2022 Via Loreto Baja
Where to this time in 2022
Where to this time in 2022
Where to this time in 2022
San Diego,
San Quintin, Santa Maria Mision, Catavina, Guerro Negro, Mallarimo, San Ignacio, Loreto Bay via Mulege, San Juanico, Guerro Negro, San Felipe, home.
Bajaneers 2022
Where to this time in 2022
Where to this time in 2022
Juan & Pablo (J), Sam & Miguel (J), Brandon & Alison (T), Radu & Tigran(T), Jesse (T).
Travel Log
Day 1: Saturday, October 24, 2022
Onward to the border crossing into Mexico. The day started with a fuel run, along with a stop at a Mexican Market for fresh off the flat top flour tortillas, salsa, coffee and chicharrons. Travel across the border was seamless, choosing to pass on getting our papers stamped, and headed for Hussong’s Cantina for libations and entertainment prior to heading out on our day’s journey to San Quintin, and final resting point at the Mission de Santa Maria Hotel.
Day 1: Saturday, October 24, 2022
Onward to the border crossing into Mexico. The day started with a fuel run, along with a stop at a Mexican Market for fresh off the flat top flour tortillas, salsa, coffee and chicharrons. Travel across the border was seamless, choosing to pass on getting our papers stamped, and headed for Hussong’s Cantina for libations and entertainment prior to heading out on our day’s journey to San Quintin, and final resting point at the Mission de Santa Maria Hotel.
Day 2: Sunday
Travel to Catavina via fuel stop and pain killers for John’s neck in El Rosario. Catavina, pay toll (bribe) at Santa Ines Rancho, then up the hill. Goal for the day is the Mission where we camp just around dusk. Despite the hurricane’s affect, the trail was in relatively good shape with the most difficult section being the swampy area near the mission. Highlights: Jesse’s late afternoon rampage and tire damage, Radu’s white knuckling in the newly outfitted fore runner, Sam and Miguel as cool as can be, Tegran’s amazing barbecued skewered rib eye steak, accompanied by Sam’s Lewelling Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. For the first time we camped at the mission, being careful to not disturb the ruins. The guest book was full and needs to be replaced with a new one….
Day 3: Monday, Monday
Departure from the Mission: Debeaded flat on Land Cruiser, amazingly getting the bead set after backing up from the hole, Brandon’s trailblazing with saw to clear our way. (bring Susi’s mini chain saw next time 😊 Upon our arrival back in Catavina discovered knuckle damage to Jesse’s Landcruiser and tire, which requires we shim the wheel with an assortment of spacers, mainly washers, and we end up spending the night in Catavina, with an early departure for Guerrero Negro.
Day 4: Tuesday
Travelled to Guerrero Negro, adapted and installed proper spacer, round up additional spare. Of course, Manuel’s incredible hospitality and assistance with repairs was both appreciated and invaluable.
Day 5: Wednesday
Off to Mallarimo Beach, outstanding skewered marinated pork chops for dinner, along with roasted peppers and mushrooms. Condition of wash, road and beach seemed a bit more difficult than past since the actual trail was no longer visible requiring additional trailblazing, and easily handled. The usual pack of coyotes were there to welcome us!!
Say 6: Thursday
Depart Mallarimo, water line trail to Tortugas. It was a beautiful day travelling along the coast line, then stopped for cocktails and fishing short of Punta Eugenia. From there to Tortugas where we found the worst Tacos ever. I think they were fly tacos rather than beef tacos. Scary looking lady running the taco stand. After fueling, we were then off to San Ignacio via Vizcaino. When we arrived in San Ignacio, our favorite hotel with a pool, the Desert Inn was closed because of the hurricane. We stayed at newly recommended hotel just past town. Dinner in the hotel.
Day 7: It's Friday!
Early morning departure, after fresh tortillas and salsa, for Loreto via Santa Rosalia and a brief tour through Mulege. We discovered the Mulege Brewing Company, just south of town, and stopped for some brews. A little further south of town is where the Bahia de Concepcion begins, which is always a beautiful drive along the gulf before arriving in Loreto Bay at the Loreto Bay Hotel.
Day 8: Saturday is Fishin' day.
From Loreto Bay, the boys go fishing and bring back 9 Dorado which the restaurant prepared, John and Paul drive down to visit resort property at Villa del Palmar, but were rejected! Help is excellent at the Hotel, fish is well prepared that night, but property is aged and in need of some TLC.
Day 9: Sunday at the Mision
Alison hangs back for afternoon flight home and Boys head to San Juanico, which ends up truly being the longest day! Road is reasonable over the top to San Jose de Comodo where we visit the Mision de San Jose Comondu, includes beautiful views and a few minor obstacles, one wash out requiring following the bypass, lots of goats. We try the old Southern entrance to San Juanico but are stymied after ten miles and are required to return to Highway 153, head further south to Barrancas and back up the paved highway. Dinner at the Cantina around 9:30, where most had HUGE burritos.
Day 10: Monday
Off to San Ignacio less a clear understanding of the condition of the highway. Surprisingly, we come across a front loader and grader repairing sections of the road ahead of us. Come across the original Horny Toad rock formation where John had gathered his cow skull in 2007. Follow the coastal route along the Lagoon which is in good shape. Stop briefly for a good lunch in San Ignacio then complete the day by rejoining Manuel at the Halfway Inn in Guerrero Negro where the kitchen prepared our remaining Mahi Mahi and serving it on our veranda, with Margaritas, of course.
Day 11: Tuesday
Sam visits the mechanic in the morning in Guerrero Negro, which does a repair which is short lived as we head north and enter the Matomi wash. After ten miles in the wash, the repair fails, then a magnificent trail repair via Tigran, Jesse, and Pablo, gets us back on the road, but in reverse headed to San Felipe for the night, with the intent of another repair the next morning. We head to Pete’s Camp in San Felipe.
Day 12: Wednesday
Pete’ Camp camping. Following dropping Sam’s jeep at Ramone’s, we head south to the Chenowth Museum. Great museum with old stories, articles and race cars from the Baja 1000. Of course, drinks upstairs in the bar. Actually, a very nice resort south of San Felipe. Brandon and Jesse take off for the Matomi wash entering from the North, and making the loop in 4 ½ hours, with no damage