well off the beathen path

Benchmark Maps has a brand new Baja topographic map for 2021 -  The BAJA CALIFORNIA Road & Recreation Atlas This Benchmark atlas showcases the diverse recreation opportunities found along the full length of the Baja California Peninsula. Regional maps provide a wider view of the region and Recreation Guides list an array of attractions for trip planning.  Publish May 2021. ISBN: 9781734315059   Finding good, accurate maps of Baja California Mexico used to be a daunting task. Online searches produced the same, old results with broken links, out-of-date forum postings where travelers exchanged information on where to obtain a decent topo of Baja California.  Amazon.com lists some of the original Baja Almanacs - used or new copies - outrageous priced around $600  Ever since cartographer Landon Crumpton died, Baja lovers have had a hard time locating quality, topographic maps of the famous and popular Mexican peninsula. However, things are again changing.  Not only has Benchmark Maps

Pismo Beach California is the big beach oriented tourist destination along the Central Coast of California & just south of San Luis Obispo . Ocean front sand dunes is the primary draw here at Pismo. The Oceano State Vehicular Recreation Area (aka Pismo Dunes) is a seaside haven for off-roaders wanting cooler temps & coastal breezes. This off road park is actually located between Grover Beach and the town of Oceano, miles south of Pismo Pier. You can actually drive your vehicle on the beach sand & set up camp on the shore. Pismo also has a State Park Beach Campground as well & that is more suited for RVs, family camping & tent camping. Downtown Pismo has several private RV parks, which are walking distance from the popular pier and  many restaurants. Oceano has a county run campground near a lagoon and close to the beach too. Pismo State Beach Oceano SVRA Oceano County Campground Inland from Grover Beach is Arroyo Grande Lake Lopez, for those wi

Brewer Lake Campsite , a photo by totalescape.com on Flickr. If you still need me to spell it out - in every photo, in every forest, at each lake, enticing descriptions - every year, year after year.... just so you can be inspired to go outside and enjoy California, I will do so repeatedly. Or you could just cruise thru the years of archives on this California Back Roads Blog . Some of my suggested destinations require a 4x4 to reach, but many do not. Maps are essential. Road trip ideas and cheap travels await. Please also visit my ancient totalescape.com web site. California LAKES LIST Eastern Sierra Lakes Lassen Lakes Sequoia Lakes Shasta Lakes Sierra Nevada Lakes Wilderness Lakes Yosemite Lakes