|
Phone:
Email: jim.lustig@sdsu.edu |
||
|
||
| Close window |
|
WELCOME! Thank you for your interest in t his eight-day adventure that takes place in a remote and spectacular marine desert environment approximately 400 miles down the Baja Peninsula . We pride ourselves on offering the best sea kayak trips to this area and can boast of many years of experience leading first time kayakers. We are committed to small group trips that are safe and have a friendly atmosphere. The information that follows will give you a clear picture of the type of adventure you can expect. We hope you will join us. DESCRIPTION : This eight day adventure takes place in a remote and spectacular marine desert environment approximately 400 miles down the Baja California Peninsula . Eight adults plus two leaders travel together in one 15-passenger van to Bahia de Los Angeles (Bay of LA), a small fishing village located on the Gulf of California, the east side of the Baja California Peninsula. The setting is a sparkling bay dotted with more than a dozen uninhabited islands and a pristine coastline running for hundreds of miles both north and south. This area has been called the poor man’s Galapagos, due to the presence of many endemic species. Residents of this area include unique marine sea birds such as Magnificent Frigate Birds, Blue-Footed Boobys, Heerman’s Gulls, and Elegant Terns. Observational trophies on past trips have included Finback, Humpback, & Gray Whales, Orcas, Common & Bottlenose Dolphins, Manta Rays, and Whale Sharks. At this time of year you can expect very warm days, refreshing water for swimming and cool nights for sleeping. Our itinerary is geared for first-time paddlers, but all experience levels will enjoy the beauty and solitude of this trip. We offer the use of both double and single sea kayaks and the opportunity to paddle both. This trip is an expedition of sorts and we will be carrying all of our gear in our kayaks throughout the trip—including water—resulting in an excellent outdoor learning experience and challenge. Plan on observing a lot of native flora and fauna whether it is hundreds of small tide pool organisms, sea and shore birds, sea mammals or the amazing desert plant life and cactus that abound. We make time each day to snorkel, fish, day hike, and of course relax and enjoy this amazing natural area. Pre-Trip Meeting: More Info
WEATHER: “Plan for the worst, expect the best.” Warm days, breezy afternoons, cool nights, and plenty of sunshine is the norm. It would be rare to experience rain. Expect temperatures as high as the 100’s and as low as the 60’s. The biggest factor to contend with is the wind. It is possible that we could be “campsite bound” for several days at a time because of rough seas caused by high winds. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: The fee includes, two professional outdoor leaders, all camping and permit fees, round-trip transportation via air conditioned 15-passenger van, 17 meals (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners/desserts), complete outfitting of all kayak and personal camping gear, first and last nights’ lodging and showers in town. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your space. Please read our cancellation policies carefully before registering. NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: Your personal expenses will include approximately four meals on the road or in town, favorite snacks and any desired gifts. We suggest approximately $150. YOUR TRIP LEADERS: The two leaders guiding this trip have extensive sea kayak “know-how” in Bahia de Los Angeles . They also have many years’ experience traveling and adventuring throughout Baja California and all over our country and have led trips well beyond the scope and challenge of this one. They look forward to sharing a wonderful sea kayaking adventure with a small group of enthusiastic trip members. GRATUITIES: If you feel your trip leaders have done a good job, a monetary gratuity is always appreciated, but in no way required. CANCELLATION POLICY: PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING FOR AN OUTING 1. If you cancel from this outing twenty (20) working days (M-F) prior to the pre-trip meeting, you are entitled to a refund less a twenty-five percent (25%) handling fee or a credit voucher good for the full amount which can be used toward another outing. Credit vouchers are valid through the end of the academic year. Note: transferring from one trip to another constitutes a cancellation and must be done within the aforementioned deadline to avoid loss of fee. 2If you must cancel from an outing after the aforementioned deadline (above), you may receive a refund (less a 25% handling fee) or a credit voucher good for the full amount ONLY IF WE CAN FILL YOUR VACATED SPOT. Please note that all other spaces must be filled before we can fill your space. If we are unable to fill your vacated spot, you will not be entitled to a credit voucher or refund. NO EXCEPTIONS. 3. Sometimes, we must cancel an outing due to low enrollment. In such a situation, we try to contact enrolled participants either by the Monday prior to the outing or the day of the pre-trip meeting. Enrolled participants will be eligible for a full refund or credit voucher. 