BajaNomad - I may be GOING IT ALONE!

I may be GOING IT ALONE!

SyntaxJO - 10-5-2007 at 03:34 AM

I am the adventurer of my friends. We are planning our first time drive to Cabo and of course I am the most excited. Our "caravan" is steadily shrinking into a "drag race." One by one my friends are bailing out for semi-legitimate reasons. The ones that remain, well, there is a real possibility that they may drop out as well. I have accepted the reality that I may have to take the trip alone. Believe it or not I am secretly hoping that I will be going alone : )

So I've been pumping myself up for it, but alas, I come across the "bad side" of Baja. The robbings - the shootings - yadda yadda. Now, I know anything can happen - and I wouldn't be as concerned if I knew I'd be driving with another passenger at least. Not only will I perhaps be with only one vehicle - I may be driving alone.

I hear so many different things - Baja is safer than the US - SPEED past TJ, Rosarito, Ensenada (too bad I love Ensenada) - Stay Out of Baja Norte all together!!!

I would really like to hear from someone who has taken the drive alone. There's adventure - and there's dumb :spingrin:

Where do I fit in?

Survival - breaking down - running out of money - I can deal. Trouble finding me - another matter. You tell me I'm paranoid and that's all I need to hear. (well you can tell me more than that)

Thanx!

Bajagypsy - 10-5-2007 at 05:27 AM

As long as you use common sense I don't think you will have any problems. Don't drive late at night, don't flash alot of money around, and that includes jewelery, fancy camp stuff etc. When my esposo and I go down, although it is together, my engagement ring stays home, and all other expense jewlery. Be kind, polite, and I know you will be fine.

Enjoy your trip, I'm jelous :yes:

Bob and Susan - 10-5-2007 at 05:49 AM

i made the trip to mulege from the states at LEAST 30 times last year...

drive slow
drive during daylight
get insurance
get your visa at the border

have GOOD tires and spares
and...
know how to change them and have the jack and tire iron ready for a "nascar change"

slow way down (almost stop)
if you're not sure about a truck or bus

you'll be fine after you get below ensenada

below ensenada it's a different world

Bajaboy - 10-5-2007 at 07:04 AM

All good advice from above. I've traveled all over Baja by myself and with others. Follow your gut instincts and you'll be fine. It's not as bad as some posters from this Board make it sound.

One thing I do is separate my money and hide it in different places in my car/gear....you know the saying about all your eggs in one basket...

When are you headed down?

Zac

shari - 10-5-2007 at 07:32 AM

YOu might just have a better time by yourself...a solo traveller was just here with us and he took a wrong turn, got very lost and very found by a bunch of awesome fisherman who gave him a bunch of lobster and he had a super time...travelling alone yeilds some great stories and you meet way more people...keep our pnone # on hand in case of emergency and I would buy a little handheld VHF marine radio or cell phone anyway just in case...stop in and visit on your way down amigo!

TMW - 10-5-2007 at 07:34 AM

You may want to consider a satellite phone. It would provide you a communications link where ever you would be. Also make sure some one at home knows where you are going and staying and when to expect you back. Call home every couple of days or so.

Cap - 10-5-2007 at 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajagypsy
Be kind, polite, and I know you will be fine.

Enjoy your trip, I'm jelous :yes:

Best advice on the board in a long time.

Just do it man! You are obviously cautious. Common sense and courtesy will win the day. Have a great trip.

jorgie - 10-5-2007 at 07:51 AM

what are you driving ??????

larry - 10-5-2007 at 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SyntaxJO
One by one my friends are bailing out for semi-legitimate reasons.

It sounds like you are working up to do the same.--resist that temptation. You are the one who will end up having a great time if you follow through with your plans.

The problems that you are afraid of get blown out of proportion on this board simply because they are discussed at length. Crime happens everywhere--if you read your local newspaper, you could reach the conclusion that your own city or town is unsafe, but you probably are not afraid to go out of your house because the reality is that where you live is generally safe.

Exercise common sense on your trip and enjoy the wonders of Baja.

jerry - 10-5-2007 at 08:21 AM

go for it
Its human nature to fear the unknown but
once you get on your way you will calm down slow down and injoy the ride

David K - 10-5-2007 at 08:42 AM

Traveled in Baja since 60's, then drove and camped without parents when I turned 16, since then alone, with friends, & with family (little kids to teens)... NEVER had a problem...

Above advice from other Nomads is all good... Use good judgement, don't be obnoxious or get drunk in public, try and speak some Spanish or show an effort...

Camp far from the highway when alone OR stay with others if in camping areas... Use motels, they are cheap... some are luxurious for very little money (Baja Cactus at $35 comes to mind).

