BajaNomad - Current Safety Status?

Current Safety Status?

bajajoaquin - 11-17-2019 at 01:53 PM

I can’t believe I’m going to be the one writing a post like this, but here goes.

I don’t post here much, and I don’t claim to be an old Baja hand, but I’ve been going down for about 20 years to central Baja on surf trips.

After seven years of trying, I finally got my wife to agree to a camping trip with our two children (3 and 7) over thanksgiving in the Punta Lobo area. Unfortunately, I also just heard of an armed robbery and threatened abduction of some US citizens pulled out of the border line by armed men in uniforms (fake or real doesn’t really matter) in TJ. I have the guy’s number, but haven’t connected yet for a first hand report.

I called my friend with family in TJ, and she said things are bad enough that she isn’t letting her kids go down now (which is different from six months or a year ago).

Scanning the news (Zetatijuana.com) indeed shows lots of problems.

I have always felt safe in central Baja (bad roads bring good people...) and figured that I’d just get through the border areas and it would be fine. But if you’re not safe once you get into the line, that is giving me serious pause.

Thoughts? Comments?

4x4abc - 11-17-2019 at 02:36 PM

in the end you will have to trust your instincts
so I won't even offer you an argument

mtgoat666 - 11-17-2019 at 04:19 PM

TJ-Rosarito is dangerous, particularly after sundown. Keep your doors locked.

Rest of rural baja is pretty safe.

Avoid the urban/border areas.

bajajoaquin - 11-17-2019 at 04:24 PM

Yeah, I should have been clearer about wanting to know if this type of violence has been heard of, rather than general safety.

But mostly I should have waited until I heard the story first hand. When I said that I understood he’d had a horrific incident getting robbed at gunpoint, he said “that’s not at all what happened.” When asked to just tell me the story, he started off with, “well, we definitely gave them a reason to single us out....”

They were driving back from Puerto Nuevo drunk and stoned. Stopped at a checkpoint. Checkpoint found an empty-ish sack of weed. Took $100 to get them to let them go.

Sorry to have been the idiot who posted rumors on the forum.

John Harper - 11-17-2019 at 04:25 PM

You'll be fine. Travelling with a 3 year old is probably the worst that will happen.

John

mtgoat666 - 11-17-2019 at 07:14 PM

https://reporterourbanobcs.com/asaltan-a-usuarios-de-la-via-...

Don’t drive at night. Anywhere.

[Edited on 11-18-2019 by mtgoat666]

Lee - 11-17-2019 at 07:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajajoaquin

After seven years of trying, I finally got my wife to agree to a camping trip......

If you mean the above literally, you might have a bigger problem then safety in Baja.

Personally, I wouldn't take my wife down if it took that long to convince her that it was cool down South.

Also wouldn't rule out going down for a surf trip and alone.

I cross at Tecate and, generally, feel safe enough driving to Ensenada. Checkpoints love stoned and drunk gringoes. Funny story.

Don Pisto - 11-17-2019 at 07:42 PM

your number one job is to protect your wife and children, whatever you decide good on you for being concerned......no one is gonna tell you camping out there is without risks!

larryC - 11-18-2019 at 07:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto

your number one job is to protect your wife and children, whatever you decide good on you for being concerned......no one is gonna tell you camping out there is without risks!

Spot on, but that being said I would also worry about sending my kids to school, more kids have been killed in school shootings than people in all of Baja for the last couple of years.

mtgoat666 - 11-18-2019 at 07:46 AM

No school shootings in Baja, but some shocking shootings...

https://reporterourbanobcs.com/asaltan-a-usuarios-de-la-via-...

Don’t drive at night. Anywhere.

amigobaja - 11-18-2019 at 08:29 AM

I would recommend staying home. To me theres already to many of us gringos down here so more fake news is good.
Plus you don't take a chance of your wife doing what most of us do and fall in love with the Baja and ruin your guys only surf trips by having to always bring her along.

Paco Facullo - 11-18-2019 at 12:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by amigobaja

I would recommend staying home. To me theres already to many of us gringos down here so more fake news is good.
Plus you don't take a chance of your wife doing what most of us do and fall in love with the Baja and ruin your guys only surf trips by having to always bring her along.

Well, not If she cooks, cleans, fulfills ALL your sexual fantasies and doesn't EVER give ya any crap....

But I haven't found one of them yet ...... :biggrin:

Bajaboy - 11-18-2019 at 12:22 PM

Another Walmart shooting today....don't go to Walmart!

StuckSucks - 11-18-2019 at 12:50 PM

The NRA is not in Mexico, you should be safe.

ZipLine - 11-18-2019 at 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy

Another Walmart shooting today....don't go to Walmart!

Hell... don't go outside!

advrider - 11-18-2019 at 07:47 PM

Been taking my wife camping in baja for Christmas for the last five years, she loves it! Still do a boy's bike trip in March but now get to take one in December! Will be retiring next year and we are going to spend three months camping all over. We have never felt that we weren't safe and she always want's to go back..
bajajoaquin, thanks for coming back and posting your new, updated information for everyone...

[Edited on 11-19-2019 by advrider]

Ken Cooke - 11-18-2019 at 08:00 PM

I take my wife to Baja and the border region almost monthly. She feels safer in Tijuana than she does here in Southern California due to all of the gun violence that makes the news.

