BajaNomad - How to convince your wife

How to convince your wife

mackconsult - 1-14-2011 at 05:35 PM

I need to convince my wife that it is safe to drive down to baja for a two week vacation.

We would bring our 10 year old daughter, 5 year old son, and our black lab in the WVO powered sprinter van.

The van is very nicely setup so we can all camp in it.

She thinks that driving down the Baja is dangerous .... how to I convince her that it would not be that bad?

Packoderm - 1-14-2011 at 05:40 PM

Threaten to withhold sex.

goldhuntress - 1-14-2011 at 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
Threaten to withhold sex.

I was thinking the exact opposite.

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by goldhuntress]

bigzaggin - 1-14-2011 at 06:05 PM

Promise her you won't drive at night (ESP on the 1) and keep that promise.

Step her through the insurance process (use somewhere online, like Bajabound) before you go

Tell her almost every serious issue has been in the mainland or, in border towns (TJ, etc.), and you'll be passing though those very quickly on day 1.

Have her start her own thread on Nomad and she will be flooded with "no worries" replies.

Buy everyone a (loud) whistle and have them wear it when they leave camp.

Your biggest dangers with kids are honestly high cliffs + scrapes, bites and stings, so take a minute to really get the kids ready for that kind of stuff (ie, "don't reach under rocks").

Take a SPOT locater or similar device. They'll allow her to know that someone back home know where you are.

Tell her about the GREEN ANGELS http://www.bajalife.com/grangels/index.htm

You can actually tell her the roads have improved and for once, you won't be lying. The area around El Rosario in particular is wider and safer than it has ever been.

And make sure she knows how cheap the Tecate is and how good it tastes bumping down a long, slow dirt road at dusk. That might not help much but it's seriously true. Yum, Tecate.

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by bigzaggin]

24baja - 1-14-2011 at 06:24 PM

Tell her that I as a wife love to travel the baja and encourage trips.....be safe minded, don't drive at night, be polite and get thru the border towns. Show her the many threads here where the Nomads have commented on this issue and trust the Nomads to put you onto the good and safe sleeping/camping areas.....David K is always knowledgeable and eager to help maybe u2u him for suggestions. Good luck!!

BajaBlanca - 1-14-2011 at 07:39 PM

Have her call me if you want !!! We live here and go north - driving - sometimes 4 times in a year ....

Where are you planning on going ?

woody with a view - 1-14-2011 at 07:43 PM

lie. like a rug if need be. when you get home show her the fotos and say how BETTER it would have been if mama was there with you.... it works.

you can pay me later!

TMW - 1-14-2011 at 08:04 PM

Get a Spot and tell your wife that David K will receive your send signal and he'll post it so everyone on Nomad will know where you are and if there is trouble he'll send the good guys in. If you have followed Mike and Don-Kay and Solo you know how it works. DK won't mind his business is slow and he has nothing else to do but help Nomads.

Brian L - 1-14-2011 at 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
Get a Spot and tell your wife that David K will receive your send signal and he'll post it so everyone on Nomad will know where you are and if there is trouble he'll send the good guys in. If you have followed Mike and Don-Kay and Solo you know how it works. DK won't mind his business is slow and he has nothing else to do but help Nomads.

not nice at all. But funny as hell!

sancho - 1-14-2011 at 08:32 PM

This has come up often in the past 2 yrs. or so,
my wife is a 25 yr. Mex traveler, but now I have to be
quite careful, actually to the point of not mentioning/hiding
incidents in Mex, she will not go to the
Rosarito Ensenada area. We all know the Cartel
violence is not aimed at Joe Gringo tourist,
but I find it impossible to explain bodies hung
from Hwy Bridges on the outskirts of TJ. If anyone
can explain those incidents away as normal
let me know
Mackcon****, I'll edit out part of this reply if
you want to show your wife the good stuff

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by sancho]

[Edited on 1-16-2011 by sancho]

BFS - 1-14-2011 at 09:23 PM

dont give her any Tecate! She will never want to go again...