Packoderm - 10-5-2007 at 08:52 AM

Canceling: I don't know about the situation with your friends, but it can get easy to forgo adventure until it is too late. It almost started to happen to me. That was one of my grandmother's biggest regrets later in life. She put off adventure until she was too crippled to do it. That was pretty much her exact words for it. Adventure - it's not for the non-adventurous I guess.

rhintransit - 10-5-2007 at 08:56 AM

follow all the common sense suggestions above, take a deep breath and just do it. expect to have some late night nerves just prior to departure. use Tecate crossing, drive straight through Ensenada, be smart, be safe, use common sense, be open to the adventure. don't take lots of attractive stuff, stay in Nomad recommended hotels.
this from single middle aged female who has done it alone many times and lived, though the last trip I rolled/totalled the car and walked away from that one (old thread). for now I'm flying but that's just til the normal post MVA freakiness goes away.

tripledigitken - 10-5-2007 at 10:00 AM

Do it!

Larry is right on about the fact that crime that does happen, gets blown out of proportion here. Not intentionally, but the focus and discussion makes it appear that it is more pervasive than it really is. I have never made the drive (typical trip is to Mulege) with other cars, and have driven it alone (on a motorcyle).

Have I changed my habits in how I travel down.........yes. I used to allways cross TJ at 4 am to time leaving Ensenada at sunrise. I will not do that anymore. I will cross at TJ at sunrise. This change is one I have just made starting with our next trip in Nov. Taking that advice and the other wise suggestions here you will be fine. :saint:

Have a great trip and report back. :bounce:

Ken

[Edited on 10-5-2007 by tripledigitken]

TMW - 10-5-2007 at 10:36 AM

It's good to meet people and make friends, perhaps some of the Nomads or it could be the hotel and resturant owners or employees or maybe people around the various missions. Then on your next trip you'll be seeing an old face or faces and that can take some of the edge off being alone. In the late 80s thru the mid 90s we would take clothes, toys etc. to a Padre in La Purisima. After the first trip he would always have a wonderful meal for us on the next trip. One such dinner was with a family in San Juanico. It was a wonderful trip.

Hook - 10-5-2007 at 10:54 AM

Repeating..........what are you driving?

flyfishinPam - 10-5-2007 at 11:15 AM

have done the trip solo lots of times before the kids and while expecting the first one but always with a large and loyal dog and a good working vehicle.

don't drive at night.
drive slow and enjoy the scenery.
stop often.
keep our gas tank full.
make sure you have a blanket, plenty of water, first aid kit, food, flashlight and batteries, tools, and can change a tire in case you break down.
keep in mind the KM marker and where the last place civilization was in case you breakdown study the road and map before hittin it.

i will miss those solo trips

Sharksbaja - 10-5-2007 at 11:55 AM

Don't worry, be happy. :yes:

Alone is good, with a dog it's better.

Fred - 10-5-2007 at 11:57 AM

Take your time and enjoy yourself. People who think about trouble....will find it. People who think they are going to get sick...will.

SyntaxJO - 10-5-2007 at 12:11 PM

All Great Stuff - This was the response I was expecting! Not that it would have mattered - this just makes the "night before jitters" less

OK Q&A time

What am I driving?
2003 silver Nissan Frontier King Cab
I figure I won't wash it until I get back (heh)

When am I going?
Nov. 10 - Nov. 20

How much cash will I have?
I expect around 1000 - but I'm going to do my HW and look for ATMs around BAJA so I can stay mostly cashless.

Will I get lost?
I hope so!!!

[Edited on 10-5-2007 by SyntaxJO]

losfrailes - 10-5-2007 at 01:17 PM

Every Banamex on the way down has ATM's. Not to worry.

Just follow the advice of those that do the travel a lot.

Don't drive at night.
Drive Slow.
Respect other vehicles.
Have fun!

Hook - 10-5-2007 at 03:34 PM

I assume it's 2wd since you didnt say otherwise.

If you have trouble, just stay with your vehicle. Lots of Americans and Mexicans will stop. In fact, isnt the Baja 1000 during that time period? If so, the highways will be "crowded" by Baja standards.

Cypress - 10-5-2007 at 03:41 PM

SyntaxJO. Go for it :yes:

You'll do fine. :yes:

Have an adventure. :yes:

They'll regret not going with you for the rest of their lives. :bounce:

woody with a view - 10-5-2007 at 03:41 PM

worst case, lift the hood and display a COLD six pack of beer and you'll have help pronto...

