BajaNomad - Safety on solo trip

Safety on solo trip

griff - 1-31-2012 at 08:52 AM

Hi everyone,

I posted a number of months back about making my first trip to Baja in February. Sadly my partner in crime has had to bail on me, and my schedule has been abbreviated by a wilderness first responder course I need to take in Santa Barbara that ends on the 12th. I don't have to be back at work until the 28th.

I'm a 23 year old gringo with a red heeler and a late model pickup truck. Will I be safe on my own? Where is the best (read:safest) place to cross the border? I've read a lot of the articles on the forums about recent violence or police scams, and am trying to decide the best way of going about this. I am pretty attached to making the trip.

Also any last minute recommendations for things to door places to go to surf/fish/kick it on the beach/drink tequila are always appreciated.

Thanks!

Ateo - 1-31-2012 at 09:21 AM

I wouldn't worry about a solo trip. Just cross wherever is closest, and follow the signs southbound. Drive slow going thru any city, and don't do anything stupid. You'll be fine. How far down do you want to go? Go pick up "surfers guide to Baja".

sanquintinsince73 - 1-31-2012 at 09:31 AM

Griff.....I envy you.

David K - 1-31-2012 at 09:38 AM

Have a great time... drive during the daytime only... camp in groups with others or out of sight and sound of the highway. The local ranchers and fishermen are great and if possible camp near them. Try to be a good guest in their country and you will have a blast!

Mengano - 1-31-2012 at 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ateo
Drive slow going thru any city, and don't do anything stupid. You'll be fine.

WTF? There is a thread running right now about some poor soul who entered at Tecate, drove slow, didn't do anything stupid and it cost him $400.

What kind of advice are you giving? What is your motivation?

David K - 1-31-2012 at 10:10 AM

Going through a Mexican city like Tijuana you would be less of a target than a smaller town like Tecate. Southbound we usually go through Tijuana or Mexicali and use Tecate northbound for the shorter (usually) border line wait.

In either case, been going through those cities to get to the outback of Baja since 1965... and while I have been pulled over a few times (in Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada) none have been a big deal and I usually talk may way out of the ticket (when I didn't deserve it). Hey, it is Mexico, it happens... If you can't take the heat... :rolleyes:

frist timer

captkw - 1-31-2012 at 10:54 AM

Hola,if you dont get stupid (drunk) your have a great time,,my self,,drove down here solo in 79 and the only problem I seem to find,,is a drunk gringo..that said;; chit can happen anywhere in the world ,but,, It dosnt seem to happen here in baja sur very often,,no bad day's K&T :cool:

sancho - 1-31-2012 at 12:06 PM

Back in the day, I used to think it FUN to drink
with local Mex's, ON OCCASION things can go
south, whether lack of communication or some
preceived slight, as pointed out, maybe pick
a camping spot with someone else in the
vicinity, unless you are remote

PCbaja - 1-31-2012 at 12:43 PM

I drive to Punta chivato and la Paz about every other week, at least once a month for the past 3 yrs alone most of the time. I Drive at night (not recommended till you have some experience on the road), storms construction you name it. NO big deal. Stay slow your first time and relax. Great food and people along the way. I live and drive Baja constantly and enjoy it.

Have fun!

TMW - 1-31-2012 at 12:46 PM

I suggest taking a AAA Baja map and the Almanac. Watch your speed on the highway and be carefull driving at night, don't want to hurt a cow. As others have said if camping alone move far away from the highway. If camping with another group around it's best if the wifes and children are there as drinking is somewhat controlled so things don't get out of hand. I suggest down the pacific side and up the Cortez side. Make this a trip about getting to know Baja. Speaking spanish helps even if it's only a few words put together. Take pesos for gas.

paranewbi - 1-31-2012 at 01:00 PM

I drive through Tecate all the time...drive back also. No problems

But I guess Mengano knows better from his chair

Bajatripper - 1-31-2012 at 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
WTF? There is a thread running right now about some poor soul who entered at Tecate, drove slow, didn't do anything stupid and it cost him $400.

