BajaNomad

Travel WARNING?

socalrat - 10-14-2010 at 04:25 PM

If I remember, Mexico had been under an advisory for awhile. While starting the planning for a December trip, I realized State downgraded Mexico to a Travel Warning in September, now putting it on par (to the State Department) with places like the People's Republic of Korea and Afghanistan.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html


I'm a bit worried. Should I be planning a 900 mile drive down Baja? Should I consider crossing someplace other than Tijuana?

mcfez - 10-14-2010 at 04:47 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48096

This should give you the inside scoop....

bajatravelergeorge - 10-14-2010 at 04:49 PM

Travel in Mexco isn't a problem, just bring your uzi & AK47 to scare off the narcotrafficers who are trying to kidnap you. Don't bother to bring a phone because any sort of police etc. you try to call are all corrupt and in on the kidnapping. NOT, LOL.

That whole travel thing was a ploy to get the peso to devalue so Mr. & Mrs. Clinton and their buddies could make millions working the exchange rates. Payback for their support of her run at becoming president. Don't believe me, check out the dates of the announcements and the value of the peso. Remember when the peso got to 14.7.

socalrat - 10-14-2010 at 05:05 PM

Travel in Mexico with firearm is generally a bad idea.

And I know that most of Baja, outside the TJ to Ensenada corridor, is pretty much uninvolved in the narco-war. Thinking of crossing from San Ysidro into TJ around 5:00 am and being outside of Ensenada before 10:00 am

David K - 10-14-2010 at 05:07 PM

Go to the Nomad BAJA TRIP REPORTS FORUM, and read and see for yourself if we are making it back alive and how many bullet holes are in our trucks! :yes:

Mulegena - 10-14-2010 at 05:26 PM

Well, I'm a single female-type person who just drove the road and crossed north alone.
It really isn't a problem, imo and experience. Just be smart and don't be stupid, does that make sense?

Be kind and respectful and expect to have your good attitude returned. It will be.

JoeJustJoe - 10-14-2010 at 06:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat
If I remember, Mexico had been under an advisory for awhile. While starting the planning for a December trip, I realized State downgraded Mexico to a Travel Warning in September, now putting it on par (to the State Department) with places like the People's Republic of Korea and Afghanistan.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html


I'm a bit worried. Should I be planning a 900 mile drive down Baja? Should I consider crossing someplace other than Tijuana?


Socalrat what are you worried about? According to your post in 2008 you made a couple of trip to San Felipe, and I take it you already made the trip to Los Barilles because you were planing that.

Conditions are basically the same since 2008 as the drug cartels were active back then, and the US state department as issued "travel advisories" for years now. If you didn't heed the travel advisory in 2008 then why are you so concerned now a year later?

Hell I'd worry more about my 4WD breaking down than I would worry about traveling through the Tijuana border that I travel down all the time and still live to talk about it.

I Made the trip from Los Angeles to the tip of Baja before, and it's a long ride. So now I try to fly. San Felipe I still have nightmares about camping over night there, although I still go but stay in hotels.

I don't know Socalrat because from your posting it looks like you should already know if Mexico is too dangerous than it was last year, or the year before when you took a hard long journey most people wouldn't make even if Mexico was declared safe.

If you ask me Mexico is basically the same as it been the last couple of year with the exception a few more heads are rolling around in certain areas of Mexico, and the trip your making should bypass most of those areas.
-----------------
Socalrat post from 2008


Los Angeles to Los Barilles

Spent last Christmas and New Years in San Felipe

Want to spend this year in Los Barriles.

Leaving from Los Angeles. Plan to make the trip in 2.5 days, traveling only from late dawn to very early dusk.

What do I need to know?

Is there a list of locations (with distance) for the Pemex stations?

Anyone have a recommendation for a portable GPS system which includes Mexico maps?

I'm driving an FJ Cruiser (4WD), pulling a 19ft Airstream. What areas (if any) should I expect any problems?

socalrat - 10-14-2010 at 06:23 PM

@JoeJustJoe
yup - we did a trip to San Felipe. Was a great time and we were thinking about San Felipe again this year. The Los Barilles trip was planned and my wife ruptured a disc, so the trip was cancelled. Last year I was neck deep in alligators at work. We want someplace warmer this trip, so Los Barilles is back on the list.

so, one trip, back in 2007 (was it that long ago?) and a couple of planned trips that never happened. Maybe just my memory, but things seemed a bit calmer in 2007. I don't remember a State Department warning, for example.