4. In the event of cancellation due to unforeseeable circumstances on the part of Aztec Adventures (bad weather, natural disaster, or instructor illness for example), we will make every attempt to reschedule the outing or issue a full refund or credit voucher. RISKS/HAZARDS/SAFETY: Wind is always our biggest concern. High winds can impede our progress and make even camping difficult. This area is known for both its pristine and calm waters, but at times, also its fierce winds that can cause dangerous conditions to present themselves in a matter of minutes. Mornings are typically calm offering ideal paddling conditions, while afternoons usually present us with windy conditions that can run the full range from strenuous paddling to dangerous conditions. This means we may rise early before the sun, have quick breakfasts, and hit the water with time in the afternoon for snorkeling, siestas, fishing, reading, and hiking. Getting up early, some days, may be non-negotiable. The marine-desert environment is unique, providing us with all kinds of opportunities to be bitten, stung, stuck, burned, etc. Protecting yourself from the sun is encouraged if not mandatory. There are Sting rays in the warm shallows, rattle snakes and scorpions in the shade or under rocks, and cactus all around. Following safety protocols established by your trip leaders will help you protect yourself from these inherent risks. Also, paddling a sea kayak can be hard work at times—plan on working some muscles that may not get used much. Practically speaking, the nearest medical facilities are here in San Diego —400 miles away. The only realistic way to get back to San Diego is to drive or possibly fly. Everyone on this trip must make a conscious effort at all times to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will result in more hardship for the whole group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leaders’ experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders which means they are trained to administer first aid in this type of “delayed transport” environment. However, while they can treat injuries—they cannot always prevent them. Lastly we do our best to stay in communication with our contacts in town via VHF radio and we also carry a satellite phone for extreme emergencies. OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION: Please commit to being a contributing member of a group of 10. We expect that you will be in good physical condition and health, able to paddle upwards of three hours at a time, and camp in a very primitive desert environment. We will enjoy meals together and divide equally all necessary tasks, such as carrying gear and kayaks and cleaning them at the end of the trip. NO DRUGS! The penalty for possession of illegal drugs in Mexico is severe. Alcohol consumption is also prohibited in both the vans and while in the field. If you care to enjoy a libation with dinner in town both at the beginning and end of our trip, we hope you will be respectful and considerate of others that do not feel it necessary to drink. Also, we ask that you partake very conservatively so as not to be a safety risk—the leaders reserve the right to enforce safety at their discretion. CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT: Each participant must bring only the bare essentials or what is printed on the equipment list. Please limit yourself to one duffel bag to transport all your gear by van. Once we reach our destination, you will transfer your gear into “dry bags”. These durable bags will be provided by Aztec Adventures and are designed to fit in your kayak and keep your gear dry. Your travel clothes and other valuables will be safely locked up at our storage facility. HEALTH/PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Paddling can be strenuous and uncomfortable at times. You’re sitting for long periods of time, maintaining a constant pace with only short breaks and without the opportunity to use a toilet or stretch out your legs. We will be paddling 3 to10 miles a day, which with proper instruction and technique should be a good workout, but manageable. Keeping yourself well hydrated, fueled up, and protected from the sun and wind is essential and will help keep your energy level high . It has been our observation that large people (240+ pounds) struggle greatly with the confined space of a kayak. Leg and foot cramps, back aches, etc. have all been common occurrences on our extended kayaking trips both in Alaska and Baja California . FOOD/COOKING: We love to eat on the road in Baja California – the food is good and it makes sense to support the local people and economy of the communities through which we travel. We will purchase fresh tortillas, fruits, and vegetables from the local markets and will bring the remainder from San Diego . Plan on this aspect of the trip being one of the most rewarding. We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by some of the delicious dishes we will prepare together. Common dinner meals include: pasta and veggies, chili and cornbread, burrito bar (rice, beans, guacamole, tortillas, etc.) fish and rice, Salsa Verde (potatoes, carrots, squash, w/tomatillo sauce, etc.). Breakfast might offer granola, oatmeal, fruit, cream of wheat, and muffins; and drinks and desserts include cocoa, coffee, tea, lemonade mix, soup, brownies, cakes, and cobbler. Lunch food is salami, cheese, tortillas, peanut butter, jelly, hummus, carrots, granola bars, and snack mix. All trip members will be asked to assist equally with clean up of all meals. CAMPING: Our first and last night, in the town of Bahia de Los