Just realized I did not come back and post updates. The 2013 Baja whale watching trip went well, and I also went to both Ojo de Liebre (Scammons) and San Ignacio in January 2014. It was too early to touch many whales- I plan to return later this year.
The truck continues to perform well, tho the mileage is not where I'd like, probably due to wind resistance of over-cab shell. I have installed a basic platform and storage, and while comfortable, every time I use it (not as often as I'd like) I imagine modifying the storage, adding a cooking shelf inside etc.
For those considering trips south to see whales and/or beautiful Baja, here are some details that might help plan trips:
BORDER CROSSING: for stays over 7 days and/or more than 100 KM south, you need a visitors permit, called an "FMM." Purchase at border crossing immigration office. $30 US for 180 days, less for fewer days, only useful for 1 entry (not sure how they monitor this tho)
OJO DE LIEBRE: (from north) approx 450 miles south of border on Pacific side. Drive on MX1 a few miles south, past turnoff to Guerrero Negro, turn right (west) to enter the national park, which requires driving thru the private saltworks area; you need to go thru a gate and check in with Manuel, the guard, who requests your name and vehicle Information. Road is paved for the first few miles, then well maintained dirt for final 10 or so to get to lagoon where camping, bathrooms and whale tours are provided. Also a restaurant during the season (late Jan-April, approx- it was closed when I was there).
Entrance fee: $65 pesos/$5 US. Hot shower: $20 pesos/$1.50 US (to pay for gas)
SAN IGNACIO: ·(from north) town is approx 540 miles south of border on Pacific side, plus 45 miles from MX1 to actual lagoon. Yes, the paving continues. The first 20 miles of road from town of San Ignacio are paved, the final 20 are in process of being paved. Meanwhile it is very rough, and discourages some people, tho I've seen motorhomes at the lagoon; the drivers may not have done the drive if they knew what was in store. Also heavy equipment is operating every day, and can delay travel and kick up dust.
At the lagoon: many tour guides to choose from, charging from $45 US per outing on the lagoon (about 3 hours), to full packages (meals, accommodations, tours) costing $2000+/week.
If you are self contained, and don't want to spend a lot of $$, it is $10 night to camp at Kuyima, w/nice bathrooms and showers. No electricity, dump station etc: very basic, lovely setting.
If you get tired of cooking, they have a nice restaurant that offers good homemade food, beer, wine at reasonable prices ($6-$10 meal, extra for beverages). Bring your own wine/beer is OK.
I've attached smaller files from previous trips- need to reduce size of current year files before posting.
And for more details/photos of past adventures (I've been visiting lagoons since 1985) go to: www.netconnection.com/bajawhales.html
