BajaNomad

Feb. 13/16 SI Check Point

windgrrl - 2-13-2016 at 04:26 PM

Drove from Puerto Escondido to Guerrero Negro today. Light traffic, hot and somewhat windy day. The check point personnel at San Ignacio were efficient, professional and friendly.



[Edited on 2-13-2016 by windgrrl]

BajaBlanca - 2-13-2016 at 07:53 PM

safe travels!

David K - 2-13-2016 at 08:08 PM

Lucky you!
In all my years of driving Baja since they began military checkpoints, last July at San Ignacio (northbound) was the ONLY time the military was ever unfriendly and darn right ugly what they (actually just the one officer... his fellow troops looked embarrassed) tried to pull on my wife and me!
If other cars were there, I would have asked for the comandante... but as it was, we were the only ones and could not wait to get the hell away. If my love of Baja wasn't so strong, that could easily have done it for me or at least, to go to Baja Sur again.

Bajahowodd - 2-14-2016 at 05:59 PM

Our experience over many trips is that the checkpoint North of San Ignacio has consistently been the most thorough in either direction.

I have come to believe that it is so because it is situated between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, which I guess they believe is a major trafficking route.

rts551 - 2-14-2016 at 06:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Lucky you!
In all my years of driving Baja since they began military checkpoints, last July at San Ignacio (northbound) was the ONLY time the military was ever unfriendly and darn right ugly what they (actually just the one officer... his fellow troops looked embarrassed) tried to pull on my wife and me!
If other cars were there, I would have asked for the comandante... but as it was, we were the only ones and could not wait to get the hell away. If my love of Baja wasn't so strong, that could easily have done it for me or at least, to go to Baja Sur again.


In all your years? maybe a couple of times through this check point. Keep your comments relative to what you know. once every five years does not make you an expert. Many on this forum and other more knowledgeable places traverse the checkpoint multiple times a year.

Never had a problem passing 5-6 times a year.

David K - 2-14-2016 at 06:49 PM

My first time through San Ignacio was in 1966 Ralph.
However, military checkpoints didn't exist until recent years.
I have always enjoyed the soldiers and chatted with them if it was a lonely location.

I never had been accused of having marijuana on me before 2015 at San Ignacio, northbound, midday.

I never had the officer/soldier plant pot in my carpet or pick a bit of debris from my carpet, light it on fire and say it was marijuana to get a rise out of me.

I invited him to search every piece of my truck because I do not use marijuana.

It was a game and after looking in my ice chest, sent us on.

That was no fun and if it was a newbie or most other folks without as strong a love for Baja, it would have been their last trip to Mexico.

rts551 - 2-14-2016 at 06:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
My first time through San Ignacio was in 1966 Ralph.
However, military checkpoints didn't exist until recent years.
I have always enjoyed the soldiers and chatted with them if it was a lonely location.

I never had been accused of having marijuana on me before 2015 at San Ignacio, northbound, midday.

I never had the officer/soldier plant pot in my carpet or pick a bit of debris from my carpet, light it on fire and say it was marijuana to get a rise out of me.

I invited him to search every piece of my truck because I do not use marijuana.

It was a game and after looking in my ice chest, sent us on.

That was no fun and if it was a newbie or most other folks without as strong a love for Baja, it would have been their last trip to Mexico.



Maybe he knew you from this forum? Internet experts are just that. Internet experts.

liknbaja127 - 2-14-2016 at 07:21 PM

David, We have also spent more time at that check point than others.
Have had to show drivers license a few times also, going both ways.
Seems like the southern stops are more aggressive. Wait until you are
stopped by them while they are out in the bush! I would post more, but
don't want to start more drama!!

bezzell - 2-14-2016 at 07:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  

I'm ashamed of you. The Mexico sage, who instead of tearing another anal orifice through this joker in fluent Spanish developed through his ample years of experience in the local culture, flees like a Southern California Walmart clerk. :rolleyes:


:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
priceless!

SFandH - 2-14-2016 at 08:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
Our experience over many trips is that the checkpoint North of San Ignacio has consistently been the most thorough in either direction.

I have come to believe that it is so because it is situated between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, which I guess they believe is a major trafficking route.


Perhaps that checkpoint is used for training. Isn't it the closest one to the large military base south of Santa Rosalia? I remember once I was southbound by myself and the boss asked me if I would give a ride to a young soldier back to the base. Sure, hop in, let's go.

