Some friends of mine want us to go down to Rocky Point in Mexcio. We will drive thru Arizona and across the border and to Rocky Point for a weekend..... I wont drive thru Tiajuana anymore to get to Ensanada. I dont feel it is safe. How is it over there driving across the border? I hear it is safer.... It will be me, my wife and our 4 boys..... And I drive a Yukon XL Denali... Kind of draws attention. Will it be safe?
This topic is covered regularly here. The link above is one of the recent discussions. Just use the usual cautions you use when traveling. Statistically I am confident that it is as safe as driving and staying in Arizona. Those of us who live here see it every day and I don't know of anyone being subjected to violence. Lots of kids and families on the beaches.
No, it is not safe to drive anywhere or anytime. Driving is dangerous. You could have a tire explode and get into a horrific crash. You could accidentally close the hood on your head while checking the oil. You could have the gas pedal stick and go on a wild ride. There are all kinds of bad things that could happen when you drive. Do what I do; "Just say no to driving."
I am a female and drive to Penasco alone monthly for 12 years. I know several other women who drive alone and drive Cadillac Suv and Mercedes . Never a problem.
There are several carjackings in Tucson and Phoenix daily, you never get wind of it unless a child was in the car or a murder took place. In Tucson, you can count on a few murders a week, it is almost a daily routine. ( I never know any of these people)
Absolutely safe! I go down on average once per month and have for many years. I drive either my lifted F150 or Escalade; no problems ever. Enjoy yourselves!
As far as the actual drive goes, I've been going down regularly at all times of day and night for almost 25 years and never had an issue, outside of a cow or horse crossing at night, though I've seen more of those on the US side. (Sells in particular.) This even includes an 11pm flat tire change on the side of the road heading towards the border on the Mexico side in the middle of nowhere. (Lesson learned, won't be heading back that late again!) The road leading to Penasco on the Mexican side is wider and usually better maintained than on the US side.
As for your vehicle's safety, just use common sense as you would in any public place, but it's not uncommon on any given weekend to see dozens of Hummers and tricked-out H2s, Mercedes SUVs, etc. If anything, thieves down there are more likely to steal a late-model Ford, Chevy or Toyota truck for parts than a flashy new vehicle that could easily be spotted heading out of town.
AND, the nationally-sponsored Green Angels repair service actually DOES go back and forth on the Mexican side with the intent on helping any stranded autos for free. AND ANNND, while you're at it, the best local insurance service with English-speaking assistance 24-7 can be purchased cheap and easy online at http://www.proalliance.com.mx/
I was a single woman until 8 months ago and I drove to Rocky Point regularly alone for 35 years. I don't drive at night any more but I always feel safe driving down. Just do what you do at home and have a gas kill switch in your Denali. I have one in my Jeep.
Just curious-did anyone take up Dry Heave's offer to meet him in person at his gym?
no. I thought it was a great opportunity for a fellow member to enjoy a fun filled workout while getting out any frustration they may have. I was willing to meet in scottsdale or tucson (since I am Tucson a day or 2 each month). in any case I love you all and wish everyone safe travelers on their drive to penasco.
http://mmajunkie.com/news/23113/mma-fighter-sergio-salcido-killed-friend-says-mma-industry-partially-to-blame.mma
from Jet Li
"i believes that Wushu is not primarily for self-defense and instead of trying to play the hero people should think about peaceful resolutions of conflicts and call the police if necessary: "A gun outdoes years of martial arts training in a split second. Like I've said many times before, it is important to differentiate between movies and reality. The hero in movies may be able to knock the gun off his opponent and save the day, but in real life – probably that is not the case."[39] He has also stated that he has never had to use his martial arts skills in a real life fight and he does not wish to, either."
Some friends of mine want us to go down to Rocky Point in Mexcio. We will drive thru Arizona and across the border and to Rocky Point for a weekend..... I wont drive thru Tiajuana anymore to get to Ensanada. I dont feel it is safe. How is it over there driving across the border? I hear it is safer.... It will be me, my wife and our 4 boys..... And I drive a Yukon XL Denali... Kind of draws attention. Will it be safe?
I have a Yukon too, it seams the police kind of stay out off my way when Im down, maybe because they cant see in the windows. Or the fake arm hanging out of the back.:rofl:
This is a classy response from Dry Heat. I like that. I like Dry Heat!
dry heat said:
no. I thought it was a great opportunity for a fellow member to enjoy a fun filled workout while getting out any frustration they may have. I was willing to meet in scottsdale or tucson (since I am Tucson a day or 2 each month). in any case I love you all and wish everyone safe travelers on their drive to penasco.
