Big50
Adventurer
Day 1:
Our trip started on the outskirts of San Diego early Thursday morning. Our destination for the day was the Old Mill in San Quintín so we wanted to get an early start. The day began with introductions as there were many first timers. A quick drivers meeting to go over trail & radio etiquette, and basic safety information. Soon enough we were on our way and crossing into Mexico!
We crossed in Tecate and headed west for Santo Tomas. The views from the highway did not disappoint as we passed through the northern Baja wine country.
Once we reached the trail head we all jumped out to air down.
After airing down we began making our way to the Pacific Ocean. Passed several local farms along the way. Soon enough we were on the coast. There's something about that first view of the ocean that really gets to you. You've always heard about Baja and how amazing it is but to actually see it in all it's glory is something else. It also makes me thankful this sort of trip is even still a possibility. Mexico offered to sell the Baja Peninsula to the US in 1917...thank god the US passed. Had the US acquired Baja the Coast would be littered with million dollar homes like most of California's southern coast. We certianly would not be blessed with the most amazing off-road trails in North America.
All was going well until Patrick had a little incident. He'd taken his truck in for service the day before the truck for an oil change and tire rotation. Apparently they did not torque his passenger front wheel lugs down to spec. His wheel flew off! Fortunately, it was as he was coming to a stop so no damage other than a couple sheared studs. Yes, he should have checked his wheels himself but at the same time, when you take your vehicle to a professional you expect them to do their job. Anyhow, I'd packed some spare studs and were on our way after about 20 minutes of working on the truck. If you're unfortunate to have this happen to you and don't have spare studs on you, pull a stud or two from each of the other wheels to get you on your way. Obviously, take it easy.
Our trip started on the outskirts of San Diego early Thursday morning. Our destination for the day was the Old Mill in San Quintín so we wanted to get an early start. The day began with introductions as there were many first timers. A quick drivers meeting to go over trail & radio etiquette, and basic safety information. Soon enough we were on our way and crossing into Mexico!
We crossed in Tecate and headed west for Santo Tomas. The views from the highway did not disappoint as we passed through the northern Baja wine country.
Once we reached the trail head we all jumped out to air down.
After airing down we began making our way to the Pacific Ocean. Passed several local farms along the way. Soon enough we were on the coast. There's something about that first view of the ocean that really gets to you. You've always heard about Baja and how amazing it is but to actually see it in all it's glory is something else. It also makes me thankful this sort of trip is even still a possibility. Mexico offered to sell the Baja Peninsula to the US in 1917...thank god the US passed. Had the US acquired Baja the Coast would be littered with million dollar homes like most of California's southern coast. We certianly would not be blessed with the most amazing off-road trails in North America.
All was going well until Patrick had a little incident. He'd taken his truck in for service the day before the truck for an oil change and tire rotation. Apparently they did not torque his passenger front wheel lugs down to spec. His wheel flew off! Fortunately, it was as he was coming to a stop so no damage other than a couple sheared studs. Yes, he should have checked his wheels himself but at the same time, when you take your vehicle to a professional you expect them to do their job. Anyhow, I'd packed some spare studs and were on our way after about 20 minutes of working on the truck. If you're unfortunate to have this happen to you and don't have spare studs on you, pull a stud or two from each of the other wheels to get you on your way. Obviously, take it easy.
