I have always wanted to visit Coco’s corner. Not sure where I first heard of the place, but it was certainly related to the Baja 1000. So when we at Overland Training decided to run our first alumni expedition to Baja I knew this would be my chance. We are exceptionally lucky to have Al Walter as an Overland Training graduate and he was willing to come up with an excellent itinerary for the expedition. Of course it included Coco’s.
Coco's Corner
So on November 29th a group of 12 vehicles met just north of the Tecate border post and proceeded across the border into Baja. The range of vehicles was massive, from a Suzuki DR 200 to an Earthroamer XV-LT the convoy covered a significant range of the typical overland vehicle types. We had one Adventure Trailer on loan from Adventure Trailers who were (unfortunately) unable to make the Expedition and four (yes four) Sportsmobiles including one driven by the owner of Sportsmobile West, Alan Feld.
Nick and Andrew showcase two classic overland trucks
Jeremy with his DR and the XV-LT
At our first overnight at Meling Ranch we met up with two additional vehicles bringing us to 14 vehicles and 17 people. For some it was their first time in Mexico, for some this was just a relaxing trip to old stomping grounds with a few new places thrown in. In all cases the people who came to this event were graduates of the Overland Training comprehensive course and were Overland Certified. Traveling with people who know what they are doing and are confident to make their own way is far more relaxing than running a traditional convoy tour, and the itinerary that Al put together gave great variety in both terrain, historical features, remote camps, beaches, mountains, and taco stands. Of note were the seven different mission sites all of which I personally planned to visit, and none of which I managed to visit. But that just leaves a goal for the next Baja adventure. One of the freedoms of overlanding is to be able to pick and choose where you go.
Checking navigation on the second day
Al watching birds and seals at a lunch stop
The group got smaller as people fractioned off to explore on their own or to head back north. Lance of Disabled Explorers had to get back to work in Phoenix so he and three other Sportsmobiles turned north early as the rest of us continued south.
Defender 110 close to our southernmost point
Camping after a long day in the Baja dust
Our expedition got as far south as Bahia de Los Angeles and in nine days saw some fantastic features of Baja including dry lake beds, deserted beaches, seal rookeries, ancient rock art, inspiring roads and wonderful food. But it was the people who made the memories of this expedition great and I have to thank every single one of them for coming along and for trusting in a new and as yet small organization called Overland Training.
Troy in photography mode
We did make it to Coco’s Corner, and I finally got to log in in Coco’s famous guest book while enjoying a Pacifico with the man himself. We gave him an Overland Journal sticker for his quad and I spotted stickers left behind by other overland travelers from around the world. Coco is a great personality and his corner should be on every Baja expedition.
Coco talkes to Connie
For the first Overland Training Alumni Expedition, I have to say I was very happy. Incredible people and a wonderful place to explore; what more could you want?