BajaNomad - Safety in travelling to San Felipe?

Safety in travelling to San Felipe?

skaboodle - 2-21-2011 at 11:35 AM

Hi

Yes, I have gotten caught up in all the scary Mexico travel warnings/news. We live in L.A. and hubby wants to take a road trip to San Felipe this April. I'd love to go and believe it's safe once you get there. It is getting there/getting home that is scaring me.

Has anyone driven there recently? Can I hear from some of you that can put my mind at ease? I am so petrified right now of getting stopped/robbed/ambushed by not so nice people along the drive (yes the news has put all kinds of ideas into my head). But, I am trying so hard to learn the truth about the problems in Mexico travel so I can go and feel safe.

I'm sure hubby would appreciate any info you can give me so we can go on this trip. Thanks!!!

woody with a view - 2-21-2011 at 11:39 AM

i'd be scared if i lived in LA also!

if i told you "don't worry about it" you wouldn't believe me, just like you don't believe your hubby. isn't it funny how you value the opinions of complete strangers but not the man you married?

just go.

edit: oh, and welcome to the jungle.

p.s. i'm going for 11 days in march. on top of the 11 days i've already been this year.

[Edited on 2-21-2011 by woody with a view]

skaboodle - 2-21-2011 at 11:42 AM

Ha, I am here to hear from people who have RECENTLY driven there.

woody with a view - 2-21-2011 at 11:43 AM

by this year i mean 2011.

bajalou - 2-21-2011 at 12:06 PM

I live there and came down a couple weeks ago. In 16 years I have never had a problem coming from Calexico/Mexicali or Algodones to San Felipe. Some roadwork slows you down sometimes and there is a military inspection about 35 miles N of San Felipe. Friends went up and back last week, again no problems.

skaboodle - 2-21-2011 at 12:24 PM

Thanks for that bajalou! BTW...hubby is an experienced baja traveler, but I am still nervous. Although your post from a very recent trip really helped.

The Wonderer - 2-21-2011 at 12:27 PM

Relax. I did the trip south 12 days ago and returned to LA last Tuesday. No problems. Go and have a blast.

mcfez - 2-21-2011 at 12:29 PM

Having a vacation home in Campos Ocotillo, San Felipe......which is 7 miles north of town.....and I know many folks there too....we all have no issues.

San Felipe offers no negatives to you. It's a safe place to be. The "natives" there are super friendly.....in fact a whole lot more friendlier than what you'll find in California. There are many Americans, Germans and Aussies living there. Everywhere you go...you will see one. You are not in some desolated town and being the only gringo :-)

The cops are helpful, and pleasant....as long as you are too.
Merchants will go out of their way to assist you. Night time is fine on the Malecon unless it's a holiday. The younger kids (Mexican and American) tend to over do it a little. I wont let my kids downtown at night...regardless. Just like at home here in Sacramento....same rules apply.

Driving there....I drive at night behind a truck or two. This clears any cows off the road!!! I recommend that you drive during day light if you are not a experienced Baja driver. There is a Military inspection station some 30 miles north of San Felipe that you will be going through. These folks are here looking for guns, drugs, bad guys ....whatever is bad stuff. They all are holding these BIG ASSAULT WEAPONS.....dont let that scare you. They so the same at any European airport too! The personnel are very friendly and will ask you if you speak Spanish...ask you to vacate your car. THIS IS A NORMAL PROCEDURE. Takes a few minutes and off you go.

In this forum...you'll see a "road conditions" topic. Go there to get the latest news on the road. I know there is construction over in Rio Hardy
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=50951

If you get caught up with a speeding ticket....BY LAW....the officer will have you follow him to the police station to pay the fine. This is a no big deal...can be scary to new comers. Dont be.

Insurance....you get in a wreck...same thing...you all go to the police station. It gets taken care of on the spot. Dont have insurance....then you should be scared !

before you head home....
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/wait_times/

Some of the best places in San Felipe area is south of the town. 30 miles out and its white sandy beaches......many lazy campos along the new highway...a cactus park....one can spend days exploring.....safely.

Here's our friends Jon and Tina a few years ago. They were paranoid of the crime stories......