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by BFS]

woody with a view - 1-14-2011 at 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho We all know the Cartel
violence is not aimed at Joe Gringo tourist,
but I find it impossible to explain bodies hung
from Hwy Bridges on the outskirts of TJ

i think it was a ruse, by the cartel, to get more $ directed their way. look up the Merida Initiative. the crooked officials were drooling at the chump change the cartel could throw their way. the ones who got greedy lost their minds, i mean heads!

woody with a view - 1-14-2011 at 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
dont give her any Tecate! She will never want to go again...

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by BFS]

i dunno, TKT is a very serious cervaza. 'specially when it runs out and the nearest tienda is a 65 mile round trip.

CortezBlue - 1-14-2011 at 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mackconsult
I need to convince my wife that it is safe to drive down to baja for a two week vacation.

We would bring our 10 year old daughter, 5 year old son, and our black lab in the WVO powered sprinter van.

The van is very nicely setup so we can all camp in it.

She thinks that driving down the Baja is dangerous .... how to I convince her that it would not be that bad?

Tell her if she doesn't go you can stay home and have sixx several times a day for 2 weeks.

Also, what the hell is a WVO

woody with a view - 1-14-2011 at 10:01 PM

Waste Vegetable Oil.

tons of it on the road to nowhere.....

Paulina - 1-14-2011 at 10:08 PM

You say you have two weeks to spend. Your safety kinda depends on where you spend those two weeks.

Regarding WVO, I'm curious as to how/where you will fill up when the time comes.

P<*)))>{

Marc - 1-14-2011 at 11:42 PM

My wife (95 lbs) did it. Yours can too.

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by Marc]

[Edited on 1-19-2011 by Marc]

Marc - 1-15-2011 at 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
You say you have two weeks to spend. Your safety kinda depends on where you spend those two weeks.

Regarding WVO, I'm curious as to how/where you will fill up when the time comes.

P<*)))>{

Maybe Ray's, but the van may get sick. :lol:

bajaguy - 1-15-2011 at 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian L

Quote:

not nice at all. But funny as hell!

And very true!!!!!!

Baja Safety Video

bajaguy - 1-15-2011 at 07:18 AM

Show her this video.............

CAUTION: contains adult language

http://www.simplyvallarta.com/safety-of-mexico/

drarroyo - 1-15-2011 at 07:21 AM

LEAVE HER BEHIND!!
hello

CortezBlue - 1-15-2011 at 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
Waste Vegetable Oil.

tons of it on the road to nowhere.....

Oh you are one of those??

Well not many trees to HUG in Baja, but plenty of cacti with plenty of pricks :spingrin:

acadist - 1-15-2011 at 07:58 AM

:lol:

It's all true, stay away

:spingrin:

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Show her this video.............

CAUTION: contains adult language

http://www.simplyvallarta.com/safety-of-mexico/

acadist - 1-15-2011 at 07:59 AM

Is this selfish of me?

Quote:

Originally posted by acadist
:lol:

It's all true, stay away

:spingrin:

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Show her this video.............

CAUTION: contains adult language

http://www.simplyvallarta.com/safety-of-mexico/

Hook - 1-15-2011 at 07:59 AM

Now, where's those pics of Juan in his g-string when you need them............

bajaguy - 1-15-2011 at 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Now, where's those pics of Juan in his g-string when you need them............

How about Juanita......fills your tank with WVO and does your windshield.........

bikini.jpg - 5kB

Skipjack Joe - 1-15-2011 at 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
Threaten to withhold sex.

Not a good idea. She could turn the table on you.

You gotta think ahead, man!

wilderone - 1-15-2011 at 09:33 AM

Show her the "talk me down" thread.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=50234

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by wilderone]

goldhuntress - 1-15-2011 at 10:04 AM

This may help http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-california-travel/mexico-tra...

Brian L - 1-15-2011 at 10:12 AM

That is a great article!

bigzaggin - 1-15-2011 at 11:10 AM

Interesting note about that article, it seems to imply (under the Other Travel Tips heading) that possessing small amounts of certain drugs is NOT a crime in Baja (unless you are driving under their influence). As I understood it, the decriminalization applies solely to Mexican residents which that article seems to ignore?