What kind of advice are you giving? What is your motivation?

Aahh, Mengano, you are nothing if not consistent and tenacious. So, because something bad happened to a person heading through Tecate (again), now we should all avoid Mexico (again)? How many times are you going to trot out this tired, old argument of yours? How many converts do you see here?

While your input is valuable for a more complete picture of what a newbie might expect to find, perhaps you could have phrased it differently than starting with "WTF?". That gets into that whole "my-opinion-is-the-only-correct-one,-and-if-anyone-disagrees,-f***um'!" thing I was talking about on the other thread.

Do bad things happen sometimes to Americans in Mexico? Yes, just as bad things sometimes happen to Americans back home. Then you bring out your stats, charts, and graphs showing our chances of meeting with violence are much greater at any time, anywhere south of the border. Thanks, (yawn), next.

Do you ever even go to Mexico? If so, where? If not, why not--I'd really love to hear an honest answer to that one. Perhaps if you crossed the border more often, you'd see some of the beauty so many of us have found, both in the country AND its people (but, that's not to say that there aren't any bad Mexicans, just like every American isn't inherently good [gawd, why do I feel like I'm on an episode of Seinfeld?]).

I'm wondering, in all seriousness, what is it that powers your agenda, Mengano (best guess, you were--or someone in your immediate family was--traumatized by a Mexican)? Your constant negative views of Mexico and all things Mexican have to have an explanation. They aren't the "normal" views held by someone not blinded by a severe bias against something. What generated that bias, Mengano? Why do you feel the urge to come onto a site that is dedicated to people who, in general, want to go to Baja as much as they can, and pee in their Wheaties? Is it, perhaps, a need to be abused? Are you masochistic,...is that your problem? Do you have a constant, irresistible need to be spanked?

There's just gotta be an explanation, I know there is...

[Edited on 1-31-2012 by BajaNomad]

bigzaggin - 1-31-2012 at 01:31 PM

I would get myself to San Ysidro crossing at FIRST light and make sure you understand your first few turns (trickiest stretch of road in Baja). Assuming you're going S of Ensenada (you should...way South) and you'll wanna get thru that city early. DO NOT SPEED in any city/town/ejido.

Have a firm destination for Day One - maybe you can only make it to El Rosario. It's not a bad idea to crash at Baja Cactus night one then make your way S bright & early next day. Whatever...know where you'll be staying night one.

Drive during daylight hours - which means thinking ahead (and every stretch is longer than you think).

Top off your tank before you head offroad (and bring 5 gal extra if you can)

Make sure you understand the exchange rate. Gas is cheap...but not if you're getting ripped off.

Get The Almanac.

Buy insurance. Don't go w/o it. I'd suggest BajaBound.

For the love of god bring fishing gear - Krocs, etc.

There are military checkpoints everywhere now - even mid-desert - so don't trip on those. Just smile and let those guys do their job.

Not sure how much solitude you want, but "The Wall" (Punta Rosarito) might be a good place to start. Easy to find, you won't be alone (but that time of year it should be a light crowd) and it picks up a ton of swell. It's windy, but nothing biblical. If you get motivated, you can always work your way N...

Also, bring some firewood if you can...there's not much on offer.

Your biggest foe going solo (beyond the cities) will be getting stuck. So if something on the road ahead looks suspect, stop and walk it.

Have fun!

Ateo - 1-31-2012 at 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Quote:

Originally posted by ateo
Drive slow going thru any city, and don't do anything stupid. You'll be fine.

I'm giving sound advice. I have no hidden motivation -- unlike you. I read the other thread, and I would've never gone to the station. I would've offered a bribe and continued on my trip.

