I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO IS A REGULAR TRAVELER TO BAJA. WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ON YOUR SAFETY? WE ALWAYS TRAVEL DURING THE DAY AND CAMP IN DESIGNATED CAMP AREAS. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS OVER THE YEARS. THE FOLKS AT DISCOVER BAJA SAY THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY DIRECT ATTACK ON AMERICAN TOURISTS THAT TRAVEL DURING THE DAY. ANY COMMENTS? WE ARE LEAVING IN OCTOBER FOR MULEGE FOR TWO WEEKS.

Hey Shelly

we have never EVER had any problems with anyone in the baja. We have a house in the east cape and drive up to La Paz frequently. Im sure if you are looking for trouble you can find it, but we have had nothing but great experiences with awesome people. It certainly helps if you speak some spanish...that gives you a lot of points with the locals!

best,

Iain

Two Americans Attacked with baseball bat at La Bocana

Heil confirmed a violent, late-night attack and apparent attempted robbery of two beach campers near La Bocana. "The story is basically correct about the attack," Heil said. "Local people were not satisfied with the investigation of the attack and about 200 people converged on the police station. In the afternoon, the Santa Rosalia police chief and other officials came and a big meeting was held in front of the La Bocana police station. Last Sunday, at the Punta Abreojos fishing tournament, a police official talked to us and said that they believe they know who the attacker was and will let us know once the investigation is completed and the bandit locked up. As of last week, we now have a new delegado chief and a new police chief. Nothing like this had ever happened here before and really it's one of the safest places in Baja or anywhere else."

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: One of the victims of the attack, who requested not to be identified, said, "We were camped maybe 100 yards from the outboard mechanic's shack.

"The attack occurred just inside the gate where the pangueros beach their boats. My son was sleeping in the truck and I was in the tent. I heard the truck door open and opened my eyes to see someone cracking my son on the head with a bat while he slept. I yelled out and the attacker immediately ran to the tent and began pummeling me with the bat. He was able to connect with two strong whacks to my head, knocking me senseless and temporarily blind. He went back to finish off my son. At that moment my sight was restored and enabled me to stagger to the truck and get my hands on the boat pole. My son kicked the door into the maniac and he ran away.

"The police brought in a few guys for me to look at, none of whom resembled the meager description I was able to provide them. The doctor and nurse at the clinic did a good job patching us up and providing medicine. Dr. Romero correctly diagnosed my broken shoulder without benefit of X-rays. Muchas gracias, senor y senora.

"We caravanned back to the border with two Americanos. X-rays showed my upper left arm and shoulder to be broken in five places, but our skulls are not fractured. Hard heads, I guess.

http://www.mexfish.com/mfn/mfn2008/mfn080922/mfn080922.htm

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE. WE HAVE NEVER HAD PROBLEMS EITHER AND MY HUSBAND DOES SPEAK SOME SPANISH. WE DO OUR BEST TO STAY CLEAR OF TROUBLE AND ACT APPROPRIATELY AND RESPECTFULLY.

SHELLY

FULANO,

GOOD GREIF, THAT'S BAD NEWS. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?

That event occured about one week ago.

Don't camp alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NEVER

In this case, camping near on in a town was the wrong thing to do! Camp in a tourist campo with others, or far from any people... like where nobody can see you or know you are there. That is how I have camped for over 30 years and never had a problem.

Even in small fishing villages like La Bocana (between Punta Abreojos and Bahia Asuncion, southwest of San Ignacio) there are drug issues like meth... sounds like this guy was sky high! Very sad.