Are they the same as they were 6 mo ago.bajaden - 10-13-2005 at 10:14 PM
Well let me think Sharky. When I came down in july I thought they were pertty much the same as I remembered. When I went back up at the end of july to
get anothe load, I thought they were a little more careful with their inspections, than in the past.
All in all, I'd say they were still pretty much the same.David K - 10-13-2005 at 10:22 PM
How do you mean?
Same locations? Same questions? Same search procedure?
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Here is what I observed on some recent trips:
The major 'federale' inspection station just south of Ensenada-Maneadero (near the water park) has MOVED and seems to be just regular military now! It
is now at the top of the grade above the north side of the Santo Tomas valley. Only stopping northbound traffic. The next one was on top of the El
Rosario mesa and questioned both directions... but more so going north.
The one just south of San Felipe was closed over Labor Day weekend.
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Same questions as before, such as "Where you coming from?" only in Spanish always... "Where are you going?" was also asked 50% of the time.
Procedures: Usually just asking through the window along Mex. 1. Always asking to get out along Mex. 5 (Bahia San Luis Gonzaga and Hwy. 3 junction,
but not at San Felipe south last time they were there, when I was, in July).lizard lips - 10-14-2005 at 05:33 AM
I had some work in San Felipe last week and when I left I was stopped at the outpost just North of SF at the intersection with the road to Ensenada.
They went through my vehicle pretty good then after I gave them some magazines (sports illistrated swim suit issue and some maxim's which they
appreciated) I made the left turn to go to Ensenada and was stopped once again there, 1 minute later. This guy knew I was just stopped at the other
post but stopped me anyway. I gave him another magazine, he smiled and waved me through. In Ojos Negros I was stopped again and also gave them some
mags. They smiled and waved me through. All of these guys were nice and Im sure enjoyed the thought of a gringo giving them something they could pass
the time away with. If you are going through the checkpoints bring something with you to give to them. I always gave them the mags after I was waved
through so they did'nt think I was bribing them so they would'nt look in my car.turtleandtoad - 10-14-2005 at 06:39 AM
Quote "We had gay robbers last night. They broke in and rearranged the furniture"
Hey Pomano, you sure they weren't militant members of your local Feng Shui chapter?
...maybe we should start offering a Playboy to RCMP or US Customs roadblocks?
jrbaja - 10-14-2005 at 07:33 AM
I think that comic books would be much more appreciated in this case, you know, something they can actually read and understand!TMW - 10-14-2005 at 06:24 PM
About 15 years ago a friend and I rode motorcycles from Catavina down along the coast to Santa Rosalillita and out to the highway. My son met us with
the truck and trailer before the hwy. After loading up and heading for the hwy we were stopped for an inspection. The officer spoke to us only in
spanish and my friend who knows much more spanish than I talked to him. He wanted to inspect the inside of my cabover camper. I went inside with him
while he opened all the doors and cabinets and drawers. Above the ice box in the cabinet I had a plastic box with silverware in it and I had also put
my wallet in there before riding. The officer reached inside the box and pulled my wallet out to which I said "oh that's mine". He said Oh OK and
smiled. They finished and we went on our way.comitan - 10-14-2005 at 06:36 PM
I never give them anything, and haven't had them ask. I personally don't think its the correct thing to do. They are there to do a job and they get
pay for it, my guess its probably one of the better duties.Braulio - 10-15-2005 at 08:45 AM
I thought I'd noticed a trend in the past year or so but had kept it to myself - yeah they seem more professional and thorough now. The soldiers seem
a little more experienced and maybe a little older.
I drive a lot between Sinaloa, Sonora, and Baja California.
I don't make a point in giving them anything - I have on occasion when I pull to take a break at their checkpoint or something - like sharing food or
coffee or something - but I personally don't like the trend of giving stuff to professional people doing their job - but to each their own.
In the past they've asked or suggested that I might let them have an item - but that's been some time ago - and even at that was rare. I can't imagine
them doing that the way things are run currently.David K - 10-15-2005 at 09:11 AM
I agree Braulio and in the same spirit, I think that if it the checkpoint is remote, hot, and you feel like offering a treat to these kids, that would
work...
However, at the big one north of San Felipe, we once had a bag of oranges we couldn't take home and I asked if they would like them... naturally,
yes...bajalou - 10-15-2005 at 09:14 AM
The checkpoint at Hghy 5 and Hghy 3 is making much more complete checks when heading North than they were a year ago. And sometimes checking on the
way south. In Aug? I went thru northbound 3 times and each time had to pull over the pit for a inspection of the underside of the truck. Haven't had
to do that the last couple of times tho. They occasionally take lisence numbers down.
They haven't looked in the coolers and asked about the contents lately either.
They're doing their job so I just let them do it and then on the way----
bufeo - 10-15-2005 at 09:31 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Sharksbaja
Are they the same as they were 6 mo ago.
