That's My Story

“Where in California is Baja California? I can’t find it on the map!”
“How come I can’t make San Diego to Cabo overnight?”
“Can you tell me where the best AM/PM mini-markets are between Tijuana and Guererro Negro?”

These are just a sample from great, fun, intelligent and well-meaning folks who just need to do a little research. A trip down Baja’s famed Transpeninsular Highway doesn’t start with the idea of suddenly throwing an ice chest full of brew into the pick-up and yahooing down the road the next day. It really starts with research. Judging by some of the questions I get, some folks really need to open a book or hit the internet because there are so many great research sources out there from the Auto Club, Vagabundos del Mar, even a stroll to your local bookstore will yield maps, guides, travel logs and other helpful materials. I’ve made dozens of trips up and down the peninsula hauling everything from boats to computer gear and from dive tanks to kayaks. I’ve camped; hoteled; slept on benches; broken axles; been bitten by a coyote; stuck in mud and yet, I sure hope that I’m not the ONLY person folks will ask about taking one of the great adventure drives on the planet. That being said, here’s Jonathan’s elementary primer on what I do and what I bring:

Don’t drive at night and take your time – It’s a great trip meant to be seen and experienced in the daytime. You will see many crosses along the side of the road, not to be morbid, but as memorials to folks who lost it along the highway. Highway One is not the 405. It’s not meant for high speed. It’s a great road, but there can be rocks, debris, goats; birds (big ones eating road kill!); other vehicles with no lights; roadway with no shoulders. At best, you can bust up your ride and get stuck. At worst you get to be another white cross. Be safe and enjoy the ride. Park it when the sun goes down. You will NOT make Cabo San Lucas overnight.
You’re a guest so respect the laws – If you wouldn’t do it in the U.S., don’t do it in Mexico. That includes drinking and driving; drugs; weapons and other contraband. Mexico uses the old Napoleanic judicial system instituted during the days of French control. In short, you are guilty until you prove your innocence and you have little or no rights as a visitor. No one is out to harass you and Mexico welcomes your visit but don’t forget you are a guest. I cannot believe how often someone asks me about “bringing a little mota (marijuana)” or “I think I need to carry my little .22 under the seat to feel safer.” If you have ever tangled with the Mexican legal system or seen the inside of a Mexican jail, I need say no more.
Pack some common sense in the glove box – Buy Mexican insurance. It’s cheap at the border. Have a good map and know where the next gas station is. Have a good spare tire and a working jack. Carry extra copies of your driver’s license, passport and/or immigration papers in case originals get lost. Bring extra medications/ prescriptions if you need them for an unexpected extended stay. Check with your carrier to see if your cell phone will work in Baja.
I never hit the highway without these in the trunk –
· flashlight with extra batteries
· duct tape; wire;
· flares plus a flashing signal light;
· box of simple tools (bottle openers while essential are not part of the tool chest)
· heavy rope; (to pull and be pulled)
· extra fan belts and hoses (never needed them but traveled with friends who did and wish they had brought them)
· rain poncho and tarp;
· bug spray;
· gloves
· extra water; motor oil and other fluids;
· toilet paper; (you’ll be glad for this if you’ve ever used a public Baja toilet)
· folding military surplus shovel (awesome if you’re avoiding the public Baja toilet, but good for digging into or out of situations)
Help others when you can because you never know when you might be the next one. Travel safe and get where you’re going in one piece, but don’t forget to stop and enjoy along the way.

That’s my story.