BajaNomad - Check Points/Road Blocks

Check Points/Road Blocks

White Angel - 3-2-2006 at 02:25 PM

We are returning to Baja in early April, so I've been monitoring the boards here for about a month or so. Very little mention of the check points. Has the number of them diminished; or is everyone just more used to them? The "regular" spots seem to be permanant and the delays brief. Are there many mobile check points set up? Thanks for any info. We will likely be staying North of Guerro.

Cincodemayo - 3-2-2006 at 02:27 PM

Just bring an ample supply of Playboys and you'll zip right thru.

'bout the same the last several years

John M - 3-2-2006 at 03:28 PM

Very non-intrusive and we've never been delayed more than a couple of minutes. We don't even try to speak Spanish, especially with our almost non-existant local vocabulary.

The only "gift" that was solicited was at the checkpoint just going into El Rosario where one of the guys spotted a small "hot-wheel" type toy - suited for a 4 or 5 year old. He politely asked if he could have it for his son.

Of course maybe they see how packed like sardines our Jeep is and they don't want to risk a calamity asking us to unpack anything for fear it all will come tumbling out onto the roadway.

John

Diver - 3-2-2006 at 03:36 PM

I've been down and back over the past 7 weeks and found the checkpoints to be the same or easier than in past years. At least 1 in 4 was unmanned and we were only asked for a look in the back twice, the whole trip. We got asked for batteries at one stop and I played "no espanol" until he gave up asking.

Let me guess....

Hook - 3-2-2006 at 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
I've been down and back over the past 7 weeks and found the checkpoints to be the same or easier than in past years. At least 1 in 4 was unmanned and we were only asked for a look in the back twice, the whole trip. We got asked for batteries at one stop and I played "no espanol" until he gave up asking.

....was that at the checkpoint on the mesa north of El Rosario?

For the ghetto blaster?

Diver - 3-2-2006 at 03:39 PM

Interesting, in any inspections we've had over the years, they have never made me unload the dogs from the pick-up. I think next time I'll hide the drugs and guns in their bed !
:lol:

Diver - 3-2-2006 at 03:43 PM

Hook,

You are master of all Baja knowledge !
How'd ya know ?

Pompano - 3-3-2006 at 05:38 AM

We have just made the road trip north from Bahia de Concepcion to San Diego. The checkpoints were the same and we went through quickly at:

Army...north of San Ignacio we were waved through.

Immigracion...ID (FM-3) check at Guerro Negro..took maybe a minute to write our names in log.

Army...north of El Rosario we were waved through.

Army...south of Santo Tomas we were waved through.

Pretty uneventful. Guess we don't fit any profiles anymore...sigh.

Just curious.... Has anyone ever seen ANYONE detained for drugs or arms at any of these checkpoints over the years? I have not.

bajajudy - 3-3-2006 at 07:27 AM

The only thing I have seen in all these years was a semi, at the checkpoint north of Loreto, being completely unloaded. They dont have dogs there so who knows what aroused their suspicion.

MICK - 3-3-2006 at 07:28 AM

Came from El Arco to BOLA then Laguna Chapala to San Felipe. It seems that there are less check points manned on the dirt roads than last year.
At El arco we were waved thru. the one at the cross road by San Fran. had no one there and did not run into any others until the one on highway 5 at Hwy 3. The one below San Felipe was even closed.
I have never been thru the one at the 3-5 cross road when they didn't make us get out and check everything. But they are nice we just open the camper and they look in. They also there never make us get our dog out of the back seat of the truck. Have fun
MICK

Bob and Susan - 3-3-2006 at 07:40 AM

We were coming back a couple of years ago and the "captain" of the checkpoint came over to me....

He was detaining two 20 year year olds for a joint found in the ashtray of their toyota beater....

He asked me to give them a "Scared straight" sermon :tumble:

i did....i thought one of the guys was going to wet his pants :lol:

They let them go...not enough stuff...They WERE LUCKY!