4x4abc - 2-14-2016 at 08:25 PM

just wait for president Trump and hate will be encouraged in every aspect of our lives. rts551 is just practicing for that time.

rts551 - 2-14-2016 at 09:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
just wait for president Trump and hate will be encouraged in every aspect of our lives. rts551 is just practicing for that time.


I have never used the word "HATE" in my posts. Those that disagree use it often.. says a lot about their personality (or lack there of) doesn't it.

Have a nice= evening Harodd.

windgrrl - 2-15-2016 at 06:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
safe travels!


Many thanks and hope you had a beautiful Valentines e's day,
W

David K - 2-15-2016 at 09:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by liknbaja127  
David, We have also spent more time at that check point than others.
Have had to show drivers license a few times also, going both ways.
Seems like the southern stops are more aggressive. Wait until you are
stopped by them while they are out in the bush! I would post more, but
don't want to start more drama!!


Oh, I have had them pop out of the bush... day and evening in my many off road miles.

Near Punta Cabras and near Rancho Escondido, are a couple that come to mind... all went well, very professional.

willardguy - 2-15-2016 at 10:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
My first time through San Ignacio was in 1966 Ralph.
.


its true! of course in 1966 david was 9 years old, but unlike other 9 year olds david wasn't interested much in bangin' on the etch-a-sketch, he was closely taking notes on sea levels, tree heights, how far a high tide would come up, you know, scientific stuff that would prepare him for, well, where he is today!:yes:
viva el david!

David K - 2-15-2016 at 10:37 AM

See, you do know me pretty well, after all! :lol:

willardguy - 2-15-2016 at 10:54 AM

I sure do david, in fact our first encounter you were just a young recruit working one of those checkpoints! :lol:

David K - 2-15-2016 at 11:07 AM

Show me your papers señor!
That was the Molino de Calamajué checkpoint in July 1967!

Bajahowodd - 2-15-2016 at 05:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
Our experience over many trips is that the checkpoint North of San Ignacio has consistently been the most thorough in either direction.

I have come to believe that it is so because it is situated between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, which I guess they believe is a major trafficking route.


Perhaps that checkpoint is used for training. Isn't it the closest one to the large military base south of Santa Rosalia? I remember once I was southbound by myself and the boss asked me if I would give a ride to a young soldier back to the base. Sure, hop in, let's go.


Interesting point.

Cancamo - 2-22-2016 at 01:38 PM

A close Mexican friend of mine traveling with me was escorted to the back trailer and completely strip searched , (butt naked), while traveling north with me a few years back at this revision. They thoroughly searched the vehicle and questioned me separately about our friendship, ie:( how long you've known him, where is he from, what does he do), as well as the usual about myself, "que dedicas, donde vas, de donde viene???
First time anywhere has anyone been hassled over the years traveling the entire Republic.
Federico was peeed.

StuckSucks - 2-22-2016 at 03:39 PM

Gulliver - 2-22-2016 at 06:54 PM

Just went through Northbound on Sunday (Quick peek in the back. Curious about weird things we have like modern camping gear and smiles when we said we were headed up to see the whales) and again Southbound today (friendly and passed us though without asking anything except where we were coming from and where we were going.

I feel safer around these kids than I do walking into ANY gringo infested bar down here. Sober and professional.

Gulliver - 2-22-2016 at 06:57 PM

Barbara just said that I have a sign across my forehead that says, "Internet troll".

David K - 2-22-2016 at 07:13 PM

It's hit or miss, as with the weather or getting a bad meal at a place that was good before...

I had never had a negative checkpoint experience until last July at San Ignacio. It won't stop me from going back, but it sure could had, to many others less comfortable in Mexico than I. That is what is sad, how unprofessional behavior can hurt so many Mexicans who benefit from tourism.

oxxo - 2-23-2016 at 09:03 AM

Quote:
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
I had never had a negative checkpoint experience until last July at San Ignacio.


Maybe it was the Trump bumper sticker on your chariot? :lol:
Quote:
It won't stop me from going back, but it sure could had, to many others less comfortable in Mexico than I. That is what is sad, how unprofessional behavior can hurt so many Mexicans who benefit from tourism.


