I have strong convictions, perhaps to strong sometimes. Meaning that rain or shine flood or famine, I believe a person has to keep his direction and
persevere. Perseverance and failure cannot coexist.
Life hands out obstacles daily and Baja isn't short on them these days. Perhaps we reinstated our presence a decade late. Afterall, some of us had to
work for a living and raise children as well in order to get back there.
Let's just call those the primary concerns of my life, family To me recreation and leisure are rewards for all your hard work.
With that said I know I share a great love for Baja and the people who have made us feel welcome during the past 40 years. It's hard to shake a good
time and I've had plenty.
I've also had some pretty sad times in Baja as well and all save one bad time in Ensenada jail have all been in the last few years.
It wasn't bad people however, it was bad weather, something even Americans and Canadians can't change.
So with all this scary stuff going on that could potentially harm my family and self I have to take pause. It's easy to be in denial and there is no
denying the serious problems that are spilling into visitors lives.
Problems I see now have taken on a new appearance. Where we once looked at a locals truck stuck on the side of the road with naivete, we've learned to
abandon a rescue in order to possibly save our own skins.
A shame it is indeed. I still love the place, it's people it's beauty, it's resplendant offerings. How could I part with that?
I simply will stick to my convictions. WE know who will prevail eventually. I am willing to change my philosophy in order to maintain my presence. I
am willing to err on the side of caution and safety.
Most of all I am willing to take my chances because that's life and I want to enjoy it. I won't give up the ship, rather will add some safeguards, but
you can't take away my lifelong conviction.
IN BAJA WE TRUSTDavid K - 3-30-2009 at 05:58 PM
Where else but Baja do you feel like you have left earth and landed on a new planet?
Where do beautiful beaches and exotic deserts kiss each other, but in Baja?
How many missions that are lost or almost unknown still exist anywhere besides Baja?
Where else do Boojum Trees dot the land from the Gulf of California to the Pacific Ocean?
Where else are people so ready to give you a hot meal, place to rest, freindly assistance, repair your car... and not ask for repayment?
Baja... let's not ever let it slip away!
[Edited on 3-31-2009 by David K]Vince - 3-30-2009 at 06:20 PM
Yes, Baja is changing like the rest of the world. For a long time it stayed primitive while everywhere else became more "advanced and civilized", but
now it has caught up in almost every respect. All this is unfortunate, but we all learn to adapt and enjoy the natural beauty that still exists. It
wouldn't be right to leave all that behind because of the modern dangers of crime and violence that are happening to the citizens and some visitors to
Baja. I just returned from a week in the Mulege area, it was totally delightful as always and all seemed normal on the drive both ways. Will be back
soon!Frank - 3-30-2009 at 06:21 PM
Thanks Sharks, the latest "news" was really getting me down. I didnt want to go anyplace else to spend my hard earned dollars. I guess Ill just roll
down the peninsula in my big Gringo 4x4 and stop for accidents only. I hope I wont have to do the whole Mad Max highway scene.Osprey - 3-30-2009 at 06:56 PM
Don't lose heart, don't change how you feel about helping others, have courage, never give up, never give in. Adapt and improvise is for fishermen and
Marines. I say just keep on enjoying the place and bend like a reed when and if you have to. I will bet you a beef taco against your motorhome that
your love for the place is all you need to perservere. (that's what Skeet would have said and I believe it)Sharksbaja - 3-30-2009 at 07:26 PM
" Adapt and improvise "
"that your love for the place is all you need to perservere"
Exactly Osprey, thanks.
[Edited on 3-31-2009 by Sharksbaja]dianaji - 3-30-2009 at 07:48 PM
"Where do beautiful beaches and exotic deserts kiss each other, but in Baja? "
how poetic!
i love the love u all have experienced in baja.bajachris - 3-30-2009 at 09:14 PM
Thanks for the encouraging words Sharksbaja. For first time I will be canceling one of my trips and it bums me out. When I have enough information
to deal with this problem safely or a solid swell is forecast for my place or the yellows come into the beach I will back. Spring time on the Pacific
is often cold and windy so that makes it easier. But not muchBAJACAT - 3-30-2009 at 09:32 PM
The bandidos tales have been told in BAJA for Generations there is always risk,in life, here in the states you have people shot on their way to work
or on their way to school , that should stop us from doing the things that we like.The only thing that is going to change will be, I will think twice
before I stop and help somebody, I will be more carefull the next time i stop to take a break from driving,but this wont stop me from going to BAJA.
JUST LIKE SHARK'S SAYS IN BAJA WE TRUST
Just like Baja, but Spanish is mandatory
Ken Cooke - 3-30-2009 at 11:49 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Where do beautiful beaches and exotic deserts kiss each other, but in Baja?
Colombia's La Guajira province:
Looks just like Baja, David K...
BajaGringo - 3-31-2009 at 01:18 AM
It is always hard to get a real handle on what is going on, to be able to weed out truth from exaggeration and even fabrication. The planet is
reacting to things more and more on a global level and the current economic crisis has hit Baja hard. Unfortunately that may drive some to more
desperate measures. My son-in-law is in law enforcement in California and tells us that on his beat they have seen a big upswing in robberies and
violent crime as well in the last six months. I suspect that Baja is not alone in this. We have to be more careful wherever we go today and especially
on remote stretches of highway. Each one has to decide for themselves what their comfort level is.
I am really not concerned heading south to San Quintin. South of town maybe we will think about just getting ahead of a bus or truck.
YMMVCaboRon - 3-31-2009 at 04:48 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by dianaji
"Where do beautiful beaches and exotic deserts kiss each other, but in Baja? "
North Africa, don't any of you travel ???dianaji - 3-31-2009 at 05:17 AM
the last time i traveled it was to costa rica...to relocate. then decided to stay closer to home...Baja...the land of beautiful beaches, incredible
sunsets and fish tacos. i vowed that i would never travel again...except across the border, and that's a trial!DT.IN.LB.BAJA - 3-31-2009 at 05:49 AM
Amen, my Brothers and Sisters!!Skip_Mac - 3-31-2009 at 07:03 PM
Damn that's sad sharks "Problems I see now have taken on a new appearance. Where we once looked at a locals truck stuck on the side of the road with
naivete, we've learned to abandon a rescue in order to possibly save our own skins.".... those little things, helping each other are seeds of more
positive behavior in the future. Feeling compelled to leave a potentially innocent person stranded does the opposite. The effect is CUMULATIVE.
So, based on a few exaggerated rumors, people traveling the remote highways will act in a less compassionate way out of fear. Maybe a rational fear,
maybe NOT. Fears have a way of growing and not receding even when they are not confirmed by experience.
I am prudent and cautious..but I really get offended at the fear mongers who want to stampede us all into their paranoid world view.
I will take risks. For me, that's LIFE. The only riskless condition is death. Nothing different ever happens after that. Why choose it while you
are alive?
