While any visit to the Agua Verde area by vehicle can only happen after taking a 30-kilometer/20-mile slow, steep, uncomfortable, and extremely bumpy ride (after another 10 kilometers/7 miles of pavement), exploring the East Cape by its access road Camino Cabo Este is even tougher and more demanding. No wonder this stretch is called one of the worst roads in Baja.
Camino Cabo Este
Luckily, you don’t have to drive the entire 100 kilometers (60 miles) of washboard and potholed dirt track in one go! As a matter of fact, it took us twelve fabulous days to complete this one-way adventure.
(As always, hover over or click on the photos in galleries to read their captions.)
La Paz
But first, Mark, Maya, our friends Duwan and Greg, and I spent a few days in La Paz, where we found a decent parking spot for three nights. Mark and I remember the capital of Baja California Sur as a pleasant town with a good vibe and historic charm. In the last sixteen years, it hasn’t changed much.
We once more enjoyed strolling the multiple-mile long Malecon (seaside boardwalk), discovering the historic center, appreciating street art, and eating out a few times. Duwan and Greg posted a fun and colorful post about the city’s art on their blog Make Like An Apeman. Check it out here.
The five of us also embarked on a tough five-mile hike in the hills surrounding La Paz. The views were okay, but the trail became more challenging than anticipated when we found ourselves descending at an almost vertical incline over boulders and a rocky cliffside. Maya was a good sport (as always) and we all made it back without injuries, but my head soon exploded and a massive migraine kept me in bed the rest of the day. It was one of the hottest days, with the sun beating down on us for hours, despite an early start.
La Ventana
La Ventana, as its name might indicate, is the wind sport capital of Baja, if not the whole of Mexico. None of us are interested in wind or kite surfing, but we made a brief stop here to check out the area’s popularity and natural hot springs on the northern edge. What I remember from those two days with our friends are an enjoyable hike in the hills, extremely hot water emerging from the sand and turning into pools when building a rock wall, and unexpectedly running into my new friend Christine, whom I met in Loreto while Mark was gone. By the way, the hot springs are too scorching to relax in, unless you mix seawater into the pools.
And then, it was time to explore one of the prettiest, most remote, and least-visited regions on the Baja peninsula from north to south. We took our time to brave the rough road, which made this trip more than manageable. Four-wheel-drive is only required when getting off the main road, following arroyos (dry riverbeds), and driving on beaches (outside of the national park and turtle nesting areas). Our thanks go to friends Sandie and Karsten who documented their multiple-month stay in this area on their blog Ewald on Tour and to iOverlander, which contains heaps of crowd-sourced information.
Driving down one of the arroyos
La Ribera
We only made a brief stop here to check out the beach, fill up our fresh water tank, and return once to buy groceries. This is where the only fuel station is located before starting the Camino Cabo Este from the north. No gasoline or diesel is available along the entire stretch of the East Cape road. The town is a good place to (re)provision and fill up, but we did not find a propane gas distributor. Come prepared!
Public beach in La Ribera
Playa Miramar
This beach makes up the northern boundary of Cabo Pulmo National Park. We enjoyed the wide expanse of sand and beautiful sea vistas. Duwan and Greg – and many other RVers – found out the hard way that sand is not forgiving for 2WD vehicles!
Cabo Pulmo
The small village of Cabo Pulmo is the beating heart of its namesake national park. The visitor center is not open anymore, but snorkel and diving trips can be organized through local outfitters and hiking is plentiful in the surrounding mountains. The taco bar (which contains a variety of toppings) at the Tacos & Beer restaurant on the waterfront is the best we have encountered and El Caballero restaurant has a small selection of produce and grocery items. Farmers Juan and Oscar sell organic produce and baking goods in town on Thursday mornings. Telcel’s cell and data service works in Cabo Pulmo!
