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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
Member Is Online
Mood: Retireded
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Well that downer at the inspection point wasn't so bad, this kind of went from cliff hanging, to stumbling on a curb! I think I would have been
tempted to inspect the soles of my shoes and complain about the bovine excrement that I had stepped in. That might have gotten a smile out of the
onlookers...or inspire a more thorough search!
I was beginning to wonder if you got your Tacoma stuck, and got rescued by some guy like me driving a Kia. THAT would haunt you forever!
Thanks for putting the time into your report.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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Mexitron
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3397
Registered: 9-21-2003
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy!
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Nice report David! Must get back down there soon. Looks like a lot of fun....those checkpoints have been pretty straightforward for some years now,
but I remember when when they were, um, less professional at times. Hope they're not sliding backwards.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64846
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista  | Thank you for great photos and narrative. Good to be updated on condition of roads & future construction plans.
Overall sounds like a very fun trip!
Glad you didn't let one soldier with a strange sense of humor outweigh all the rest. |
Thank you!
Wow Ken, that is so very kind of you to say!! You have the most awesome photos... I only wish I could take them half as well. I know a lot of people
like the details to form the picture in their heads or just dig data like I do, so why not share it? It does no good staying in my little black trip
notebook!
| Quote: Originally posted by TMW | | Excellent report David, thanks. I never had a military checkpoint guy do what they did to you. But at the ckpt north of Guerrero Negro one time they
spend a lot of time on the passenger side looking down where the hood meets the windshield. Using a flashlight and even under the dash. They spent
several minutes on it. I asked if they wanted the hood raised and they said no. Finally they let me go. |
I hope others just don't get worked up by extra inspecting or jerks. It is one thing to search your truck, but another to light up a piece of manure
or plant seed off your floor mat, with a lighter, and say loudly "Marijuana!"
| Quote: Originally posted by ehall | | Great report and pictures. It sucks they screwed with you guys for their own amusement but at least he was playing around and not seriously setting
you up. Hope it didn't ruin your wife's trip. |
At the time it seemed very real that he was setting me up. What does a non-smoker do when the guy with a machine gun is saying that's marijuana? I
wish I could have punched him in the face for the stress he put on me and Baja Angel!
| Quote: Originally posted by sd | Great report David! Sorry you were hassled. When La Paz police stopped me for $$ a few years ago it is hard not to be upset. Good news is nearly
everyone appreciates the tourist and will assist us if needed.
Thanks for sharing your great trip report and photos!
Scot |
Happy to Scot, thank you.
| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | Well that downer at the inspection point wasn't so bad, this kind of went from cliff hanging, to stumbling on a curb! I think I would have been
tempted to inspect the soles of my shoes and complain about the bovine excrement that I had stepped in. That might have gotten a smile out of the
onlookers...or inspire a more thorough search!
I was beginning to wonder if you got your Tacoma stuck, and got rescued by some guy like me driving a Kia. THAT would haunt you forever!
Thanks for putting the time into your report. |
Really? The Tacoma doesn't get stuck... I have tried! LOL
It was not fun to think you might have your whole life ruined, lose your truck, stress your wife, have 50 years of great Baja adventures thrown out
the door, because of one ass soldier planting dope on you or just lying about what is in your truck. I would rather be haunted by the childish stuff
posted then thrown in a Mexican jail!
You are welcome AK!
| Quote: Originally posted by Mexitron | | Nice report David! Must get back down there soon. Looks like a lot of fun....those checkpoints have been pretty straightforward for some years now,
but I remember when when they were, um, less professional at times. Hope they're not sliding backwards. |
That's the great thing about Baja loving people... we can have hurricane force rainfall, hoards of mosquitos, crooked army inspectors, and it still
looks like "a lot of fun" to us!!!
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
Member Is Online
Mood: Retireded
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David, I am sorry if my reply was too flippant, I thought from the text that you knew that guy was just messing with you, and the other soldiers
weren't going along with it. It would be high stress for me too if I thought that I might be getting set up.
I also thought from your response to my first post on this thread that your trip was cut short by the consequences of some incident during the trip..