DENNIS - 1-31-2012 at 01:36 PM

Multiple choice question:

Should the occurance in Tecate, the 400 dollar fine for having a pocket knife in the car, be accepted as reasonable...unreasonable....outrageous...an abberation from the norm, or downright extortion?

baja tripper

captkw - 1-31-2012 at 01:38 PM

Hola,,thank's for the great post and question,,I wanted to say and ask M myself,but decided to wait and have somebody more skilled, than I....A good call, on my behalf !! K & T "dodgeing bandito's & narco's in baja sur" :lol:

Bajatripper - 1-31-2012 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
Hola,,thank's for the great post and question,,I wanted to say and ask M myself,but decided to wait and have somebody more skilled, than I....A good call, on my behalf !! K & T "dodgeing bandito's & narco's in baja sur" :lol:

Why, thank you Cap'n. What a nice thing to say.

Mengano - 1-31-2012 at 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by paranewbi
I drive through Tecate all the time...drive back also. No problems

But I guess Mengano knows better from his chair

Yes, yes, of course, paranewbi. And you too, Stevie. This whole business of getting ripped off by a cop in Tecate is just an isolated incident. It really doesn't happen often enough to be of concern.

Here's another Tecate isolated incident.

Oh, here's another one of them isolated incidents.

Hmmm. Another ripoff in Tecate.

Other than the guy who got ripped for $400 and these other three incidents from Nomads over the past few months, you have the personal guarantee of paranewbi and the anthropologist, and the other enablers here, that nothing, I repeat, nothing will happen to you in Tecate. And if by some odd chance something does happen to you in Tecate, they will have that time-honored fallback position which states that THEY have gone there and NOTHING ever happened to THEM. So YOU must be some kind of a phu**up. That should make you feel much, much better.

These isolated incidents reported here on BajaNomad are probably only a small fraction of the ripoffs. Most people do not post here and many more would not report the ripoff anyway. There are probably a few of these "isolated incidents" everyday in Tecate.

So when somebody suggests that things are not quite kosher in Tecate, you just do like any good BajaNomad would do: challenge that person and suggest he does not know anything and never goes to Mexico anyway.

[Edited on 1-31-2012 by BajaNomad]

Mengano - 1-31-2012 at 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ateo
I'm giving sound advice. I have no hidden motivation -- unlike you. I read the other thread, and I would've never gone to the station. I would've offered a bribe and continued on my trip.

Sound advice: Bribe a cop in Tecate to not give you a fine for something you did not do.

I think you just won this week's prize for Rationalizing Mexico.

It will be hard to beat that one.

Second place was for the guy who said "I killed him to save him."

nbacc - 1-31-2012 at 02:20 PM

The heeler will help! We take ours everywhere when we are in Mexico. He is not "unfriendly" but not real friendly either. Just his appearance makes a difference. Have fun!!!

TMW - 1-31-2012 at 02:37 PM

I have a folding knife in all my vehicles with about a 3 or 4 inch blade. It also has the razor blade cutting section to cut the seat belts and a sharpe pointy thing to break glass. At one of the military check points one of the soldiers saw it and commented how impressed he was with it.

Bajatripper - 1-31-2012 at 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Quote:

Originally posted by paranewbi
I drive through Tecate all the time...drive back also. No problems

But I guess Mengano knows better from his chair

you have the personal guarantee of paranewbi and the anthropologist, and the other enablers here, that nothing, I repeat, nothing will happen to you in Tecate. And if by some odd chance something does happen to you in Tecate, they will have that time-honored fallback position which states that THEY have gone there and NOTHING ever happened to THEM. So YOU must be some kind of a phu**up. That should make you feel much, much better.

So, men-Guano, you are willing to GUARANTEE that NOTHING will EVER happen to whomever, wherever he/she might live in the US if they have the good sense to not travel south of the border?

Where on your birth certificate does it say your life came with guarantees of safety? Do things go wrong (in Baja, elsewhere in Mexico, or anywhere else)? Of course, sometimes. But overcoming those difficulties is part of that Grand Advanture called "Life." You should go out and get some of that, before it passes you by while you live holed-up in your little safety-room-with-Internet-hookup somewhere in Greater USA, counting beans.