Mark and I managed to camp at a fabulous lookout spot, reachable by 4WD vehicles only. We could see the sea through all the windows, on both sides of our rig. The rocky hill next to us was the perfect spot for happy hour. Unfortunately, the wind picked up, blowing sand and dust our way, so we moved to the general (also free) camping area on the edge of town after two nights.
Again, the five of us went on an early, strenuous hike in the mountains. The views were beautiful and the terrain diverse, but the sun was strong once more. I’d taken Tylenol as prevention for my anticipated headache. At some point, I craved shade so much that I plopped myself down in the shadow of a saguaro cactus. And what can one find underneath cacti? Yep, lots and lots of needles!
From the moment my bum touched ground, it was pierced by thorns of different sizes and it felt like I sat down on a hedgehog. Since the damage was done, I remained in the shade until Mark and Maya (who took a water break earlier) caught up with me. I will spare you the details, but it wasn’t pretty! And, this was not the first time a situation like this occurred.
Duwan, Greg, and I also went on a daytrip to a spectacular waterfall from here, but I will save that excursion for another time. Mark “took one for the team” by staying home (and going on another hike) with Maya, since dogs are not allowed at the sites we planned to visit.
Sol de Mayo waterfall
Playa Los Frailes
This beach is very popular, but we don’t quite understand why. Lots of campers spend an entire season in the harder-packed spots of the arroyo. The bay is wide, long, and mostly sandy so good for walking and snorkeling is rumored to be good, but the water was still way too cold for us in March to swim. Plus, we don’t have snorkel gear anymore. We only spent one night, taking Maya for beach walks and never losing track of our camping area, thanks to the bright-orange sore thumb.
Arroyo Bonito
This was the first of a few times we followed an arroyo towards an exquisite wide-sand beach and adored the experience, the peace, the views, and the solitude. We let air out of the tires to reach this 4WD-only destination and didn’t pump them back up until we reached the paved road again. Sitting in our chairs in the shade of our camper and watching the humpback whales spout, jump, and flap their tails or flippers through binoculars became a favorite pastime.
Another highlight of this particular spot was the close proximity of sand dunes. Just like in La Fortuna, wild horses wandered by, after the main event of the day: helping two Mexican 2WD-vehicles get unstuck on the sandy road in… With enough people and a rope, small cars are easily pushed out! While we really liked this spot, we only stayed one night as we were eager to explore a bit more of this unspoiled coastline.
Playa Boca Del Palmas Dos
After checking out a few potential camping spots along the windy coast, our last option for the day, at the end of another arroyo, was a winner. Again, we had the entire beach to ourselves and enjoyed the scenery and whale watching. The two of us had a lovely evening rum tasting and celebrating Mark’s special day early.
Playa La Fortuna
We met up with Duwan and Greg again at this accessible beach area. They stayed in the main hard-packed parking lot, while we managed to get a nice spot right above the soft sand. We celebrated Mark’s birthday here with dinner and drinks, went for plenty of beach walks, and met a German couple that recently returned from an extended RV adventure in South America – much to learn from them.
During one of our walks on the beach, always barefoot, my left big toe managed to kick and skim a buried sea urchin (really, this was not my fault, just bad luck!), resulting in five broken off needles permanently wedged into my skin. Now, one month later, they are finally starting to disintegrate. If you have ever stepped on a sea urchin before – and who hasn’t? Again, this was not my first encounter… – their needles are so brittle that they break off when you try to remove them. They have to “grow out.”
Unnamed Beach
Our last stop along the Camino Cabo Este ranks high on our list of pretty beaches as well. Because of the soft sand, we had to park back a bit. We stumbled across this location by following one of the many arroyos, after checking out and skipping another spot that already had a camper in it. We were alone and the only sound was the breaking waves. It was a day of mostly relaxing and writing, as my toe hurt too much for long beach walks. At that point, we hoped to return and spend more time in our favorite places, but that never happened.
