durangotang wrote:
Just starting my thread and looking forward to updating it throughout the next 7 months or so as I prepare the KJ for the trip.
The details are sketchy at this point but I will be leaving from Durango and heading down into Mexico. (where exactly depends on whether or not some
other Jeepers from Cali are going). After crossing the border the off road adventure begins.
The plan is simple: Down the west coast, Cabo, Up the east coast. Hotels are to be considered a last resort and pavement will be avoided like the plague. I have always wanted to drive at least portions of the Baja Race Course and it's finally going to happen... stay tuned
If anyone has some insight or reccomendations... please share!!
LOL... "other Jeepers from Cali". And... Arizona Jeepers too??
You my friend, are about to undertake a trip I've always wanted to do for the past 8~10 years or so. I'm jealous, you may make it happen, and being so close, I wish I were going along with you. There is one big reason and several lessor ones that preclude me from making this trip. The big reason is the unrest down there and the travel advisories put out by the US State Department:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_t ... _4491.html
And to be fair, another view of the issue:
http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-califor ... arning.htm
Because of the unrest, I won't even consider crossing our southern boarder. A couple of American born Hispanics I know, who are fluent in Spanish and have family in Mexico, will not even consider traveling down there, much less now with the current climate of unrest that's happening.
Just a few of many things to keep in mind:
- traveling in Mexico on your own is a lot different than doing it with a large group; such as the people with the the Baja 500.
- you're on your own and the horror stories about being detained down there are true. Keep in mind the US Government has no power to get you out if something should go wrong. Their jails and prisons make ours look like country clubs.
- if you normally "carry" while out on the trail, or in your everyday life... leave it at home. Don't even get caught with so much as one bullet rolling around in the back of your vehicle that you may have dropped and forgotten about.
- of course you know you're looking at least a 1,500~1,600 mile round trip and the logistics for obtaining safe water, food and shelter. Even the tour books for the more popular travel destinations advise against drinking the water.
- you may want to consider Algodones, or San Luis for a point of departure to shave off a few miles instead of Calexico or Tijuana.
- don't forget passports are now required (allow plenty of time to get one).
- one other thing to consider... have you looked into the possibility of enlisting the aid of an outfitter or guide, some one who is very familiar with the area? There are tour companies and people listed that would make things easier for you while still keeping your trip adventurous.
Please, don't take me wrong... I'm not trying to discourage you. I guess it's old age and life lessons learned while traveling through places like the Philippines that are telling me it's best to stay north of the boarder right now. I wish you luck in your travels and will be watching very closely as your adventure unfolds. You never know... I may throw caution to the wind and join you.
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(I believe one can still obtain auto insurance at the border crossing - it's was always highly recommended back when I did it a few times).
I now have lots of new shop equipment... let's hope the gamble pays off and I can get this thing done (only 6 months) 