BajaNomad - Tourism and Safety

Tourism and Safety

1000lbBlue - 11-26-2008 at 10:36 AM

My friend sent me this link as he believes the annual trip this winter might be out of the question. Scared he is, me I am not. I only get Baja 4 times a year these days due to relocation from SoCal so I am not willing to let the chance for steep NW swells pass lightly. Like I have read a few times before here, Baja is a hard sell to friends/family these days.

http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showflat.php?Number=1489674

What say you nomads?
I still plan on going...

Dude

Dave - 11-26-2008 at 10:45 AM

All the world's surfers could boycott Baja and the economy would lose 5 dollars.

Maybe. :rolleyes:

Woooosh - 11-26-2008 at 10:47 AM

Actually a very accurate surf-travel article without all the hysterics. The close connection of the author to the recent restaurant killings was tied in well- without going overboard. If the other aurthor (the New York Times one) traveling with him wrote the same article- it would be taken very differently.

David K - 11-26-2008 at 10:51 AM

Not impressed, at that link here is a little of what Serge Dedina says and his #1 warning (there are many more, go see):

"Does the media exaggerate the issue of the narco war and security in Baja the problem? Absolutely not. Anyone who travels south of the border should be careful and concerned about security.

There are four things to be concerned with: 1) Getting caught in the crossfire of a narco-firefight; 2) Being robbed by narco gunmen; 3) Being robbed by corrupt police officers; and 4) Being robbed by drug addicts and criminals in urban areas and more remote areas of the peninsula once perceived to be very safe.

As someone who has spent the past 20 years working throughout the Peninsula, things have changed in Baja. The residents of the region are the first to take the issue of security seriously. So here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Avoid travel south of the border if you can avoid it. Do you really need to eat overpriced fish tacos in Tijuana or Rosarito Beach?..."

STAY HOME!

Dave - 11-26-2008 at 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
1. Avoid travel south of the border if you can avoid it. Do you really need to eat overpriced fish tacos in Tijuana or Rosarito Beach?..."

To a surfer, anything over a dollar is overpriced.

woody with a view - 11-26-2008 at 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
All the world's surfers could boycott Baja and the economy would lose 5 dollars.

Maybe. :rolleyes:

many are praying for this very thing! the boycott, not the loss of $5... these are the good old days! pucker up and you just might live to enjoy it! :light:

Mike99km - 11-26-2008 at 04:54 PM

From a surfers point of view I think it great! Surf k39 with 3 other guys at head high at noon is the best.

The human side of me see's friends hurting from the lack of any business and no change in the near future. These good people that are stuck in a very hard spot.

The story is accurate. if you're not comfortable with the risk stay home. I for one will leave tonight and spend my $5.00 for a very good time.

1000lbBlue, I had had to cancel 2 trips in the last 2 years because of people backing out. Now I just go alone when they bail . If you see a guy with a silver dodge camping at a place that takes those big N.W. swells stop on in. I drink good micro brews.

Woooosh - 11-26-2008 at 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Not impressed, at that link here is a little of what Serge Dedina says and his #1 warning (there are many more, go see):

"Does the media exaggerate the issue of the narco war and security in Baja the problem? Absolutely not. Anyone who travels south of the border should be careful and concerned about security.

There are four things to be concerned with: 1) Getting caught in the crossfire of a narco-firefight; 2) Being robbed by narco gunmen; 3) Being robbed by corrupt police officers; and 4) Being robbed by drug addicts and criminals in urban areas and more remote areas of the peninsula once perceived to be very safe.

As someone who has spent the past 20 years working throughout the Peninsula, things have changed in Baja. The residents of the region are the first to take the issue of security seriously. So here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Avoid travel south of the border if you can avoid it. Do you really need to eat overpriced fish tacos in Tijuana or Rosarito Beach?..."

I think he nailed it.

Udo - 11-26-2008 at 05:11 PM

A few weeks ago my wife and I went to TJ for the Tequila Expo. A couple of weeks ago we went to Puerto Nuevo for some lobster, and in three weeks we will be at La Mision for some good times again. Although this time we are exchanging our dollars for pesos. Better deal.
The killings and kidnappings are concentrated in TJ and Rosarito. Just stay away from those two places during the night and you'll be fine!

Just trying to do my part

Dave - 11-26-2008 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
many are praying for this very thing! the boycott, not the loss of $5

I'll trade the loss of $5 for a 30 point jump in average IQ...

Wouldn't you? :rolleyes:

Pescador - 11-26-2008 at 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

I'll trade the loss of $5 for a 30 point jump in average IQ...

Wouldn't you? :rolleyes:

Hey Dude, that is like, uh, an ugly thing, to like, lay on me, I think.

woody with a view - 11-26-2008 at 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
many are praying for this very thing! the boycott, not the loss of $5

I'll trade the loss of $5 for a 30 point jump in average IQ...