There were a lot of possibilities for trip ruining, or even life changing events, glad that you didn't have one.
Maybe some day our paths will cross down south, Viva Baja!
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K |
At the time it seemed very real that he was setting me up. What does a non-smoker do when the guy with a machine gun is saying that's marijuana? I
wish I could have punched him in the face for the stress he put on me and Baja Angel! |
What you do is take photos of the event, leave your truck and your wife blocking the road and march up to the HQ trailer and demand to see the
Sargento Primero or Commandante. Invite them to see the photos, inspect your truck and belongings, and take action against the soldato.
Nobody has to put up with that crap, call them on it.
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Chupacabra
Nomad
Posts: 476
Registered: 7-11-2013
Location: La Jolla, CA
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | At the time it seemed very real that he was setting me up. What does a non-smoker do when the guy with a machine gun is saying that's marijuana? I
wish I could have punched him in the face for the stress he put on me and Baja Angel!
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Awesome trip report!
Most Americans don't know that posession of personal amounts of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and even heroin have been legal in Mexico since
2009.
So if a bored Army guy is fooling around with you again, don't sweat it!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/world/americas/21mexico.ht...
************************************
WTF
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64846
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | David, I am sorry if my reply was too flippant, I thought from the text that you knew that guy was just messing with you, and the other soldiers
weren't going along with it. It would be high stress for me too if I thought that I might be getting set up.
I also thought from your response to my first post on this thread that your trip was cut short by the consequences of some incident during the trip..
There were a lot of possibilities for trip ruining, or even life changing events, glad that you didn't have one.
Maybe some day our paths will cross down south, Viva Baja! |
No, not at all... no apology necessary amigo! I hope to meet you as well!
| Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy | | Quote: Originally posted by David K |
At the time it seemed very real that he was setting me up. What does a non-smoker do when the guy with a machine gun is saying that's marijuana? I
wish I could have punched him in the face for the stress he put on me and Baja Angel! |
What you do is take photos of the event, leave your truck and your wife blocking the road and march up to the HQ trailer and demand to see the
Sargento Primero or Commandante. Invite them to see the photos, inspect your truck and belongings, and take action against the soldato.
Nobody has to put up with that crap, call them on it. |
Great idea! I think rather than make a federal case out of it, we just wanted to get out of there... we were on vacation, after all. I hope the people
who actually live in Baja do follow through the way you suggest!
| Quote: Originally posted by Chupacabra | | Quote: Originally posted by David K | At the time it seemed very real that he was setting me up. What does a non-smoker do when the guy with a machine gun is saying that's marijuana? I
wish I could have punched him in the face for the stress he put on me and Baja Angel!
|
Awesome trip report!
Most Americans don't know that posession of personal amounts of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and even heroin have been legal in Mexico since
2009.
So if a bored Army guy is fooling around with you again, don't sweat it!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/world/americas/21mexico.ht... |
I hope that also include possession in one's vehicle rather than only in one's home. A vehicle could be used for transportation of the substance and
not personal use, if they wanted to interpret the law in a manner in which to bust you.
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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speaking of odd checkpoint inspections...
Just recalled that on a caravan trip to San Ignacio lagoon in late March, the car behind me was pulled over for an extensive search at Pta. Prieta,
after I had been waved thru in my truck. There were 4 women in the other car (a Prius), on their first trip to see the whales. We had discussed the
checkpoints, and how to interact with the soldiers, but this level of inspection looked unusual.
I stopped to wait and was ordered to proceed, so I pulled over a short distance ahead and watched carefully. We had hand held radios to communicate
while driving, so after several minutes, once they were allowed to continue, I checked in and asked what had happened.
"Patchouli" came the response. Apparently the driver liked to use patchouli when camping, and when she rolled down the window the strange odor made
the soldiers suspect marijuana.
Darn hippies. Can't take them anyplace...
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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Fortunately, they also laughed it off. And we've already scheduled a return trip for 2016, with more Baja newbies interested in joining us.