I think that it makes sense to know where you are going and at what time of the day (or night). Knowing your surroundings, the people who you are traveling with, etc.

Enjoy your vacation and try not to worry about recent events. Drive from 9am-5pm and remember not to flash cash, jewelry or wear TRUMP t-shirts and/or hats in public.

mtgoat666 - 11-18-2019 at 08:06 PM

https://reporterourbanobcs.com/asaltan-a-usuarios-de-la-via-...

Don’t drive at night. Anywhere.

mtgoat666 - 11-18-2019 at 08:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

I take my wife to Baja and the border region almost monthly. She feels safer in Tijuana than she does here in Southern California due to all of the gun violence that makes the news.

More gun violence in TJ compared to so cal. Just look at the newspapers/news websites in TJ.

[Edited on 11-19-2019 by mtgoat666]

mtnpop - 11-18-2019 at 09:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks

The NRA is not in Mexico, you should be safe.

Gotta love the NRA being blamed so much.... I would imagine there are many NRA members that reside in BAJA.
Also, unless something has changed the NRA does not manufacture or sell guns.
They advocate for safe, responsible gun rights and gun safety.
Yes they do lobby with $$$ to keep the 2nd amendment..
Many other things to talk about but this will probably start an endless beating of responsible gun ownership...

MMc - 11-18-2019 at 11:15 PM

bajajoaquin, thanks for clearing things up. I would make this trips about her and the kids. You'll get your surf in. Hit Jardines on the way down, eat at Jardines or Eucalipto (eucalipto is better). Parcela 12 for breakfast. Camp where your wife is the most comfortable, my wife wanted to be away, most would like some company. The H2O will be cold, does she need a wetsuit?
There are some great beachcombing spots where I think you are going. Long walks on the beach cathering "objects de art" should be collected every day with the kids. Bring plenty of stuff for the kids to do. Shower is a must, a pump yard sprayer with hot water will make you a hero. Get her a Lady J, keeps pee off her feet. Cook and clean a lot, let her enjoy the time with less time doing chores. Hotel on the way home! The goal is to make sure she wants to return.
On the last day of 2 weeks at Scorpion Bay when they were building the forms for the first bar. We are sitting having a post surf coffee with the truck packed up. She looks a me and says "I'll never come back here". I ask why not. she looks me dead in the eyes and says "They are paving paradise, F this place".
She had never camped before meeting me and we camped for 32+ years together. Making sure she had a good time was always foremost. Once you get your wife there and past her worries, you'll be fine. Take some of her favorite snacks and candy to give her in the middle of your stay, really good bottles of wine also are also a plus.

PM if you would likr other ideas.

David K - 11-19-2019 at 09:32 AM

mtgoat666 - 11-20-2019 at 07:57 PM

https://reporterourbanobcs.com/asaltan-a-usuarios-de-la-via-...

You peeps are ignoring this and saying everything is safe and secure as long as the wife is inebriated and comfortable, eh?

motoged - 11-20-2019 at 11:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

https://reporterourbanobcs.com/asaltan-a-usuarios-de-la-via-...

You peeps are ignoring this and saying everything is safe and secure as long as the wife is inebriated and comfortable, eh?

Goat.....you missed out the bit about a guy buying an appliance for his wife so she doesn't pee on her feet. How can you suggest they aren't being considerate of all the issues. :?:

If I am not mistaken, no women have responded from their perspective as to how to manage a coerced camping trip...

gnukid - 11-21-2019 at 03:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

https://reporterourbanobcs.com/asaltan-a-usuarios-de-la-via-...

You peeps are ignoring this and saying everything is safe and secure as long as the wife is inebriated and comfortable, eh?

I read other reports that these people were known to each other and it was not random.

norte - 11-21-2019 at 07:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by gnukid

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

https://reporterourbanobcs.com/asaltan-a-usuarios-de-la-via-...

You peeps are ignoring this and saying everything is safe and secure as long as the wife is inebriated and comfortable, eh?

I read other reports that these people were known to each other and it was not random.

Doesn't really matter if they knew each other or not if you come upon this incident while it is happening does it.

norte - 11-21-2019 at 07:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

This stupid chart has been around for many years as an advertisement by the timeshare people. New career DK?

MMc - 11-21-2019 at 08:35 AM

Motoged, My wife camped with me in Baja for 34 years, we would dry camp for weeks at a time. She had never camped until we met. I made sure that her trip as comfortable as possible. I don't hear much about your wife traveling to Baja. If she did you might understand how important not peeing on your feet is.

I was attempting to get bajajoaquin to think of a family trip differently than his trips previous. His wife needs to have great time, that responsibility is his. As he caters to her and her concerns the more likely she is to return.

I hope bajajoaquin is able to convince his wife to go with him.

[Edited on 11-21-2019 by MMc]

BajaMama - 11-21-2019 at 10:17 AM

If you think she will be nervous, cross San Ysidro and take the road directly to the beaches / toll roads. I like to cross in the morning. I personally feel "safe" once I am south of Maneadero. And it is not that I feel in danger, just that the congested roads with foreign driving styles makes me nervous. If you are jittery about crossing back into USA, I suggest heading to an entrance east of Otay, out of the TJ vicinity. Even better, if you travel internationally a lot, get Global Entry/SENTRI passes to avoid the normal crossing altogether.