Driving this challenging road at our own – super slow – pace meant that the bouncing, shaking, and squeaking never got too much. I stumbled across this guide with more information while looking up a few specifics online about Cabo Este. Because these sites are so hard to reach and amenities are minimal, I’m not worried that hordes of tourists will arrive anytime soon. The area resembles how Baja used to be: desolate beauty off the beaten track. Let’s hope it stays this way!
Connection to our South American plans
One of our goals during this overland journey throughout the Baja peninsula is to test our truck and camper in the harsh environment, figure out how to improve it, and decide what else we need for our upcoming South America adventure, later this year. Driving the Camino Cabo Este and many sandy arroyos did not cause any issues. We love our robust pick-up truck and never got stuck, not even close!
Here are the items we have added to our list after this twelve-day side adventure:
- Heavy-duty tow strap
- Maxtrax (recovery boards)
- Snorkel sets
- Shorty wetsuits
- Guidebook and maps of South America
- Stronger air compressor?
Curious about a previous ten-year chapter in our nomadic lives, which includes eight years aboard a 35-foot sailboat in the tropics, check out the travel/adventure/personal memoir I wrote:
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April 2, 2022 at 16:29
So beautiful! But maybe a bit too much prickly stuff ????
April 2, 2022 at 19:23
Prickly things, just like bugs, are very attracted to me! 🙂
April 2, 2022 at 17:13
Greetings from Galivant in Guaymas. We are following your land excursions with vicarious interest as we shop for our own truck camper.
You mention one burning question already, about reinflating your tires. We’re towing with a similar truck and have been stuck without air when the inflator provided nothing but an Error code. We’re looking for a sturdy, powerful and above all reliable tire inflator. Please let us know if you find that one!
Ann and Doug (we met in Shelter Bay)
April 2, 2022 at 19:29
Well hello, Ann! Thanks for following along and leaving a comment. You are actually due north of us at this very moment, right across the Sea of Cortez! What are you traveling in? And what kind of truck camper are you eyeing?
We currently have a small, easily-accessible 12V Viair compressor that doesn’t take up a lot of room. It has been doing its job, but heats up fast. We usually have to inflate the tires in two sessions, to let the compressor cool off in between, or it blows its fuse. Which has happened twice already. We have spares. So, we do manage to deflate and inflate the tires correctly and securely, but it is a time-consuming event. If we decide to buy another one, I will report back on it!
April 2, 2022 at 17:22
Well this was a painful post to read… so many ways for nature to leave you wincing… Glad it worked out, but man, that was a lot of physical pain to endure in a short span. La Paz looks like a ton of fun and the seaside boardwalk sure is appealing! Those beaches are beautiful too, but yes, I wouldn’t even think about driving on them without 4WD. I really miss our old Xterra because we could visit places like that without worry, but not anymore. These days, I guess I’ll just have to live vicariously through you!
April 2, 2022 at 19:33
You know what it is, Laura? I’m clumsy and not careful enough when I walk, hike, and sit. And, sometimes when I speak and write as well. It’s just part of my personality, so I have to deal with the consequences. 🙂 Yeah, towing a small 4×4 would be perfect when you live and travel in a bigger rig. I can totally see that work out.
Your last sentence sounds menacing… As far as I know, you are still traveling and exploring as well, right? And I’m sure you will still go on trips once you’re settled in DC (if that’s still on the agenda). Either way, it would make me happy if you could keep following along with our adventures. And, when you hang out on a comfy couch, or take one of those hot, pressurized showers, you can think about me roughing it, every single day. 🙂
April 2, 2022 at 17:22
Hi Liesbet, driving down, almost straight down would have scared me so much!! I’m afraid of heights and not as brave as you are about these things that’s for sure.
You poor thing with the sharp cactus. Way back when my husband was in basic training the guys had been walking a long distance and were finally allowed to sit down and rest. One of the guys sat on a rattle snake and got bit. They took him to the hospital, and he survived just fine in the end.
How nice to have that gorgeous beach all to yourselves!! Love it.
April 2, 2022 at 19:40
Hi Lea!