TMW - 10-5-2007 at 04:17 PM

Wow, you'll have lot's of company the first week your down. The Baja 1000 starts Tuesday Nov 13. Contingeny in Ensenada is Monday the 12. It goes to Cabo San Lucas with the awards on Friday the 16th I think, you can check out the SCORE web site at www.score-international.com and down load a course map where you can watch the race if you into racing. You may need camping gear because some hotels may be full from racers and chase crews and race fans. Carry enough pasos to pay for gas, much easier and you don't need to convert from dollars.

Be very very careful on the hwy during the race. Some chase driver think they are in the race. Be on the watch for them and let em go.

[Edited on 10-5-2007 by TW]

bacquito - 10-5-2007 at 04:56 PM

Have a great trip!! I have traveled all over Mexico for over 30 years and have had few problems-never robbed, mugged or threatened. The few problems I have had are of my own creation-poorly equipped car, lack of planning. :cool:

BajaWarrior - 10-5-2007 at 05:06 PM

First big trip alone to Baja. 1983

22 years old, apprentice carpenter, (quit job to go) left for Cabo and all points between for a 4 month trip. Just my dog Champ and I.

66' Dodge Crewcab 4x4 PowerWagon, 11' side door cabover camper, 79' Elsinore 250 mounted on front dock bumper with tire hoops (remember those?) towing a custom street legal dunebuggy, with a bed frame rack for my 12' aluminum boat.

Left San Diego April 1st, returned August 1st.

I drove alone, but met many friendly people wherever I stopped.

Best trip of my life...

I say GO!!!

[Edited on 10-6-2007 by BajaWarrior]

SyntaxJO - 10-5-2007 at 06:24 PM

Awesome! Thanks guys. Of course when i told everyone about the BAJA 1000 they all got excited! Heh - sometime - if not this time - I will go alone - for sure!

Mango - 10-5-2007 at 06:34 PM

Go. You will have a great time. The first time I ever traveled to Mexico I was alone for one month and only had a backpack.

It was a great adventure. Traveling alone is a great way to go and I am now envious when I see solo travelers. You might be lonely from time to time; but, it forces you to meet people and you have total freedom of when and where to go.

Learn to speak a little Spanish; even if it is just a few basic words. Take some photos of your family, pets, town, favorite places, etc.. to share with locals. A picture worth a 1000 words really helps when you don't speak Spanish well; and, can be a great way to break the ice and meet locals. Keeps the photos handy so you can show them at a moments notice.

You might check out the book, "The People's Guide to Mexico" by Carl Franz. One of my favorites and a classic for any traveler in Mexico. Look in your local library if you don't want to buy it.

Get a good map. Don't drive at night. And squeeze lime juice on your tacos.

woody with a view - 10-5-2007 at 06:43 PM

You might check out the book, "The People's Guide to Mexico" by Carl Franz. One of my favorites and a classic for any traveler in Mexico. Look in your local library if you don't want to buy it.

wholeheartedly agree!!!! a classic!!!!

windgrrl - 10-5-2007 at 08:44 PM

In 1988, a friend of our suggested we head to La Paz together. He bailed, and we headed south at -40 degrees Celcius in an ancient VW camper. We drove straight from Alberta until winter turned to spring and then summer on through Montana, Nevada, and the Imperial Valley until we reached the Mexican border (in 2 days) with me manufactring sandwiches in the mini-kitchen in the back of the van and praying for a rest stop (Mi esposa had a schedule to stick to). Waved through by bored Mexican guards, headed for San Felipe and have been hooked ever after.

Just do it.

Packoderm - 10-5-2007 at 08:59 PM

There is a painting in Mama Espinoza's that depicts solo Baja Travel. It shows the interior of an old VW bus being driven in the Baja desertscape by a gringo with white legs poking out of a pair of shorts. Lying next to the solo driver is a cute little chihuahua dog looking up at the driver. What could be better?

Bajagypsy - 10-6-2007 at 07:05 AM

If you have a dog bring him, if not pick one up on your travels, there are dogs everywhere!!

BCSTech - 10-6-2007 at 09:20 AM

I don't want to add to your paranoia, but one additional thing I'd recommend is, if someone tries to flag you down for no good reason, don't stop. Even if it's an apparent car break down.

I've driven the Baja perhaps a dozen times without any incident. Early on, I stopped once when someone was in the road waving an orange flag (out in the middle of nowhere). I first thought it was a road worker but as I stopped I could see there was a car pulled off the road.

The "flag guy" approached and asked me if I had any brake fluid. I told him "No," and he kept talking nervously as some rather scary looking hombres emerged from behind the car.

