Ski Baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Rosarito Beach
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Baja Driving
On my trip back north from Requeson, I guess about 12 hours driving time, I almost wrecked. Somewhere south of San Vicente, there was a car in front
of me and a car behind me.
Nighttime. We were on a sweeping curve to the right and a car was coming at us. The oncoming vehicle passed into our lane after passing the car in
front of me and I moved over to the right as far as possible.
Unfortunately, the road dropped off about 2 feet and my right rear wheel went off.
Now, I am stuck with my axle dragging on the edge of the road and headed for a " curve" sign. I hit the gas and tried to get back on the road
without loosing control.
Just before the sign, the van got traction and I swerved back onto the road but now going sideways. Somehow or other I got the "fishtailing " under
control and was headed in the right direction still.
There is nothing quite like driving sideways on a Mexican highway. I have a feeling the car behind me had as big a mess in their pants as I did.
This whole ten hours of my experience in my mind took a total of about 2 minutes. Fortunately, time slows down under pressure so you are able to see
the last minutes of your life in slow motion.
I drive Mex 1 a lot. I was trying to get home because I was so close compared to where I had been. "San Vicente, that's a day trip".
Almost ended mine and my dogs lives. Fortunately, I was one of the few to have survived this same scene. Many people don't. Tiredness, wanting to
get home, and stupidity are the main reason for accidents in Baja. This trip, I was guilty of all three.
Just thought I would try and save some lives.
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frizkie
Nomad
Posts: 293
Registered: 9-29-2003
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada & El Chorro, Baja Sur
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Mood: tranquilo
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Yikes!!!!!!...........Scary!!
Oh My God !! I'm so glad you're okay, JR!!
Thank you, for the "wake-up" call. I, for one, needed that.
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Juan
Junior Nomad
Posts: 76
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Olympic Peninsula and Baja Sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: Life is good.
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Fishtail
JR, I had the fishtail experience going south, between Guerro Negro and San Ignacio, last winter. Almost killed a friend and myself. Driving too
fast (about 70), tired and talking rather than concentrating on the road. Very scary.
Take care on your journeys, best wishes.
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Ski Baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Rosarito Beach
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Hair raising
Thank you my friend, as you know it is quite the hair raising experience. I think in the future I will do things a little differently as far as
trying to get home in a hurry.
This is not the vehicle to be sideways on a Mexican highway in!
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Ski -
I had a very similar experience heading south early one morning on one of the "fooler" curves just north of San Vicente. In a Jeep 2 wheel drive, I
entered a curve at what I thought was a safe speed. The curve tightened I corrected. Unfortunately, the suspension on the Jeep was soft and it
rolled a bit. The fishtailing started and I added gas. Got it under control, but not before coming within a hairs breadth of losing it completely.
Must have been a real nightmare having it happen at night with an oncoming car.
Glad you are home safe and sound!
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LaTijereta
Super Nomad
Posts: 1192
Registered: 8-27-2003
Location: Loreto
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Stay on the road!
Ski, Don't get to close to the edge
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Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: N/A
Registered: N/A
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HOLY GUACAMOLE, BATMAN!!!
Nice boat!
What happened??
egl
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Ski Baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Rosarito Beach
Member Is Offline
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Craperoonies
And I thought I was a shakin !! You got a story to go with that Tijerita ?
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sdwindansea
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 2-12-2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Member Is Offline
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Boat Picture
The picture that LaTijereta of the truck hanging by the hitch actually happened on the road to Big Bear, California. However, it is an amazing
picture
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