Pina_Coladas.jpg - 37kB

DENNIS - 2-21-2011 at 12:32 PM

Just don't drive at night. Potholes are today's problem.
Oh yeah....since you live in LA, don't forget to take your pistol out of the glove box.

skaboodle - 2-21-2011 at 12:45 PM

mcfez-I so appreciate your detailed post.

DITTOS

MrBillM - 2-21-2011 at 12:48 PM

On Driving at Night. Sometimes the potholes are unavoidable during the daylight. Not to mention whatever falls off Mexican Trucks onto the Roadway. Last month, driving a truck with less than 2k miles, I came around a bend and found an old 4x4 post blocking the lane, a car on my tail and oncoming traffic.

AND, Dittos on the Handgun. Easy to forget. Although I had given up Intentionally bringing one south years before, TWICE I forgot one aboard. Fortunately, with no consequences.

JoeJustJoe - 2-21-2011 at 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skaboodle
Hi

Yes, I have gotten caught up in all the scary Mexico travel warnings/news. We live in L.A. and hubby wants to take a road trip to San Felipe this April. I'd love to go and believe it's safe once you get there. It is getting there/getting home that is scaring me.

Has anyone driven there recently? Can I hear from some of you that can put my mind at ease? I am so petrified right now of getting stopped/robbed/ambushed by not so nice people along the drive (yes the news has put all kinds of ideas into my head). But, I am trying so hard to learn the truth about the problems in Mexico travel so I can go and feel safe.

I'm sure hubby would appreciate any info you can give me so we can go on this trip. Thanks!!!

You don't have to be scared thousands of Americans are still traveling to Mexico to vacation and this year tourism to Mexico is up as Americans are finding great bargains in Mexico.

Only certain areas of Mexico are said to be dangerous, and that would include some border areas like Tijuana but if you ask me Tijuana isn't dangerous at all, unless your Mexican and involved in illegal activity like selling drugs

I don't think to much is happening in San Felipe regarding must of anything including drug cartel activity. It's pretty quiet there, although I haven't been there in a few years.

My only advice is regarding San Felipe is never go camping there in one of those Mexican camp site,s because the locals that camp there don't get the spiritual aspects of camping and taking in nature with all that loud music blaring and people bringing their whole kitchen sink to the camp site. The second warning is if you like to go fast 80 to 100 MPH watch for slow moving vehicles in front of you.

If you read the sensationalized news stories, or worst the "alarmist" blogs they will combine anything negative that happens in Mexico and make it seem like all of Mexico is a war zone when it really isn't. Nobody in Mexico is cowering under the blankets or peaking out their windows out of fear of the drug cartels. Life goes on.

The only ones cowering under their blankets are people that read about Mexico's drug cartel's violence in places like "San Diego Tribune" and never even visit Mexico or haven't been there in years.

Oh one more thing there has been many deaths in Mexico, but most of those deaths are related to drug activity and turf wars between the drug cartels. Rarely do Americans tourists get killed who are visiting Mexico on vacation. Traffic accidents and getting ran over in the streets is how most Americans die in Mexico. So look both ways before you cross the street.

Here is part of the travel advisory put out by the US State department:
________________________
Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.

[Edited on 2-21-2011 by JoeJustJoe]

Tourist Traveling

MrBillM - 2-21-2011 at 01:03 PM

Just stay out of Taxis.

After this weekend (in Acapulco), it appears to be a more dangerous form of transportation than it used to be.

krafty - 2-21-2011 at 01:10 PM

hola -we live ft in n.baja and go over the border at least once a week thru San Ysidro and never have any problemas.
May want to consider your dates as there is a Blues fiesta in SF the 26th of March which could be fun for you!
We never travel after dark-

Nutz invaders from Off Topics are here

mcfez - 2-21-2011 at 04:14 PM

.......one of those Mexican camp site,s because the locals that camp there don't get the spiritual aspects of camping and taking in nature with all that loud music blaring and people bringing their whole kitchen sink to the camp site".

Just what sort of campsites you hang out at JoeJustJoe? Hobo Camps? This isnt the Off Topics forums where your slew of cesswords against nativities of Baja is an issue.

....."the locals that camp there". WOW! So the locals from San Felipe are campers that has blaring ghetto blasters and are dancing around the bonfire under the star night, like jungle warriors? Perhaps they all drag their kitchen's sink .... the refrigerator......the electric stove..... to process thier freshly havested Peyotes plant and to make war paint for their faces! Hell...lets just ad to the fact that these folks are really week end Cannibals celebrating their ancestors from Tiburon Island!

