Baja Bound 2023 (Part 2)

This entry is part 2 of 23 in the series Baja Bound 2023

April 6, 2023

By Simon J. Lau

Made it into Cataviña today. It’s deep inside the Sonoran Desert, nearly halfway between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. It’s known for its interesting rock formations 🪨 and cacti 🌵, but I also found this gem: An oasis.

Cataviña is also known for “bandido gas,” or bandit gas. It’s located in a gas desert, a stretch of land where there is no legitimate gas station for miles (225 miles to be exact). Several enterprising folks have set up these bespoke gas stations to service travelers.

There’s only one hotel in Cataviña, and it’s much nicer than one would expect. Guests were also very nice. One guest, Ivan, I met while checking in, and when he learned I was solo traveling, he invited me to join his friends and family for a BBQ. Generous folks.

Weirdly, when I’m motorcycling, I don’t find myself getting hungry. In fact, I have to “remind” myself to eat. I didn’t eat much BBQ, so later, I snacked on this “burrito.” It’s more like a tiny chicken quesadilla. For good measure, I came back for seconds.

Nahna (sp?), the Chihuahua, that took a keen liking to me, and Wilbur, after I tucked him into bed. 🛌

Best parking spot in the lot!

Finally, my route from San Quintín to Cataviña (186 km or 116 miles).