Just then, flag guy started looking back and forth between me and another car coming down the road behind me. I used the opportunity to say "Bueno Suerte" and drove out of there.

It may have been a genuine break down. But, as I calmed down, I decided I would never do that again; My reasoning? Unless you're fluent in the language, know where you are, and know what you're doing, let the locals help the locals. They can do a much better job of helping than you can.

Many of us are well-intentioned Good Samaritans, but don't be tempted if it could put you at risk for no good reason. :saint:

Of course, give the real Flag Guys a brake...

BCSTech - 10-6-2007 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajagypsy
If you have a dog bring him, if not pick one up on your travels, there are dogs everywhere!!

And Amen to that.

TMW - 10-6-2007 at 09:51 AM

Trust your instincts. Any doubt about a situation, get out, move on. If your camping near people I've found it best to be near families, men, women and children. When it's all men sometimes the aclohol brings out the worse in them.

bajaguy - 10-6-2007 at 11:24 AM

I will be at my place at the Baja Country Club in Ensenada the weekend of the 9th-11th. Stop by for a cold Pacifico or cup of coffee. Check your u2u.

SkyMedBarbara - 10-6-2007 at 12:12 PM

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cpg - 10-6-2007 at 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
All good advice from above. I've traveled all over Baja by myself and with others. Follow your gut instincts and you'll be fine. It's not as bad as some posters from this Board make it sound.

One thing I do is separate my money and hide it in different places in my car/gear....you know the saying about all your eggs in one basket...

When are you headed down?

Great advice!

Zac

Cypress - 10-6-2007 at 02:16 PM

SyntaxJO. Heading down to Baja in early Nov. Gonna go down thru hwy 5, spend a day or two along the way. Mulege is our destination.

If you want company? Will be some time in early Nov.

burro bob - 10-6-2007 at 03:19 PM

Very green in Baja sur.
Lots of good grass along the highway.
Lots of cattle eating that grass.
Race chaser traffic will be bad, as long as you do not try to drive like them you will be fine.
If your amigos end up comming with you get some sort of communication devices. It really helps to be able to talk to your buddies without having to stop.
Have fun.
burro bob

vgabndo - 10-7-2007 at 12:09 PM

When things get to feeling a little dicey, and they have from time to time, my wife and I remind each other that you just don't get to call it an ADVENTURE if there is no UNCERTAINTY.

Watch out for the $%&*#! racers on their return trip, they're just coming off a big party, they're exhausted, they think they're bullet-proof, they're driving WAY over the reasonable speed limit and pulling very wide trailers. Some of them don't fit this description, but my worst drive EVER came last year when I was meeting them coming at me. I never really disrespected those folks before that. WAY more near side-swipes than ever before.

KNOW at a very deep blood, guts, and CPR level EXACTLY where your right front tire is on the road. Go slowly and have a great adventure. I'm envious.

CaboRon - 10-8-2007 at 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
I assume it's 2wd since you didnt say otherwise.

If you have trouble, just stay with your vehicle. Lots of Americans and Mexicans will stop. In fact, isnt the Baja 1000 during that time period? If so, the highways will be "crowded" by Baja standards.

When I broke down in the high desert last Thursday not one gringo in their fancy as# rigs stopped to help....however an old beat up pickup with four Mexican gentlemen stopped and repaired my Bronco with smiles and much good will.
- CaboRon

tripledigitken - 10-9-2007 at 09:49 AM

Cabo Ron,

Where did you breakdown? Glad to hear you got some help!

Ken

CaboRon - 10-9-2007 at 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Cabo Ron,

Where did you breakdown? Glad to hear you got some help!

Ken

Ken,
Somewhere on a seeminly endless of flat desert south of Catavica I lost power and saw my oil guage drop all pressure.....I thought I had pierced the oil pan .
The old guy that stopped analized the situation in five min (a hose had come off the gas tank) and had me back on the road five min later.
A special thanks goes to my new countrymen...
And good riddence to selfish Amerika.

- Ron

Mango - 10-9-2007 at 11:30 AM

I make a point of helping out the locals when I can. I've helped push start a myriad of cars, gave bread to homeless people, swept up after chickens, pulled water from the well, fixed flat tires, gave water to stranded people, installed sinks, etc.. etc..

It's important to take time out and help others be they gringo or Mexican. We all need some help sooner or later. Do what you can to make the world a better place. It is what we make it.

:saint:

edinnopolo - 10-9-2007 at 11:32 AM

In all my retirement years and during the many, many trips I made up and down the peninsula, any problem I encountered that required assistence, it was "always" provided by Mexicans, while the Gringos zoomed by at their usual 90 mph.