Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2016 17:29:16 -0800
Reply-To: vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@COX.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Baja Whales 2016 trip
In-Reply-To: <56511952.4010001@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Well, we did the whale camping trip and it was great. The weather was
ideal and the whales were more friendly than ever. With the rains this
year the Baja desert was green and even lush in places like I have never
seen. We had 7 VW vans traveling in a caravan for 7 days. Vans came from
3 states and 1 from Canada. We covered about 1300 miles in Mexico. No
real problems with the vans or anything else. I could not be happier
with how it all went. We ate at various cafes and taco stands along the
way and people got a real taste of Baja. Here is a link to a short video
made by some of the people who went.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is5uFmcDOzA
Mark
mark drillock wrote:
> 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....
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