[Edited on 1-31-2012 by Bajatripper]

[Edited on 1-31-2012 by BajaNomad]

paranewbi - 1-31-2012 at 02:52 PM

Griff....I would stay away from Mengano if I were you. Danger lurks there

Ateo - 1-31-2012 at 02:57 PM

I agree with paranewbi and Bajatripper.

Griff,

Mengano hates Mexico. Just know that everything he posts stems from his hatred of Mexico.

Mengano - 1-31-2012 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
So when somebody suggests that things are not quite kosher in Tecate, you just do like any good BajaNomad would do: challenge that person and suggest he does not know anything and never goes to Mexico anyway.

Well, was I right, or was I right? Notice how neither, Stevie, Ateo nor pararnewbi can address the issue of Tecate and rip-offs from the cops.

It is all about ME now.

p.s. Steve. You cannot debate by asking questions. You debate a subject by stating your position and providing facts that support it and/or facts that disprove your opponent's position. You have yet to demonstrate that you can even put together a cogent argument about the subject matter of this thread. Now, are you prepared to argue your position with reference to some verifiable information -- e.g. not reference to apocryphal statements from somebody that they have been driving for 20 years and nothing happened to them.

Trying to debate the safety of Tecate by referring to the safety, or lack thereof, in some other city in some other country is also not a valid argument. That is a red herring. Introducing irrelevant information to sidetrack the argument.

Here you go, study this:

How to debate a point.

[Edited on 1-31-2012 by Mengano]

tiotomasbcs - 1-31-2012 at 03:33 PM

Where would Mengano cross into Mexico? Would you stay a nite in Ensenada or push on to El Rosario? Is your camping preference Santa Ines or out in the boulders? Nothing to offer our newbie. Go back to Off Topic if you just are looking for an argument. Tio

Mengano - 1-31-2012 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tiotomasbcs
Where would Mengano cross into Mexico? Would you stay a nite in Ensenada or push on to El Rosario? Is your camping preference Santa Ines or out in the boulders? Nothing to offer our newbie. Go back to Off Topic if you just are looking for an argument. Tio

Ummm. You did read the title of this thread, didn't you? If you didn't here it is again: "Safety on solo trip"

No hay de que.

bigzaggin - 1-31-2012 at 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Quote:

Listen, Manguano, I am sure that whatever Asperger-y variation grips you makes your every point/counterpoint seem perfectly airtight and logical. And maybe you have a few salient notes here and there re:the nature of a true debate. Your mistake comes in making those points here. Sure, we engage in a bit of (typically) friendly back and forth, but once things get micro on a "this is HOW to argue" level, most Nomads will check out. Or hate you.

So thank you for the instructional link - I'll check it when I have the time (or interest) - and please continue to chime in with your vast Baja-related knowledge, but let's put the "no folks, THIS is how you argue" soapboxing to bed (or take it on over to www.selfrighteous******bags.com).

But I am probably alone in my annoyance*

*J/K!!!!!!

MMc - 1-31-2012 at 04:16 PM

Griff, Go you'll be fine. Not to take issue with folks on this board up a lot of them have not traveled south in many months. So the advice might not be up to speed in some cases. Use your own good judgement. I have done a number of solo trips and always enjoyed myself. Most of the major surf spots will have surfers on them. Go and have fun.

[Edited on 2-1-2012 by MMc]

Listen, Manguano

mcfez - 1-31-2012 at 05:01 PM

:lol:

There are many Americans..French..Canadian...so forth

That travel to Baja each day. That's 1000's a day. To travel alone...do take DavidK's advise. That's straight dope there.

I myself travel mostly on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja.....fish...camp...hike...alone ...............many times. Have yet to seen any real issues.

Baja is great...we have investments down ...just like a lot of BN's here.

