Be sure your CB radio is working. It is useful to also have a family handheld radio for backup.

January 10 (Monday) - Arrive at Thousand Trails Resort today in order to have the next day free. We have a block of spaces for January 10-11. From I-5 or I-805 take Highway 94 east to Jamul, then right on Otay Lakes Road to the campground. Top off with water and propane on the way in.                                          

4 p.m. – Wagon Master’s briefing on tomorrow.

January 11 (Tuesday) - Use the day to car pool 20 miles to Tecate, California. Park on the U.S. side and walk the short distance across the border to validate your new prepaid FMM’s in Immigration (Migracion); or obtain them in Immigration, pay for them at the bank and validate them back at Immigration. Take your passports with you in order to walk back to the U.S. on the east side of the street.

4 p.m. – Meet with Wagon Masters for final orientation.

Baja Direct Tour Begins

Day 1- January 12 (Wednesday) - 8 a.m. - Depart for the border at Tecate. As you leave the Mexican inspection area drive straight ahead to the city park, turn left to Highway 3 on the east side of the park, then turn right to get out of town. Come to a complete stop at each stop sign. We'll drive down Highway 3 through the scenic Guadalupe Valley, which has an old Russian community, many vineyards and several wineries. Next is Ensenada, then on Highway 1 to Los Olivos RV Park past San Quintin. Next door is a very nice restaurant. There are flush toilets, hot showers and hookups for electricity and water.  205 miles, 5.5 hours.

Day 2 - January 13 (Thursday) - We'll proceed to Guerrero Negro at the Baja Norte-Baja Sur State Line.  Notice the magnificent eagle monument and the huge military base. We’ll camp just the down the road at Mario’s RV Park. 255 miles, 6 hours.

Days 3-4 - January 14-15 (Friday-Saturday) - Onward to Mulege, which is alongside a scenic river. We’ll move on to camp at Santispac Beach on the very lovely Conception Bay. On the way back you can visit interesting Mulege from Via Maria RV Park. 170 miles, 4.5 hours.

Day 5 - January 16 (Sunday) – Moving through very delightful Loreto you can get acquainted with its history having the first Mission in all of the Californias. Loreto Shores RV Park, in a quiet area with a nice swimming pool, is the place to stay. We'll continue on to the south side of Ciudad Constitucion at Mike and Bertha’s Palapa 206 RV Park. 169 miles, 4 hours.

Day 6 – January 17 (Monday) - Our final destination, bypassing huge La Paz which is the capital of Baja Calfornia Sur. You’ll see Campestre Maranatha RV Park on the right as you drive by the western side of LaPaz on the way to Cabo. Which is the only RV park from which to get acquainted with the vibrant La Paz. We will continue on to Cabo San Lucas at the Vagabundos RV Park – originally created by the Club Vagabundos as partners. If you want to stay longer call 011-52-624-143-0290. This is popular for international tourists and is a must very interesting city to see. 276 miles, 6.5 hours.     

Day 7 – January 18 (Tuesday) – We’ll drive back to Mike and Bertha’s for the night for those who want to return with the Wagon Masters at no extra charge.

Day 8 – January 19 (Wednesday) – Santispac Beach.

Day 9 – January 20 (Thursday) – Mario’s RV Park at Guerrero Negro.

Day 10 – January 21 (Friday) – Los Olivos RV Park south of San Quintin.

Day 11 – January 22 (Saturday) – Cross into the U.S. at Tijuana.

ADVENTURE TOURS

INFORMATION

Mechanical Needs

1. Everyone is responsible for keeping his rig in good running condition. Have vehicles serviced and checked over before leaving home. The following is suggested:

Tune-up

Oil and filter change

Air filter change

Gas filter change

Lubrication

Wheel bearings checked and/or packed

Inspect all hoses under the hood and replace if unduly soft or brittle

Inspect all belts and replace if frayed

Check all fluid levels

Check wiper blades and replace if necessary

Check shock absorbers and replace if necessary

Check and clean battery terminals, check fluid level and general condition

Check front end alignment

Check tires for condition and pressure, including spare

Check turn signals, tail lights and brake lights

Check wheel lug nuts for tightness

2. Inspect trailer and fifth-wheel springs carefully for any cracks or bad bushings. Chances are if they are 8-10 years old and have had considerable use, they will break somewhere that you won’t want them to. If one breaks, the others will soon follow.

3. Suggested spare parts to bring are:

Belt – 1 spare for each one under the hood

Air filter – 1

Tire – 1 one for each size on vehicles and trailers

Jack – 1 heavy enough to lift a corner of your rig

Lug wrenches – 1 for each size nuts on vehicles and trailers

Hitch ball – 1 if pulling trailer

Hoses – 1 for each under the hood

Keys – 1 spare set

Oil – enough for a change, plus extra for emergency

Oil filters – 2

Fuel filters – 2

Flashlights – 2 plus extra batteries

Distilled water for batteries

One trailer springs and shackle

4. In case of breakdown the Wagon Master will assist you to get it going, or will see you to a mechanic. Then it will be up to you. Green Angel trucks provided by the Mexican Department of Tourism travel main highways to help travelers in need. The drivers are bi-lingual and have simple spare parts, tools and radios for obtaining other assistance if needed. Tips are accepted.

Communications

1. CB radios and Family 2-way radios will be used for communicating while the caravan is on the road. Be sure to have one of each that works.

2. Leave the Club phone numbers, (800) 474-2252 and (707) 374-5511, with family and friends. We will try to locate you in case of emergency.

3. Arrange for Mexico coverage with your cell phone service provider.

4. Many RV parks in Mexico now have WiFi.

Towed Vehicle

If you have a small vehicle which you tow behind a motorhome it is recommended that you bring it for convenient transportation out of campgrounds.

Services

Mexico is a foreign country that does not have the same standards as the U.S. or Canada as far as services for electricity, water, etc. There will be dry camping and camping with facilities that may or may not work all the time. We recommend you buy purified water. Arrangements can usually be made in campgrounds to buy it from vendors who will pour the five-gallon containers into your rig.

Personal Documents Required

1. Passport for each person.

2. Prepaid Tourist Permit (FMM) properly filled out for each person (can be purchased from Club Headquarters). A passport is required.

3. Current International Health Certificate from your veterinarian for each pet.

4. Valid current registration for each vehicle, trailer and boat.

5. Copy of the title for each vehicle or boat (sometimes the original must be presented).

6. Low-cost Mexican Insurance Liability Policy for each vehicle.

7. Mexican Fishing License for each individual to be involved in fishing from a boat or being a passenger on the boat. These can be purchased from Club Headquarters.