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oldjack
Nomad
Posts: 350
Registered: 1-26-2006
Location: Los Barriles
Member Is Offline
Mood: retired
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Los Barriles to Boise... Ouch!
Just finished a LOOOOOONG drive back to Boise from Los Barriles.... biggest problem was watching the kids at the military checkpoints from helping
themselves to my stuff... 5/6 checkpoints... only one did not insist on a "regala"... the road was in good condition and gas readily available... only
one station(that is "closed" by the feds) was a problem... the attendant tried to cut the flow early and insisted he hadn't... luckily the Police were
there and I called them over and the issue was taken care of quickly with me getting the last 100p of gas....
This is the first time I have driven down and back from Boise... 3.5 days @ 12 hr./day.... don't recommend it unless you need to... tried to come
back thru Otay... protesters had the crossing completly closed down... had to backtrack to TJ and then there was the gun incident.... thursday evening
took 2 hours to cross once in line....
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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I am hearing this
more and more about the pushy soldiers at the checkpoints, including some outright lightfingering.
What checkpoints seemed to be the worst? I am headed down in about two weeks.
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Debra
Super Nomad
Posts: 2101
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
Member Is Offline
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I too have heard this over and over again, (never experienced it) I have been driving down from Seattle 1,2 sometimes 3 times per year most often with
just myself and my young son (now 12) for the last 5 years. I have NEVER been treated with anything but the utmost respect. I've never been searched
more than to open the back and thump the tires (now that I think about it, that has only happend when I've had someone with me), always sent off with
a "Buenos dios" (nochas, tardes) Senora, have a safe trip" and a smile. I hate to admit this (Mike H. will get me!), but, I think I must bring to
mind their own mother (or in most cases, their Grandmother!) 
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64946
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Yes, we HEAR this a lot... But, few of us 'Baja Regulars' have any problems.
Sure it can happen... When a camera was lifted at the checkpoint that used to be near the Punta San Carlos junction south of El Rosario... Antonio
(BajaCactus) took it upon himself to do the detective work. I was with him when we stopped at the base in San Quintin to meet with the C.O. ...
The camera was recovered, and Antonio contacted the owner to provide a serial number or some proof of ownership to get it released. The mal soldado is
probably stationed on Isla Guadalupe or worse!
A few bad manzanos don't spoil the bunch...
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened?
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Don Alley
Super Nomad
Posts: 1997
Registered: 12-4-2003
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Roberto
Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened? |
I sure can't say what David is thinking (grin)...but:
".... biggest problem was watching the kids at the military checkpoints from helping themselves to my stuff... 5/6 checkpoints... only one did not
insist on a "regala"... "
I don't doubt that things happen. But these are more problems in one trip than I have had going back and forth, up and down Mexico 1 for several
years. "Kids" plural at "checkpoints" plural "helping themselves." And "insist?" Yeah, ONCE a soldier asked me for some soda. A couple of times a
soldier asked if they could BUY one of our two flashlights. So I'm skeptical, or perhaps things have really deteriorated since my last trip?
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Frank
Senior Nomad
Posts: 861
Registered: 6-5-2005
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Is it time to leave yet?
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Lets hope not Don, I heading down in 29 days 12 hours and 15 minutes. In fact last time down they were pretty much all business. This year Im going
to push the envelope and get them to pose for pictures 
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losfrailes
Senior Nomad
Posts: 577
Registered: 11-16-2004
Location: Ejido San Lucas near Santa Rosalia
Member Is Offline
Mood: Good!
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I make several trips up and down from near Santa Rosalia to San Diego each year. It is part of life as lived down here.
On the trip from San Diego into Baja the only military checkpoint that ever stops me is at outside San Ignacio, about 50 miles north of Santa Rosalia.
All of the other checkpoints simply wave you thru on the way south. That has been my own personal experience.
On the way north, the checkpoints will check what you have in your vehicle, including opening your suitcases, thumping tire wells, every possible
hiding place for drugs. If you demonstrate a patient watchful attitude they are usually done very quickly and wave you on with a smile.
I have never been approached for a gift of any sort, nor has anything ever come up missing after passing thru these checkpoints. At times I have
given the soldiers at the checkpoint north of Guerrero Negro extra grapes, or other fruit purchased on the trip since they are confiscated at the
checkpoint at Guerrero Negro anyway.
Do not be overly concerned about the honesty of the soldiers at the checkpoints. They are required to do the checks and are doing their jobs.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
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we never have a problem either....
the weiner dogs guard the truck
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64946
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Roberto
Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened? |
You need to read the entire post, not just the first line:
"Yes, we HEAR this a lot... But, few of us 'Baja Regulars' have any problems.
Sure it can happen... When a camera was lifted at the checkpoint that used to be near the Punta San Carlos junction south of El Rosario... Antonio
(BajaCactus) took it upon himself to do the detective work. I was with him when we stopped at the base in San Quintin to meet with the C.O. ...
