Date:         Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:13:38 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: (LVC)Fw: MSNBC.com Article: Tourists shun crime-hit Mexico
              beaches
Comments: To: Rob <becida@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2008011319583969@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Both articles are from the same source. The tiny "newspaper" owned by
this woman is controversial for it's editorial slant and isn't anything
like what we would consider a fair or balanced news source. These Baja
incidents did occur but the notion that drug lords are over taking the
place is hyperbole. Baja is a very large place and these incidents are
from a very small part of it that I have avoided for many years, other
than sometimes driving through it on my way to real Baja.

I have been to Baja over 100 times including several times in the last
few months and after these stories appeared. I camp on beaches a lot
with my wife. Often times we are alone or nearly so. I would not do this
if I felt it was too risky but we are careful about where we spend our
time. I also would not do it on the northern Pacific shore or in the
touristy Tijuana/Ensenada areas. The rare carjackings in the north are
targeting expensive vehicles that are nothing like Vanagons and Westys.

I know lots of people are staying away from Baja out of fear that they
could be victims. There is real danger there just like there is
everywhere. The danger is mostly in the border areas and not where most
of us would camp in any case. Driving in daylight hours has been
recommended for years and still is the best idea. Once you get past the
northern border zone there is close to 1000 miles of mostly beauty on
the way to Cabo San Lucas and there are many beaches where I would be
happy to camp without fear.

Mark

Rob wrote:
> At  1/13/2008 04:06 PM, Bernie wrote:
>> Interesting article by an American woman who lives and writes on the
>> Baja,
>> she should know what is happening.
>>
>>
>> http://www.mexidata.info/id1634.html
>
> That was a good article and it leads to others.
>
> http://www.gringogazettenorth.com/v6e20_09.php
> "Whatever the case, it is clear that these masked commandos are
> taking over Baja."
>
> War Lords controlling Baja? Cartels ruling the lawless lands south of
> the Border?
> It sounds silly sitting here on this January afternoon but a VW
> camping trip to Baja is one of those things I've always wanted to
> do.  Not sure if I want to deal with War Lords to do it.  Maybe it's
> just hype? <Shrug>, maybe I'm just getting old?
> Maybe I should save this for when I'm ready to head for Baja?
>
>
>
> Rob
>
> becida@comcast.net
> Western Washington State, USA
>