Even a single .22 bullet rattling around under the seat will get you arrested!
How bad, really?
- Thread starter BreckenridgeCruiser
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Baja 1000 is in mid Nov. and there will be hundreds of people pouring over the boarder to support the race and the racers. I love Baja. Just don't be a dick and scoot as far south sout of the boarder as you can on day1.
Dynosoar
Dynosoar
gun? not only arrested and in a brutal mexican prison for a bit at the mercy of the system, cucarachas, crooked judges, and horny cellmates 
but I think the vehicle is also automatically confiscated... Not for me, thanks... Machetes are cool though... 
as far as the switch is concerned, well sure that will help to prevent thefts when you're not around, but if it's a highjacker it might be best not to try the ole "it's not starting" routine if you value your extremities...
One thing I did many many years ago when I did a cross country trip down there with a newish van was to throw a bunch of dirt and mud on it in my yard so it looked old and in terrible condition from far away...
but I think the vehicle is also automatically confiscated... Not for me, thanks... Machetes are cool though... as far as the switch is concerned, well sure that will help to prevent thefts when you're not around, but if it's a highjacker it might be best not to try the ole "it's not starting" routine if you value your extremities...
One thing I did many many years ago when I did a cross country trip down there with a newish van was to throw a bunch of dirt and mud on it in my yard so it looked old and in terrible condition from far away...
Best to stay off the Hwy all together on race day.
I'll echo it again. No guns or ammunition. If you shoot a lot, or even a little; check your rig for any casings or rounds...like a couple of folks said, even one round will put you in a very crappy Mexican jail for a long time.
Now, if you want to hunt in Mexico, there are legal ways of importing both rifles and ammunition in limited quantities. Permits run about $450.00 and it's much easier to go through a Mexican licensed guide service for the paperwork. Even if you're fluent in Spanish this can be a heck of a process.
As for Baja Norte/Sur, I'd have no problems taking my wife and 4 year old down Baja now. It's a good idea to not hang out in the border zones, and generally keep a good situational awareness about. I usually try to be at least 125 miles down from the border (San Felipe...I like Pete's Camp for the first night) before stopping.
On the mainland side, I would still take the family; however, I'd likely stay off the "back-o-beyond" routes that run directly through drug smuggling areas...which I will run on my own, but only during the daytime. This, along with using some local contacts to verify the current security situation, and the willingness to change my plans usually goes a long way.
Hmm...likely getting a new Cruiser here pretty soon....may be time to head South and dispel some rumors....
-H-
Now, if you want to hunt in Mexico, there are legal ways of importing both rifles and ammunition in limited quantities. Permits run about $450.00 and it's much easier to go through a Mexican licensed guide service for the paperwork. Even if you're fluent in Spanish this can be a heck of a process.
As for Baja Norte/Sur, I'd have no problems taking my wife and 4 year old down Baja now. It's a good idea to not hang out in the border zones, and generally keep a good situational awareness about. I usually try to be at least 125 miles down from the border (San Felipe...I like Pete's Camp for the first night) before stopping.
On the mainland side, I would still take the family; however, I'd likely stay off the "back-o-beyond" routes that run directly through drug smuggling areas...which I will run on my own, but only during the daytime. This, along with using some local contacts to verify the current security situation, and the willingness to change my plans usually goes a long way.
Hmm...likely getting a new Cruiser here pretty soon....may be time to head South and dispel some rumors....
-H-
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Hmm...likely getting a new Cruiser here pretty soon....may be time to head South and dispel some rumors....
-H-
That's the spirit!
I know we got a solid military shakedown at least twice while we were down there, it was pretty scary and we weren't even carrying anything illegal like gubs or ammo. I couldn't imagine the consequences of getting caught. I'm not sure what my friend's dad was thinking. Perhaps he bought a permit, I would hope so considering he owns several gun stores here in the states.
We went down there in the spring with our 10 month old son; no problems, nothing but great people. People who, incidentally, are hurting pretty bad financially because everyone is staying away. Such a shame, it is a great place. We stayed on a beach in Concepcion for four days and only one other couple came by for one night. Had the place to ourselves and did not pay a dime. We made up for it by buying some stuff from the hawkers who made the rounds every once in a while.
We had our HJ61 down there with us and yes it draws more attention, particularly at the check stops but it was just idle curiosity. Between the RHD truck and the boy we always had a topic of conversation with the people we met.
As for overtaking, it was not an issue. Most times the trucks were passing us or we just kicked back and enjoyed the drive until an opportunity presented itself. If you have been driving RHD for a while you know what I mean, wait for a curve that gives you a good look at the road ahead and then drop back and inch out to see if anything is coming etc. Just take you time, follow the rules above and enjoy.
We had our HJ61 down there with us and yes it draws more attention, particularly at the check stops but it was just idle curiosity. Between the RHD truck and the boy we always had a topic of conversation with the people we met.
As for overtaking, it was not an issue. Most times the trucks were passing us or we just kicked back and enjoyed the drive until an opportunity presented itself. If you have been driving RHD for a while you know what I mean, wait for a curve that gives you a good look at the road ahead and then drop back and inch out to see if anything is coming etc. Just take you time, follow the rules above and enjoy.
- Thread starter
- #33
I was wondering about the overtaking thing as people here in Denver drive like manics! I don't overtake often, and when I do, I do just as you said... take it easy and wait for the good times. As far as my RHD comfort, I drive mine daily... even sold my other car as this is all I need.
