garyr
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 5-16-2008
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Baja travel on 5/29
Hello all.
My wife and I are heading for Punta Chivato on 5/29 and in light of all the problems that are reported I am growing more concerned and nervous about
going the closer the date gets
We have made the trip a couple times before with no problems.
However we are now driving a (new) 4x4 dodge truck, and once again will be towing
our boat down as well…afraid sticking out like a sore thumb.
We never travel at night or stop anywhere that isn’t necessary.
Hoping we don’t have anything they want.
Any advice or words of encouragement?
Thanks
Gary and Dina
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Roberto
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Registered: 9-5-2003
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| Quote: | Originally posted by garyr
However we are now driving a (new) 4x4 dodge truck, and once again will be towing
our boat down as well…afraid sticking out like a sore thumb.
We never travel at night or stop anywhere that isn’t necessary.
Hoping we don’t have anything they want.
Any advice or words of encouragement?
Thanks
Gary and Dina |
Yes. With that kind of fear, I would question going at all. What's the point of going on a trip feeling that you can't stop and take a picture, enjoy
a meal, a scenery, a moment or a person?
The decision to go is yours. You have the same information everyone on this board has. I still go, and I enjoy every minute as always. I pay attention
to what I do as always and everywhere. If I felt like you, I wouldn't go at all.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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Mood: Skeptical
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| Quote: | Originally posted by garyr
Hello all.
My wife and I are heading for Punta Chivato on 5/29 and in light of all the problems that are reported I am growing more concerned and nervous about
going the closer the date gets
We have made the trip a couple times before with no problems.
However we are now driving a (new) 4x4 dodge truck, and once again will be towing
our boat down as well…afraid sticking out like a sore thumb.
We never travel at night or stop anywhere that isn’t necessary.
Hoping we don’t have anything they want.
Any advice or words of encouragement?
Thanks
Gary and Dina |
Gary & Dina,
Welcome!
First of all, fear is paralyzing. It is manipulated by the media and by governments. Don't let it paralyze you. Please go, be aware and enjoy. 
True, there is a lot of violence happening in the border regions.
We are not usually the targets. It is a turf war between drug cartels and often police are involved. The few incidents that you have read about that
have involved tourists, have been repeated several times and in several boards, including this one. In addition, the coastal surfer incident that got
the most attention, for the reasons I have already stated, keeps reappearing in the media. It happened last October, at 3 in the morning, and yet The
San Diego reprinted it two weeks ago as though it had just happened.
Now, things could change but for now hundreds of tourists pass through there daily, without incident. I did myself, just two weeks ago. Oh sure, there
are the occasional bogus traffic violations for which you will be asked for a mordida. The military has been in place for awhile now and that has
stopped the random robberies by police that happened last fall.
There is danger all over the world and in our cities and neighborhoods too, and yet we take precautions and go about our daily lives.
If something bad should happen to you while in Baja, well that would just be the luck of the draw....the odds are very much against it.
The only difference I can see between being a victim in Mexico and being a victim in the U.S. is what happen after the fact. If you are a victim
wherever, it is already too late. If you survive, there are usually better avenues for justice in the U.S. Not always, but usually.
Don't let anyone take away your sense of adventure and peace of mind. Don't worry, but don't be stupid either. Use good judgment and enjoy your
fishing in Punta Chivato. Talk to your friends who live there and anybody else you know or meet along the way. They will tell you to do it! 
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garyr
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 5-16-2008
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Thank you much
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alkijeff
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Posts: 12
Registered: 10-13-2004
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In early May I witnessed an arrest of drug suspects on the beach in front of the house we were renting in Bahia de Concepcion, which is a bit south of
Punta Chivato. The Mexican army and BCS security agents were making a big presence at that time. I had a long conversation with one of the agents
from La Paz one day, and an army officer one night, about what was going on. What I learned is that there has been an increase in crime in that area
recently, and that it wasn't getting reported through the channels that lead to La Paz. Apparently, quite a few gringos have been complaining about
petty theft, and in one case a hijacking of an airplane in Mulege. Through my conversations with them, they are taking the matter seriously and are
pressuring the local police to pass the information on to higher authority so that more security is directed where it's needed. In my humble opinion,
if they're genuine about this - and I think they are- you should feel quite safe. FYI - the officer that I talked with in my kitchen that night is
based at San Lucas, which is not far from Punta Chivato. I think they're serious about nipping it in the bud, and from what I saw it shows.
I'd be more worried about that semi coming around the corner.
Jeff
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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Oh, you're going to have a really good time! There are some good early reports on Dorado and billfish are around also. If you like yellowtail they're
biting too. The weather is just warming up and I tested my fan out last night for a couple hours. The hotel is working on an image change and some are
starting to go there for dinner again. Also there is another restaurant/market too. If we get a shower before you leave the desert will do the spring
bloom thing but it's still wonderful just to make the drive and enjoy all there is to see. Don't forget your camera. Nomads love photos and a good
story to go with them. Enjoy your time in Mexico. Russ
[Edited on 5-19-2008 by Russ]
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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garyr
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 5-16-2008
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Thanks all of you...
Russ I will come by and have a beer and a smoke with ya.
Gary
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mulegemichael
Super Nomad
Posts: 2310
Registered: 12-24-2007
Location: sequim,wa. and mulege
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Mood: up on step
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We're taking off day after tomorrow headed for the same general area as you;Mulege/Pta.Chivato. I feel just as safe this time if not MORE than in
previous times because of the military presence in the immediate area. We were in Mulege about three weeks ago and the commandant of the military
stationed at the airstrip there said they had made over 40 arrests within the past month in the surrounding area. Sounds to me like they are serious
about cleaning the area up. I know I sure feel safe there. The Mulege Dorado Tourney will be held on May 30th and 31st so there's another reason to be
there. See ya down there.
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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