Re: [Paddlewise] Baja Advice

> I wanted to see if anyone had advice on a trip to Baja California and
> the Sea of Cortez.  I want to take my girlfriend on a kayaking trip.
> I am not sure if it will happen this year or not.  If it does not we
> will just go backpacking instead, so no loss.
>
> I have never been to Baja so I was looking for people to share their
> advice with me on the subject.  Particularly places to go, experience
> with rental outfits, and any other suggestions.

Backpacking in Baja does exist, but seem less popular than biking.  If you
are going to use kayaking outfitters, they are moslty concentrated in Loreto
(and there are 1 or 2 in Mulege), and trips are almost always southbound,
due to prevailing winds - from Mulege to Loreto, or from some point north of
Loreto again to Loreto.  Part of the route is accessible by road, so expect
some "traces of civilization" (i.e. garbage).  Very little kayakers and
power boats of all kinds between Bahia de LA and St Rosalia, - stretch is
too long for an outfitter's organised groups.  Paddling south from Mulege to
Loreto without a guided group, but using rental kayaks, is probably cheaper
and (in my opinion) more interesting than paddling in group, and should take
about a week including 1 or 2 days of rest in Ensenada San Juanico (I think,
proper name is Ensenada San Basilio) and Isla Coronados.  Propane is easier
to find in small size stove canisters, than more expensive MSR/Primus
canisters or white gas, and it will cost 2-3 times more than in the USA
(like most of camping supplies there). Do carry extra food and water,
because 2-3 days storms happen all year round.  Suitable campsites are
(reportedly) shown on Ed Gillet maps, which I can't get anywhere.  By now I
don't think I need them for Mulege-Loreto stretch, anyway.  Baja Topo Atlas
is widely available and costs $25. You may want to check this trip itinerary
and journals, most of good campsites are mentioned there with GPS
coordinates: http://www.caske2000.org/caske/maps/bajaroute.htm.  Probably,
fresh water, delays due to storms and "human factor" (i.e. theft of
valuables and food if left unattended) are the most issues that have to be
considered in self-supported trips there.
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