The camera was recovered, and Antonio contacted the owner to provide a serial number or some proof of ownership to get it released. The mal soldado is
probably stationed on Isla Guadalupe or worse!
A few bad manzanos don't spoil the bunch... "
You will note that I said "Sure it can happen..." and I even put an example of a time I knew it happened...
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Don Alley
Super Nomad
Posts: 1997
Registered: 12-4-2003
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Frank
Lets hope not Don, I heading down in 29 days 12 hours and 15 minutes. In fact last time down they were pretty much all business. This year Im going
to push the envelope and get them to pose for pictures
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In that picture I posted, the soldier is telling me NO PHOTOS!.
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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David, I read the entire post (why would you think differently), and you just repeated it, but my question is still there - what are you saying?
I don't want to get into an argument over this one, but I still don't understand your point. I have not had problems either, but apparently others do,
and reporting that fact doesn't change anything.
What are you saying?
[Edited on 5-24-2006 by Roberto]
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pacificobob
Super Nomad
Posts: 2312
Registered: 4-23-2006
Member Is Offline
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scary tale
i love it...for every tale of banditos and evil army and police staff...there are a dozen gringos who will elect to stay in the very safe u.s.a.!
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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What I hear David K saying is--------
--------"yeah, stuff sometimes does happen, but it is pretty rare, so do not let these reports frighten you---just take normal precautions".
In 50 years I have NEVER had a problem at a check point in Mexico--------but of course, that is just MY experience.
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
Member Is Offline
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Well, someone got the Naproxin Sodium and Ibuprofin. And it weren't a weenie dog!
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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If they actually climb into my vehicle-----
-----which is very rare, but does happen occasionally, I ONLY let one soldier in at a time, keeping all other doors locked, and I watch him like a
hawk!! getting into the vehicle with him (no matter what they say---playing dumb if I have too), and staying close----------I consider that taking
"normal precautions".
Occasionally they want to buy one of my "goodies", but I always laughingly refuse to sell them anything.
I NEVER reward any of them with any "gifts" (bribes?).
I will NOT let them in my camper with their long-guns----I do not want my windows broken by mistake, especially the rear window which is really
vulnerable. They grudgingly comply.
They are always friendly and professional, and I have never even seen a hint of resentment, tho they do seem amused by my precautions sometimes, which
we both laugh about.
I treat the USA border guards the same way, when returning to the USA---------never had a problem.
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eetdrt88
Senior Nomad
Posts: 986
Registered: 2-20-2005
Location: Az/Ca/Baja
Member Is Offline
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heard alot of stories,not sure which ones are true....one guy told me he got caught at a chckpoint with about 5 lbs of weed and got off for just 2o
bucks...seems unlikely but then again baja can be a pretty wild and wacky place
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64946
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Barry, you got it just fine (as I am sure most did)...
"What I hear David K saying is--------
--------"yeah, stuff sometimes does happen, but it is pretty rare, so do not let these reports frighten you---just take normal precautions".
In 50 years I have NEVER had a problem at a check point in Mexico--------but of course, that is just MY experience.
==============================================
If not a personal attack, then why isn't Roberto questioning Bob and Susan who didn't add that it happens (as I did).... Here's what they said: "we
never have a problem either...."
[Edited on 5-25-2006 by David K]
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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David, have I ever been shy about attacking you personally? I don't think I leave too much doubt when I do.
I didn't comment on anyone else's input because I had asked YOU a question.
So, this has nothing to do with "personal attacks", just looking for clarification. You have made statements similar to this before, and it is not
clear to me what you mean.
Personally, I take an approach similar to Barry.
1. I always speak nothing but Spanish.
2. I never give them anything.
3. If they ask to buy something, I say no. If they insist I get peeed, and ask to speak to the Jefe.
4. I watch them like a hawk - and make it clear that's what I'm doing. If I'm alone, I keep all doors locked, and open one at a time.
5. All music, radios, games, chit-chat stops - this is all business.
6. While I am completely courteous and polite, these guys are not my buddies, and I don't pretend they are. I also make it clear there is a line that
is not to be crossed, and asking for gifts or buying my stuff, or asking how much it costs crosses it.
This approach has worked for me so far, but just telling someone who has experienced problems what you replied in your first post is hardly providing
help or information.
Does that help to clarify my question David?
[Edited on 5-25-2006 by Roberto]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64946
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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"Does that help to clarify my question David?"
Nope, not a bit...
Here was your post after mine:
"Not sure what you're saying David. The man reported something he encountered. Are you doubting it happened?"
How in the world would you get that I doubted anything with my post??
Again... Here is just the first part of my post:
"Yes, we HEAR this a lot... But, few of us 'Baja Regulars' have any problems.
Sure it can happen... "
Sure it can happen...
I repeated the last four words for you Roberto, can you see it?
Does that look like I doubted it happened??
Let's move on, okay paisano?  
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