I've purchased a Garmin with Mexico maps. I've researched mounting some spare gas cans on the FJ. I've come to my senses and realized I ain't going to drive the route in two days.

I've been stealth on the board since 2007. I'm think I already knew the answer I was going to get, both serious and troll. I'm not all that worried. But I want to be able to tell my wife that we really don't have anything to be concerned about. So, I'm hoping to get a lot of useful advice and tips, stuff that might make her think I did my homework and 'everything will be okay'.

bajabass - 10-14-2010 at 06:49 PM

Senor Rat, be wise, and stay advised! Once you are half a day into Baja, earlier according to your plans, you will be well south of any "danger" zones. My wife has driven from Socal to La Paz, back, and to La Paz again in the last 6 months, and enjoyed every minute of the three trips. Have a great time!:spingrin:

socalrat - 10-14-2010 at 06:58 PM

@bajabass
yeah, that's my thinking too - should be south of Ensenada / Estero well before 1:00 pm.

@joejustjoe
can't fly, taking the dog (65 lbs of Malinois). And really like the beach camping you can do in Baja. So, driving down.

comitan - 10-14-2010 at 06:59 PM

socalrat

Flat tires!

mulegemichael - 10-14-2010 at 07:20 PM

i've driven the spine 6 times round trip in the last year with absolutely no, and i mean no, problems....let yourself have fun, amigo...and let the bad guys do the bad guys...really

DavidE - 10-14-2010 at 07:59 PM

I doubt if your "Rubicon" has ever seen the real enchilada --- the little sluicebox, the big sluicebox, the honest wentworth springs to tahoma jaunt. That was hazardous to both man and especially machine.

krafty - 10-14-2010 at 08:30 PM

you guys are tooo funny-get by TJ before dusk? we go back and forth once or twice a week-see more action in Cali-common sense prevails, here and there-we live just south of Rosarito and live to talk about it!

vandenberg - 10-14-2010 at 08:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajatravelergeorge
Travel in Mexco isn't a problem, just bring your uzi & AK47 to scare off the narcotrafficers who are trying to kidnap you. Don't bother to bring a phone because any sort of police etc. you try to call are all corrupt and in on the kidnapping. NOT, LOL.

That whole travel thing was a ploy to get the peso to devalue so Mr. & Mrs. Clinton and their buddies could make millions working the exchange rates. Payback for their support of her run at becoming president. Don't believe me, check out the dates of the announcements and the value of the peso. Remember when the peso got to 14.7.


Hey, about time we've got a new troll.:biggrin::biggrin:

castaway$ - 10-14-2010 at 08:50 PM

Just get past Ensenada and it's no problem, Go have a good time.

Bajatripper - 10-14-2010 at 09:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
Quote:
Originally posted by bajatravelergeorge
Travel in Mexco isn't a problem, just bring your uzi & AK47 to scare off the narcotrafficers who are trying to kidnap you. Don't bother to bring a phone because any sort of police etc. you try to call are all corrupt and in on the kidnapping. NOT, LOL.

That whole travel thing was a ploy to get the peso to devalue so Mr. & Mrs. Clinton and their buddies could make millions working the exchange rates. Payback for their support of her run at becoming president. Don't believe me, check out the dates of the announcements and the value of the peso. Remember when the peso got to 14.7.


Hey, about time we've got a new troll.:biggrin::biggrin:


My sentiments exactly.

Mulegena - 10-14-2010 at 09:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by castaway$
Just get past Ensenada and it's no problem, Go have a good time.
What?

Do you really think there's no danger south of Ensenada, as if its some magical line the Bad Guys can't cross? Perhaps there's a time-line involved in Bad Guy activities also?

T'aint so.

Just be smart, not stupid. You're more safe in Baja than many parts of any city or town in the US.

Please just enjoy yourself, be aware and "read" your environment, relax and have a good time.

krafty - 10-14-2010 at 09:52 PM

I'm with you Mulegena-north of Ensenada is ok too; just use your brain-and I truly believe in the Golden Rule-
do on to others as you would have them do on to you

Baja Safer than U.S. ?

MrBillM - 10-14-2010 at 10:02 PM

Having traveled in Baja on my own since 1964, I have never let any warnings of Dangers influence those travels. However, the nonsensical advice that "Some" places in the U.S. are more dangerous than Baja, produces the same thought each time I read it.

