BajaNomad

The Drive: GN to San Ignacio..?

JaraHurd - 8-12-2008 at 07:09 PM

Has anyone driven this stretch lately? I am driving from San Diego to San Juan Del Cabo during a 14 day trip. This one stretch concerns me as I had an experience last year that was a little unsettling. Would appreciate feedback either way! Anything I should know?? Jon

Buy your ticket take your chances

Lee - 8-12-2008 at 07:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JaraHurd
Has anyone driven this stretch lately? I am driving from San Diego to San Juan Del Cabo during a 14 day trip. This one stretch concerns me as I had an experience last year that was a little unsettling. Would appreciate feedback either way! Anything I should know?? Jon


Your concern is normal and healthy. This is a very bad patch of road. High winds, cattle, vehicles crossing over into on coming traffic. Go slow, and watch on coming traffic. Stay off the center line. (No I haven't driven it recently. I just know what to do.)

oxxo - 8-12-2008 at 07:17 PM

I drive this stretch of road about 8 times year. I am not sure what you or Lee are referring to, but I think it is a piece of cake. I drove it recently, or more correctly, my wife drove it while I slept in the passenger seat.

What am I missing? Are you the guy who threw the coke bottles out of your window at the guy in the pickup truck with machetes?

[Edited on 8-13-2008 by oxxo]

loki - 8-12-2008 at 07:17 PM

I just got back from driving and the roads fine. They even built a new bridge to eliminate the really bad cutback just west of San Ignacio.
Just watch out for the cows on jenny craig that like to scamper out into the road to commit suicide.:lol:

rpleger - 8-12-2008 at 07:19 PM

It was OK in March 2008...very fast in fact...

Don Alley - 8-12-2008 at 07:21 PM

We drove it about two weeks ago and didn't see any problems. I believe it is the stretch that was being resurfaced, but I'm not sure.

I think the long, straight stretch south of GN may be deceptively easy, it seems to encourage higher speed but it's still narrow and I've heard roll-overs happen here from cars that stray off the edge at high speed.

Now I'm confused

Lee - 8-12-2008 at 07:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Alley
We drove it about two weeks ago and didn't see any problems.


I've driven it good and bad. Luck of the draw. Guess you'd have to drive it bad to know. Guess I'm not the only one -- if that's what is being referred to here.

David K - 8-12-2008 at 07:27 PM

JaraHurd, it is a long straight, flat road... so easy you will drift off to sleep for it is one of the more dull sections of Hwy. 1 after the Magdalena Plain (Insurgentes to Santa Rita)... That's my opinion, naturally...

Because it is so easy and dull, it must be the reason for the number of accidents as truckers and others drift off their lane and into yours or off the narrow roadbed.

The speed limit is a rediculous 80 KPH (50 MPH), and there are 2 FEDERALALES (Hwy. Patrol) that patrol the road between Guerrero Negro and Vizcaino and hand out tickets all day!

We saw them both times last year in the area near the EL ARCO junction...

[Edited on 8-13-2008 by David K]

JaraHurd - 8-12-2008 at 07:42 PM

Awesome feedback. I drove it last May with a buddy who was not comfortable driving down to Mulege. We came upon some law enforcement action that was probably just bad timing. Since my buddy was (is) involved in undercover work in the STates....it made him a little uncomfortable..mostly because we were not armed. But I am sure it was legit. Just a little uncomfortable for a person who was already a little uncomfortable. That stretch is LONG and lonely. ....once again..thanx for the feedback.

And, yes, I did read that Coke Bottle post on the other website..I am NOT that person! ! But that thread did make me chuckle...although I could see how such an event like that could happen....although maybe not exactly that way! Ok ..Ok..i don't want that bit to reflash...... Jon

805gregg - 8-12-2008 at 07:47 PM

I drove it Aug 07, I like to find a fast driver and stay about 80 yards, let him get the tickets and keep the trucks in their lane, we averaged about 90 mph and made that crapy run in about 1 hr. really saved me some time I made it from Loreto to SQ by dusk.

oxxo - 8-12-2008 at 07:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
I've driven it good and bad. Luck of the draw. Guess you'd have to drive it bad to know.


Lee, what are you referring to? The road surface was bad? What?

