We were robbed at gun-point...

[ISP-FL]

Every time we travel, by car or trike or truck, whether it's just us two or more, I tell wife code words for "we need to go …. NOW". I'm always armed, sometimes 2X. If I utter those words we agree to, she knows what to do. If we go missing, there'll be some evidence.

I've been to Mexico in the early years of my life, but there's still a lot of USA to see the first time and a lot I'd like to see again. Canada doesn't inspire me to travel. Other places, there is no bridge to anyway. I think I'll just stay here.

My last year in the military I was stationed down at WSMR (White Sands Missile Range). I would cross into Juarez on a weekly basis. It hasn't been that many years ago that we visited Nogales and Tijuana.

Those days are long gone. I might take a cruise every few years but other than that I don't go where I can't carry.

Our oldest son works for Cat and has to visit three different locations in Mexico every once and awhile. Cat won't allow him drive in Mexico or go without security.

Kevin, you and Mary are very lucky and I am thankful you are unharmed. Please reevaluate any future trips south of our border.

 

[bikerbillone]

Mexico definitely has a serious uncontrollable problem that's really gonna bite them in the a**, but then so does Chicago. Sad freaking politics, but we keep voting them in, including the Mexicans. Lots of Kool Ade drinking out there.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Man, this thread with all the links is getting depressing!

It is certainly a sad state of affairs, both in many areas in the USA (but at least we can carry there) and outside the USA.

Mary and I know how fortunate we were to have only been robbed, and nothing more...we knew it that afternoon, and we know it even better now.

Below is a follow up video, where we dissect what actually happened a bit, and why it happened.

We have no plans to leave the USA this year or next. After that, we'll see what happens. BUT, I do not see us returning to Baja on our Trike or bike.

After this video is one more....one about what a hassle it was getting back into the USA. It was quite surprising that we did not see a single US Citizen working at the US Consulate in Mexico. NOR did we feel welcomed or helped, as US Citizens, at our own Consulate.



Kevin

 

[bikerbillone]

Kevin, I know you gotta be totally frustrated with this whole stinking business and who could be otherwise? The government of Mexico has lost all control of their country to traffickers, murderers and thieves, this will bite them in th a**, a country with an already failing economy. You and Mary were extremely fortunate to come out of that place with your very lives, but to have this happen in what was to be an enjoyable outing, well it just sucks. We live in a dangerous world, no question, and I think we all have a clue as to why, but I sure won't go into that, as you say, "depressing". Politics is going nuts, can you say "socialism"?

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, I know you gotta be totally frustrated with this whole stinking business and who could be otherwise? The government of Mexico has lost all control of their country to traffickers, murderers and thieves, this will bite them in th a**, a country with an already failing economy. You and Mary were extremely fortunate to come out of that place with your very lives, but to have this happen in what was to be an enjoyable outing, well it just sucks. We live in a dangerous world, no question, and I think we all have a clue as to why, but I sure won't go into that, as you say, "depressing". Politics is going nuts, can you say "socialism"?

While thankful beyond words that it was not worse...YES, very frustrated with-

The hassle we're going thru on ID and insurance

That traveling to scenic spots is hampered by folks that want to take what is not theirs.

Alan, putting my notes below regarding your comments.


Yep, thank you. Definitely lessons learned, and hopefully never forgotten.

Kevin

 

[paws]

Concealed travel pouches are a good way to go at times.

I like the kind that are slim and fit around the waist not the ones with the neck string.... I place the pouch on the back side, nestled in the small of the back so as to not look obtrusive under the shirt...well, unless you are wearing a knit shirt...then the shirt would cling and outline the pouch.

You can carry a copy of the driver license and credit card in the concealed pouch so that you have instant access to what they look like in case the real thing gets stolen. A thief only wants the real thing and he knows to grab the wallet or purse....as Kevin and Mary did... let him have it. That way, the thief is happy and you have instant access to card numbers, their cancellation phone numbers, and proof of ID as soon as the robbery is over. Plus keep the "big" cash in the pouch. If you need to get to the big cash just go into a rest room and get to the pouch so that no one sees you have a hidden stash.

