Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:23:24 -0700
Reply-To: miguel pacheco <mundopacheco@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: miguel pacheco <mundopacheco@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Baja Trip
In-Reply-To: <45ECCC64-6525-438A-B15B-104ADCD6CF7B@gmail.com>
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Finn, I have driven into Mexico multiple times. I've entered through Laredo
and driven to Mexico City. Most of my trips have been entering through
Nogales, driving through Hermosillo, then to San Carlos, and south along
the coast. My longest trip has been down to La Manzanilla, about 125 south
of Puerto Vallarta.
I have not taken the ferry across, to Baja, but I can tell you about the
roads. First, I will repeat what you will hear over and over. Do not drive
at night. That is rule #1, though I've broken that rule more than once. The
roads have little or no shoulder and, often, there are no guardrails where
you would expect. The curves will curve more than what we Americanos think
is safe. The Topes (speedbumps,) are often severely tall.....announced by
signs, or not. Pedestrians, livestock, bicycles will be encountered in the
most unlikely places. Decrease your traveling speed for safety. It is
important that you manage wisely, your logistics in this part of Mexico.
Get on the road at sunup and have a solid plan for that night's camp. You
don't want to be driving around in the dark looking for a place to camp. If
you were in Baja, this would not be as much of an issue as the camping
opportunities are more numerous. All that said, I don't find these Mexican
roads very bad, as far as surface conditions are concerned. Be very careful
in construction zones, as they don't take the time to put out signs where
you would expect they are necessary.
If you go through Hermosillo, get through it as fast as possible and do not
stop here to camp. It does not have a very good reputation (amongst the
Mexican locals.)
I have never encountered a scarey moment in Mexico, but you should be
careful. I speak fluent Spanish so it's a bit easier for me overall. It's
also safer to travel in a small caravan....strength in numbers!
San Carlos has plenty of nice camping, especially if you can get on top of
the sand dunes, south of town. Moving along, I've had nice camps in San
Blas, Chacala, Sayulita.....in La Manzanilla there are lots of private
properties, right on the beach, just north of town, where the crocodile
farm is. I asked one of the caretakers about camping and he hooked us up
with our private camping....amazing beach!
Miguel
On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 7:55 AM, Finn Runyon <finnrunyon@gmail.com> wrote:
> I was pleased to see Michael Hart's great photos from his recent Mexico
> trip. I am in Taos, NM, and I am wondering if any list members have had
> experience entering Mexico further east in Texas, and taking a ferry to
> Baja? How are the roads? Are their safety concerns? Any favorite spots
> along the way would be most appreciated.
>
> Best,
> Finn Runyon
> 89 Westy Roo
> 87 Westy Pooh
> 2012 GTI Autobahn
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