Bajaboy - 8-12-2008 at 07:50 PM

I've done that stretch plenty of times...at least to Vizcaino. No worries just don't drive too fast. While I have seen Federales on that stretch before they are not always there handing out tickets. More often than not they are cleaning up an accident.

Zac

oxxo - 8-12-2008 at 07:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JaraHurdWe came upon some law enforcement action that was probably just bad timing.


What "law enforcement action"? You mean the military checkpoint? Enquiring minds want to know.

JaraHurd - 8-12-2008 at 07:53 PM

Got it BB..and I agree. I am more the get there alive in one piece sort than getting there fast. I will get there when I get there. Lee..curious what you are referring to....

JaraHurd - 8-12-2008 at 08:04 PM

Ok....as we came to the top of a hill..We saw several unmarked vehicles..I have to assume police cars parked on the right side (west side??) of the road. There was a handcuffed man being followed by several armed (their weapons were holstered, one person was armed with a shotgun) what I assumed were police officers/detectives. The handcuffed man did not appear in distress but was being led away from the roadway as if showing the group something.

A hundred feet or so in back of them were two armed men in jeans sweeping what I believe to be a metal detector across the ground in the hills. I did not look anyone in the eye and kept driving. They seemed relaxed and not annoyed or nervous at our presence....but we were the only vehicle for miles.

I was nervous and kept looking in my rear view mirrow. That was it. When we came to San Ignacio I started to relax. The rest of the trip (a four day stay in Mulege) was a blast...Plenty of fish (dorado) and the Hotel Serenidad was fun as well..except when they ran out of water briefly just as I returned to the hotel after a day of fishing...Jon

oxxo - 8-12-2008 at 09:43 PM

Jon, why would that incident be threatening to you or make you feel unsafe? Sounds like the Federales just doing their job. I see something similar to that almost everyday I'm on the southern California freeways. Honestly, should that have happened to me, it would make me feel more safe knowing that the police are doing their job.

I don't know, I guess it is just a matter of perception. Anyway, I have no problem with driving that section of road.

Better trip next time.

JaraHurd - 8-12-2008 at 10:06 PM

Hmmm. I have lived in LA County for the past 20 years and I very rarely come upon anything like that during my off time. I do not have a lot of confidence in Mexican law enforcement and to see that way out on an otherwise deserted highway in the middle of nowhere (we saw almost no vehicular traffic..it was noon-ish..) was a bit unnerving. We were both a little paranoid to begin with. ..BUT..as you say...it looked legit and no one really cared that we saw it. It just looked a little strange.

Trust me..you do NOT see anything similar to this at all on an almost daily basis on southern California freeways unless it is on TV. I work in the worst part of southern California and I rarely see such a scene..like I said..during my off-time.

My trip to Mulege in May of 2007 was a good trip. But Mexican law enforcement gets a lot of bad publicity...some deserving, I am sure some not. But I feel a lot safer traveling with a little security by my side..and I can't do that in Mexico. No biggie..just clarifying a point. The police or Federales or whoever they were did nothing wrong or inappropriate. I would simply prefer not to see guns or weapons or anything like that in the middle of the desert...

oxxo - 8-13-2008 at 07:20 AM

Jon, as I said, I drive that road several times a year, as many as 8 times. There is rarely any traffic out there. Light traffic is not unusual. We do keerp an eye on the rear view mirror for anyone coming up fast behind us, which happens, but never any problems.

In your situation, I would have become very nervous had I seen just one car alongside the road with 3 plainclothes guys with guns drawn and a fourth guy with handcuffs and blindfold. I would be reaching for my mexican cel phone, looking for a signal, trying to contact Shari, a Nomad who lives in that area.

If you are California law enforcement, I'd like to thank you for the job you do.

Fearing fear

Lee - 8-13-2008 at 07:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JaraHurd
I was nervous and kept looking in my rear view mirrow. That was it. When we came to San Ignacio I started to relax.


Little nervous is normal, but the level of anxiety displayed seems excessive considering ''reality.'' My perception is there is nothing to fear from anyone with a badge -- unless you think these are bandidos. You need to read the situation before stopping and handing over your license (don't recommend surrendering a license). Just my opinion, I think most MX cops are honest and decent. I know there are bad and corrupt cops out there -- I just haven't met any. So, my perspective is I haven't broken a law, I am guilty of nothing, and, the cop is my Brother. Nothing to fear or be nervous about. Si?
Quote:
Originally posted by oxxo
Jon, as I said, I drive that road several times a year, as many as 8 times. There is rarely any traffic out there.


