Tom Montana - 8-5-2004 at 09:41 AM
What is legal to carry in your automobile for self defense. I klnow guns are no, but is a machete or large knife ok?
protection
bajagrouper - 8-5-2004 at 11:10 AM
you could have a machete(most Mexicans have one) a knife(for fileting fish) a club or bat to knock out that big dorado,what or who do you need
defending from?
elizabeth - 8-5-2004 at 11:15 AM
I don't know about Mexican law, but I do know California law, and you have to go through a lot of California to get to the border. Be sure anything
like a machete or knife or bat is in open view if it is in the passenger part of car or truck. Otherwise you are looking at a possession of a
concealed weapon violation. If I had a bat, I would also bring a glove and ball...
elizabeth - 8-5-2004 at 11:49 AM
I should also have added that if you are stopped in California with a bat or club you can be cited for possession of a billy...especially if you say
it is for protection...that's why I said take along the glove and ball for that Baja softball game.
whodat54321 - 8-5-2004 at 11:54 AM
bring a bat for protection and a baseball game breaks out. that's more likely in baja
Beer not bats
BajaGrrls - 8-5-2004 at 12:07 PM
I'd bring a cooler full of beer for protection. I've been able to defuse any tension by offering up a cold one. It's the ultimate in self-defense.
Wepons? in Baja
mcgyver - 8-5-2004 at 06:51 PM
I have long carried three, bat & ball , Machete and a big ballpeen hammer all laying openly in my rig and no one has ever shown any interest in them
at check points or customs secondarys in Calif. or AZ. I pick up bats and balls at yard sales and carry them to Baja to give to the kids, thats all
you need to make some new friends and get lots of laughs from them watching the fat guy try to run, can't run but can swing that bat!!
The hammer is my tire checker.
Debra - 8-6-2004 at 03:46 AM
I find a smile and eye contact works well(and a Buenos ??? depending on the time of day) Just a personal opnion...but, 30 yrs. of Mexico travel (only
7 in Baja, I'm usually traveling alone or with my young son) I've never felt I've needed a weapon (I can't say that of all the time at home) For
example, I picked up 4 hitch-hikers this trip....I haven't done that since the 6o's at home (wouldn't dare now! at home, and wouldn't dream of
leaving someone on that hot hi-way in Baja!).....I did almost make a mistake though...I stopped for someone, as he came to get into my car he tripped
and I realized he was drunk....I told him "No, sorry you have been drinking...he said "no?", I said "no" he backed up and 2 women (I think his wife
and daugher) appeared out of nowhere......I gave them a ride.
Possible rider
The Gull - 8-6-2004 at 06:56 AM
Debra,
If I stood somewhere from LA to the border with my thumb out, would you take me on your next trip to Baja? I am assuming CA is on your way to
Baja.
I would smile and make eye contact. Pero, no women in the bushes.
4baja - 8-6-2004 at 06:58 AM
two cases of beer a box of cigars and being a big guy doesnt hurt.
what's this...it's a 12 guage
bajagrouper - 8-6-2004 at 11:32 AM
Last trip I forgot about my Orlin flair kit packed away,at the military checkpoint near Papa Fernandez the young soilder looked puzzled when he opened
the container and this 12 guage flare gun was looking back at him,he asked what this was for and all I said was that is for the boat.with that he
shrugged his sholders and put it back and waved me on..
Gull
Debra - 8-6-2004 at 11:55 AM
You my dear don't have to stand out in the hot sun with your thumb out..just make a phone call or a post and I'd be happy to give you a ride (provided
you are willing to help with the driving while I sip a iced cervesa!) 
(I started teaching Brendan how to drive on this trip, he's still a ways away from being legal, heck, I saw other 10yr. olds driving in town) he was
the driver from Bahia to Camp Gecko though 