Bruce R Leech - 3-3-2006 at 07:44 AM

don't worry about them unless you are carrying something illegal then worry plenty :lol:

David K - 3-3-2006 at 09:09 AM

Surprised the one at Gonzaga Bay wasn't mentioned...

Also none between Guerrero Negro and El Rosario?

I once came upon the black suited Feds busting someone on the Bahia de los Angeles highway near Agua Amarga... they searched my truck and others during the bust.

Tomas Tierra - 3-3-2006 at 09:24 AM

The dog thing is great...never had a problem as long as "big boy" was in the back..

Them: "?si muerdes el perro?"
Me: "Ya mordio"

osoflojo - 3-3-2006 at 11:33 AM

Pompeno.....I have never witnesses a siezure but I have read documents that speak to quite a bit of meth and "exotics" being siezed from some of these checkpoints in Baja. More MJ and Coke on the mainland...........

White Angel - 3-3-2006 at 12:09 PM

We have seen only two check points that seem to have arrested anyone. One must have been a tip-off because the officials involved looked like perhaps our own DEA and their Mexican partners. Some in plain clothes; all in Crown Vics. The uniforms were black. The perps in cuffs. On three seperate occasions we have had the vehicle searched with great effort at back road rolling check points. Never have encountered dogs which would seem to be a good tool if they are really looking for dope or guns. As stated in the past, I assume these are really for show or to appease some government quotas for continued funding. I had a scary moment last year when a young soldier approached the driver's door of our rented Suburban which had a non functional window. I pulled open the door and smacked his rifle with the door frame. Suddenly four guys are in a shooter's stance. We all calmed quickly and even had a laugh over it; but there was a split second of "Oh my God" panic.

Years ago guys I knew at a motorcycle shop told a story...

vgabndo - 3-3-2006 at 12:25 PM

They, stupidly, got caught with two joints on Hwy 5 and were taken into custody. They were put around back until the current shift was over. When the guards got off duty they helped the gringos smoke the evidence and turned them loose. Maybe not scared straight, but doubtlessly scared stoned!

Talked to a red-eyed Canadian in Todos Santos in about '98 who told of getting caught with weed by two black shirts south of Loreto. He paid a bribe, they gave him back HALF of his stash and showed him a better place to hide it.

I don't think anyone would recommend counting on either of these scenarios happening again!!! A couple of very lucky loadies.

Hook - 3-3-2006 at 02:06 PM

To Diver:

it's really not my knowledge of Baja. I experienced the same thing at the same checkpoint. Unfortunately, I tipped them off to my speaking some Spanish but managed to escape because all my batteries were D cell and the blaster only took C cells. It was a weird day at that checkpoint; the jefe was clearly gone and the grunts were in partial uniforms. That checkpoint seems very lax; I actually worry about those guys trying to pull some serious crap.

To Pompano: about a year ago, while returning from SLC, there was a semi parked at the San Ignacio checkpoint (my other least favorite) and they were taking crowbars to the metal paneling on the roof...really ripping the semi up. Dont know if they found anything but they were seriously looking.

Personally, I bet the checkpoints have been a huge waste of time and money compared to what they've found. 'Course the money probably comes from the US office of Drug Czar.

Neal Johns - 3-3-2006 at 02:15 PM

I have never had any trouble or anything stolen at checkpoints. However....

After one search, I said "Want some cokes" and pointed to my camper door. They froze! And I laughed (a little hysterically) and said "Frescos, frescos". then they laughed hysterically.

MICK - 3-3-2006 at 04:28 PM

Sorry david, We went thru there early and a hanc came out the window and waved us on.

MICK - 3-3-2006 at 04:29 PM

HAND

Oso - 3-3-2006 at 05:19 PM

Longest, most thorough search was a "pop-up" reten on the dirt road from just above Colonet to Lazaro Card##as (V. Trinidad) I guess that's not supposed to be a "tourist" route.

Best experience was soldiers helping me change a flat at El Doctor on the road to El Golfo de Sta. Clara. The fact that my 20-something grandniece was with me didn't hurt.

Never been present at a bust, but according to local papers quite a lot gets "decomisado" on Mex 2 just East of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, mostly semis coming from the interior headed for TJ. I'm sure it's a question of whose drugs get busted. They burn tons of it every month or so a few miles from the house. The wind is never right. :mad:

The phoniness of the "show war" on drugs was illustrated a couple of years ago when the DEA busted over two tons of coke in a San Diego warehouse and the street price did not go up. The effect on the market was inconsequential. In most major U.S. cities today, cocaine is "easier to find than veal".

Oso - 3-4-2006 at 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tomas Tierra
The dog thing is great...never had a problem as long as "big boy" was in the back..

Them: "?si muerdes el perro?"
Me: "Ya mordio"

BTW, excuse me for nit-picking, Tomas, but you just said they asked you if you bite the dog. :lol:

Tomas Tierra - 3-4-2006 at 04:20 PM

Oso,
That's a sure sign that I need a Baja trip! Rusty spanish..

What they ask is...does the dog bite?
and I reply(I think)...He allready bit!

Ruff,Ruff

bajabound2005 - 3-4-2006 at 06:29 PM

Our dogs have gotten us through the checkpoints and the border back to the US (oh, and Red Sox shirts help across the US border, too!). We have 3 mutts that travel everywhere with us. The Mexicans are scared to death of them (although they are all quite friendly!!)...and for the US they are conversation pieces to get back in w/o questioning all that choriza in our ice chest! :lol:

surfer jim - 3-4-2006 at 07:11 PM

Remember....save all your old batteries and give them out at checkpoints.... :biggrin:

oladulce - 3-4-2006 at 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Maybe the army doesn't supply them with decent flashlights...

--Larry

One of the guys told me that they're required to have flashlights for night inspections but the army does not supply their batteries. He said it's frustrating for them.

We used to get asked all the time if we had batteries we would sell to them, and occasionally, a request for a battery donation. It doesn't seem to happen as often now.

Bruce R Leech - 3-4-2006 at 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
Remember....save all your old batteries and give them out at checkpoints.... :biggrin:

boy that is the Baja spiret :barf:

people like you are the reason for some of them to be sour on tourists

Dude, make sure to say thank you.

Dave - 3-4-2006 at 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
Remember....save all your old batteries and give them out at checkpoints.... :biggrin:

Give them to your drugged-out surfer friends, instead. They, along with the rest of U.S. druggers are the main reason that you (and I :fire:

) get stopped.

A-OK - 3-5-2006 at 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
Remember....save all your old batteries and give them out at checkpoints.... :biggrin:

Give them to your drugged-out surfer friends, instead. They, along with the rest of U.S. druggers are the main reason that you (and I :fire:

) get stopped.

DAMN..........

I'm 99.9% that Jim is joking. All you old birds get wound up too easy. Take a chill pill and move on to your next beating.

If Surfer Jim WAS joking-------

Barry A. - 3-5-2006 at 10:32 AM

-----it was a very bad joke!!!!! IMHO. and believe me, I am "chilling", as I am sitting in N. California.

Oso - 3-5-2006 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tomas Tierra
Oso,
That's a sure sign that I need a Baja trip! Rusty spanish..

What they ask is...does the dog bite?
and I reply(I think)...He allready bit!

Ruff,Ruff

You were very close! :lol:

Just drop the "s" off of "muerdes" and you would have it right. You had the second part right.

Tomas Tierra - 3-5-2006 at 01:59 PM

GRACIAS MAESTRO!!

bajalera - 3-5-2006 at 04:08 PM

We arrived in La Paz yesterday after a two-day trip from the border, and what was notable was the complete absence of inspection anywhere along the way--even though we were towing a boat and Steve's 4Runner was fully packed with stuff. Although Mexicans' cars and trucks were getting searched, Steve was asked where we were going, and then we were waved right on through at every checkpoint, and so were other Americans we saw. That's never happened to us before.

[Edited on 3-6-2006 by bajalera]

Bajaboy - 3-5-2006 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
Remember....save all your old batteries and give them out at checkpoints.... :biggrin:

Thereby peeing the soldiers off so those of us who follow the "smart guy" receive the bad vibes. Gee, thanks. :>

I buy cheap Costco AA batteries in bulk and don't mind giving some away if the soldiers are nice. They're stuck out in the middle of nowhere in a situation I'd rather not be in myself, and often spend the night doing their assigned job which requires a decent flashlight-- I've been asked to bring down mini mag lamps (flashlights) enough times so that I think there's something going there on that I don't understand. Maybe the army doesn't supply them with decent flashlights...

--Larry

Not to cause a stir....but maybe it's those travellers who give the soldiers "gifts" that make those who don't look bad. Hey I understand the intent but I don't want to feel compelled to hand over batteries, etc., on my way down. I do hand out candy (toostie pops) along the way, though. I've been asked a few times for things and I politely say "No"

Just another opinion, amigos.

Zac

Don Alley - 3-5-2006 at 07:12 PM

We just returned from a trip North and back, from Loreto.

First stop, north of Loreto, we were checked fairly thoroughly. That was the only place that checked.

Two curious things...

One small airplane that had landed on the highway, had army guys around it. I forget where.

At one checkpoint on our return, the young army guy asked where we had been. When we told him we were in the USA, he asked if maybe we had some photos of our trip we could show him? :lol:

Boston_Baja_Guy - 3-5-2006 at 08:50 PM

Hey Guys

I am new to the board, and have traveled down to baja about 5 or 6 times.

On our last 2 trips, we have made an observation.

Both trips had 4 vehicles.

Mine = A Somewhat Sketchy Looking Landcruiser with Limo Tinted Windows and a ton of gear on top

Friend A = Another somewhat sketchy looking Landcruiser with tinted windows and stuff on top

Friend B = Complete stock Jeep Wrangler with US D.O.D sticker on windshield

Friend C = Stock Toyota Tacoma Pickup Truck with US D.O.D sticker on windshield

For new years we went down to the Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs (great place) and each time we hit a check point (going both ways), both vehicles with the D.O.D stickers were pulled to the side and searched at EACH CHECKPOINT while Me and Friend A, which common sense by looking at our vehicles would think we "should have been searched" were just waved through. Everything went fine and we were on our way in about 15 mins or so, but the checkpoints seem to search any vehicles with US Military stickers.

Anyone else experience this?

[Edited on 3-6-2006 by Boston_Baja_Guy]

Diver - 3-5-2006 at 09:22 PM

They know you military guys play with guns. That is primarily what they are looking for. 2+2=.......

Bajaboy - 3-5-2006 at 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Not to cause a stir....but maybe it's those travellers who give the soldiers "gifts" that make those who don't look bad. Hey I understand the intent but I don't want to feel compelled to hand over batteries, etc., on my way down.

I see your point. My experience at the checkpoints varies greatly, mostly depending on my attitude at the time. I don't like being used or perceived as an object, as sometimes happens. Other times, I'm able to break down the soldier/rich tourist (?a poco no?) shells and make real contact. Those times, I don't mind helping out that other human with whom I'm sharing a brief space just because we happen to have run into each other on the road. Hopefully I'd do the same for you. Is that going to form bad habits? Dunno...

--Larry

Larry-great answer...I suppose it all depends on the situation. The memories I hold closest from my travels are those involving the people I've met along the way.

happy trails-zac

The way I see it...

Mexray - 3-5-2006 at 10:19 PM

...is....well, I don't think we foreigners should feel compelled to hand out anything to the guys at the military check points. As Zac and others have mentioned, it just creates an atmosphere for them to expect goodies from those 'rich' gringos.

While these guys might be in need of some add'l creature comforts while they are posted in rural areas, it's not our responsibility to see that they get stuff from us - it's their own military's duty. These guys are not neglected, in my view, and are far better off than many of their fellow countrymen. Many visitors bring goods for less fortunate types, clothes, school supplies, eye glasses, etc., etc. - which is the direction I believe helps the most people.

As for flashlight batteries...hell, they probably just use them to search more vehicles after dark - let em' get there own batteries!

I much prefer to hand out a few cold drinks to those guys out working on the highway - they usually look like they need it.

I'd like to think that if there were similar check-points in the US, that I'd react the same about hand-outs...and then I'd move to someplace without em' !

I have my doubts about the actual effectiveness of the Mexican check-points - but I guess they 'stumble' across some contraband from time-to-time. I just wish they had fewer of them to deal with, I've never been really 'hassled', but whenever you have a younger gal in the vehicle with you, they take much longer to check 'things' out! It can get to be a pain, as we all know.

I guess 'grin and bear it' is the best policy...

Quite a few years ago when my Spanish was even worse...

vgabndo - 3-5-2006 at 11:25 PM

We ran into a pop-up out in the middle of nowhere, and 'cause I have nothing to hide and usually nothing but time, I was trying to speak the language of the Black Shirt who was at my window. At one point I said, "I don't understand what you said." He gave me a really disgusted look and sent us on our way. About a mile down the road I realized that I had said: "You don't understand what you said." Who knows, it might work for someone else!

Packoderm - 3-5-2006 at 11:47 PM

On our last trip we were heading North when we stopped at an inspection station 1/2 way between El Rosario and SQ. One of the soldiers was checking out the back, exterior section of my van and came to me with a black thing roughly the size and shape of a Copenhagen can. As he came closer I realized it was the gas cap to the van that I left on the rain gutter while I was filling up in ER. I was happy for that stop; that's for sure.

No soda, No pasa

oladulce - 3-6-2006 at 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexray
I don't think we foreigners should feel compelled to hand out anything to the guys at the military check points. As Zac and others have mentioned, it just creates an atmosphere for them to expect goodies from those 'rich' gringos.

As for flashlight batteries...hell, they probably just use them to search more vehicles after dark - let em' get there own batteries!

I much prefer to hand out a few cold drinks to those guys out working on the highway - they usually look like they need it.
.

Last summer we were detoured through some road work in a remote stretch of desert. Mr oladulce and I were the only vehicle around and the flag man slowed us down to a stop. 4 guys (who looked like they'd spent some time in El Barrio) stepped in front of our truck while gesturing the "give us something to drink" sign. We smiled and shrugged "Lo siento" but it was a long 30 seconds or so before they abandoned the dirty looks, stepped away from the truck, and slapped the fenders as we drove past.

This incident reinforced the reason we don't carry extra drinks to give out in this type of situation- because we don't want to contribute to the precedent it sets for everyone traveling the Peninsula. Plus, I don't like feeling pressured in to obligation. Actually, a few hours before we had given our sodas to a family circus that had broken down - but that's another story.

Frankly, I hide our stash of batteries- mainly because we might need them during our extended stays and don't have room for extras.

I did give some mosquito coils to the soldiers at the Loreto checkpoint one summer just after some rain. We pulled up to the inspection at dusk and a black cloud of bugs surrounded the truck. Those boys were going to need the coils that night a whole lot more than we were.

We had not given the pro-model Mag light to the guys at the same checkpoint a few years prior, but they proceeded to relieve us of it anyway.

[Edited on 3-7-2006 by oladulce]

wilderone - 3-6-2006 at 10:12 AM

One time my friend and I headed south after Thanksgiving and got as far as the turnoff to Erendira to spend the night. The militario was set up at that junction - about 6 of them. They had a small fire, and I think a couple tents, and they were holding blankets around themselves. Although it was about 11 pm, they still checked our car and and asked questions, and we asked if we could spend the night there, which we did, about 40 yards from where they were. There was frost on the ground in the morning and it was very cold. These guys are out there in the sun, the cold, car exhaust, wind, etc. day after day. I bring them newspapers (pick them up at the 7-11 at the second toll booth where we use the bathroom), a litre of soda (99 cents), a package of cookies - not much effort nor expense. We send literally tons of stuff to our troops doing their job out of sympathy. Why not a little sympathy for these guys? They have never asked me for anything or stolen anything. On most occasions, I have a nice conversation with them. I have never felt compelled one way or the other.

osoflojo - 3-6-2006 at 12:01 PM

WILDERONE, I agree. I usually keep my mouth shut as you can see by the number of posts I have made but it is hard for me to believe the number of people on this thread who seem to forget that those kids out there are just that, kids and they are doing for their country what their country asks of them with little support. It sounds to me like many folk here seem to think that dealing with these kids is like training a dog and not interacting with another human being albeit youg human being who is cold, hungry and most likely away from home for the first time. Give the kids a break...............

