain = 3x for best effect. 

Baja Military Checkpoints
Set terrain = 2x for best effect.

Baja Pemex Stations
Set terrain = 2x for best effect.

Yippie! The new Baja Almanac is out! (Fall 2009)

After being out of print for 4 years and losing both my copies, I ordered 4 to make sure I have a backup and gave two away as gifts. Also plentiful throughout the Peninsula.

San Juanico/Scorpion Bay southern road corrections & update (July 2010)

I have been favorably impressed with the infrastructure efforts during my 15-year absence:

• According to an article by John Pack in the January 2010 edition of Mexico Living, the Mex 5 road south of San Felipé from Puertecitos south towards Gonzaga Bay and ultimately connecting with Mex 1 south of Cataviña has apparently been paved in first class fashion to within 5 miles of Puertecitos. Ugh --- there goes the 4x4 off-road neighborhood!
• From the Mex 5 junction north of San Felipé, the asphalt surface of Mex 3 to Ensenada is in awful condition as of December 2009
• Mex 1 lanes have been widened in many locations along the 2-lane portions (from Mexican 9-foot lane widths to American standard 12-foot lane widths).
• The asphalt riding surface was in excellent condition everywhere (no potholes)
• There are several construction zones where you'll be driving on dirt --- many sections of highway between Maneadero and Tijuana are being widened to 4 or 6 lanes.
• Most of the vados are gone, replaced by bridges.
• Curve 'post' markers have been replaced with guardrails and reflective signs everywhere --- I saw none missing.
• Missions are well signed --- although sometimes only from one direction --- meaning you may have to drive through towns both ways to see them.
• Villages, towns, ejidos, recreation are generally well signed, though there is still a lot of guesswork to finding the actual turnoff or when there are forks along the dirt roads.
• Through four military checkpoints and one Federale checkpoint I was always treated with courtesy and respect.