Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 12:12:27 -0800
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Baja Whales 2016 trip planning
In-Reply-To: <56511952.4010001@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Sounds fantastic, and I wish I could join you! For those that have them or
can get them, I just want to mention that (cheaper) enhanced driver's
licenses work for reentry from Mexico or Canada over land and water in lieu
of a passport, (but not for air travel):
http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/docs/whtisheet.pdf
It's recommended that you print this document and carry it with you in the
event of any confusion.
Have fun!
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
mark drillock
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 5:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Baja Whales 2016 trip planning
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 on previous trips a few proud mothers brought their
babies right up to our small boats close enough for us to pet both the
babies and moms. This will be the fifth year for us to enjoy this amazing
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 large 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 up 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 and thus close
encounters are numerous.
For us the most interesting times in Baja revolve around the sea 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 during the protected season but we will
camp other places where they will come in handy for a scenic paddle or a bit
of fishing.
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 camping fees are per night per van, roughly $10-15. 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 above current US prices 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.
People have joined our whale trips from various states and provinces.
Last time we had 10 vans and camped 8 nights at several locations in Baja.
I'm aiming for a smaller group this trip but who knows. At this point the
schedule is still tentative and may be extended or shortened by some
participants as suits them. We usually cross the border early on a Sat or
Sun morning. We don't drive in Baja at night so early starts are the norm on
travel days down there.
If you are interested in taking part in this trip please contact us to be
put on the list for further info and requirements.
Please, no guns, no drugs, no generators, and no dogs.
Mark and Anne Drillock
North San Diego County