When we start planning I'll remind them: leave the patchouli home. (Citronella seems ok)
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8946
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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I'm sorry about the run-in you had at the military checkpoint. I have had my share, and it gets old real fast.
The tip about cleaning out your floor mats is a great one. But, if an inspector is going to mess with you, they usually do, because there isn't much
else for them to do all day. Good to hear that Baja wins!
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ADCELAND
Junior Nomad
Posts: 31
Registered: 2-27-2013
Member Is Offline
Mood: in love with Baja
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Thank's David for this photo and how to describe your trip.... It's a long time that I don't go to Alfonsinas.... I am little surprised for the
accomodation on the beach..... 
[Edited on 8-3-2015 by ADCELAND]
"WD-40, vice grips and some duct tape.
Any man who is worth his salt, can do half of the house chores with just those three things"
Walt Kowalski - Gran Torino
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64846
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The motel on the beach at Alfonsina's has been there over 16 years. It is a great location!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64846
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke | I'm sorry about the run-in you had at the military checkpoint. I have had my share, and it gets old real fast.
The tip about cleaning out your floor mats is a great one. But, if an inspector is going to mess with you, they usually do, because there isn't much
else for them to do all day. Good to hear that Baja wins! |
Baja ALWAYS wins!   
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dizzyspots
Senior Nomad
Posts: 603
Registered: 9-22-2008
Location: Mescal AZ
Member Is Offline
Mood: rather be on the beach at Gonzaga
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Thanks again Dave for an excellent report...headed back down to GB this weekend to help a buddy service his solar system...then again for a fall trip
in October...food has always been great at Alfonsina's...seems like the pavement brought higher prices...but when ya spend $20 for a couple of #2
meals at the golden arches..shrimp and cold cervezas ON THE BEACH doesnt seem so bad...safe travels Amigo!
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JoeJustJoe
Banned
Posts: 21045
Registered: 9-9-2010
Location: Occupied Aztlan
Member Is Offline
Mood: Mad as hell
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| Quote: Originally posted by Chupacabra | | Quote: Originally posted by David K | At the time it seemed very real that he was setting me up. What does a non-smoker do when the guy with a machine gun is saying that's marijuana? I
wish I could have punched him in the face for the stress he put on me and Baja Angel!
|
Awesome trip report!
Most Americans don't know that posession of personal amounts of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and even heroin have been legal in Mexico since
2009.
So if a bored Army guy is fooling around with you again, don't sweat it!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/world/americas/21mexico.ht... |
You could still be arrested if a Mexican cop finds marijuana, nothing has really changed, if a cop see with with marijuana, you could be arrested.
Now convictions is another matter, if you have a small amount of marijuana, less than about 5 grams, or about four joints, or coke, less than 500 mg,
or about four lines. The judge will determine, if the drugs were for personal use or if you're using the drugs for trafficking and distribution, and
what he determines decides if your walk or not. The drug conviction rate is very low in Mexico.
If the judge determined the drugs are for personal use, you were be directed to drug treatment centers, but you're not forced to seek drug treatment
at this point, but you will get the information.
There are some people out there, giving false information, claiming that if you're an American, caught with any drug, regardless of the amount, that
you will be sent to prison, because you're an American, and not a Mexican citizen with roots in the country and therefore, you could not complete a
drug treatment program.....so off to jail for you!
That's wrong, there is nothing out there that says, Americans are treated different than Mexicans if caught with drugs. Although, if you're going to
do drugs, do it one side of the border or the other, don't get caught crossing the border with any amount of drugs.
I believe it's not until the 3rd arrest, that Mexicans caught with small amount of drugs, are directed or forced into drug treatment.
Since 2009 I have always wondered about this law, because I see people and hear of people in Mexico still getting arrested for a small amount of
drugs, although it's has been decriminalized for years.
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StuckSucks
Super Nomad
Posts: 2323
Registered: 10-17-2013
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | He then takes a cigarette lighter out of his pocket and lights the tiny object, and it smokes, and he says “Marijuana!” To which I state very clearly,
no marijuana, I don’t smoke cigarettes or marijuana”.
