I thought I'd post this in case anyone else sees it along the way.
We were happily traveling along when we came across a car on the side of the road. The woman and child were waving a plastic water jug and praying us
to stop. I thought they needed water (car overheated) so I pulled in. Long story, it's a scam. When I told them I didn't have any gas, they asked
for drinking water. Then they wanted pesos for gas. I gave them 20 pesos thinking it was a scam but not sure.
The few days later, after we camped a few nights, we were about 50-75 miles north of the waving woman and there she was again.....
Now I know for sure.bajaguy - 2-26-2017 at 11:01 AM
A couple of months ago they were hanging around El RosarioJ.P. - 2-26-2017 at 11:11 AM
I have seen them on two different occasions
on the La Bufadoda road. del mar - 2-26-2017 at 11:11 AM
desperate times call for desperate measures.....im happy to give.woody with a view - 2-26-2017 at 11:13 AM
what a great tool for teaching kids. that mom should be proud!BornFisher - 2-26-2017 at 12:03 PM
what a great tool for teaching kids. that mom should be proud!
How dare that mother be poor and reduced to begging!!!!!! woody with a view - 2-26-2017 at 12:36 PM
...and affording a vehicle to drive from south of El Rosario to La Bufadora.David K - 2-26-2017 at 12:37 PM
Gypsy's in Baja!
On the grade between San Ignacio and Santa Rosalia, last September, a van with a woman and several children... one holding a gas can and waving at our
group of 4 Toyotas...
On the CB, I said it very well could be a scam, but we found it too sad looking to not offer help. It was summer, after all.
We gave them a couple gallons then tried to get her to start the van so we knew she was out of trouble, and we said we would follow her to San Ignacio
to ensure her safe passage.
Well, it was a scam indeed. She refused our help after getting some free gas. Refused to even start the van so our mechanic could make sure it was
driveable. BajaDanD - 2-26-2017 at 01:58 PM
I don't care if it is a scam I might be the only way she can get gas or $$ for whatever it is she needs.
At least she is out trying to do something
Begging is harder then one might think and you have to swallow just about all your pride to do it.
I would rather give it to her then some drunk in front of a liquor store and even them I give a buck or 5 every now and then. After its left my hand
its none of my business what they do with it. Jack Swords - 2-26-2017 at 02:01 PM
We have experienced a similar request, but person waving a siphon hose. I usually let them siphon a gallon of gas (can't do it on newer cars as the
inlet is partially blocked) and have been rewarded with a visit to a village and modest dinner. Lots of wonderful conversations have ensued. Once
just outside La Paz I was given several arrow heads and spear points as payment. Those then went to the La Paz museum. Lee - 2-26-2017 at 03:59 PM
Trot out your old tired morals about children and Mom begging in Baja. Try giving without strings attached and your expectations not being met.
Sad!wannago - 2-26-2017 at 04:27 PM
We stop, only had diesel The girl answer in English for money
Offer to take them to town only want money. kevin_in_idaho - 2-26-2017 at 04:32 PM
I agree with other's that it's not that much money and I was being a 'good samaritan' when I stopped. I just thought they were in a serious situation
but also thought it wise to let others know what we encountered. I too had diesel so couldn't help. Gave the money and moved on.woody with a view - 2-26-2017 at 04:42 PM
since i had given to the two south of El Rosario last June i can say i hope the kid learns that there are givers and takers in life.
Gringo Beggar B-itching
MrBillM - 2-26-2017 at 04:49 PM
Wherever one travels (including the U.S.), they are going to encounter beggars.
Often, encountering the same beggars peddling the same line each time.
At the same place for months at a time.
Give or NOT, as you're inclined.
Relatively wealthy indignant Gringos whining over what desperate people do to survive is unseemly.
[Edited on 2-26-2017 by MrBillM]Meany - 2-26-2017 at 05:50 PM
Well folks. I stoped for them two weeks ago above Jesus Maria. I got out thinking they needed water. But no; they needed gas. and the girl said
it was her Birthday?? I said were are you going? Catavina the mom said? Ok I gave them five gallons of gas. and two drinking waters two chicken
sandwiches and a Chocolate chip cooky from double tree (long story). They were nice and the Mom said she was sorry all the time. Then they ask for
Pesos and right there I said Look I gave five gallons of gas and my lunch. Be happy with that and Happy birthday. See ya. The car started up and
way they went with cooky in hand. I felt Good. and they were off. But I think next time? even with big heart no stopping. The little girl had said
they had no gun?? But were parked by a bunch of bushes?? I have always help out But times are getting tuff for folks down here.... Just be ware and
Becareful Meany - 2-26-2017 at 05:57 PM
PS. Not sure if same Mom and Girl. They were in a small two door car with a lot of crap in the back. I just hope they got were they were going.
The Girl seemed very smart. I hope she will not think this is the only way to live. I hope she enjoyed the chocolate chip cooky chavycha - 2-26-2017 at 07:54 PM
We came across an older man and his grandson in a pickup with panga in tow blocking the road from Vizcaino to Asuncion a few weeks ago at about 8pm.
The younger guy (around 25) was holding a gas can. He explained they'd run out (between La Bocana and Tortugas - still another 100km away!) and could
he please have a ride? We had space in the car, so told him to pile in.
We dropped him at the station in BA after about a 30 minute ride and chat. Mixed in with the thank yous he said 'We were really excited to see your
car come along, it had been a good long while and we've been up since early this morning. Then my gramps saw your plates and said 'aw, flock, it's
flocking Americans, they won't stop.'
Always try to eye ball the situation before stopping to help folks in Baja and US, so far no regrets. Few years back some of our guys riding MCs
between El Rosario and Catavina ran out of gas, Mexican guy stopped and gave them gas but wouldn't take any money. y2kbaja - 2-28-2017 at 09:24 AM
On my very first trip to Baja in 2000 I was co-dog and is was not the drivers first trip. He told me that if the person on the side of the road is
holding a can or container upside-down that they were in distress and it's bad luck to pass them. I believe in Baja Karma. Thanks for the warning
about the begging gypsies. gnukid - 2-28-2017 at 09:43 AM
On my very first trip to Baja in 2000 I was co-dog and is was not the drivers first trip. He told me that if the person on the side of the road is
holding a can or container upside-down that they were in distress and it's bad luck to pass them. I believe in Baja Karma. Thanks for the warning
about the begging gypsies.
What kind of person brings an empty can with them? Most people with an emergency have no can. doh chavycha - 2-28-2017 at 11:36 AM
I guess I'm that kind of person.
I fairly often have a can with me, especially if on a long camping trip...