Although possession of small quantities of some drugs has been decriminalized, driving 'under the influence' is still an offence and whether or not you had been using while driving could provide for an extended interruption of your vacation

BajaBlanca - 1-15-2011 at 11:20 AM

For starters, make sure you choose where you are going to take her VERY CAREFULLY.

Planning and making it as close to a vacation and not an adventure - at least the first time - is crucial IMO.

How to convince your wife

Rosamunde - 1-15-2011 at 01:52 PM

My husband and I came here on holiday twelve years go. We live in Europe and came to California one February to escape the cold weather. ..but it was cold in California ....so we rented a car and travelled as far as the Serenidad in Mulege.

We were told to hurry to San Quintin and from there Baja only got better. We were enchanted. The beach at the old Pinta Hotel, Catavina, the desert, San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia and then Mulege. When we got here and took in all the local sights we rushed home to raise some money to come back and buy our home here.

Our eldest daughter and her friends have had several long holidays with us by flying into San Diego and then traveling down on the bus. Another daughter, her husband and two small children have holidayed with us. Two young Irish nurses travelled down to us by bus. Several friends from California have stayed with us but many of our American friends have been put off coming in the same way as you.

All I can say is that once you drive down you will be hooked..... And each time will be easier. The scenery changes according to the weather. It is always interesting and many times is spectacular. We have now travelled the full length of Baja but always love returning to our beautiful home and garden. Our home here would fetch a million dollars plus back in our home town and the Santa Rosalia Notario who advised us every step of the way over our purchase was incredibly diligent over our paperwork.

Whether you are just holidaying or retiring here you will find the local people kind, helpful and generous. I feel sure your family will have a great adventure here. Take note of the Nomads comments they will keep an eye out for you. Enjoy.

mackconsult - 1-15-2011 at 03:23 PM

WVO = Waste Vegatable Oil; I.E. the stuff they cook french fry's in. Its free. This last summer I drove 2k miles to yellowstone and back, never hit a gas station.

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue

Quote:

Tell her if she doesn't go you can stay home and have sixx several times a day for 2 weeks.

Also, what the hell is a WVO

mackconsult - 1-15-2011 at 03:26 PM

On board 24 gallon tank = 500 miles
Capability of bringing 20 5 gallon containers which is 100 gallons = 2k miles

Greasers in san diego to fill us up on the way back.

Quote:

Bajahowodd - 1-15-2011 at 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
Interesting note about that article, it seems to imply (under the Other Travel Tips heading) that possessing small amounts of certain drugs is NOT a crime in Baja (unless you are driving under their influence). As I understood it, the decriminalization applies solely to Mexican residents which that article seems to ignore?

Although possession of small quantities of some drugs has been decriminalized, driving 'under the influence' is still an offence and whether or not you had been using while driving could provide for an extended interruption of your vacation

Tell it to all the guys selling drugs on Medano Beach in Cabo. There's almost as many of them as those selling junk jewelry.

Fact is that you're toast if you're carrying anything trying to cross back into the states. Even those with legally issued medical marijuana cards, inasmuch as the stuff is still illegal in the eyes of the feds.

woody with a view - 1-15-2011 at 04:08 PM

you are gonna bring 20 - 5 gallon containers of french fry oil? no wonder she doesn't wanna go?

mackconsult - 1-15-2011 at 04:37 PM

They are sturdy containers from work, stack-able, and don't leak or smell at all. She wasn't complaining after 10 days/2k miles during our yellowstone trip and never hitting a gas station.

Have you ever seen a sprinter van??? I have so much room it isn't even funny any more.

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
you are gonna bring 20 - 5 gallon containers of french fry oil? no wonder she doesn't wanna go?

[Edited on 1-15-2011 by mackconsult]

Santiago - 1-15-2011 at 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mackconsult
I need to convince my wife ......

