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Date:         Sat, 8 Dec 2012 07:39:38 -0800
Reply-To:     mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      reminder- Baja Whales 2013 trip planned, Mar 1-10
Comments: To: Wetwesties listees <wetwesties@yahoogroups.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

We are once again planning a VW van camping trip to see the annual whale birthing and mating rendezvous in the whale calving lagoons of Baja. People travel from all over the world to experience this phenomenon. The whales are friendly and last year a few proud mothers brought their babies right up to our boat close enough for us to pet both the babies and the moms. This will be the fourth year in a row for us to enjoy this spectacle.

Each winter thousands of Grey whales make the long trip from waters near Alaska to the Pacific coast of Baja. They begin arriving in January and their numbers peak in Feb/Mar. The pregnant females enter the shallow lagoons of Baja to give birth in the safe waters. The males hang nearby strutting their stuff and hoping for a chance to be the dads next time. This congregation of whales is simply amazing to see, even from shore. These waters are highly protected during this season and only licensed guides are permitted by the government to take small boats of tourists and scientists into the lagoons for close and personal observations. The boats must stay in certain areas so any whales that prefer it can be left in peace. Many whales seem to be as interested in us as we are in them.

While we take our Syncro, any VW van in roadworthy condition can travel the route and handle the roads. Most of the time the road will be paved and the few dirt sections are easy enough if done slowly. We will camp most nights at actual campgrounds where fees are charged and some amenities provided. The fees are per night per van, roughly $5-15. We mostly make our own meals but will eat out from time to time when appropriate. We will stop at food markets at least every other day. Gas is slightly cheaper and fuel quality is not an issue. We will cover perhaps 1500 miles within Mexico. You must have a passport to re-enter the US. Everyone will be responsible for their own expenses as we go.

For us the most interesting times revolve around the water and we tend to beach camp along the shore when we can. We will bring a tandem kayak to share and have a second one that may find a ride on another van. These aren't allowed in the whale lagoons but we will camp other places where they will come in handy for a scenic paddle or a bit of fishing.

Last year we had 4 vans and camped 6 nights in various locations in Baja. This year we have decided to add a couple more nights and hopefully some more vans too. At this point the schedule is still tentative and may be extended by some participants.

If you are interested in taking part in this trip please contact us to be put on the list for further info as well as requirements, recommendations, and restrictions.

Mark and Anne Drillock North San Diego County


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