Nov. 19-23 Jeep Run in Baja looking for Tacomas to join

David K · Nov 13, 2011

I had thought I may be able to go, but the cards are not in my favor... The leader is a Jeep Rubicon owner from the Riverside, CA area (Ken Cooke)... Here is his post on Baja Nomad forums, and my exchange about Tacomas joining.

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
In 1942, President Eisenhower asked the Mexican Government if a road could be built that would connect the border region to the tip of Baja California. This was to surpress any German and/or Japanese submarine activity which could have presented a problem in our nations Southwest. This idea was balked at, due to the enormity of the task, manpower, and the amount of money this would have cost. So instead, a telephone line road linking Ensenada to San Felipe was constructed. Mexican and American soldiers would man a small outpost in San Felipe, Mexico – notifying American soldiers of any Axis powers attempting to invade the United States via the Colorado River. The Baja Pole Line Road was built within one year - at the same exact time as the Alaskan Highway.

This road has withstood 70 years since its construction during the second World War. Boulders have rolled into place where a smooth road once was. Wild mustangs, the symbol of the west now roam the open land. Grazing upon what little vegetation they can find. Wild burros, and also cattle can be spotted throughout this scenic, but challenging 3 day route which links the southern portions of the Laguna Salada to Mexican Hwy 5.
Date/Time of the Run:
Saturday, November 19, 2011 through Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - 10:30 a.m. at the Pep Boys Supercenter - 400 South Imperial Blvd. Calexico, CA.

RSVP Required:
please email me to let me know to expect you at the drivers meeting and run: thedesertoutlaw@yahoo.com
Difficulty Rating: 2+ includes some sand, whoops, soft dirt, rocky canyons which require spotting, narrow sections of trail containing washout/ditches, steep dropoffs and hillclimbs). Swaybar disconnects will help in traction, as will mud-terrain-type tires with strong sidewalls (along w/a good spare).

Run Type: Bobtail - you will camp three nights out of the back of your Jeep, pickup or SUV.

Directions to meeting place: From San Diego, CA - take I-8 to Hwy 111 south for 21.6 miles. The Pep Boys Supercenter will be on your left hand side - next door (south) of the recently renovated ARCO AM/PM gas station and market.

**Exact departure time from meeting place: 11 a.m. (please be prompt). Lunch will be in Progreso along Mexico Hwy 2 near the Laguna Salada, so don't worry about leaving hungry.

Special equipment required for this run includes;
Passport/Immigration Documents allowing lawful return into United States Mandatory.
CB Radio with functioning antenna, Mexican travel insurance, two (empty) gerry cans, camping equipment, swaybar disconnects, tow connections fore and aft, a flashlight and shovel, a good winter jacket, sunscreen, a good hat, firewood, AAA roadmap of Baja, CA and/or Mexicali, and a copy of the Baja Almanac http://www.baja-almanac.com/

CB Channel: CB Channel 4 up to the meeting place.
RV users? No. You will need a 4WD Jeep or SUV or pickup to complete this run. An RV and/or tow rig must be parked in the USA - we will return along Mexico Hwy 5 into Calexico, US.

There will be no fees/permits required for this sort of Backcountry camping. Just clean up after yourselves and pack out your trash and recyclables.

Expected weather conditions - ~80 deg.F. during days, sunny, bright. ~40 deg.F. at night, cool.
Expected Route/Schedule:
Night 1 - Cohabuzo Junction (in order to avoid Baja 1000 stragglers)
Night 2 - Cañon Jaquegel
Night 3 - Cañon Jaquegel (incl. AM hike to historic Native American site)
Night 4 - San Felipe (Drivers will sleep with their vehicles at a secure Motel north of town).

December 2006 Pole Line Road Group Photos:
http://www.justruns.com/gallery2/v/Run+Photos/Pole/
Click to expand...

Here is the photo link: Pole Line Road 2006 Album

Photo showing Ken on the 1942 cobblestone road:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Originally posted by David K
Nice run idea Ken... Do you want me to post it on Tacoma World also? Do Tacomas need to have all that extra gas in cans you suggest? We have 21 gallon tanks so even with lower 4WD mileage, we have about a 250-300 mile range... that should handle the 100 mile dirt run and under 100 mile highway run to San Felipe, yes?
Click to expand...

David -
A Tacoma might get away with not having to take extra gasoline, but if we encounter a closed route and had to double back, all of us could be in trouble.

A CB Radio is essential - either handheld or hardmounted due to teamwork on some of the trails and their poor condition. Also, a full-size spare tire - I believe Tacoma's come equipped with everything necessary to shine out there, so please feel free to post on Tacoma world. I would certainly appreciate it.
Click to expand...

I have camped with Ken a few times... here we are on the beach south of San Felipe, last year:

David K · Nov 27, 2011

Ken and the 3 Jeeps have returned and their photo filled trip report is posted here: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=56518

GTABurnout · Nov 27, 2011

Well that link slowed down my whole computer.

Brunes · Nov 27, 2011

I need to move out that way...Looks like a blast was had.

David K · Nov 27, 2011

GTABurnout said: ↑

Well that link slowed down my whole computer.
Click to expand...

There are a lot of big photos on that thread, so slower to open if you don't have a real fast Internet connection. I just checked it again on a different PC, and it opens up okay for me.

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