This is not possible. You may get her to ACT like she's convinced, but on deeper inspection you will find it not to be the case. Every time. Soon, you will come to believe she is correct.
I do not know why this is.

Spearo - 1-16-2011 at 03:30 PM

I'm with you on the used oil but I've never had any problem with the diesel from Pemex. You lose about 1% of you fuel efficiency with every 100# of weight you're carrying. Pencil it out and I bet you would do better buying your fuel in Baja. Liquid is heavy which is why I buy my beer in easily transported ballenas!

One of Life's Mysteries!

Bajahowodd - 1-16-2011 at 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago

Quote:

Originally posted by mackconsult
I need to convince my wife ......

goldhuntress - 1-16-2011 at 04:56 PM

I know why but I'm not telling!! :lol:

How to convince your wife

Skipjack Joe - 1-16-2011 at 05:27 PM

There's a way," said the wise old man,
"A way known by ev'ry woman
Since the whole rigmarole began."

Hint: ask Sir Dinadan.

OHH HICCUP

Gypsy Jan - 1-16-2011 at 05:35 PM

This is about someone who is not willing to go to a strange place.

Why not talk to each other and find out out what you would like to do?

My bill is in the mail.

Sincerely yours, Dr. GJ.

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 07:22 PM

Oh please .....

I have taken her on two cruises, to mexico about 4 times, trips to the east coast to see washington and new york, and we always are doing the family things on weekends.

We have a single income, and had kids. She has the house and the white picket fence. I told here there was a reason I invested so much in a sprinter van. It's to travel to the beach, the mountain, the gorge, baja ... and the next few years olympic peninsula, vancouver island, glacier park, yosemite, and SE alaska by ferry.

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
This is about someone who is not willing to go to a strange place.

Why not talk to each other and find out out what you would like to do?

My bill is in the mail.

Sincerely yours, Dr. GJ.

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 07:24 PM

That is a bunch of crap ...... I just did yellowstone from portland, OR .... 2k miles on 100 gallons of WVO ... never hit a gas station and averaged 15 mpg. We would have got the same on diesel because the boat was full of wood and we went from 200 ft to 8k feet over two days.

Quote:

Originally posted by Spearo
I'm with you on the used oil but I've never had any problem with the diesel from Pemex. You lose about 1% of you fuel efficiency with every 100# of weight you're carrying. Pencil it out and I bet you would do better buying your fuel in Baja. Liquid is heavy which is why I buy my beer in easily transported ballenas!

Spearo - 1-17-2011 at 08:44 PM

Not sure I understand your logic. Are you getting your WVO for free? That would change the equation. If you are paying market rate for your fuel then hauling it with you is not cost efficient. If you question the "100# to 1%" then I suggest you do some research rather than accuse me of being full fo crap. I am full of crap but I just a little out and now I feel better.

mackconsult - 1-17-2011 at 09:14 PM

I am just saying the statement is full of crap, not you. Most people that take the effort to study, move forward, and run the risk of using WVO get it for free. You assumed I was paying for WVO as a fuel ......

Not only that I am kind of "green" ..... I like doing things for the environment.

The sprinter van gets 17 MPG on average whether its empty or has 2500 lbs in it. That is what is so great about them.

I do get my WVO for free. Currently have 7 restaurants I collect from on a weekly basis. On top of that I have been able to successfully do road trips and connect up with other "greasers" who also give me there clean dry oil for free. Although I must admit I avoid this usually because I run the risk of getting some bad oil.

San Diego actually has quite a few greasers that would give me oil. So I really only need to carry enough to get me down the baja and back. If I go say 400 miles down I would only need to carry 5 5 gallon canisters extra of oil besides the 24 gallon on board tank. When I went to yellowstone we had 12 containers and that was no problem to manage.

Any one comment on some good beach camping or cheap villas 300/400 miles south of San Diego?

Quote:

Originally posted by Spearo
Not sure I understand your logic. Are you getting your WVO for free? That would change the equation. If you are paying market rate for your fuel then hauling it with you is not cost efficient. If you question the "100# to 1%" then I suggest you do some research rather than accuse me of being full fo crap. I am full of crap but I just a little out and now I feel better.