Manguano just hates anything to do with Baja......Mexico...or McFez. He hates all three. Dont listen this off the wall stuff he pushes.

Go. Have a blast.

[Edited on 2-1-2012 by mcfez]

norte - 1-31-2012 at 05:49 PM

Griff. Ignore most if not all of the posters here. Yhey could care less about you. They really post to further their own agenda (on both sides of this contest). If you want to go. go/ Please be careful

goldhuntress - 1-31-2012 at 07:38 PM

I think you will be fine on your own crossing at San Ysidro. There have been some problems but for the most part everybody manages to make it. But, if your having some reservations about it then post on the companion/convoy forum here and maybe you can hook up with someone and at least get over the border and down a ways with someone that knows the ropes. Good luck and have a great time!

griff - 1-31-2012 at 08:12 PM

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the input. Again, I have my heart set on going, so this is less of a "should I stay or should I go?" conversation rather than a "what precautions should I take?" conversation. I did not realize that there was a companion/convoys forum, hopefully I can find some buddies to at least cross the border with. I am super excited, I will let you all know how it goes!

Ateo - 1-31-2012 at 08:18 PM

Here's a link to convoy companions:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=14

vgabndo - 1-31-2012 at 09:41 PM

Back on topic...my piece would be that stuff could happen. If you are willing to risk a little then, CAREFULLY get to El Rosario with as little contact with anyone as possible. You may lack the negotiating skills/street smarts Baja can require to avoid even the little bunco annoyances so common nearer the border. South of there I always feel better about any form of predation. Shake hands with everyone, smile, don't talk too loud, try to speak as little English as possible unless you're hangin' with homies.

At most Federale check points one of the first questions will be: "May we search your vehicle?" The appropriate answer is: "Claro que si". They seem to really like Claro que si. The next question is often: "Do you have any guns, drugs, or explosives?" It is critically important, if your Spanish skills are poor, to not be confused and use the same answer! :lol:

Another piece on the Mengano thing...This is a very popular board with 7000 members, many of those members are members of other clubs and boards. Of all the hundreds of thousands of tourist miles traveled by these people in Mexico, and by their friends, not to mention the ex-pats, I judge that VERY few out-of-the-ordinary acts of graft and corruption go unreported here.

We hear it all. And it is just enough to make ME more vigilant.

[Edited on 2-1-2012 by vgabndo]

bigzaggin - 1-31-2012 at 10:27 PM

The advice to get to El Rosario quickly is good. If you have ample time in Baja - and it sounds like you - you should spend it in the best places and the best (Pacific Coast wise) are S of El Rosario. In fact most Nomads will say that's where Baja actually starts. There are pretty places N of there - and plenty of good waves - but, esp.solo - not worth it. Cross early at San Ysidro, put your head down and gun for El Rosario aka "The Big Turn."

You'll be fine at checkpoints...assuming you don't have anything (don't bring anything illegal). Just get out of your car if they ask you do and smile a lot.

You're gonna effing LOVE IT down there. Once you get out to lesser-traveled roads, it's heaven. A good book, some fishing gear and maybe a little NW swell and you're in business (hint: many of the spots down there are low tide spots...plan accordingly)

One more thing... It is COLD at night. Way colder than you think. Bring a good parka.

woody with a view - 1-31-2012 at 11:45 PM

just returned from a 5 day solo trip. weather was perfect, surf was epic 2 days, calico-halibut-sheephead were killing themselves, oh-and a military guy tried to tell me he found a pot seed in my carpet. i told him to get a lighter and burn it and if it smelled like weed he could have my truck. he burnt it, and let me drive away. be careful of those guys!

motoged - 2-1-2012 at 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view..... i told him to get a lighter and burn it and if it smelled like weed he could have my truck. he burnt it, and let me drive away. be careful of those guys!