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HOLY CRAP! Sobering story! What scares me is that my floor mats look like yours - always covered with rocks and sticks and sand and pieces of plants.
Whatever lives in Baja seems to get tracked into my truck. And carrying a hand-held shop vac is not an option - I'll have to take what they throw at
me.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5900
Registered: 7-18-2011
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Dude, we just covered a lot of the same ground! Got back today. Thanks for the report. That San Ignacio check point can be a pain sometimes. I had
a soldier do the same thing to me years ago, saying I had a small speck of mota on my floor mat. I didn't think he was kidding, but he eventually did
let us go.
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ncampion
Super Nomad
Posts: 1238
Registered: 4-15-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
Mood: Retired and Loving it
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It seems that the San Ignacio check is always the most thorough. Don't think we have ever gotten a "wave through" Northbound and they always look
everywhere. They usually stop Southbound for at least a little chat. They probably don't realize that a joke about dope strikes fear in the heart of
most gringos.
Living Large in Loreto. Off-grid and happy.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64846
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks | | Quote: Originally posted by David K | He then takes a cigarette lighter out of his pocket and lights the tiny object, and it smokes, and he says “Marijuana!” To which I state very clearly,
no marijuana, I don’t smoke cigarettes or marijuana”.
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HOLY CRAP! Sobering story! What scares me is that my floor mats look like yours - always covered with rocks and sticks and sand and pieces of plants.
Whatever lives in Baja seems to get tracked into my truck. And carrying a hand-held shop vac is not an option - I'll have to take what they throw at
me. |
I recommend taking out the floor mats (if you have them) and shaking the gravel, shell bits, weed pieces (not necessarily marijuana weed) from the
driver's (and passenger's) feet area. Your shoes do track in EVERYTHING you walked over, including somebody else's dropped buds (or whatever the dope
smokers call it)! A small hand broom or brush to sweep out the floorboard is a good idea. Keeping our Tacomas clean on the inside is not a bad thing!
| Quote: Originally posted by Ateo | Dude, we just covered a lot of the same ground! Got back today. Thanks for the report. That San Ignacio check point can be a pain sometimes. I had
a soldier do the same thing to me years ago, saying I had a small speck of mota on my floor mat. I didn't think he was kidding, but he eventually did
let us go.
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Dude, what's a haps? Yes, I saw your Laguna Chapala photo and it would have been fun to bump into you guys! It's been awhile since we talked at the
Chevron on Emerald! Did you get a new Toyota since then? We need a Viva Baja party again so we can socialize north of the border!
| Quote: Originally posted by ncampion | | It seems that the San Ignacio check is always the most thorough. Don't think we have ever gotten a "wave through" Northbound and they always look
everywhere. They usually stop Southbound for at least a little chat. They probably don't realize that a joke about dope strikes fear in the heart of
most gringos. |
I was more annoyed that he claimed I was not being truthful. He began with "Marijuana?" before he had me get out. Maybe my eyes were red after
sleeping in that room at Rice & Beans???
When he picked up that tiny thing and then lit it, well I was then concerned he could plant dope on my truck in order to confiscate it. Everyone in
Mexico wants an Off Road 4x4 Toyota, right?  
I have not had a problem there before. The Loreto area checkpoint, northbound was always more serious (to me).
Sorry we missed you at the hot rod show in Vista, yesterday! If you are still in the area tomorrow, give me a call or u2u.
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
Member Is Online
Mood: Retireded
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Maybe it was training day!
For me at least, the most thorough inspection I went through with three trips to La Paz over three years, was at Gonzaga! (includes US as well) This
was just before thanksgiving 2014 headed north.
They weren't messing with me, it was polite, professional, and even friendly, but thorough! One of the soldiers even volunteered to hold my dog's
leash while I dug into the trailer.
I wish I had a picture of that, a soldier with an M-16 on his shoulder holding my 15 year old dog on a short leash like she was part of the search
team! Oh, by the way, she did not find anything for them.
Sorry for the hijack Dave, now back to your trip!
[Edited on 8-4-2015 by AKgringo]
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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