Or, why did we drive to Mulege and for what parts?

My new view out the side


A few months back, a query was sent out to a couple of family members that either travel by trailer or motorhome. The question was "what are the good, the bad, the 'uglies' about your preferred way of camping?" We got good responses back from both, and thanks for the input.

Leftys new perch on the dash

Last year we did quite a bit of exploring of the Baja in Pancho, camping in the back, and setting up a campsite. We'd also come to learn of some of Pancho's limitations regarding our exploring, and that it was probably time to start looking for a 4wd vehicle.


Well, as it often happens with us, once we put the idea 'out there', we are now the owners of a 16ft Shasta travel trailer, and a 4wd Dodge Durango.


The trailer was purchased up in Reno and graciously towed and delivered to La Paz by Don, my Father and his friend Barb. It's got a 4burner stove/oven, microwave, generator, AC, head, galley, nice table/fold down bed, and will be used to further our explorations in Mexico.


Our original plan was to tow it with Pancho. But that still didn't solve our 4wd dilemma. So, after spending quite a bit of time searching the San Diego Craig's list, Tom got on a flight out of Cabo on Easter Sunday. He was able to stay with a boater friend from La Paz, who took him on a search for the perfect car. He found one, did all the paperwork, and related transactions, and was on his way back to La Paz in 36 hours.

The only glitch in this, was the vehicle didn't have a tow package/receiver hitch. It turns out, that if you need one, you should get it in the states, not La Paz. We found two, and not for the Dodge, and no one would order one, or even talk about it!

Quick! Think.... Who's driving down that could bring this? We found some neighbors who agreed to pick it up in Ca for us and get it as far as Mulege - hence, the overnight drive to pick it up. A week later, we got the hitch installed, the lights wired - well almost - The reverse lights come on when you step on the brakes, but that's pretty Mexico! We'll do some more work on those, and we've got a short to do list.


Anyway, I'm writing this while sitting at the table in the trailer, looking out the window at the beach. Tom is stalking a bird or two or three up in the arroyo. We did a quick snorkel yesterday - the water is still a bit cool, played some cards and watched the moon come up over Ceralvo Island. We're learning how to move around in it, where things are at, and where did we stow that... very much like being on a new boat!

We were able to leave the marina parking lot, and have 'camp' set up in one hour. We may have found one of our new summer camping spots.