Mark is afraid of heights as well and he’s had a few difficulties recently when we hiked down cliffs. There was one particularly scary moment, but he persevered. While driving, though, he’s been okay despite the lack of guard rails. Of course, I was the one seeing the rumble and holes straight down the mountain sides from the dirt roads, as this was on my side. 🙂
Oh no about the rattlesnake. That is not such a funny story. I’m glad that hasn’t happened to me. Yet.
We’ve been spoiled with private beaches on this trip, for sure. We will miss Baja once we return to the States later this month.
April 2, 2022 at 18:07
South America! That will be exciting. This Baja trip was amazing enough.
April 2, 2022 at 19:41
The Baja trip is still amazing, Jacqui! 🙂 But, it’s time for new adventures that reach beyond North America. I can barely believe that we have been on this continent already for seven years!
April 2, 2022 at 18:11
Thanks for sharing all your adventures with us, Liesbet. As a guy who gets debilitating migraines about once a year, I feel your pain (no pun intended).
April 2, 2022 at 19:43
Those migraines are a relatively new thing for me, Pete. I honestly take sea sickness over them. What bothers me most is that medicines that used to work for my headaches in years past don’t do the trick anymore. And, most annoyingly, I get seriously nauseous when having these migraines. Yikes! I’m so sorry to read that you sometimes suffer from them as well. Do you know the cause? Mine is always the same: exerting myself in hot and sweaty weather…
April 2, 2022 at 18:11
Hey Liesbet! The adventure continues. Looks like you’ve done an excellent road test for your new camper and truck and looks like it will be good for the long trip down the continent. AND how awesome and fun to meet up with friends! Thanks for taking us along and looking forward to what happens next.
April 2, 2022 at 19:46
The adventure sure continues, Kathy! You have no idea how fulfilling this Baja trip has been. We haven’t explored this much and had such a good time in years. I feel the last years we’ve mostly been trodding along, living our life, combining travel, work, and chores wherever we found ourselves. Being online less often helps and letting go of guilt, stress, and responsibilities helps too. This journey south on the peninsula – while mostly unplanned – does feel like it has more purpose somehow…
April 2, 2022 at 23:05
Hi, Liesbet – Your adventures never fail to inspire me. I hope that you are feeling better soon.
April 3, 2022 at 13:48
Hi Donna! Luckily, my migraines only last one day. So, I’m feeling all honkey dory now. 🙂 Thanks for continuing to follow along.
April 3, 2022 at 04:16
Hi Liesbet, I love reading about your adventures in Baja, as your stories remind me of our extraordinary trip sea kayaking the length of Baja in 2004. Your account of the ocean hot springs made me smile, as we spent one lovely day on a remote beach with a tiny hot springs burbling up in the tidal flats. The water from the springs was impossibly hot to even touch without the right mixture of seawater. Some other people had formed small pools out of ocean rocks, and we waited for the “Optimal Soaking Time,” in which just the right amount of tidal inflow had mixed with the springs water to create a delightfully hot bath, so delightful, in fact, that we stayed through an extra high tide just to have one more bath! Enjoy your travels!
April 3, 2022 at 13:51
Hello Andre! I do remember you two telling us about that kayaking adventure in Baja. That must have been such a feat – challenging but rewarding. I can only imagine how cool your close proximity to the Sea of Cortez’s wildlife must have been. I wonder if the hot springs you soaked in were the same as ours. It was in an area just north of La Ventana called Agua Caliente. There are also similar hot springs at Rancho San Cosme, near Agua Verde. I’m glad you eventually managed to create the perfect water level. We didn’t get there. We might have been too lazy! 🙂
April 3, 2022 at 04:17
Wow Liesbet, you guys are amazing. So many beautiful and unspoiled places. Your 4WD has indeed been perfect for this type of terrain and sounds like you are now ready for the South American adventure. I can’t wait to follow along.
Brian and I are now planning our next motorhome trip in Europe.
