Northern Baja Run report July 9-12 2015

We have been wanting to run a section between Mikes and Coyote Ranch for a while now and figured early July would be best, after the Baja 500 craziness and before the late Summer possibilities of hurricane rains.  We let everyone know we were going to be on a Pre Run the third day and we didn't know what to expect. We published this run without much advanced notice but that didn't seem to matter we filled up the roster with a great mix of rigs.  We met up Thursday morning at the usual place, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance, shook hands with our guests and I quickly realized this was a good group and my stoke level went to 11.

3 Toyota's and 3 Jeeps ready for the Northern Baja Run

We crossed the border and made our way to Ensenada stopping at a taco shop for lunch.

All fueled up on Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Pescado, and Camarones we headed straight to Santo Thomas. We started our off road journey heading West toward Erendira on part the Baja 500 race course.

Off roading the Baja coastline toward  Erendira.

We arrived at Coyote Cals late afternoon just in time for a few cold Pacificos. 

Friday morning greeted us with plenty of sunshine and near perfect temperatures.

We geared up and made our way through the sleepy little town and resumed our off road route on the Baja 500 course.

Here are a few images from Fridays leg....

No bad days in Baja!

Friday night we stayed in a nice hotel in Colonet had well deserved showers and a great meal.

Our guests were tired from the days activities. We all retired early in anticipation of the next days adventure. I was pretty excited about the new day and the trails we were going to run Saturday. I had not been on them in quite a few years. 

Saturday we awoke to fresh coffee and another great breakfast provided by our friendly staff.

We loaded up and motored North on the highway for a few miles and we turned East on the Calentura road toward Valle De Trinidad.

We Came up on a shortcut used in the Baja races but the racers are usually coming down this hill. We wheeled UP the trail. Fun little excursion,

Ben making it look easy in his super clean Taco

The last couple had to have a little help, the earlier rigs really dug it up. Loved seeing everyone jump in and work together.

Max earning his stripes. More on that later

After our little fun challenge we hit Valle De Tinidad for some Tacos then motored down Mex 3 for a few miles to the "good road" up to Mike's Sky Ranch. We enjoyed a little break and a cold drink.

After a few photo ops we saddled up for the last leg of our journey. This was the unknown and where the exploration began. We hit a super trail loaded with plenty of obstacles. We had to spot each other several times through this trail. We worked as a team and really had a blast. There really was nothing a stock rig couldn't handle with a little care and technique, we proved that.

We arrived at the Coyote Ranch late afternoon and enjoyed all they have to offer. Family style dining and a great campfire that night where we all sat around and reminisced about what we had just accomplished.

Sunday morning after a leisurely breakfast we headed out the mild 5 mile dirt road to the pavement and headed North to Ensenada for some souvenir shopping and a great final lunch.

   

                         We found a neat spot in the trees. If anyone wants to camp let us know!

                                                         Cabins at Coyote Ranch

And finally Max. our rookie who  truly embodied the spirit of Camp4lo. His can do it attitude and go for broke but calculated style earned him the coveted VIP trophy.

Thank you to our guests, you made this a great trip!
Dave and Sharon
Andy
Ben
Max
Jacob
Bill
and our special guest Juan Carlos from BAJA VOYAGER We have added him to our team and are now able to offer first class accommodations and restaurants and more. Look for more exciting destinations available in the coming months.