Woody, Ya gotta sweep the floor mats better :lol:

Every time I burn those seeds, I know i am smoking Mexican :saint:

paranewbi - 2-1-2012 at 06:49 AM

Mengano

Whatever number of citations you can point to of the dangers of Tecate...you will not find the thousands of time I have transit, dwelt, worked with orphans, and yes even got married, in Tecate in your statistics. When I see your relatively few citations compared to my own personal experiance and then consider I am not that unique as this website shows, then your case is weakened by experiance which is the most reliable of all indicators...it's called self validation from the perspective of participation, not from one's own couch.

paranewbi - 2-1-2012 at 06:53 AM

Woody
I always hated that "You missed it Dude"
Flat here the whole time.
Been watching the Pipe Volcom Pro though...Going Off Brotha!

Living life vicariously through those at Pipe and people like you Woody.

woody with a view - 2-1-2012 at 07:48 AM

i was fairly confident due to the fact that i don't partake of the yerba buena! :saint:

and this was at the ensenada check with the chica standing right next to me. i asked her how she was and she was COLD! i don't mean temperature wise. maybe the guy was trying to be extra thorough in front of the boss?

oh yeah,

woody with a view - 2-1-2012 at 07:51 AM

griff, when you get back please leave out any and all identifying pointers to any surfspots you stumble across. it makes it funner for the next guy.... crop your fotos to remove any landmarks.

:light:

CortezBlue - 2-1-2012 at 08:36 AM

Well I can't speak about the Pacific as much as I can the Cortez side.

I live in San Felipe part time and I will be down during the time you mentioned.

One option
Come down to Ensenada and take Hwy 3 to Hwy 5 and visit San Felipe. There is a GREAT camp ground, Pete's Camp, where you will be very safe. It has showers, palapas on the beach and a great resturant and bar. We live a few miles from Pete's and it is where we usually go to grab dinner and a drink when I am to tired to cook.

U2U me if you have any other questions.

mcfez - 2-1-2012 at 02:52 PM

Good info indeed.

The old man passed away a year or two ago, yes?

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue
Well I can't speak about the Pacific as much as I can the Cortez side.

I live in San Felipe part time and I will be down during the time you mentioned.

One option
Come down to Ensenada and take Hwy 3 to Hwy 5 and visit San Felipe. There is a GREAT camp ground, Pete's Camp, where you will be very safe. It has showers, palapas on the beach and a great resturant and bar. We live a few miles from Pete's and it is where we usually go to grab dinner and a drink when I am to tired to cook.

U2U me if you have any other questions.

Curt63 - 2-1-2012 at 03:19 PM

Good on ya Woody!

Glad you scored.

Trip report with pics?

bigzaggin - 2-1-2012 at 03:32 PM

Agree with Curt. Let's see some (non-disclosing) images of the score in question. Empty right points + halibut will make my day pass more quickly.

unbob - 2-2-2012 at 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
Have a firm destination for Day One - maybe you can only make it to El Rosario. It's not a bad idea to crash at Baja Cactus night one then make your way S bright & early next day. Whatever...know where you'll be staying night one.

Drive during daylight hours - which means thinking ahead (and every stretch is longer than you think).

Excellent advice! I would add one more - the vehicle driver must keep his/her eyes on the road at all times - no sightseeing - a swerve left or right a foot or two can bring major disaster and end your trip (and life)! Almost no margin for error on Hwy 1. Be safe - not sorry.

newbie trip

captkw - 2-2-2012 at 08:50 AM

HOLA,as a traveler,I disagree......chit happen's on the road and if you try and set a agenda that is wrote in stone,,well,,In my book,why take a trip,,that is not a journey ??

mcfez - 2-2-2012 at 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
HOLA,as a traveler,I disagree......chit happen's on the road and if you try and set a agenda that is wrote in stone,,well,,In my book,why take a trip,,that is not a journey ??

I like that :light:

trips

captkw - 2-2-2012 at 09:17 AM

Thanks feez,now,,, I'm a poet....LOL :lol:

K&T

captkw - 2-2-2012 at 10:22 AM

Quote: