BajaNomad - Los Barriles to Boise... Ouch!

Los Barriles to Boise... Ouch!

oldjack - 5-21-2006 at 10:46 AM

Just finished a LOOOOOONG drive back to Boise from Los Barriles.... biggest problem was watching the kids at the military checkpoints from helping themselves to my stuff... 5/6 checkpoints... only one did not insist on a "regala"... the road was in good condition and gas readily available... only one station(that is "closed" by the feds) was a problem... the attendant tried to cut the flow early and insisted he hadn't... luckily the Police were there and I called them over and the issue was taken care of quickly with me getting the last 100p of gas....

This is the first time I have driven down and back from Boise... 3.5 days @ 12 hr./day.... don't recommend it unless you need to... tried to come back thru Otay... protesters had the crossing completly closed down... had to backtrack to TJ and then there was the gun incident.... thursday evening took 2 hours to cross once in line....

I am hearing this

Hook - 5-23-2006 at 05:13 PM

more and more about the pushy soldiers at the checkpoints, including some outright lightfingering.

What checkpoints seemed to be the worst? I am headed down in about two weeks.

Debra - 5-23-2006 at 05:40 PM

I too have heard this over and over again, (never experienced it) I have been driving down from Seattle 1,2 sometimes 3 times per year most often with just myself and my young son (now 12) for the last 5 years. I have NEVER been treated with anything but the utmost respect. I've never been searched more than to open the back and thump the tires (now that I think about it, that has only happend when I've had someone with me), always sent off with a "Buenos dios" (nochas, tardes) Senora, have a safe trip" and a smile. I hate to admit this (Mike H. will get me!), but, I think I must bring to mind their own mother (or in most cases, their Grandmother!) :lol:

David K - 5-23-2006 at 05:59 PM

Yes, we HEAR this a lot... But, few of us 'Baja Regulars' have any problems.

Sure it can happen... When a camera was lifted at the checkpoint that used to be near the Punta San Carlos junction south of El Rosario... Antonio (BajaCactus) took it upon himself to do the detective work. I was with him when we stopped at the base in San Quintin to meet with the C.O. ...

The camera was recovered, and Antonio contacted the owner to provide a serial number or some proof of ownership to get it released. The mal soldado is probably stationed on Isla Guadalupe or worse!

A few bad manzanos don't spoil the bunch...

Roberto - 5-23-2006 at 09:38 PM

Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened?

Don Alley - 5-23-2006 at 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened?

I sure can't say what David is thinking (grin)...but:

".... biggest problem was watching the kids at the military checkpoints from helping themselves to my stuff... 5/6 checkpoints... only one did not insist on a "regala"... "

I don't doubt that things happen. But these are more problems in one trip than I have had going back and forth, up and down Mexico 1 for several years. "Kids" plural at "checkpoints" plural "helping themselves." And "insist?" Yeah, ONCE a soldier asked me for some soda. A couple of times a soldier asked if they could BUY one of our two flashlights. So I'm skeptical, or perhaps things have really deteriorated since my last trip?

Frank - 5-23-2006 at 11:11 PM

Lets hope not Don, I heading down in 29 days 12 hours and 15 minutes. In fact last time down they were pretty much all business. This year Im going to push the envelope and get them to pose for pictures :biggrin:

losfrailes - 5-24-2006 at 06:07 AM

I make several trips up and down from near Santa Rosalia to San Diego each year. It is part of life as lived down here.

On the trip from San Diego into Baja the only military checkpoint that ever stops me is at outside San Ignacio, about 50 miles north of Santa Rosalia. All of the other checkpoints simply wave you thru on the way south. That has been my own personal experience.

On the way north, the checkpoints will check what you have in your vehicle, including opening your suitcases, thumping tire wells, every possible hiding place for drugs. If you demonstrate a patient watchful attitude they are usually done very quickly and wave you on with a smile.

I have never been approached for a gift of any sort, nor has anything ever come up missing after passing thru these checkpoints. At times I have given the soldiers at the checkpoint north of Guerrero Negro extra grapes, or other fruit purchased on the trip since they are confiscated at the checkpoint at Guerrero Negro anyway.

Do not be overly concerned about the honesty of the soldiers at the checkpoints. They are required to do the checks and are doing their jobs.

Bob and Susan - 5-24-2006 at 06:14 AM

we never have a problem either....

the weiner dogs guard the truck :lol:

David K - 5-24-2006 at 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened?

You need to read the entire post, not just the first line:

"Yes, we HEAR this a lot... But, few of us 'Baja Regulars' have any problems.

Sure it can happen... When a camera was lifted at the checkpoint that used to be near the Punta San Carlos junction south of El Rosario... Antonio (BajaCactus) took it upon himself to do the detective work. I was with him when we stopped at the base in San Quintin to meet with the C.O. ...

The camera was recovered, and Antonio contacted the owner to provide a serial number or some proof of ownership to get it released. The mal soldado is probably stationed on Isla Guadalupe or worse!

A few bad manzanos don't spoil the bunch... "

You will note that I said "Sure it can happen..." and I even put an example of a time I knew it happened...

Don Alley - 5-24-2006 at 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frank
Lets hope not Don, I heading down in 29 days 12 hours and 15 minutes. In fact last time down they were pretty much all business. This year Im going to push the envelope and get them to pose for pictures :biggrin:

In that picture I posted, the soldier is telling me NO PHOTOS!. :biggrin:

Roberto - 5-24-2006 at 07:32 AM

David, I read the entire post (why would you think differently), and you just repeated it, but my question is still there - what are you saying?

I don't want to get into an argument over this one, but I still don't understand your point. I have not had problems either, but apparently others do, and reporting that fact doesn't change anything.

What are you saying?

[Edited on 5-24-2006 by Roberto]

scary tale

pacificobob - 5-24-2006 at 09:44 AM

i love it...for every tale of banditos and evil army and police staff...there are a dozen gringos who will elect to stay in the very safe u.s.a.!

What I hear David K saying is--------

Barry A. - 5-24-2006 at 11:54 AM

--------"yeah, stuff sometimes does happen, but it is pretty rare, so do not let these reports frighten you---just take normal precautions".

In 50 years I have NEVER had a problem at a check point in Mexico--------but of course, that is just MY experience.

Sharksbaja - 5-24-2006 at 12:30 PM

Well, someone got the Naproxin Sodium and Ibuprofin. And it weren't a weenie dog!

If they actually climb into my vehicle-----

Barry A. - 5-24-2006 at 01:25 PM

-----which is very rare, but does happen occasionally, I ONLY let one soldier in at a time, keeping all other doors locked, and I watch him like a hawk!! getting into the vehicle with him (no matter what they say---playing dumb if I have too), and staying close----------I consider that taking "normal precautions".

Occasionally they want to buy one of my "goodies", but I always laughingly refuse to sell them anything.

I NEVER reward any of them with any "gifts" (bribes?).

I will NOT let them in my camper with their long-guns----I do not want my windows broken by mistake, especially the rear window which is really vulnerable. They grudgingly comply.

They are always friendly and professional, and I have never even seen a hint of resentment, tho they do seem amused by my precautions sometimes, which we both laugh about.

I treat the USA border guards the same way, when returning to the USA---------never had a problem.

eetdrt88 - 5-24-2006 at 01:29 PM

heard alot of stories,not sure which ones are true....one guy told me he got caught at a chckpoint with about 5 lbs of weed and got off for just 2o bucks...seems unlikely but then again baja can be a pretty wild and wacky place :lol:

David K - 5-24-2006 at 06:14 PM

Barry, you got it just fine (as I am sure most did)...

"What I hear David K saying is--------

--------"yeah, stuff sometimes does happen, but it is pretty rare, so do not let these reports frighten you---just take normal precautions".

In 50 years I have NEVER had a problem at a check point in Mexico--------but of course, that is just MY experience.

==============================================

If not a personal attack, then why isn't Roberto questioning Bob and Susan who didn't add that it happens (as I did).... Here's what they said: "we never have a problem either...."

[Edited on 5-25-2006 by David K]

Roberto - 5-24-2006 at 08:35 PM

David, have I ever been shy about attacking you personally? I don't think I leave too much doubt when I do. :lol:

I didn't comment on anyone else's input because I had asked YOU a question.

So, this has nothing to do with "personal attacks", just looking for clarification. You have made statements similar to this before, and it is not clear to me what you mean.

Personally, I take an approach similar to Barry.

1. I always speak nothing but Spanish.
2. I never give them anything.
3. If they ask to buy something, I say no. If they insist I get peeed, and ask to speak to the Jefe.
4. I watch them like a hawk - and make it clear that's what I'm doing. If I'm alone, I keep all doors locked, and open one at a time.
5. All music, radios, games, chit-chat stops - this is all business.
6. While I am completely courteous and polite, these guys are not my buddies, and I don't pretend they are. I also make it clear there is a line that is not to be crossed, and asking for gifts or buying my stuff, or asking how much it costs crosses it.

This approach has worked for me so far, but just telling someone who has experienced problems what you replied in your first post is hardly providing help or information.

Does that help to clarify my question David?

[Edited on 5-25-2006 by Roberto]

David K - 5-24-2006 at 10:13 PM

"Does that help to clarify my question David?"

Nope, not a bit...

Here was your post after mine:

"Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened?"

How in the world would you get that I doubted anything with my post??

Again... Here is just the first part of my post:

"Yes, we HEAR this a lot... But, few of us 'Baja Regulars' have any problems.

Sure it can happen... "

Sure it can happen...

I repeated the last four words for you Roberto, can you see it?

Does that look like I doubted it happened??

Let's move on, okay paisano? :spingrin:

Yeah, give it a rest you guys!!

frizkie - 5-25-2006 at 02:28 PM

Back to the original post.
I have travelled from Victoria, BC, Canada to Baja Sur every winter for the last five and mostly on my own. Also some trips previous to that with family. It has always been a terrific adventure, and I have never had any problems with "The Boys". They have always been courteous, friendly, and respectful. Except a few years ago when one of them wanted a hug. He was not insistant though, and was easily put off.

If they must enter the camper to check things out I make sure I go with them to prevent any light fingerness. And I always have hidden away a Playboy magazine so that if I am in a hurry and they decide to give me the thorough "Rip everything apart" check, I will give them the Playboy. I have had that same magazine for years now and never had reason to give it to them. These guys are out there in that hot desert, in the middle of nowhere usually, at the age where their testosterone is raging!! Heh! Heh! they'll stop anything for a Playboy. It is even a bigger treat for them because they cannot buy a Playboy in Mexico.

Hey, let's face it they are just kids. I do often hand them out lollipops and they are always grateful. I like to see if I can get them to smile or better still laugh. It isn't too hard. I guess I just feel sorry for them out there. I have two sons of my own so perhaps I relate to these "Kids" differently than some tourists might. And I think that's it, ya know, it's the attitude you put to them.

Anyways that's my two cents on the matter.

Barb

eetdrt88 - 5-25-2006 at 03:43 PM

I have noticed when I'm traveling with wife and 2 daughters(both blonde)that they always seem more interested and always try to strike up conversations with us....only problem being that with our little knowledge of espanol and their little knowledge of english it gets a little confusing sometimes...but overall theyre usually pretty mellow