Then maybe it was the Ted Cruz bumper sticker! 12 million new "tourists" sent to Mexico. :lol:

Amigo, it's a joke! I have a "I'm Partial to Palin" bumper sticker. The checkpoint guys burst out laughing when they see it and just wave me through! :lol:

David K - 2-23-2016 at 09:15 AM

No political stickers on my truck, the Baja stickers are enough! In July 2015 there was nobody yet to pick, at least for me. I do like Ben Carson, but he just is too damn calm and relaxed! LOL

gsbotanico - 2-24-2016 at 09:08 AM

I've been stopped at check points all over Baja and mainland Mexico. I'm never sure what to expect. In Baja it's normally professional and courteous, but not always. I try to remain respectful. Once I was stopped in Guadalupe Valley in the 1990s on the dirt road (now paved) between El Tigre and El Porvenir by the PGR. This is the Mexican equivalent of the FBI. Not much traffic on the road back in those days. I came around a curve and the oncoming vehicle turned to block the road. The agents, all wearing PGR t-shirts, jumped out to open the doors on both sides of my car. They were locked, but I quickly opened them. I went through the whole list of questions and my car was searched. I think the agents were disappointed they didn't find any drugs and I had good answers to their questions. A tipoff and the wrong guy or normal routine? I never found out, but I was sure relieved to drive off. My one and only rough encounter in Baja.

SFandH - 2-24-2016 at 09:24 AM

When we went through the San Ignacio checkpoint, northbound in January, they were taking photos of all the cars. Cameraman facing the front of the vehicle from a 45 degree angle that also captured one side.

Anyone else experienced that?

[Edited on 2-24-2016 by SFandH]

Gulliver - 2-24-2016 at 09:38 AM

Just to keep things in perspective, the next town headed North from there, Viscaino, was the site of a recent drug related triple killing.

I would surprised if there were NOT a lot more scrutiny and data collection at that point.

The only route that bypasses that check point is up the coastal route and any serious increase in surface traffic there would really stand out as well as destroy the already ripped up road.

As long as the U.S. keeps sucking drugs, this business will be one of the largest contributors to Mexico's G.N.P. and there will be friction. Violent friction.

I'm a proponent of legalization but until that happens (not holding my breath!) I chose to abstain and quietly avoid those who consume.

drugs

captkw - 2-24-2016 at 09:51 AM

I guess that most don't get that the simple fact about these check and search points/stations and the USA "war on drugs"...The USA mandates and demands the ck points..the CIA (cocaine international aviation) dosnt like other gangs selling the same drug that they sell...really,,really simple......

Gulliver - 2-24-2016 at 09:59 AM

Try to imagine what it's like for these young guys. Bored. Hot. And maybe some serious trouble with the next truck.

I was doing a lot of driving around in Baja in the early nineties and carried a big cooler full of six packs of cola. I always managed to leave behind one or two when I threw my junk back in the car. I wouldn't have their job for anything.

The local police in Mulege periodically set up a check point here in Mulege and look things over. Fairly professionally done too. I don't object. Keeps things from getting out of hand.

VegasNick - 3-26-2016 at 12:04 AM

We came through on Wednesday and had zero issues. The youngest could not speak a word of English. An older one (Maybe 40's) came over and questioned me and asked if the other one could look in our camper. All professional and courteous. We shook hands even at the end and I told him to be safe out there. He was very pleasant. we were down there for a week and had no issues at any checkpoint or with any enforcement agency.

David K - 3-26-2016 at 09:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by VegasNick  
We came through on Wednesday and had zero issues. The youngest could not speak a word of English. An older one (Maybe 40's) came over and questioned me and asked if the other one could look in our camper. All professional and courteous. We shook hands even at the end and I told him to be safe out there. He was very pleasant. we were down there for a week and had no issues at any checkpoint or with any enforcement agency.


Yep, that's the way it is 99% of the time.
I have given those guys cold water and fruit at times, too... after the inspection so it doesn't seem to be bribing them for faster passage, lol.

rts551 - 3-26-2016 at 10:19 AM

I only live 70 miles from there. Pass through all the time without a problem. Starting to feel left out.... well I guess I could post something on the internet just to get attention.

willardguy - 3-26-2016 at 10:27 AM

one thing all the checkpoints have in common.....chica's on board, they're gettin out of the car! ;)

BajaBlanca - 3-26-2016 at 05:51 PM

It sure ranks as one of the most boring jobs.

willardguy - 3-26-2016 at 06:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
It sure ranks as one of the most boring jobs.


beats Afghanistan! :(

4x4abc - 3-26-2016 at 07:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Show me your papers señor!
That was the Molino de Calamajué checkpoint in July 1967!


David,

where is Molino de Calamajué?