Well said Flojo, thanks for dropping in.

vgabndo - 3-6-2006 at 02:25 PM

bancoduo - 3-6-2006 at 08:42 PM

What do the boys do when they are not working?

Oso - 3-6-2006 at 08:50 PM

"stand down". Considering their locations, that means pretty much nothing. Maybe sleep, polish boots, clean rifles, press uniforms, look at old Playboys given to them by gringos.

David K - 3-6-2006 at 10:42 PM

I try and talk with them, if it is appropriate (ie. no cars behind me, boring location)... It is a cultural experience and fosters better feelings between our countries, in my opinion... I have given them a water or soda on a couple occaisions if I have plenty and they either asked or looked hot and I offered.

My kids always enjoyed the interaction with these 'older kids' and their big guns.... Again, fostering better understanding between our nations...

They are there because WE (USA) requested it... You think all those Hummers arrived on Santa's sleigh?

Enjoy the experience, use your best judgement, politley say no if asked for something you do not want to give... But smile and say Lo Siento... Come on gang, we are the guests in their country... They let us invade Baja and have a blast... even tear up the country during the races...

What's hard about putting some extra waters or cokes in the cooler for giving? The Mexicans are some of the most wonderful and generous people and often go way out of their way to help us if we need it... Think about it...

We don't need to be teaching the soldiers a lesson by not spoiling them with batteries and sodas... We do need to show them that Americans (and Canadians) really are generous, nice people.

Just my dos centavos...

Very well said, David-----and I agree totally.

Barry A. - 3-6-2006 at 11:48 PM

oladulce - 3-7-2006 at 12:42 PM

I'd guess that most Baja travelers are "givers" by nature. The differing opinions is probably more related to the vast differences in the way we travel, our destinations, purpose of visits, lengths of stay etc and not the princlple of to-give or not-to-give.

It's a challenge to pack our camper for a 6 week trip to the outskirts of Baja Sur. We don't travel with an icechest and have room for about 4 drinks in the camper fridge. My viewpoint is probably going to be different than someone who takes weekend trips to Baja, or someone who lives in La Paz and is just driving home, or those who stay in hotels or in places that have stores.

I wouldn't hesitate to give a soldier a soda if the situation arouse. I can't explain why the Road worker thing bugs me.

The Loreto checkpoint is now one of the most professional (nice guys, thorough but quick). In Sept. I brought a stack of Surfer and travel magazines to give them but was informed that they "could not accept gifts". We proceeded North to San Ignacio where my husband was asked for Playboys. I gave them the Surfers but they didn't seem too excited with them.

[Edited on 3-7-2006 by oladulce]

role reversal

eetdrt88 - 3-7-2006 at 02:26 PM

I was crossing the San Felipe checkpoint on a rather hot day once and one of the soldiers was standing there eating some fruit out of a bag,he glanced over and saw that I was watching...he walked right over and offered my buddy and me some of the fruit which turned out to be some very tasty type of cactus fruit similar to a kiwi but much juicier......I dont recall ever being asked for anything but I have given them things on a few occasions. I have never gotten the indication from these young soldiers that they expect me to give them anything

White Angel - 3-7-2006 at 02:30 PM

Hi Guys-I started this thread hoping for a little insight on the number and mood of the check points. I'm very happy with the way it's taken off. It would appear that most everyone has come to accept the inconvience with some humor and humanity. I must say I was originally upset with the delays and the seeming pointlessness of the whole concept. As has been mentioned; we likely have the U.S. government to blame and certainly shouldn't take out our frustration on the "kids" just doing their job. I'm hoping for alot more wave-throughs on this run and even plan to bring along a few batteries. Is it "AA" size?