From one extreme to another. Socal - Baja - Tahoe

Whew! Been a hell of a couple weeks! Just getting home from a couple weeks on the road and figured I would share it with you all.

Hit the road mid afternoon on Wednesday 6/23 from San Clemente and headed south for Calexico. Made great time all the way down right until just a few miles from town. Came across a big rig burning to the ground. Luckily it looked like everyone was safe. After about and hour or so of waiting we were back on the move. After a full up in Calexico and swapping som bills for pesos we made our way through the boarder with little hassle. Finally we were in Baja!

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Once out of town we set the cruise control and motored down the MX 5 for San Felipe. After an order of 9 tacos (carne asada and al pastor) and a few beers our crew of 3 paid our tab...10 bucks...and filled up or tanks and fuel jugs. Just before leaving town we hit the store for so,e ice and beer and then hopped on the highway for a short bit again. After a few miles we hit the dirt and wandered along the coast until popping in at Rancho Percebú. Home for the night.

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We didn't realize it at the time, however when we woke we realized just how good a camp spot we had. Not only were the sites outfitted with a nice concrete slab, sturdy shade structure, grill and trash can, but we also had one heck of a sunrise view over the gulf. While usually I'd imagine these sites are paid, we got in late and left without ever seeing anyone...so night one was a freebie. We owe ya one RP!

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Hitting the road South again we stopped in for a quick bite at Gonzaga Bay and then continued on. This is where it gets fun! Shortly after Gonzaga Bay the nice highway...well it just ends. After airing down to smooth out the ride we continued on. The road is pretty rough in some areas however we found the washes on the side were nice and sandy or kicking it into high gear aired down did the trick as well. Next stop Cocos Corner!

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Cocos is an interesting sight and a must do in Baja. Figured why not!? Grabbed a cold one from Cocos, chatted a few and then hit the road. From here we hung a left on the only road next to Cocos and found ourselves on a nice dirt road blasting past huge cactus and old desert washes. This was once well traveled by an old seafood processing plant. Today it leads to an amazing bay with some abandoned fish camps. Once here we aired down some more as the beach was very soft and deep, threw it in 4 low, and powered down the beach to make camp.

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Once setup we hopped in the kayaks in hopes to catch some dinner...and bam shortly after getting in the water we had our first cabrilla. Couple more later and we were set for fish tacos. Unfortunately later this evening the wind picked up and blew all night into the following morning. The decision was easy to pull the plug and head out and North in search of calmer weather. If you get the chance though I highly recommend checking out this area as it was beautiful and secluded.

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After spending the afternoon near a little beach just off the road we continued on North and made our way to Puertocitos. Here we grabbed a nice palapa on the bay and made camp. Puertocitos was by the far the nicest spot we stayed as it was gated, had tables, a fire pit and a grill. To top it off the even filled out water tank for us and the sites had electricity come light fall with an overhead light! Plush!!! Oh and don't forget the hot springs that are literally in the bay (have to time the tide right for max enjoyment). Will definitely be coming back here!

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After a breakfast of pancakes and bacon we were off and headed for San Felipe for our last night. We spent the afternoon wandering around town and put down a few shrimp tacos. Luckily we snagged one of the last spots at Petes camp, made dinner and enjoyed some beers and fireworks. Great way to end the first leg of the trip!

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Leg 2: Socal - Tahoe

Started off the second leg on Tuesday evening 6/30. From San Clemente we gunned it for Lone Pine, CA. Setting up camp in Alabama Hills around 1 AM we were able to snag of the better spots on the east side of Alabam Hills tucked behind some large boulders and well protected from any wind. The weather was all in all wonderful and we woke to a nice sunrise. We hiked around for a short bit and then packed up, headed into town for coffee and hit the road for Tahoe.

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We stopped off at the Mobil station off the 120 for some gas and a breakfast burrito...if you haven't been here it is a must! This place is truly a right of passage on the east side. After continuing down the 395 we hung a left on Hwy 89 and headed for Tahoe/Meyers. Hwy 89 is another one I highly recommend in the Summer as the views are top notch and there is really never anyone on it. Just like that we climbed through the Sierras and found ourselves in South Lake Tahoe with plenty of time to explore and grab a beer in town. It was amazing to see the lake so full and the mountains all still painted white.

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After a couple nights in South Lake, we headed down the 50 and headed for Placerville for lunch and then over to Lotus. This would be home for another couple of nights and provided us access to a little fun. We had snagged a smoking deal on white water rafting on the American River! Water flow was WAY up and the rapids were really fun. Warm temps and cold water made for a great day, rafting 21 miles total.

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Now time to unpack and get ready for the next one....

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Feel free to follow along on the gram as well! @campncruise
 

AggieOE

Trying to escape the city
Looks like it was an awesome trip! I love following along on google maps from city to city and occasionally dropping the street view guy just to see around. I really have to make it out to y'all's neck of the woods. Gorgeous country!
 
Was a good time indeed! Baja is such a good place to go and reset and have a wonderfully slower change of pace. The Sierras are UNREAL right now too everyone....get out there!
 

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