Dry Heat. I am not trying to defile Steve but I heard something maybe you can comment on. I heard he had two close friends working for him. They both owned pigeon coops on sandy beach. I heard they all had a falling out and the guy who handled Seasides books turned on Steve. Is this true? Is it going to affect our rentals?
Some friends of mine want us to go down to Rocky Point in Mexcio. We will drive thru Arizona and across the border and to Rocky Point for a weekend..... I wont drive thru Tiajuana anymore to get to Ensanada. I dont feel it is safe. How is it over there driving across the border? I hear it is safer.... It will be me, my wife and our 4 boys..... And I drive a Yukon XL Denali... Kind of draws attention. Will it be safe?
Go thru Tecate to get to Ensenada. They have just about finished widening the road so its a real easy drive.
Thanks guys and gals.... I fell better now. I had a bad experience about 3 or 4 years ago driving thru TJ and my way to Ensanada. It was with the cops. They really scared me. I havent driven down since. We fly to Cancun but I dont drive to Ensanada anymore.
I am not worried about the safety of my vehicle just me and my family. I think we will give this a try.
Thanks guys and gals.... I fell better now. I had a bad experience about 3 or 4 years ago driving thru TJ and my way to Ensanada. It was with the cops. They really scared me. I havent driven down since. We fly to Cancun but I dont drive to Ensanada anymore.
I am not worried about the safety of my vehicle just me and my family. I think we will give this a try.
Remember when you are here, do not drive like the locals. YOU have to stop at stop signs and red lights. Should you get stopped just smile and be agreeable. In reality we have not had a problem with police harassment. It is still a small town and everybody knows everybody or someone who knows them. Most depend on tourism directly or indirectly and most locals are concerned that the tourists have a good time.
It looks like we are going to stay in a 3 or 4 bedroom casita at Las Palmas Resort...... What do you guys think? Nice place?
very nice, you'll love it. Great for young kids too with a nice pool/play area and close beach access. Good restaurant also if Chef Mickey's is still there.
Remember when you are here, do not drive like the locals. YOU have to stop at stop signs and red lights. Should you get stopped just smile and be agreeable. In reality we have not had a problem with police harassment. It is still a small town and everybody knows everybody or someone who knows them. Most depend on tourism directly or indirectly and most locals are concerned that the tourists have a good time.
Roberto, I havent been pulled over in over two years now. This is a personal best for me. I think it has to do with the kind of truck that I have now. However, about a year ago I decided to start driving more like the locals. I started instituting mandatory passing of anyone slower than me and even some stop sign runs. Its so liberating and efficient not having to stop or slow down for anything that I get great MPG... The cops know to stay out of my way. ~~~~MueveTE~~~~ TENGO``````PRISO```````~~~~~~~~WEY~~~~~~
very nice, you'll love it. Great for young kids too with a nice pool/play area and close beach access. Good restaurant also if Chef Mickey's is still there.
This is perfect then. It will be 4 adults and 7 kids...
1 - 16 year old
2 - 15 year olds
3 - 12 year olds
1 - 6 year old
You are advised to exercise caution when visiting the coastal town of Puerto Peñasco. In the past year there have been multiple incidents of TCO-related violence, including the shooting of the city's police chief. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco are urged to cross the border at Lukeville, AZ, to limit driving through Mexico and to limit travel to main roads during daylight hours.
This coming March will be our 16th anniversary for living here in Rocky Point full time, and in all that time we have only had problems with Americans that think they can get away with anything because they are in Mexico...
My wife drives to the states by herself or with another female friend in the car... never any problems....
We just had our annual Halloween Party Saturday evening at our house for the local kids... No Problems... we do a lot of charity work in the barrios... No Problems... Rocky Point is SAFE...
That travel advisory you came across is there to keep vacationers in the US so their american dollars stay in the US...
Some friends of mine want us to go down to Rocky Point in Mexcio. We will drive thru Arizona and across the border and to Rocky Point for a weekend..... I wont drive thru Tiajuana anymore to get to Ensanada. I dont feel it is safe. How is it over there driving across the border? I hear it is safer.... It will be me, my wife and our 4 boys..... And I drive a Yukon XL Denali... Kind of draws attention. Will it be safe?
I have been driving that route for the past 20 years as a pleasure trip and for the last 2 years as a shuttle service and I have not had any problems going or coming back whether it was day or night traveling, if you are not familiar with the area I suggest you drive during the day, if you have to stop, since there is sand in the side of the road and you can easily get stuck unless you can see well to find a hard spot, good shoulders in the road but I rather stop a bit further away from the road itself.
Go and enjoy yourselves you won't regreated!!!
The only way your going to have problems is if you dont bring enough fishing poles and lures for everyone. Other than that dont eat can goods, buy fresh or just eat out and you will be fine.