Let's sing their bonfire song, all together now.....
Oh yum yum yum
Oh yum yum yummy
Oh yum Tommy
Oh Tommy yum yum

Well yeah...I see these Motor Homes pull up with their kitchen sinks too. I see these state side Spring breakers with their rap blasting too. I seen week end campers from San Diego loaded down with a boat, 4 wheel drive Rams, laptops, beach furniture and ...oh yes...the red hot chilly pepper lights that they hang outside of their pop ten trailers!

But most I have seen...99% of the time...Mexican families camping just like the rest of us....peacefully and creating joyfulness of a time with members of their family.

Stop portraying the Mexican in a negative fashion. Now go away...I took the liberty of calling you a cab. He's waiting outside for you

[Edited on 2-22-2011 by mcfez]

nav.jpg - 6kB

What's Worrisome

Bajahowodd - 2-21-2011 at 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
Just stay out of Taxis.

After this weekend (in Acapulco), it appears to be a more dangerous form of transportation than it used to be.

With the Mexico Open Tennis Tournament about to start, this activity would appear to be among the boldest moves yet made by the cartel folks to disrupt the tourist economy. It sets an ugly and forboding precedent.

jadams - 2-21-2011 at 04:31 PM

San Felipe is a great place to go and it is safe. My daughter turned 0ne year old there and is now in her 20.s do not drive at night if you do not have too, and the south campos are clean and the beach great.

monoloco - 2-21-2011 at 05:44 PM

Just make sure you drive a fully armored vehicle and travel in a convoy.

skaboodle - 2-21-2011 at 05:47 PM

monoloco....I am assuming (hoping) you are joking. I am hearing so many wonderful things and am feeling safe about traveling from people who are making the trip currently.

I want to thank everyone for their input. It has helped so much! And I do feel better. I am so glad I found this site.

burnrope - 2-21-2011 at 05:49 PM

Harbor Freight sells a nifty machine gun turret that mounts on the top of your rig.

mcfez - 2-21-2011 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skaboodle
monoloco....I am assuming (hoping) you are joking. I am hearing so many wonderful things and am feeling safe about traveling from people who are making the trip currently.

I want to thank everyone for their input. It has helped so much! And I do feel better. I am so glad I found this site.

skaboodle...
Welcome aboard...
This site is just great. Good decent information about camping to political news. There is however those of us that joke a lot in here...I myself included....we here just for the good times. Hope your trip goes well.

burnrope: Harbor Freight sells a nifty machine gun turret that mounts on the top of your rig.....

Geeze!.......Cheaper at Sears :lol:

[Edited on 2-22-2011 by mcfez]

DENNIS - 2-21-2011 at 05:51 PM

A little trinket like this will double as a fishing rod so make sure you have one bolted to the roof of your vehicle:

http://www.deactivated-guns.co.uk/images/uploads/Browning%20...

bonanza bucko - 2-21-2011 at 05:56 PM

You have about five times more risk of being mugged, raped or robbed within five blocks of the U.S.Capitol than you do in San Felipe or anywhere on the road between there and the border. Ditto Oakland, South LA and even parts of Orange County.

There is danger in Baja but it's less than there is in most urban areas of our country.

And, beyond that, the Mexican people are generally more honest and accommodating than yer basic Gringo.

A few years ago a buddy brought his son to Alfonsina's where he took our 14' aluminum skiff and a motor out fishing. He had a few beers and pulled the rig up on the beach in front of our house for a nap in the sun. We have a 22 foot range of tide which came in and the skiff left for Toppolobampo on the West wind. We wrote the skiff off. But a month later a friend came north and called us to say that a Mexican fisherman had found the boat adrift in the sea. He had gone up and down Alfy's beach for a day or so looking for its owner....learned from people there that it was ours and tied it to our front porch and left it. We never knew his name.

I'm pretty sure that fisherman would have to work for 6 months to earn the pesos to buy that boat....which he could use in his work. But he gave it back to Gringos he never met and without leaving his name.

Try that in any part of our country outside the rural areas and you will lose a boat.
Also don't try that with any reporter dude who writes the lurid stories about the danger in Mexico. That guy probably stole his computer!