Angeles , will be spent at “Casa Azul,” our kayak storage house/facility. We have two bathrooms and showers, a simple kitchen, and plenty of deck and patio space for sleeping on our comfortable cots. Our beach campsites once out on the water will be mostly sandy/rocky with no running water, no picnic tables, outhouses, or showers. Please be prepared to live in the elements for the duration of the trip. Our criterion for campsites is protection from the prevailing winds. There is always plenty of room for private tent sites, bathroom sites and communal eating and cooking areas. We normally camp close to the water and just above the high tide line to minimize our impact on the fragile environment. STEWARDSHIP: It is always important to the Aztec Adventures program to minimize our impact on the natural environment and resources from which we derive so much enjoyment and knowledge. We will require that everyone pack out all of their trash. Included in your confirmation packet will be a handout on specific Leave No Trace essentials. We require that you not only read it, but also agree to practice all of the techniques. We will dispose of fecal waste by defecating below the high tide line where appropriate and private. This may sound uncomfortable or strange, but setting up your tent and cook site where others have taken a *#@& is the alternative. It is also very important for the Aztec Adventures Outdoor Program to strive to give something back to the places and communities from which we derive so much reward. Whenever we visit the small community of Bahia de Los Angeles , we bring used household items and clothing, especially children’s clothing. Many of the local people struggle economically and a generous donation of clothing is always appreciated. We hope you will join us in going through your closet for items that you no longer wear or use and bring them with you. SEA KAYAK COMFORT LEVEL, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: If you have never paddled a decked sea kayak, we urge you to try it before committing to this trip. We highly recommend the Mission Bay Aquatic Center (858) 488-1036. They offer excellent instruction and a great price. We will be paddling fully loaded decked sea kayaks in open water. This is very different from paddling a “sit-on-top” kayak which is much more stable and easier to re-enter in the event of capsize. Our leaders need everyone to feel comfortable performing wet exits and assisted recoveries. If a capsize occurs in rough or windy conditions, each of us needs to know exactly what to do for the safety of our group. With this in mind, we have planned for the first morning on the water to be a hands-on sea kayak safety skills lesson. Even if you feel you are adequately (or even over-qualified) in terms of sea kayaking, we require your active participation so that we are all on the same page once the trip begins and so that our leaders can also feel comfortable with your abilities. Additionally, we will welcome your assistance and tips in helping those less experienced to gain knowledge and vital skills. The topics to be covered include: Fitting your kayak, wet exits and recoveries: Knowledge of your sea kayak and related equipment; Paddling techniques; Group paddling safety strategies. ITINERARY DAY 1 Meet at SDSU at 5:30am . Depart at 6:00am . Make stops in Tijuana , Ensenada , San Quintin, El Rosario, & Catavina for rest breaks, gas and meals. Arrive Bay of L.A. approx. 5:00pm . Eat dinner at local restaurant in town and enjoy the comforts of Casa Azul (our rustic rental house and kayak storage facility—includes toilets, shower, kitchen and plenty of patio space for sleeping on cots!) DAY 2 Kayak safety orientation & paddling instruction on water in front of Casa Azul. Wet exits, assisted and unassisted recoveries. Fitting the kayak: foot peg and seat adjustments. Forward stroke, sweep & other turning strokes, bracing, use of rudder. Entering, exiting and launching kayaks from shore. Carrying and care of kayaks. Paddling formation and communication on water. All meals will be taken at Casa Azul. After dinner enjoy a special presentation of the “Ocean Oasis” film at the Natural History Museum in town. Much of this award winning film was shot in the Bay of LA. DAY 3 Early morning, weather permitting, paddle south of L.A. Bay approx. 4 hours to Bahia Quemado-taking several breaks along the way. Set up camp, and get to know the area (snorkel, fish, hike, nap, etc.). DAYS 4—5 Depending on weather:
DAY 6 Paddle four to five hours back north to La Mona at the very south end of Bahia de Los Angeles , with a lunch break at Puerto Don Juan. Enjoy our last night on the water—good chance to see whales and/or whale sharks in this area. DAY 7 Paddle six miles back to Casa Azul, clean up all kayak gear, shower and enjoy our last evening in town. Visit museum and have dinner in one of the local restaurants. DAY 8 On the road early ( 6:00am ) making good time to El Rosario for breakfast/brunch. Continue making good time to Ensenada arriving in early afternoon for lunch (or not). Arrive back at SDSU in early evening or just in time for rush hour. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT THAT AZTEC ADVENTURES WILL PROVIDE:
EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING LIST CLOTHING:
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
GROUP EQUIPMENT THAT AZTEC ADVENTURES WILL PROVIDE:
Phone: Email: jim.lustig@sdsu.edu
|