Well, Yeah But ! Nobody travels to those areas in the U.S. for recreation. Adventure, maybe, of the worst kind.

I was born in South L.A. not many blocks from Watts proper, but I haven't driven through there on any jaunts for MANY, MANY years and have no intention to do so. The areas I do travel through are pretty safe when compared to the Urban areas of Baja.

AND, as I've said before, when traveling daily in the U.S. I can take assurance in the fact that I'm probably as well-armed as most of those with bad intent I may come in contact with. Unfortunately, not the case in Mex.

mcfez - 10-14-2010 at 10:26 PM

Well...let's see here....I am packed and readied to drive to Baja tomorrow around 9ish. By myself. Plan to drive at night too. Stopping in a few roadside "dinners". Seriously!

I did pack for my safety........knife, 45 cal pistol, book on "10 steps to become an instant Kung Fu expert", 3 Pit bulls, and a picture of DavidK to ward off attacks....for while driving thru Los Angeles!

See ya all in 3 weeks or so with some reports on fishing, campsites and road conditions.

Mulegena - 10-14-2010 at 11:04 PM

Quote:
Quote:
What?

Do you really think there's no danger south of Ensenada, as if its some magical line the Bad Guys can't cross? Perhaps there's a time-line involved in Bad Guy activities also?


(little giggle here) About a month ago a good friend down in Baja Sur had a flat tire, broad daylight, Mx-1. Oops, no lug wrench! So, he hitched a ride back into town, borrowed a friend's car and lug wrench and drove back down, changed the tire, then drove back into town and returned the car and lug wrench.

(this is where it gets fun) He then walked back out onto the highway and was walking and hitching back to his car. A beautiful, shiny new Hummer pulled over for him, doors flew open and he hopped gratefully in and sank into the very comfortable cushiony back seat, and they were on their way. He was now the guest of four well-dressed, very cool Mexican dudes, cool music playin' thru the cool stereo system. From out of nowhere an ice-cold beer materialized in front of him, and he thought, "Alright! I could get used to this," as they went cruisin' down the highway oblivious to the Baja heat 'n humidity 'cause of the AC set just right.

Then one of his hosts pulled out a joint, fired it up and made the rounds with it. He suddenly realized who it probably was that he was riding with! "OMG I'm gonna die!" he thought. He realized he couldn't open the door and jump out because it was locked. He stayed calm and "read" the emotional tone and content of the conversation going on around him (he doesn't speak the language). They were ok with his decision when he said "No gracias," to the marijuana when it came around to him.

His Highway Hosts remained low-key and mellow, dropped him off at his waiting car, wished him well and handed him another beer "for the road" and casually continued on down the highway into the desert sunset.

So, what's my point here? Were these men involved in the narco-trade? Don't know. High-end narco traffickers probably do travel the Baja highways too, and apparently go through the many military checkpoints with impunity. They're not geographically limited to the border cities and they probably don't make much of an effort to hide themselves. They're probably not interested in singling-out tourists who come down to Baja.

Again, use your common sense and read your surroundings, oh, and carry a lug wrench.

Taco de Baja - 10-15-2010 at 08:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat

I've purchased a Garmin with Mexico maps. I've researched mounting some spare gas cans on the FJ. I've come to my senses and realized I ain't going to drive the route in two days.



Have you looked into the Kolpin Fuel Pack for holding gas? My sister bought several for her FJ. Being flat they fit very nicely on the roof rack, and probably will fit well inside too. Get lots of comments and questions when we fill them up in El Rosario. Expensive? Yes, but you could probably use then as a jack stand and they would not break.

Kolpin-Fuel-Pack


Woooosh - 10-15-2010 at 09:15 AM

Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by Mulegena
What?

Do you really think there's no danger south of Ensenada, as if its some magical line the Bad Guys can't cross? Perhaps there's a time-line involved in Bad Guy activities also?


(little giggle here) About a month ago a good friend down in Baja Sur had a flat tire, broad daylight, Mx-1. Oops, no lug wrench! So, he hitched a ride back into town, borrowed a friend's car and lug wrench and drove back down, changed the tire, then drove back into town and returned the car and lug wrench.