BB:-)

krafty - 2-21-2011 at 06:43 PM

great story, Mr. Bucko

captkw - 2-21-2011 at 07:05 PM

or if you really want to feel safe, go visit santa cruz calif. the chp, sherrif dept, d.f.g., santa cruz p.d., scott's vally p.d, capatola p.d,. state park ranger's, city park ranger's will make you feel very safe,as that's about one in 20 car's you see....."go to santa cruz on vacation, leave on probation"" you will get a ticket for something !!! baja is very safe!!! :lol:

BAJACAT - 2-21-2011 at 07:05 PM

I just got back today from San Felipe I drove into town in the dark no problem,but if you can make your trip in the day time is better, mex 5 or mex 3 are not a good place to brake down at night...I left SF today at 8:00am and I was back in San diego at 1:00Pm
check this thread from a Nomad ride in SF, also welcome to Baja Nomad..
some detours from all the road construction but the road is drivable..
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=50295

nbacc - 2-21-2011 at 07:11 PM

have a great trip. We go several times a year and have never encountered any problems. The worst part about going to Baja is leaving........and waiting in line at the border!

captkw - 2-21-2011 at 07:40 PM

skaboodle.....what in the tarnation does that mean ???? ncapp said it very well !! " the worst part about baja ,is leaving it"..... after 4 or 5 month's I have to head north to work and not 1 time did I not leave without a bit of remorse... it's a VERY safe,fun,cool,awesome place to be...It sound's like you havnt been down here before< you dont know what your missing> in the area i'm at, we dont lock the door's.. if we had to it would because some damn gringo found a bottle of tequila and wanted to stay up late,when we were getting up early in the morn for some fishing!!

DENNIS - 2-21-2011 at 08:03 PM

Now that everybody has glorified the safety of Mexico, read this. Subscribe and you'll have a new issue delivered to your email every day.
I do this just to keep some reality in the discussion.
It is what it is:

http://m3report.wordpress.com/

skaboodle - 2-21-2011 at 08:28 PM

K...I am on board. You guys are great! I am feelin' good and ready to go! I also have a very happy hubby. He actually raced the baja 500 so he knows that area well. It was me that was the bottle neck. Stupid media. We're going after the blues fest so we can have more of a chill time. I get plenty of party at Burning Man!

Since ya asked......Skaboodle is a nickname for one of my kids. It was my last choice since every other fircken name I picked was already taken!!!

Thanks everyone!!!! Can't wait!!! :bounce:

Traveling Trauma

MrBillM - 2-21-2011 at 08:29 PM

Just keep an eye out for Black Helicopters overhead.

If the Gnukid is right, we aren't safe going anywhere. THEY (who control ALL) are plotting worldwide at EVERY moment to get us and once they do, it'll be BAD.

We could stay home, but THEY will likely get us there, too. I'm waiting for them to come rappelling down from aloft at any moment.

THEY are, after all, monitoring everything we do at every moment.

Even with the Aluminum Foil Protection.

monoloco - 2-21-2011 at 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Now that everybody has glorified the safety of Mexico, read this. Subscribe and you'll have a new issue delivered to your email every day.
I do this just to keep some reality in the discussion.
It is what it is:

http://m3report.wordpress.com/

Interesting site Dennis, this caught my eye:http://www.examiner.com/drug-cartel-in-national/alleged-cartel-assassin-most-wanted-fugitive-released-on-bail
I'd say that sounds mighty fishy.

mcfez - 2-21-2011 at 09:10 PM

Quote:

We glorified the safety of Baja itself...not other parts of Mexico here in this post. Even in Baja...there are issues such as TJ. San Felipe has NOT been affected by this drug war....and much of the rest of Baja.

This is more of a real assessment of the issues in Mexico.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-10681249

CortezBlue - 2-21-2011 at 09:29 PM

I go every 2 weeks on average and just got back last weekend. I have family visitiing us here in Phoenix and I am trying to take them down, but they are petrified.

My feelings are simple, if you honestly don't feel comfortable going down to San Felipe, then I wouldn't go. You won't have fun and will probably be a pain in the ars to hang around.

Or you can "Pipe Down Francis" and go and have a wonderful time. Eat lots of food. Drink some beers or margaritas and enjoy the stars at night.

You Decide!!