 

[peteg59]

Thank goodness your ordeal did not end like this missing New Hampshire couple who were camping in Corpus Christi Texas..

https://www.breitbart.com/crime/201...3a2q9MrjhXA6Cga4jltOrNrBWBPt6as_pJRLPcGsBmlFI

Thankfully the couple that allegedly did the deed are now in custody in Mexico.

They should be back in the US fairly soon, as Mexico doesn't want wanted US citizens running amok in their country.

Hopefully the murders can be pinned on them and they pay the ultimate price for their stupidity...

 

[paws]

WRONG!!! There’s no way I could reach around to the small of my back and successfully bring it into position. I’m sure I would drop it or fumble with it enough as to be dangerous to me and everyone else.. that carry position is only for the movies. Its only extra money and other ID I carry in the back pouch. Keep guessing...

 

[ISP-FL]

Kevin, good informative second video. I was interested in additional details and "what, when, where, and the why" of it all.

Since it seems these thugs have done the same thing to others in about the same spot you would think it would be very simple for the authorities to make arrests with minimal effort. In reality though these idiots have probably either paid off the local police or they are the local police. Who knows, it is Mexico.

While it is true that you can have this happen in the U.S. also, there is probably a much better chance of it happening south of our border.

Over my 34 year career I had to deal with numerous family members who lost loved ones due to violence. It was always the same reaction "how could this happen to us", "I can't believe this has happened", "why would someone do this". There are no answers to these questions.

I have always known that my family and I could be the "victims" at any given time or at any given place. I don't make all my travel plans around this fact, but I keep it in mind and certainly do not ignore it.

Okay, I'm climbing down off my soap box now. Stay safe.

 

[MDO]

I think they are watching who goes into that stop. They know it's isolated and tourist stop there.

They probably have radios to signal each other. This is a business for them.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, good informative second video. I was interested in additional details and "what, when, where, and the why" of it all.

Since it seems these thugs have done the same thing to others in about the same spot you would think it would be very simple for the authorities to make arrests with minimal effort. In reality though these idiots have probably either paid off the local police or they are the local police. Who knows, it is Mexico.

While it is true that you can have this happen in the U.S. also, there is probably a much better chance of it happening south of our border.

Over my 34 year career I had to deal with numerous family members who lost loved ones due to violence. It was always the same reaction "how could this happen to us", "I can't believe this has happened", "why would someone do this". There are no answers to these questions.

I have always known that my family and I could be the "victims" at any given time or at any given place. I don't make all my travel plans around this fact, but I keep it in mind and certainly do not ignore it.

Okay, I'm climbing down off my soap box now. Stay safe.

Man, glad you got on your soap box. Good info.

In my life I've only had a handful of times when I've said to myself "I can't believe this happened". Once was a bad accident about 8 years ago, and another was this robbery.

Taking the time to look carefully, and change future behavior, while not a guarantee of no repeat, is definitely a step to improving my odds.

Appreciate it!

I think they are watching who goes into that stop. They know it's isolated and tourist stop there.

They probably have radios to signal each other. This is a business for them.

Yes, the one guy appeared to be a LEO, or former LEO. Just the way he handled/carried himself.

They definitely had done this before, they knew what to do, and what not to do. No fumbling around or wasted time.

Kevin

 

[MDO]

I just looked at recent crime statistics for Mexico and 98% of violent crime goes unsolved.

I have never had a desire to visit there as there is just to much in the continental US I want to see.

 

[1dn5up]

I just looked at recent crime statistics for Mexico and 98% of violent crime goes unsolved.

I have never had a desire to visit there as there is just to much in the continental US I want to see.

Eggzactly, see the USA in your Chevrolet, as you will never see it all

 

[DK Custom Products]

I just looked at recent crime statistics for Mexico and 98% of violent crime goes unsolved.