Wouldn't you? :rolleyes:

i dunno, can you provide more info? :?:

It was obviously not meant for you

Dave - 11-26-2008 at 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
Hey Dude, that is like, uh, an ugly thing, to like, lay on me, I think.

I was speaking about people for whom English is a foreign language. :rolleyes:

bajabound2005 - 11-26-2008 at 06:55 PM

Visiting Baja is a great thing to do! We LIVE here and love it. We are very aware of what's going on here...these shootings in El Rosario last week even have us little more on edge. Yes, it can happen anywhere.

And when you leave your house to run to the store, no matter where you live, you might be involved in a car accident that kills you. The likelihood of that is much higher than you being involved in any kind of the drug/gang/civil (?) war going on in Mexico. I'd rather die in Baja.

HCR - 11-26-2008 at 07:48 PM

Isn't it wonderful how the U.S. of A. has been able to spread its culture re drugs throughout the world?

Send more $ W.--$400 million is obviously not enough and after all, what's another $400 million to a country as rich as America?

bajabound2005 - 11-26-2008 at 07:50 PM

I'm sorry, HCR, what the hell does that have to with this topic?

Udo - 11-26-2008 at 08:00 PM

Quote:

I'd rather die in Baja.

AMEN TO THAT BROTHER! :bounce:

woody with a view - 11-27-2008 at 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by udowinkler

Quote:

I'd rather die in Baja.

AMEN TO THAT BROTHER! :bounce:

i'd just as soon not die...'specially in baja!!!

bajaandy - 11-27-2008 at 07:48 AM

Quote:

i'd just as soon not die...'specially in baja!!!

Amen to THAT!

CaboRon - 11-27-2008 at 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaandy

i'd just as soon not die...'specially in baja!!!

Amen to THAT!

Amen !

bajalera - 11-27-2008 at 09:49 AM

We've always felt comfortable south of San Quintin, but now the unsafe zone has been extended south to Rosario? That's sure grounds for some serious thought.

Serge Dedina's views, incidentally, shouldn't be brushed off as those of some clueless Surfer Dude. His book on the whale problem is proof that he's paid his Baja dues.

[Edited on 11-27-2008 by bajalera]

[Edited on 11-27-2008 by bajalera]

jodiego - 11-27-2008 at 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
All the world's surfers could boycott Baja and the economy would lose 5 dollars.

Maybe. :rolleyes:

Now Dave, when I travel south to catch some waves, I buy lots of gas, pay the tolls, buy lots of beer($100+), food and supplies, stay at a hotel or two and eat at several restaurants. This doesn't include periodically paying for camping and dropping a few bucks at the border. Now I'm no mathematican, but that's got to be more tha $5.

While I'll give you style points for being 'no mathematician'...

Dave - 11-27-2008 at 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego
Now Dave, when I travel south to catch some waves, I buy lots of gas, pay the tolls, buy lots of beer($100+), food and supplies, stay at a hotel or two and eat at several restaurants. This doesn't include periodically paying for camping and dropping a few bucks at the border. Now I'm no mathematican, but that's got to be more tha $5.

You obviously have a job. I also see that you can put a sentence together.

A wannabe. You're giving surfers a bad name. :rolleyes:

Eugenio - 11-28-2008 at 08:31 PM

I'll let Dave summarize the following - oh - and Dave - please include an introduction to String Theory for us so we can kind of put things in to perspective.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/scie...

A wiki bio of the guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antony_Garrett_Lisi

sheesh - a guy can't post a simple question without - oh forget it....

BajaGringo - 11-28-2008 at 08:54 PM

The exception that proves the rule???

Summary

Dave - 11-28-2008 at 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eugenio
I'll let Dave summarize the following - oh - and Dave - please include an introduction to String Theory for us so we can kind of put things in to perspective.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/scie...

A wiki bio of the guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antony_Garrett_Lisi

sheesh - a guy can't post a simple question without - oh forget it....

There is always the exception to the rule. Surfers are for the most part, on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Eugenio - 11-29-2008 at 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
[There is always the exception to the rule. Surfers are for the most part, on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Oh.

OK Dave.

1000lbBlue - 11-30-2008 at 10:58 AM

So the Jury is out...

Stay home right? Not in my lifetime. Life is to short to miss out on opportunities such as Baja. Just got confirmation from the convoy that it is on and we are def headed south of what are considered the badlands, now stretching to El Rosario. Que lastima... Might stop there anyway and stay the night to be able to get through Catavina with ample time for admiration.

Too bad surfers get bad raps as being idiotic and inarticulate but the fact is the one that really play the persona usually cant surf anyways. Life as an image not as a lifestyle. Surfing is a hobby to most and not what we breath, eat, and sleep although the intense obsession can seem incredibly strange to some. To some surfing is an understanding of forces and amazement of energy while others seem to hide in the click of hop-headed bro-mentallity clicks of high school.