David K - 2-22-2011 at 12:29 AM

Been going to/ through San Felipe since I was 7 in 1965... then without parents since I was 16, in 1974... with my two babies since they were 2 & 3 in 1992... and have NEVER, EVER had any problems with "Banditos", Federales, local cops, local Mexicans... nothing.

baja829 - 2-22-2011 at 12:34 AM

We live in the So. Campos, about 25 min. So. of San Felipe, mostly year round, but we are up in the States every 3 weeks or so. We drove the road 3 weeks ago and it was as safe as one could be. Others have mentioned the detours for road construction and the military stop and that's valid.

We've never had a problem in 23 yrs. And, at times, we do drive after dark and that's always better under a full moom, but we still advise others not to, especially if they aren't familiar with the road. Had renters come in from San Diego 3 days ago, after dark, no problems whatsoever. In fact, they thought San Felipe was too quiet, but then that's why they came -- .

We are extremely fortunate to be living in this part of Baja, although I'm not particularly comfortable in TJ and don't go to Juarez at all, anymore, nor Monterey. But then, I'm not so comfortable in a few places in the U.S. either. We don't have to lock our doors here, at least not yet -- except at Spring Break, and you know who visits here during that time frame.

Come on down to San Felipe, enjoy all it has to offer and relax and have a good time. It's still a very special place on the Sea of Cortez!!!!!

krafty - 2-22-2011 at 12:44 AM

hey baja829-do you do the fiesta in March? We are 2 couples coming from Rosarito and would love to hook up with some Nomads

cj5orion - 2-22-2011 at 09:06 AM

I worry more about driving in LA,,,,day or night
then I do SF at night !

Dangerous Driving in El Norte

MrBillM - 2-22-2011 at 10:33 AM

Disregarding the Apples/Oranges comparisons with Northern areas that are NOT Vacation Destinations, it is TRUE that there are Areas in L.A. and Elsewhere which are not safe places to be. One quick indication of DefCon Level is a locale where the Billboards are in OTHER than Anglais. MOST worrisome can be those neighborhoods where you can't even figure out WHAT the language is. Or, even the Alphabet in use.

[Edited on 2-22-2011 by MrBillM]

mcfez - 2-22-2011 at 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
Disregarding the Apples/Oranges comparisons with Northern areas that are NOT Vacation Destinations, it is TRUE that there are Areas in L.A. and Elsewhere which are not safe places to be. One quick indication of DefCon Level is a locale where the Billboards are in OTHER than Anglais. MOST worrisome can be those neighborhoods where you can't even figure out WHAT the language is. Or, even the Alphabet in use.

[Edited on 2-22-2011 by MrBillM]

I bet early American was saying the same thing about them billboards in Irish neighborhoods.......

Ag tabhairt ratha chuig cheannairí an lae; Ag forbairt cheannairí na todhchaí

"Delivering success for the leaders of today; developing the leaders of tomorrow"

[Edited on 2-23-2011 by mcfez]

Mixing with Micks

MrBillM - 2-22-2011 at 08:06 PM

I'd certainly be concerned if I drove into a neighborhood filled with Gaelic Billboards.

mcfez - 2-22-2011 at 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I'd certainly be concerned if I drove into a neighborhood filled with Gaelic Billboards.

viabaja - 2-23-2011 at 09:56 AM

I'll echo Bill, watch for silent black heliocopters & MIB's!!! Use copper sheeting, not Al.

soundchaser - 2-23-2011 at 10:11 AM

Husband of skaboodle here. Thanks to everyone for there replies. I love Baja and really want to share with the wife (especially since I want to retire in Baja!!!). I tend to be quite the adventurer and my idea of safe and fun often don't line up with most folks, so she is right to seek a second opinion when I say, "don't worry, all is good". Can't wait to get down there, enjoy the awesome people, beaches, food, people, beer, people, margaritas, and of course the people!!!!

Thanks again!!!!