Oh, and how easy is it to find relaible diesel?
So... Here is the plan so far. Any insight would be very appreciated.
Drive form denver just after Christmas to the texas border. Cross at dark thirty in the morning and get as far south as possible. I am trying to get to SMA pretty fast if possible so major highway all of the time. After the visit, drive to Mazatlan and take the ferry to Baja Sur. Surf and drive my way up and get within a days drive of the border and then do the same so I can cross in early afernoon.
Any ideas?
Oh, and how easy is it to find relaible diesel?
So... Here is the plan so far. Any insight would be very appreciated.
Drive form denver just after Christmas to the texas border. Cross at dark thirty in the morning and get as far south as possible. I am trying to get to SMA pretty fast if possible so major highway all of the time. After the visit, drive to Mazatlan and take the ferry to Baja Sur. Surf and drive my way up and get within a days drive of the border and then do the same so I can cross in early afernoon.
Any ideas?
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No problem with good diesel-all the big rigs use it so usually it is fine.
Your plan sounds perfect, just take enough time. The distances are great.
For your return it is easy to stay in St. Quintin and drive up to the border-it will be about 5 hours. and calculate another 2 at the border itself.
should be a great trip, I'll be there between christmas and new year as well.
cheers,
J
As a full time resident in Baja Sur, and having lived in North Baja for 2yrs, with time spent on Mainland, The best advice i can give to anyone no matter the crime risk is don't be Stupid.. you can avoid a lot of pain and suffering if you're respectful, drug and gun free. The Baja i can speak for really is an incredible place. And the Crime as a whole is scarce assuming your car does not come to a complete stop in TJ.
The Military checkpoints and "shakedowns" are supposed to scare you.. but why should it if you have nothing to hide. the rumor needs to be dispelled that not all "psuedo" law inforcements are out for monetary gain.. Especially the military... Though the naive American gringo act works really well if you do come across a cop looking for a "mordida", Bribe.
But seriously its not an issue i can say for the Baja, in regards to Highway bandidos/highjackings and the like, I talk to people all the time about there trips up and down the Baja. and including mine, its nothing but a good time and some great photo ops,(of your rock crawler). If you want added protection, Get a dog. Any actual dog that will make a fuss. I have two Belgian Shpeherds, we've never had a problem..
Use your head.. and thats anywhere. ive felt more stressed trying to find parking in the downtown LA fashion district then i ever had in my 4 yrs on the Baja.
And if you DO like to listen to everything the media says and you DO believe them. Then you need to see for yourself and stop telling everyone thats how it is.. So Props to all who have the gumption to ask, what the Baja is really Like?
So with that said id rather die in "Baja" then live in {fill in the Blank} !
The Military checkpoints and "shakedowns" are supposed to scare you.. but why should it if you have nothing to hide. the rumor needs to be dispelled that not all "psuedo" law inforcements are out for monetary gain.. Especially the military... Though the naive American gringo act works really well if you do come across a cop looking for a "mordida", Bribe.
But seriously its not an issue i can say for the Baja, in regards to Highway bandidos/highjackings and the like, I talk to people all the time about there trips up and down the Baja. and including mine, its nothing but a good time and some great photo ops,(of your rock crawler). If you want added protection, Get a dog. Any actual dog that will make a fuss. I have two Belgian Shpeherds, we've never had a problem..
Use your head.. and thats anywhere. ive felt more stressed trying to find parking in the downtown LA fashion district then i ever had in my 4 yrs on the Baja.
And if you DO like to listen to everything the media says and you DO believe them. Then you need to see for yourself and stop telling everyone thats how it is.. So Props to all who have the gumption to ask, what the Baja is really Like?
So with that said id rather die in "Baja" then live in {fill in the Blank} !
- Thread starter
- #36
I have a dog that does not look fierce, but she's black and big and when the windows are closed she could be a rottweiler. In addition... my girlfriend does have a rottie she may bring along!
How is the ferry from Mazatalan to La Paz. Also, what is the story with the bribes? I was planning on playing the unknowing tourist that doesn't carry much cash... that's what credit cards are for, right?
Last question (that I could probably find out by more interweb searching) but what is the cell phone coverage like?
It seems like a good trip... if I can get my truck in order in time (engine build and new transmission), it will be really fun.
K
How is the ferry from Mazatalan to La Paz. Also, what is the story with the bribes? I was planning on playing the unknowing tourist that doesn't carry much cash... that's what credit cards are for, right?
Last question (that I could probably find out by more interweb searching) but what is the cell phone coverage like?
It seems like a good trip... if I can get my truck in order in time (engine build and new transmission), it will be really fun.
K
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Just depends on what part of mexico you go to, but it is getting bad down there. I heard over 5000 murders this year from the drug wars going on, and this article backs that up, it was written in March of this year.
Mexico's drug wars rage out of control | World news | The Guardian
Mexico's drug wars rage out of control | World news | The Guardian
RufusTheDufus
SILVER Star
I'm thinking about going to Crested Butte, CO but I'm concerned about the murder rate in Detroit. There's a lot of murders in Detroit. I'm not driving anywhere near Detroit but I'm still concerned for my safety. Do you think it's safe in Crested Butte because so many drug related murders are happening in Detroit?
Credit cards won't get you very far, but the atm cards work (in the very few ATMs between la paz and ensenada). Cell phone coverage only in the cities.
J
Jesus, after all this thread such a comment?
No one doubts that the gangs kill each other in TJ and Juarez.
j