April 3, 2022 at 13:54
Hi Gilda! How exciting that you are in the planning stages of your next Europe trip again… I wonder how much planning we will do for South America. We usually just go and consider what’s next from one destination to the next. In this case, however, we will have to figure out some important logistics, since we have to put the camper on a ship and fly with Maya to whichever port our camper arrives at. We are happy with our truck’s abilities, that’s for sure.
April 3, 2022 at 08:49
Wow! This adventure sounds too strenuous for me, so I’m glad I can enjoy your adventures as “armchair anthropology.” How nice you have friends along the way–sorry about the accidents and stress on the path though.
As others have mentioned, you are smart to have a 4WD; otherwise, you’d feel crimped in where you can go. Be safe, be careful, and enjoy the scenery, so breathtaking. 😀
April 3, 2022 at 13:58
I’m glad you get to travel virtually – and vicariously – with us, Marian. Our lifestyle can be quite challenging, but the rewards are usually worth it. We are definitely able to go way more places now that with our campervan. Several times, Mark and I have said, “We wouldn’t do this with Zesty.” We have been enjoying the scenery tremendously and as far as all my wounds, scabs, and scars are concerned, they come with the territory and with my clumsiness! 🙂
April 3, 2022 at 14:19
Wow, what amazingly beautiful places! I’m flinching in sympathy for your injuries, though – ouch! And it’s good to hear that your truck is performing as you’d hoped. You must be getting excited about your South American tour!
April 4, 2022 at 13:25
Actually, when you have similar (some of us call “clumsy”) experiences, Diane, I can often relate! But it’s part of life and it means that we are active and doing the things we love most! 🙂 Mark and I still have much to plan and prepare before we can even get excited about South America, like getting a different camper in the US. And that is crazy hard still, right now…
April 3, 2022 at 17:56
You and Mark have managed to find some beautiful beaches! How nice to be able to enjoy them with little or no other people. We visited La Paz back in 2014 and I swear I have pictures of some of the same murals… I’m surprised they weren’t covered over with new ones. It is a lovely city/town with amazing art everywhere. I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures in South America… I’ve never been there.
April 4, 2022 at 13:27
One of the nice things about La Paz is that it is keeping its charm and vibe. I don’t think much has changed since you (or us) visited before. It’s a very walkable and enjoyable “city.” Still a ways to go before South America. I’ll keep everyone posted. 🙂
April 3, 2022 at 21:35
Beautiful beaches and views, Liesbet. Glad to hear your truck camper is performing well for the terrains. Your headache sounds like one of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Take care and safe travels!
April 4, 2022 at 13:28
I try to drink enough water when we go on hikes, Natalie, but you might be right, heat exhaustion is definitely a contender every time I have a headache after a hot hike. I need to do more effort drinking water. Thanks for the wishes!
April 4, 2022 at 12:48
East Cape was one of my favorite parts of Baja I kind of forgot how bad the road was. Driving that road to Agua Verde though – that was unforgettable.
Of course, I’m jealous of your 4WD and that you got to visit so many more beaches than we did.
So glad the sea urchin needles are finally growing out. Perhaps you will leave all your prickly Baja souvenirs behind before you leave.
Yes, you definitely need snorkeling gear!
April 4, 2022 at 13:30
Yes, snorkeling gear is on the list. The water in Baja, in general, has been too cold for us to swim. I snorkeled once for half an hour and shivered – with blue lips – the rest of the day. Baja California Sur is much more attractive and diverse to us than the northern part. So, once we reach Guerrero Negro, I feel we will be back in the US in no time.
April 4, 2022 at 14:53
The beaches look incredible. I’m surprised there were so few people but I guess it’s not yet tourist season?
April 9, 2022 at 17:38
Hi Deb! Oh yes, this is high season, which runs from November through April. The Cabo Este area is just little visited – it’s an effort to get there and there are few hotels and facilities, so camping is the way to go, especially with a 4WD vehicle. 🙂 We sure loved those beaches – remote, quiet, and clean!