BTW - thanks for that info on the machine gun mount, I will post pictures when I finish mounting.

durrelllrobert - 2-23-2011 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Wonderer
Relax. I did the trip south 12 days ago and returned to LA last Tuesday. No problems.

glad you got home OK but you missed all the action:
LA Times
19 killings occurred last week in Los Angeles County
February 19, 2011
Coroner's officials reported 19 killings in Los Angeles County between Feb. 7 and Sunday night, bringing the year-to-date total to 82, according to data collected for The Times' Homicide Report database. During the same time period last year, 12 people were killed, one more than in 2009. The county saw two double homicides last week and one quadruple killing.On the afternoon of Feb. 11, police responded to a report that a woman in a Whittier home had been shot. Believing the assailant was still inside, police did not enter right away and called the SWAT team. Authorities later found the bodies of two men and a woman inside: Raul Escobedo, 67, his wife, Debra Escobedo, 60, and their son, Mario, 31. Coroner's officials said Mario committed suicide with a gunshot wound to the head, while Debra and Raul Escobedo's deaths were deemed homicides. Records show that they were both shot in the chest and head.Later that day, brothers Anthony, 24, Angel, 25, and Luis Jimenez, 26 were with their cousin Martin Haro, 25, in a Willowbrook backyard when they were all shot, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.Anthony Jimenez was the only shooting victim not pronounced dead at the scene. He was taken to St. Francis Medical Center, where he died a short time later.Lt. Don Slawson said the incident is believed to be gang-related. Two men were seen fleeing the area in a black sport utility vehicle after the shooting, but it was unknown whether the vehicle was related to the killings. Two days later, Diego Garcia, 25, and Alfonso Nava, 26, were fatally shot in Exposition Park. The men had returned from a party and were shot in a friend's frontyard. Nava was pronounced dead at the scene, while Garcia was taken to a hospital, where he died about 35 minutes later. "We suspect [the shooting] is gang-related," said Det. David Garrido of the Los Angeles Police Department's Southwest Division homicide unit.The Times' Homicide Report provides an interactive map and database of all homicides in Los Angeles County reported by the coroner since Jan. 1, 2007.-- Sarah ArdalaniPhoto: Diego Garcia, left and Alfonso Nava. Credit: Mary Slosson / For The Times Map shows 17 of 19 homicides in L.A. County last week.Credit: Homicide Report

ALL Clear NOB in our Desert.

MrBillM - 2-23-2011 at 10:22 AM

Not a Single Bystander Killed in recent memory.

Guess it depends on the Neighborhood. North or South.

Those who feel so safe in "Baja" would probably NOT feel that safe in many areas of Mexicali I've traversed which are a different shade of South L.A.

Don't mingle with the Riff-Raff and you'll be safe most anywhere.

Just in case, of course, NORTH of the Border I'm always packing.

Semper Paratus.

Bajajorge - 2-25-2011 at 12:08 PM

I got down to San Felipe 3 days ago for my Spring stay. Came through the Mexicali East Crossing(AKA new crossing). After crossing I turned left and went to Hwy5 through the Industrial Area. No problema. Around KM59 to KM69 there is road construction with a fairly rough ride detour. All and all not bad at all.

mcfez - 2-25-2011 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajajorge
I got down to San Felipe 3 days ago for my Spring stay. Came through the Mexicali East Crossing(AKA new crossing). After crossing I turned left and went to Hwy5 through the Industrial Area. No problema. Around KM59 to KM69 there is road construction with a fairly rough ride detour. All and all not bad at all.

Thanks Bajajorge.....you prefer going home thru the new crossing too?

grace59 - 2-26-2011 at 09:50 AM

I just got back from San Felipe last night. We have been going there for 7 years. Over the course of the last two years we go monthly as we've had a house under construction. There are now three sections of detour that you need to make your way through, but other than that there are no problems. We've never had an issue with the Military, Police, Locals etc..... We took friends with us this trip down who were nervous about going, but agreed to come if we did the driving....they had such a great time and are planning to come down again this summer. The most dangerous thing that happened was that Cliff spent too much time in the sun and got a bit of a burn!!! Enjoy your trip to San Felipe. The folks there are wonderful.

doradodan - 2-26-2011 at 12:13 PM

The only safety issues you should be concern with is the detours south of Mexicali, very rough, big rocks and big holes. And it's like 6 miles of this. I do this drive once a week and it really beats up your vehicle. Otherwise come on down just watch your speed through Mexicali the local cops keep an eye out for us plates.

OH Yeah !

MrBillM - 2-27-2011 at 10:38 AM

Feeling a great sense of relief (for too short a time) that our numerous trips over the detours had been over for awhile, I noticed on the last trip North that they were preparing to dig up another section of the highway extending to just North of Laguna Salada.

Oh well. It was nice while it lasted.