On a side note to the begging of the thread, "are 1$ fish tacos really worth it?" Damn straight those delicious fish tacos are worth it! I miss them with great affinity. Peace, Love and Fish Tacos, de verdad?

And I would for surely rather die in Baja or trying to get to Baja rather than some over congested ten lane cement roller coaster of madness.

You are only as safe as you make yourself supongo...
As you were

socalrat - 12-1-2008 at 08:30 PM

We are leaving next Thursday for our third camping trip to Baja in two years. Would have been more trips, including this past four day weekend, but the news about the area between Ensenada and Tijuana managed to scare us off. Even last Thanksgiving at Baja Seasons, there were some obvious thugs hanging out with some of the guys working at the hotel/RV park.

But, we are going down to Los Barrilles. Driving only while the sun is up. planning to stay at places like Ignacio Springs B&B. And I'm hopeful there won't be anything to be worried about, once we get past El Rosario - maybe four hours south of Ensenada?

Really loved San Felipe. A little worried about taking the wife into Baja with all the narco crime. But I'm pretty comfortable with the idea of daytime travel, on the main highway should keep us safe.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it......

gb3

Ken Cooke - 12-1-2008 at 10:02 PM

I met up with a corrupt cop in San Quintin on Friday morning. When he saw me traveling with the Baja Grande group, he decided to wave me past his checkpoint rather than search my vehicle.

In December '07, some corrupt cops in Mexicali wanted to haul me off to jail for towing another vehicle with only a tow strap. I was told I would leave my $40,000.00 Rubicon on the street and come back to it later. I protested and bribed the cops instead.

The reality for me is that I won't venture into the backcountry without at least 1 other traveler, because these police see it as an opportunity, rather than simply doing their job. Its better to be safe than sorry, I guess. :no:

fishbuck - 12-1-2008 at 10:52 PM

I was just there last weekend. I do all the dumb stuff your not suppose to do. Haven't got killed yet. Been scared a few times and had some of the best times of my life by taking a little risk.
But I recommend staying home on the couch if you really want to be safe.

BajaGringo - 12-1-2008 at 11:11 PM

Good to see you post fishbuck - hadn't seen you in awhile...

fishbuck - 12-1-2008 at 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Good to see you post fishbuck - hadn't seen you in awhile...

Ya, I've been getting run through the wringer but my TJ girlfriend. But I think it's over. It's all part of the process I guess.
A little R&R and I'll be ready to try again with a new one. Maybe I'm a little smarter now. :cool:

ArvadaGeorge - 12-2-2008 at 08:03 AM

I didn’t hear of any incidents during the Baja 1000; which was good news.
A lot less that last year. There was a shooting during the pre running; but that’s about all I heard about.
Did I miss anything?

805gregg - 12-2-2008 at 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalera
We've always felt comfortable south of San Quintin, but now the unsafe zone has been extended south to Rosario? That's sure grounds for some serious thought.

I've considered the El Rosario area dangerous for years. There were 2 fisherman beat to death in their sleeping bags on the beach just north of there years back. A handicaped gringo was car jacked on the grade down to El Rosario and they even stole his wheelchair. Years ago I was given some serious bad vibs from the locals there, when I was towing my boat to B of LA.

BajaGringo - 12-2-2008 at 09:59 AM

I pass through El Rosario every week and always find it to be a very friendly town. Not sure why you're getting the negative vibes from folks...

David K - 12-2-2008 at 10:05 AM

I bet the same things happen in L.A. almost every day.... Do Americans avoid it or the rest of California because of what happens in our cities, here?

Perhaps the major difference is knowing something will be done to the criminals up here and that the honest people can have guns for protection.

ELINVESTIG8R - 12-2-2008 at 10:15 AM

When I go to visit my Mama at Mama Espinoza's I sleep at their motel Las Cabañas and always rent the same room which is on the first floor. I stay at least 10 days when I go visit. I will always leave a window open for ventilation during the day while away and at night while I sleep. I have never had a problem. In addition I have been out alone at night in unfamiliar places in and around El Rosario and never been bothered.

1000lbBlue - 12-2-2008 at 10:29 AM

And it goes...

http://www.wildcoast.net/site/index.php?option=com_content&a...

I found this article that furthers the first link. This is from the actual website. I was also wondering about this...

"To avoid driving deep into Baja, Wildcoast employees have sometimes traveled on small propeller aircraft, with flight time donated by supporters. That helps to avoid nocturnal carjackings. But last spring, Mr. Dedina said, a small plane that a Wil"dcoast board member had rented was stolen from a remote beach in Baja."

I remember reading about that or a similar scenario. Hmmmm. Anyways I cannot wait to have a meal in El Rosario again...

ELINVESTIG8R - 12-2-2008 at 05:22 PM

Welcome back Fishbuck. I have been saving your Avatar.