April 4, 2022 at 22:40
What an amazing tour and experience. And big ouchee landing on a cactus. Oye! <3
April 9, 2022 at 17:42
Did you know I am quite clumsy, Deb? Makes for funny – yet painful – stories. The last one is falling hard on a sloped gravel patch on a slot canyon hike two weeks ago. The bloody cuts are now scabbed over and slowly disappearing. I hope…
April 10, 2022 at 10:27
Omg Liesbet. Perhaps we need to get you some knee pads? Lol 🙂
April 11, 2022 at 17:24
I sometimes wonder why I didn’t bring my old volleybal knee pads with me from Belgium! 🙂
April 5, 2022 at 11:59
I ‘felt’ for you when reading your tales of hiking the steep trail and your sea urchin and saguaro interactions – ouch, ouch! Thank goodness you know what the trigger is for your migraines so you can generally take the steps to avoid or minimize them. Sounds like you mostly have everything down pat now for your SA trip after your Cabo dry run – you folks are SO much more adventurous than we are – I am constantly in awe of how you travel.
April 9, 2022 at 17:45
Hi Annie!
We all travel in different ways and by different means – and in different “comfort zones.” None of them are better or worse, but some, indeed make for more adventurous tales, especially when one is as impulsive and clumsy as me. 🙂
We still have months of preparation ahead for our South American trip, especially since we’d like to get a different camper (not truck)… So, we will see how that goes.
April 6, 2022 at 09:39
People who hike the Appalachian Trail are given ‘official trail names’ by the community of hikers they repeatedly encounter over the course of the thru hike. Henceforth your ‘official trail name’ shall be “Pincushion”:-)
April 9, 2022 at 17:45
You are too funny, John!! Thanks for following along and weighing in! And for the perfect trail name. 🙂
April 7, 2022 at 12:17
The pandemic has made it seem like forever since I was in Baja, but I too loved that it was “desolate beauty off the beaten track,” when there. How epic that you’re considering traveling all the way down the continent!
April 9, 2022 at 17:47
I hope you will be able to return to Baja soon! People are still more careful about the virus here than in the US…
Yes, we can’t wait to get the new adventure “down under in the Americas” underway. We are still enjoying the peninsula right now, but once we return to the US, the pressure, chores, prep, research, and work is on!!!
April 9, 2022 at 12:21
Liesbet, after a long absence from blogging, I have finally caught up on reading all your 2022 blog posts. I know why you appreciate the rugged gems of nature off the beaten path. If the road in was easy, a lot of people would find them too and they wouldn’t have the same unspoiled charm. The truck and camper sound perfect for the kind of travel you’re doing now in Baja California. I’m glad to hear you’re having fun relaxing, exploring, and meeting up with friends.
Jude
April 9, 2022 at 17:49
Welcome back, Jude!!! And, thank you for catching up on our adventures. How has the novel writing and editing been?
You’re right: a truck camper (much like yours!) is the perfect means for traveling and camping in Baja California. Maybe food for thought? 🙂
April 12, 2022 at 06:34
Talking about sea urchins (and I’m sorry you stepped on one), have you ever eaten sea urchins, Liesbet? I only ask because I heard that they have a sweet taste. I wonder if they taste like scallops?
The sitting under the cactus story is one I can relate to, but if it was the only place to get some shade, I’d have still done it. Ouch!
What beautiful scenery you have shared with us all, Liesbet. Such a beautiful place. Amazing that you had many of the stunning beaches to yourself. The whale watching must have been amazing, too. Did you know about the lack of fuel stations, though?
April 17, 2022 at 13:14
Hi Hugh,
Thank you for reading and leaving a thoughtful comment, as always!
