Mark, you just hit the best reason to have a syncro..the ability to get
to a more private campsite once you are at the beach.
   I've been traveling Baja for many years and I've seen (and been) stuck
vehicles by the thousands..vehicles just trying to get that 'extra' ten
feet away, or closer to the ocean, or whatever..
 Your comment on a "few modifications" to a Syncro..that would make a huge
difference for sand and beach use, also.  Many stuck vehicles are Macho
4x4s with plenty of power and clearance but with too narrow and too hard of
tires..Weight plays a big role in sinking into sand also, as well as driver
skill and planning...Nothing worse than seeing a big 4x4 camper deisel
truck stuck a few hundred yards into soft sand....Ugg...
  I would really love to build a Baja-specific Syncro incorporating all
kinds of trick stuff..
  Nice report..sounds like El Norte was blowing..

  Don Hanson