I have never had a desire to visit there as there is just to much in the continental US I want to see.

That's depressing, but not really surprising.

Eggzactly, see the USA in your Chevrolet, as you will never see it all

Yep, Mary and I will be staying in the USA for this next year or so. Lot's to see.

Kevin

 

[Trail Blazer]

Hello Kevin

one of these days we will have to compare notes on Mexico, Darlene and I have traveled in Mexico for over 25 years. but we go down the east side down the guff. to the state of Veracruz. ( this is Jr. & Darlene we meet at eureka springs )

 

[DK Custom Products]

one of these days we will have to compare notes on Mexico, Darlene and I have traveled in Mexico for over 25 years. but we go down the east side down the guff. to the state of Veracruz. ( this is Jr. & Darlene we meet at eureka springs )

That would be fun. Never been down that way. I lived in Peru, in the Amazon basin, for a couple of years, and then traveled/worked all around Brazil for one year. But have only been to the top, western side of Baja California.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Last update on the riding in Mexico fiasco-



Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Everybody gets stopped at every military checkpoint for a few words, where you're coming from, where you're headed.

The bugaboo is when they send you over to the side of the road to look at your ID and search the vehicle.

This is why it was high stress levels going thru them with no ID.

Once, while we still had our ID, we were sent to the side of the road for further checking. When we got there, there were already so many vehicles there, there was no room for us. Instead of telling us to wait in line to get that "secondary" check, he waved us on, bypassing the "secondary" check.

Kevin

 

[CrystalPistol]

Sounds like a good plan all around!

I think so. When I was a child in the '50s, we lived in Del Rio, Tx. My parents had friends all along the Rio Grande, both sides of it too. We've been known to cross over into Mexico just for a gathering to play cards or join other Hams for a picnic or dinner. Just how it was then & it was great "then", but from what I understand, not so much "now".

First home, before I was born even, Dad had just brought his brand new bride (Mom) back from Virginia. Was no housing on base (Laughlin AFB) for family then, but Mr. Avila (ran a radio repair business) had a new cinderblock garage for his home shop, he added a bathroom and put up room deviders and that was Mom & Dad's first home together until I came along, he never accepted any payment either.

Once, when I was still in diapers, I wandered away from the house. Mom called the police, officer came, she described me, my diaper too I guess, and my striped tee shirt. They got a report from a large family type gathering a few blocks away about this gringo kid who wandered into the yard and just didn't look like one of theirs ... I liked tamales & tortillas even then I guess. My first ride in a police car was to home. I was "profiled".

Buddy of mine who went through trooper school with me & retired 2 months after I did … was raised in SW Va. and before going in service when in high school, he met a exchange student from Mexico, "lell in fove" I guess, wrote to her often from Nam. He came home, kissed his Mom, got into his '72 Nova SS and headed off to Mexico to see his girl. Said that somewhere between Texas and her home he fell asleep and run off the road and rolled the car in the desert but was unhurt himself. A pickup truck full of drunk Mexicans came along and picked him up and took him to a town where he was dropped off at a police station. He got into an old car he said was a '49 or so Ford with an old Federale who was gonna drive him back to the wreck. Said a vent wing had a bullet hole in it, the officer's side arm was a .45 Colt auto full cocked and the cigar he smoked would gag a normal person. They found the Nova, a tow truck had followed them, so it was hooked up, and while a garage fixed it up so he could drive it, he spent like 6 weeks in Mexico at his girl friends home with her & her parents. Her daddy came home every night, eat supper then took my buddy out for drinks until really late he said. He said the car looked plumb awful when he got it back but it run so he drove it back to USA, sold it, and caught a bus home from Texas. He come back to Va. and met & married a girl lived just down the road from home …

... still got her too.

 

[rhino 2]

One of the suspects arrested in the Mexican Mormon killings is a Police Chief... :xzqxz:..

 

[CrystalPistol]

Yeah, saw that. Sad way to live.