[Edited on 1-18-2011 by mackconsult]

[Edited on 1-18-2011 by mackconsult]

[Edited on 1-18-2011 by mackconsult]

goldhuntress - 1-18-2011 at 12:55 AM

LA Bay is beautiful and has good camping Since you've got kids I would think seeing the whales would be something not to miss, about 450 from TJ. The Mulege area has lot of beaches that are very beautiful and Mulege is a cool town but it's 600+ miles.

Quote:

Any one comment on some good beach camping or cheap villas 300/400 miles south of San Diego?

[Edited on 1-18-2011 by goldhuntress]

goldhuntress - 1-18-2011 at 12:58 AM

one more

baja2004 051(1).jpg - 48kB

goldhuntress - 1-18-2011 at 01:02 AM

La Perla a little south of Mulege

baja2004 028(1).jpg - 49kB

goldhuntress - 1-18-2011 at 01:05 AM

LA Bay, giant Palapa, don't know if this place is still operating.

baja2004 054(1).jpg - 50kB

goldhuntress - 1-18-2011 at 01:13 AM

Sunrise, LA Bay

baja2004 053(1).jpg - 50kB

mackconsult - 1-18-2011 at 08:29 AM

WOW ..... Thanks!!!

You got me very excited.

mcfez - 1-18-2011 at 07:35 PM

I've been going to Mexico since 1980' something....

Never had a issue, never seen a issue. The military and police presence is clearly there. Same as it is in Italy, Germany......
where ever.

My kids love the country. My wify (big Boss) is a German citizen.....loves Mexico! Hell...we even built a house in San Felipe.

Dont let these newspaper articles scare you. The nightly news is full of B.S. too. All a overkill of a story...and most of these cartel issues are not in Baja but on the mainland. Yes, yes...TJ has hanging heads from bridges, hookers and thieves. So does every major town USA.

The far worst that may happen to you...is getting a speeding ticket. You'll have to drive to the police station to pay the fine..that itself can be intimidating, as is the military check points along the highways. I like the check points a lot...helps with giving me a secured feeling while traveling down there.

Baja. Aint no other place like it!

pirates.jpg - 45kB

Skipjack Joe - 1-18-2011 at 07:45 PM

From that picture it looks as though you've been going since the 1890's.

Marc - 1-18-2011 at 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
From that picture it looks as though you've been going since the 1890's.

1790's

mcfez - 1-18-2011 at 10:39 PM

Hell...let's make 1670!

BajaDove - 1-19-2011 at 08:16 AM

You have a dog -- What's the worry?

mackconsult - 1-20-2011 at 03:52 PM

Woohoo ..... just scored on Laurelwood brew pub here in Portland, OR .... 3 locations .....

I will be raking in about 50 gallons a week now ...... Baja here we come

)!!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by mackconsult
I am just saying the statement is full of crap, not you. Most people that take the effort to study, move forward, and run the risk of using WVO get it for free. You assumed I was paying for WVO as a fuel ......

Not only that I am kind of "green" ..... I like doing things for the environment.

The sprinter van gets 17 MPG on average whether its empty or has 2500 lbs in it. That is what is so great about them.

I do get my WVO for free. Currently have 7 restaurants I collect from on a weekly basis. On top of that I have been able to successfully do road trips and connect up with other "greasers" who also give me there clean dry oil for free. Although I must admit I avoid this usually because I run the risk of getting some bad oil.

San Diego actually has quite a few greasers that would give me oil. So I really only need to carry enough to get me down the baja and back. If I go say 400 miles down I would only need to carry 5 5 gallon canisters extra of oil besides the 24 gallon on board tank. When I went to yellowstone we had 12 containers and that was no problem to manage.

Any one comment on some good beach camping or cheap villas 300/400 miles south of San Diego?

Quote:

[Edited on 1-18-2011 by mackconsult]

[Edited on 1-18-2011 by mackconsult]

[Edited on 1-18-2011 by mackconsult]