Baja California Adventures

The stories featured in Baja California Adventures take place during a span of almost sixty years of travel in the rugged, parched, yet hauntingly attractive peninsula. The author kept detailed notes on most of his trips then fleshed out this skeleton in a narrative that places the reader in the role of participant in the adventure. Thus, one feels the bite of the 4WD tires into the desert sand, newly hard-packed by the moisture of a quick-moving thunderstorm. The author describes the excitement of finding Indian petroglyphs, arrowheads, or clay ollas in remote canyons. Because Mr. Tiscareño is also a pilot, many of the trips included here involve mention of the special immigration rules for private fly-in tourists. Finally, there are Baja adventures in the pine-clad granite fortress that is the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir in the northern part of the peninsula. Here, the author joined other veteran Bajeños in hoof-and-boot or horse-assisted explorations. In short, this book should be inspiration to those readers who want to visit Baja California, particularly the less tourist-trod destinations. Armchair travelers will derive vicarious pleasure without the effort of going there themselves.

The stories featured in Baja California Adventures take place during a span of almost sixty years of travel in the rugged, parched, yet hauntingly attractive peninsula. The author kept detailed notes on most of his trips then fleshed out this skeleton in a narrative that places the reader in the role of participant in the adventure. Thus, one feels the bite of the 4WD tires into the desert sand, newly hard-packed by the moisture of a quick-moving thunderstorm. The author describes the excitement of finding Indian petroglyphs, arrowheads, or clay ollas in remote canyons. Because Mr. Tiscareo is also a pilot, many of the trips included here involve mention of the special immigration rules for private fly-in tourists. Finally, there are Baja adventures in the pine-clad granite fortress that is the Sierra de San Pedro Mrtir in the northern part of the peninsula. Here, the author joined other veteran Bajeos in hoof-and-boot or horse-assisted explorations. In short, this book should be inspiration to those readers who want to visit Baja California, particularly the less tourist-trod destinations. Armchair travelers will derive vicarious pleasure without the effort of going there themselves.

This guide is part of a series focusing on outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, downhill skiiing, parasailing, backpacking, waterskiing and scuba diving. Historical and other background information is provided, as well as comprehensive travel details.

Few places in the world can claim such a diversity of species as the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), with its 6,000 recorded animal species estimated to be half the number actually living in its waters. So rich are the Gulf's water that over a half-million tons of seafood are taken from them annuallyÑand this figure does not count the wasted by-catch, which would triple or quadruple that tonnage. This timely book provides a benchmark for understanding the Gulf's extraordinary diversity, how it is threatened, and in what ways it isÑor should beÑprotected. In spite of its dazzling richness, most of the Gulf's coastline now harbors but a pale shadow of the diversity that existed just a half-century ago. Recommendations based on sound, careful science must guide Mexico in moving forward to protect the Gulf of California. This edited volume contains contributions by twenty-four Gulf of California experts, from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. From the origins of the Gulf to its physical and chemical characteristics, from urgently needed conservation alternatives for fisheries and the entire Gulf ecosystem to information about its invertebrates, fishes, cetaceans, and sea turtles, this thought-provoking book provides new insights and clear paths to achieve sustainable use solidly based on robust science. The interdisciplinary, international cooperation involved in creating this much-needed collection provides a model for achieving success in answering critically important questions about a precious but rapidly disappearing ecological treasure.

The author recounts his experiences walking around the Baja California coast, describes the region's desert wildlife, and shares his impressions of the people and landscapes

Discover 101 places, monuments, beaches, food, and experiences in Baja California. Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, San Quintin, Guerrero Negro, Laguna de San Ignacio, Loreto, La Paz, Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas: this land is a veritable gold mine of revelations.Alongside the most beautiful, postcard-like images of the art and natural wonders, you will find the folklore and the handicrafts, the culinary delicacies and the cocktails--the small unknown jewels which enrich the area's panorama made of people and stories, rocks and sea, mythology and tradition.Baja California is uncompromising. It is a 1,220-kilometers-long peninsula of desert and cactus, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other, beaten by strong winds, eroded by gigantic waves, and made incandescent by hot summers.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off your bowlines, sail away from your safe harbor and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover. Mark TwainI wanted to see the heart and soul of the Baja in a road trip adventure. I explored the whole peninsula during ten years on six different road trips and, in this book, provide the reader with some history, humor, good stories, and a little philosophizing about the trip.Baja California is truly a wonder filled land that leaves a strong impression in the mind that can't be duplicated anywhere else. While it is a land of raw beauty, it's the people of the land that is its true treasure. As you will see in this book, my impressions of Baja California are good ones.Baja California is a land rich with cultural treasures, natural landscapes, and exhilarating adventures. With its dramatic terrain ranging from picturesque turquoise waters and white-sand beaches to rugged desert mountain ranges, it's a region that leaves a long-lasting impression on those who journey through it. Baja shares the same warm and colorful culture of the rest of Mexico, but due to its isolated peninsular geography, it has a spirit and manner unique to itself.One of the most popular ways to explore the Baja peninsula is a road trip down Mexico 1. Driving the full length of Mexico 1 from Tijuana to Los Cabos is a rite of passage memorable for its diverse landscapes, scenic small towns, historical and archaeological sites, and friendly people.When you hear about spicy foods, salsa and Frida Kahlo, there is only one thing that should pop up in your mind: the Baja! It is a colorful and beautiful country that can satiate your senses, enhance your intellect and simply leave you with a nourished soul.I try to transport my readers into another world they may or may not ever occupy themselves; take them on a road trip they may only dream about. I tried to keep my book positive, adventuresome, humorous, and fun to read.I have been an explorer and a wanderer all of my life. I have always wanted to live every day to its fullest. The harsh reality of life is that we do not make it out alive. I made many new friends on this trip thru the Baja Peninsula who I still keep in touch with to this day. It is so easy to socialize when your days revolve around beaches and sunsets.Travels, even if along the same path, are all different and they all have their own personalities. What you have to accept in order to enjoy traveling to the max is that you do not take a trip-a trip takes you. I have always been very good at understanding and accepting this. It's also important to consider the lifespan of your journey. This seems to be variable and unpredictable. Who has not known a journey to be over and dead before the traveler returns? The reverse is also true; many a trip continues long after the journey has ended. My ten year Baja experience is always with me-you will know why by the final page of this book.These were some of the best road trips of the many I have taken in my life. I was a different and a much better person at the conclusion of my Baja road trips, and I learned a lot about the Baja, the Baja people and myself. I hope you enjoy reading about my Baja adventures as much as I enjoyed living them.

Rather than simply recycling readily available tourist information, The Baja Adventure Book makes many original contributions to the knowledge about the peninsula. You'll investigate the lava tubes on Isla San Martin; climb El Trono Blanco, Baja's magnificent 1,600-foot big wall; hike to Tinaja de Yubay; backpack in the Sierra de la Laguna and to Arroyo Grande; and explore, fish, and dive the Midriff region, the "Mexican Galapagos." You'll discover the wrecks of the great sailing ship John Elliott Thayer, the paddlewheel steamer Golden City, and the US submarine H-I -- almost-forgotten incidents in Baja's history. Exact locations are provided for Marisla Seamount, the most famous scuba diving location in the Sea of Cortez, and to many other lesser-known locations like Ben's Rock and the Islas de San Benito. Book jacket.