(this is where it gets fun) He then walked back out onto the highway and was walking and hitching back to his car. A beautiful, shiny new Hummer pulled over for him, doors flew open and he hopped gratefully in and sank into the very comfortable cushiony back seat, and they were on their way. He was now the guest of four well-dressed, very cool Mexican dudes, cool music playin' thru the cool stereo system. From out of nowhere an ice-cold beer materialized in front of him, and he thought, "Alright! I could get used to this," as they went cruisin' down the highway oblivious to the Baja heat 'n humidity 'cause of the AC set just right.

Then one of his hosts pulled out a joint, fired it up and made the rounds with it. He suddenly realized who it probably was that he was riding with! "OMG I'm gonna die!" he thought. He realized he couldn't open the door and jump out because it was locked. He stayed calm and "read" the emotional tone and content of the conversation going on around him (he doesn't speak the language). They were ok with his decision when he said "No gracias," to the marijuana when it came around to him.

His Highway Hosts remained low-key and mellow, dropped him off at his waiting car, wished him well and handed him another beer "for the road" and casually continued on down the highway into the desert sunset.

So, what's my point here? Were these men involved in the narco-trade? Don't know. High-end narco traffickers probably do travel the Baja highways too, and apparently go through the many military checkpoints with impunity. They're not geographically limited to the border cities and they probably don't make much of an effort to hide themselves. They're probably not interested in singling-out tourists who come down to Baja.

Again, use your common sense and read your surroundings, oh, and carry a lug wrench.

Narcos? Ya Think?!! LOL Duh...
Even narcos have non-narco friends and actually do nice things. When you got out they probably checked the seat you were sitting on to make sure you didn't pee your pants. You can't be a thug all day long. You got a ride from the classy ones... The Mexpranos.

Mexitron - 10-15-2010 at 11:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Taco de Baja
Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat

I've purchased a Garmin with Mexico maps. I've researched mounting some spare gas cans on the FJ. I've come to my senses and realized I ain't going to drive the route in two days.



Have you looked into the Kolpin Fuel Pack for holding gas? My sister bought several for her FJ. Being flat they fit very nicely on the roof rack, and probably will fit well inside too. Get lots of comments and questions when we fill them up in El Rosario. Expensive? Yes, but you could probably use then as a jack stand and they would not break.

Kolpin-Fuel-Pack




hadn't seen those before...cool! How well do they pour? looks like it might be a little more ergonomical than the regular cans.

Taco de Baja - 10-15-2010 at 11:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Quote:
Originally posted by Taco de Baja
Quote:
Originally posted by socalrat

I've purchased a Garmin with Mexico maps. I've researched mounting some spare gas cans on the FJ. I've come to my senses and realized I ain't going to drive the route in two days.



Have you looked into the Kolpin Fuel Pack for holding gas? My sister bought several for her FJ. Being flat they fit very nicely on the roof rack, and probably will fit well inside too. Get lots of comments and questions when we fill them up in El Rosario. Expensive? Yes, but you could probably use then as a jack stand and they would not break.

Kolpin-Fuel-Pack




hadn't seen those before...cool! How well do they pour? looks like it might be a little more ergonomical than the regular cans.


They pour great, as long as you order them outside CA and get the non-CARB spout. :saint: Those darn things cause more spills and headaches than they are worth.

Martyman - 10-15-2010 at 04:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
Quote:
Originally posted by bajatravelergeorge
Travel in Mexco isn't a problem, just bring your uzi & AK47 to scare off the narcotrafficers who are trying to kidnap you. Don't bother to bring a phone because any sort of police etc. you try to call are all corrupt and in on the kidnapping. NOT, LOL.

That whole travel thing was a ploy to get the peso to devalue so Mr. & Mrs. Clinton and their buddies could make millions working the exchange rates. Payback for their support of her run at becoming president. Don't believe me, check out the dates of the announcements and the value of the peso. Remember when the peso got to 14.7.


Hey, about time we've got a new troll.:biggrin::biggrin:


Another whack job. Gotta love the conspiricies that people can come up with.

DavidE - 10-16-2010 at 02:14 AM

A few months ago I drove from Guatemala to the USA on Mex 190, 200, and 15-D (A couple hundred on Mex 2) so what's the big deal about driving a few hundred in Baja? I don't get it...want excitement watch in your rearview mirror as a KenMex roars down on you on a steep downgrade and then smell to your horror as he roars past you the stench of faded brakes.