Caravanning can be a rewarding way to travel. You get to experience new places and travel with confidence thanks to added safety in numbers. Caravan travel also creates memories and adventure-filled comradery for friends, and for those who start out as strangers, friendships are formed along the journey.
Recently I caravanned for a week with 40 people in 18 vehicles. We traveled roughly 750 miles from San Felipe, Baja California to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. Lucky for us, the trip was well planned and masterfully conducted thanks to Ken and Jill Reinstadler, who planned, organized and led the trip for the Scorpions 4-WD Search and Rescue Club based in San Felipe.
In planning a caravan trip, due diligence and a pre-run is necessary, particularly for a large group. This involves the leader(s) and a small group in more than one vehicle actually making the trip. Decisions are made regarding the route; manageable miles to cover in a day given road conditions and fuel stops; accommodations are checked out, negotiated and possibly reserved; plans for meals considered; and side excursions evaluated. And always: leverage any possible extras for the group since you represent a significant number of paying customers.
With the itinerary and planned excursions set, the trip was promoted to club members six months in advance, and due to the long lead time, a wait list was established. Al and I were seventh on the wait list and we were excited to make the cut!
The complexity of caravanning directly correlates to the number of vehicles on the adventure. So, with adjustments for size, here’s a basic: How to Plan a Caravan. We traveled in three groups, and allowed roughly 15 minutes before setting out behind another group to avoid bunching up.
Each group has a leader, and what the Scorpion 4-WD Club calls “a stinger.” Each driver falls into a specific position within the group and maintains that position, being mindful to keep the vehicle ahead and behind them in sight. It’s important that all vehicles have some form of communication, such as CB radios. The leader communicates to the group information that can affect traffic flow, such as upcoming turns, traffic issues, sudden speed limit changes, road debris. In passing other vehicles, the driver who safely completes as pass notifies the vehicle behind them when the road is clear to pass, just as each driver does for the vehicle behind them. If someone needs to stop for any reason, that can be communicated as well. The stinger plays an important role in keeping the group together. They communicate when they have successfully made a turn, completed a pass, etc. The stinger’s communications help inform the group leader that all vehicles are together to proceed. The stinger also lets others know if someone is attempting to pass. Always, the group stays together.
On our caravan adventure we made one overnight stop while enroute to San Carlos, at Hotel El Camino in Caborca, Sonora. The accommodations were nice, and amenities included a pool, bar with lounge, and on-site restaurant. Our first night we enjoyed a welcome reception in the lounge with appetizers and a no host bar. Mornings brought an extensive breakfast buffet. Upon our return from San Carlos we again stayed Hotel El Camino. Ken had arranged for a poolside dinner buffet. However, he had not arranged for the D.J. and Folklorico (Mexican historical) dancers who entertained us while we dined. That was a delightful surprise, courtesy of the Hotel. The dancers were students from area schools. What a treat and an amazing way to end our glorious excursion! Ken passed the hat for gratuities.
Hotel El Camino surpassed our expectations and treated us as valued guests. Our stay in Caborca was delightful, thanks to the Hotel, and a little due diligence of my own. Prior to the trip, I did some online research of top attractions in the places we’d be visiting. Postings for Caborca claimed La Carreta Restaurant had the best carne asada. So, I gathered a small group together and off we went hoping for the best. And the Best it was indeed! The sizzling meat was served to the table atop a “Hibachi-style” grill, and included a plate of grilled chilies, tomatoes and tasty fixings. It was authentic and memorably delicious!
Day 2 we journeyed to San Carlos and stayed at Hacienda Tatakawi Hotel. It was a decent hotel with nicely landscaped grounds and a huge poolside palapa, ideal for our gatherings. Individual rooms had unique differences and there were a few basic suites.
San Carlos is a small Mexican town with a picturesque coastline of volcanic mountains, white sandy beaches and huge homes that seem to rise up from the landscape. The primary attraction of San Carlos is its coastline, water sports, food and drink. And nearby, pearls.
In Guaymas we toured the Pearlas del Mar de Cortez pearl factory, which produces a rare pearl unique to the Gulf of California. The tour was very informative. We learned how natural pearls are created (and it’s not from a grain of sand!) and how cultured pearls are made. Then, you get to shop!
Along the journey there was a stop at the stunning Mission Magdalena de Kino, kayak and diving adventures, a spectacular sunset margarita boat cruise, group dinners and lots of laughs. I highly recommend caravanning as a great way to adventure with friends. But should you decide to organize your own caravan; do it right. If you take short cuts, you could be in for a colossal headache. Done right – Your caravan buddies will have their hats off to you. I know my hat is definitely off to Ken and Jill!
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