I'm referring to accidents I've witnessed (shari would know) and potential accidents (ever see a close call?) Anyone driving 90mph on that road is an accident waiting to happen. (THink I'm reacting to the ''horrendous'' accidents I've witnessed on CA highways as a law enforcement officer.

Do treacherous cross-winds count? But, it's also been peaceful and boring. So, I recommend keeping your eyes open and going SLOW. But that's how I drive.

CaboRon - 8-13-2008 at 12:15 PM

I just wanted to strongly reccommend the San Igancio Springs Bed and Breakfast .....

You will never forget your stay there and the awesome breakfast and dinners.

http://www.mexonline.com/ignaciosprings.htm

Have a great trip,

CaboRon



[Edited on 8-13-2008 by CaboRon]

Cypress - 8-13-2008 at 12:53 PM

JaraHurd, Go for it!:spingrin:Don't dwell on the things that might go wrong.:no: No journey is trouble free. Look foreward to the adventure and all the things you're going to Baja to begin with.:bounce: And if you spend the night in San Ignacio, the bed and breakfast that CaboRon recommended is great. Casa Leree' is also a super place to spend the night , it's downtown. 'Bout like staying in a museum and the owner is a nice lady.:D

bajalera - 8-13-2008 at 06:19 PM

Watch out for the cop at Bonfiel Ejido (the place advertising dates, not sure of spelling), who sometimes chases down drivers exceeding the osted speed limit.

shari - 8-13-2008 at 06:48 PM

All great input amigos....yes there is usually a federale at the Guerrero Negro checkpoint and he sometimes checks vehicle paperwork and you usually see one cruising around between GN and Vizcaino and at Bonfil too where the speed limit slows way down and most folks just zoom on by it and can get a ticket...speed trap! Once in a blue moon I have come across a surprise judiciales road block...just an unmarked car blocking the highway and a couple of mean looking dudes in black stopping traffic...yup can be unnerving...these arent the good guys...but could be looking for someone in particular and maybe even in the line of duty but it does freak you out...just keep cool and be a tourist. DO have a useable cell phone at all times and just call me if you get into a jam....but there are alot of blank spots along the way. Your wife will LOVE IGnacio Springs...say hi to terry and gary for us and do visit Casa Leree just to see it...it's in the square in San Ignacio. Drive SLOW and defensively and you will be fine...have a super trip amigo and let us know how it went!

oxxo - 8-13-2008 at 07:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shariOnce in a blue moon I have come across a surprise judiciales road block...just an unmarked car blocking the highway and a couple of mean looking dudes in black stopping traffic


Shari, I've got to tell you that would give me the shakes! I'm not sure I would stop for any unmarked car blocking the highway.

I'd like to hear some feedback from other Nomads regarding this one. Do you stop for just any unmarked car trying to block the road with guys wearing black?

shari - 8-13-2008 at 08:42 PM

We had to stop as they had the road blocked...imagine the consequences of pulling a bonnie and clyde and just shooting on through or around them man!!! It looked like they werew just looking for someone special...

oxxo - 8-14-2008 at 05:48 AM

Shari, I think if I saw an unmarked car blocking the road out in the middle of nowhere, I'd make a quick 180 and look for any civilization back the other direction where I could duck for cover, I'd let them chase me down, and even then I wouldn't stop if the car was unmarked. When I was caught, I would fake a heart attack, the wife would break into tears, and we would throw ourselves on their mercy.

David K - 8-14-2008 at 07:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by oxxo
Shari, I think if I saw an unmarked car blocking the road out in the middle of nowhere, I'd make a quick 180 and look for any civilization back the other direction where I could duck for cover, I'd let them chase me down, and even then I wouldn't stop if the car was unmarked. When I was caught, I would fake a heart attack, the wife would break into tears, and we would throw ourselves on their mercy.


I can't imaging how anyone who travels in Mexico would not expect this or have experienced this! Most recently, on the road to Bahia de los Angeles, near the San Borja road... black uniforms, automatic rifles, unmarked cars... They are looking for criminals (drug runners). If you aren't in possesion of illegal items, you can relax!

beachbum1A - 8-14-2008 at 05:17 PM

Just drove back on August 111th. About 3 miles of const. where they were widening the road. No problemo!