No, I have never (knowingly) eaten sea urchins. I have heard it is a delicacy, especially in the Asian culture. I have a hard time believing they taste like scallops, which are delicious (I just had a scrumptious lunch of them two days ago). I do know I have never (knowingly) stepped on a scallop, though. 🙂
We did know about the lack of fuel stations along the East Cape. All in all, the entire distance is not that long, just really slow. But if you start off with a tank low on gas, you might be in trouble. We did see some industrious people sell gasoline out of small bottles to make a good profit!
April 19, 2022 at 06:36
I love how people pick up on an opportunity when they see one, Liesbet. Although I can’t imagine how dangerous filling up a fuel tank from small bottles is.
If you ever do try sea urchins, please let me know what they taste like. If they do taste like scallops, I’d be tempted.
April 25, 2022 at 19:11
I will let you know about the sea urchins, Hugh. I had to think about you today, when we drove long stretches of remote roads without fuel stations and we saw another couple of people selling gasoline from a small “stand,” namely the bed of their pickup. I wish I’d had my camera ready! 🙂 And, I had to snicker reading your other comment about Jose’s hair cuts, too.
April 14, 2022 at 19:54
You have made Baja look quite beautiful, Liesbet! I’m so glad to got to see La Paz and La Ventana. It has been a few years since Hans and I have been to either. Your hikes sound quite warm and ouch about the cacti! Glad your sea urchin spines are growing out!
Another little down near LV is Los Barilles, which you probably drove through, and is where some of our wind-sport friends have homes. It is much more cultural than the wild west of La Ventana. By now most everyone who winters there are gone because the winds die down and it gets HOT, as you may know by now. This has been a good test for you guys and sounds like you are curating a good list of items to include for your South American journey.
April 17, 2022 at 13:24
Hi Terri!
Yes, it is getting quieter and warmer here. Luckily, the nights are still quite cool. This was especially beneficial last night when we found ourselves camped amongst many groups of Mexicans during the end of Semana Santa. Being able to keep our windows shut, drowned out most of the party noise!
I have found that there are “different faces” of Baja, areas where the vibe and atmosphere is less cultural and Mexican. While I understand these “gringo pockets,” Mark and I prefer the towns that (seem to) have a better balance between locals and visitors/expats. For example, the Los Cabos area (Cabo San Lucas and now San Jose del Cabo as well) have no attraction to us. La Ventana and Los Barilles are definitely more “balanced,” but places like Mulege, Loreto, Todos Santos, and La Paz are more our thing. Of course, this might be different if we were to spend more time in those other towns…
April 29, 2022 at 21:16
Wow. Amazing photos and descriptive narrative of the route, roads and terrain. I’m nervous about beach camping. I worry about ocean anomalies (rogue wave or tsunami) or some drunk driving their oversized orange overlander into us. But the beauty, romance and authenticity of your camping style appeals to me. You have given us much to think about, Liesbet. Thank you. BTW, that breakfast looked wonderful. Mexican pastries are my favorite.
Safe & Happy Travels to San Diego! Are you installing your awning or having it done?
Hugs to Maya!
Carmen
May 1, 2022 at 15:58
Hi Carmen!
Haha. I loved the crazy orange overlander reference. 🙂 Since we have this truck camper set-up, we are able to get off road more often and find places out of the way, compared to with our campervan previously. We do love that change, but we hate the awful fuel economy!
So far, we have never been flooded or washed away by the ocean, a lake, or a river. Yet, the tides and hurricane season are facts to be considered when beach camping. When we see a full moon, we are often reminded to be careful.
We love, love, love boondocking for many reasons – the peace, being in nature, being self-reliant, and the privacy are some of them.
We made a quick two-night stop in San Diego visiting friends and are now in Julian, CA, camped on a friend’s forested property. Such wonderful smells! We needed to replace a piece on our awning that broke off in Baja, which was a quick repair after picking up the part at a friend’s house. We pretty much do all the maintenance ourselves – on previous boats and campers.
Maya sends you a wag. I hope you will go to Baja one winter. With a dog named Pico you almost have to! 🙂