Kidnappings (Baja) of U.S. Citizens on Rise

[jackie m]

I searched to see if this has already been posted and did not find it.

From the article:

“While the FBI wouldn't say what the ransom demands are, or how often they're paid, agents said money is driving the increase."

Kidnappings of U.S.Citizens on Rise

We've discussed trailoring down to Baja here before and asked the question "Is it safe?". Just one more article suggesting "Maybe not." I posted another article some months ago from Surfer Magazine about a group of surfers who were attacked - "Surfers Attacked in Tijuana" here http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... ght=jackie.

jackie m

[dennisneal]

In 1995 I drove down Hwy 1 to Guerro Negro, about 400 miles south of the US border. I'll never do it again. I wanted to see the whales at Scammon's Lagoon. The whales were wonderful. The highway was frightening, very narrow and very winding.

Mexican semi's would take their half of the road right out of the middle. Guardrails were rarely used and I saw many vehicles that had fallen over the side of the road into deep ravines. The common advice was to travel only during daylight hours. And, travel in a caravan, if possible.

Perhaps things have improved. Yet, I read stories of bandits, rapists, hijackers, etc.

If you must go, my advice would be to fly, and leave your boat at home.

Dennis

[richandlori]

http://www.sailblogs.com/member/svthird ... sgID=45172

Check out my web blog, just dove from San Diego to La Paz 2400miles round trip with my family during Christmas break and had an absolute blast! The roads were great (50% freshly paved in the last year) and the people were without a doubt nicer than most I encounter every day here in the States.

More people are killed in any Major US Big city....but it is good copy to play up the "Mexican death squads" in the Drive-by Media.


In my humble opinion...the Mac was MADE for the Sea of Cortez!

Rich Boren
S/V THIRD DAY
www.pearson365.com
><(((0>

[Bransher]

jackie m, how about a bigger picture of your crew shown in the Avatar picture.

I have two Bichons.

[Love MACs]

I have two "Bichons", myself. One is the Admiral and one is our Lab! (Did I just type that?)

[jackie m]

Will this one do?



jackie m

[Idle Time]

They all look like they love the boat and the camera....great little buddies...dont know how you manage with 4 ..we only have a Jack Russell (Ruby) and a Party Poodle (Raisin) and that's a handful at a dock.

[bastonjock]

i count 5 westies?,i thought i was mad with 3 Schnauzers

[Chinook]

As preparations for our 2 month cruise on the Sea of Cortez enter final phase, I'm pleased to see the turn this thread has taken. From my reading, it seems problems have been concentrated on the Tijuana/Ensenada area. This is part of the reason we're planning on crossing at Nogales and taking the toll road south to San Carlos, then sailing across to Baja. This is a route that the Tuscon Sailing Club routinely takes. Their excellent web page and related links contain great info and enticing pictures. We've received much help from that source, and particularly from Herm Beeck, contributor to this site. Thanks, Herm.

[Divecoz]

Chinook : That's a great sit btw . As for the bandits of Mexico??
There maybe its a 3rd world country but shock scare fright . . they all SEL papers and Radio time!
Howard Stern is a Multi Millionaire because we seem to love SHOCK!
A LOT More than Quality.... sad to say isn't it......

[Divecoz]

I went back and read that clipping real slow, and its about Mexicans !!
Very very little is said about tourist. Though at one point without totally ruining the shock value of his article he admits its not about tourist. Its mostly about wealthy Mexicans . Mexicans on this side with family on that side . Mexicans married to Americans and that is not to say they are not naturalized Americans or first generation USA Mexicans.
This is not the Cisco Kid and Poncho coming down out of the hills on horse back or in Monte Carlos and chasing you down a dusty road while your towing the Mac! This is as it states . . . .Long Planned Organized Well Thought Out.. That precludes any spur-of-the-moment snatch and grabs that the head line suggest.

[richandlori]

http://www.bajainsider.com/

The Baja Insider is a must read for anyone planning a Baja trip.

[royhud]

Everyone can read into the headlines of this posting whatever they want. It's true you have a better chance of being killed in US cities, but when in Mexico you are guilty until proven innocent. If you are in an automobile accident, you may go to jail for quite some time until things are sorted out, so I was always advised by Mexicans to run away from an accident. I have driven both sides of Mexico all the way to Central America, once on a motorcycle and I used to stay in Bahia de Los Angeles down in Baja and camp for weeks at a time. The boating and fishing were amazing, a paradise for sure, but I now would rather not take that adventure or chance the possible trouble in Mexico. The majority of Mexicans are wonderful people, but get caught in the wrong situation and it's not the USA. Don't expect a get out of jail card, nor, can one arm himself in Mexico. It was many years ago, but I had a female friend who was kidnapped for about a week, and 3 Mexicans pretty much did whatever they wanted, but they didn't kill her. No, I like the USA and go to Florida or our wonderful southern states. I know it's a long way for western boaters, but it's the USA. Just my opinion.

[jackie m]

You are correct, bostonjack. That photo shows five. Unfortunately, I lost my sweet friend and oldest westie in 2006. She loved being on the water and especially loved going kayaking. I still miss her. She's the one sitting at the top of the "pyramid." We have four now and that's my husband in the boat with them.

I have more images of boating/sailing with westies here http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d156/jmsailing/ (the different folders are referenced on the left margin).

There are four in this picture. Can you find them?



jackie m

[bastonjock]

yes i can see the 4 of them,they are well camofladged against the shore,i have a 4th dog,a labrador X,he is too big to take on the boat,id never be able to lift him if he fell in.