www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7DwDt88lxw

I went to Tucson to pick up a good friend of mine, Jonette, who was coming down to help me get my house ready before everyone got here. She has a house here and was going to be spending Thanksgiving here anyway, she just came before her family.

I got in on Thursday at 11pm, then the entire day on Friday we tried to shop. I took 1/2 of the commission money to buy a table, couch and other household stuff. We were like mad women. I had borrowed a trailer to put all the stuff in and was halling that trailer all around Tucson. we were exhausted but not finished at 9pm. So we decide to finish up on Saturday morning and hopefully leave by 12 noon. So we took off, Me, Morgan, Jonette, and her 7 year old Katie.

We didn’t end up leaving until 5pm and Dad’s Expedition and the trailer were packed. We got about an hour before Hermosillo and had a blow out on one of the trailer tires. Thank God there was a pull out right away. That was at 10:30 pm. We called the FREE roadside service that is offered on the toll roads. I didn’t think it would be prudent to have Dad come for us.. 3 hours away, and he still didn’t have a tire anyway.

At 12:40 the tow truck came and put the trailer on his truck and we followed him to THREE tire places. None of them had a tire that size. So he finally dropped us off at the last tire shop just outside Hermosillo at 3:45 am. I didn’t want to leave the trailer, so we slept in the car. I think I fot to sleep around 4:30.. but not very restful in the car. Then at 6:30 we got up to search for a tire. It was Sunday so there wasn’t much open, plus it was so early. We finally bought a tire from Sams for $1,115 pesos.. I would have paid $7,000 pesos. We sped back to the tire shop, the whole time I was saying that after this crappy night if there was one single thing missing on that trailer I would go ballistic….literally.

We got there and everything was fine. I found out the reason for the blowout was because the tire pressure was too low for the load on the trailer… note to self… always check tire pressure before long trip.

We got on the road at 9am thrilled to pieces that all was well. We drove into San Carlos around 10:30 and just as we were coming into town, we hit a bump and the trailer came off! The guy at the tire place didn’t put it on right and left off the saftey pin. I saw the trailer start to speed up like it was going to ram me, so i pulled over into the left lane just in time for the trailer to speed past us in the lane we were in!!! We were speechless. Then then trailer hit the curb and went into a ditch 3 ft high with grass & weeds. There was NOTHING wrong with the trailer except the front of the hitch that needs to be replaced from skidding on the pavement.

Luckily a nice bystander stopped to help and so did the police. Jonette took pictures of the police about to write me a ticket for not having my driver’s license with me, i told them there was no way they could do that to me after the night I had had. They laughed and said… You’re right, we won’t give you a ticket.

We chained the trailer to the car and drove 5 mph to the house. Morgan was laughing and said she felt like we were in a parade and kept waving out the window. The police followed me home to make sure I got back ok.

I thank God for giving us a good laugh and protecting us the entire way!!!

Mexico is not a war zone and lots of innocent people are not being killed on a daily basis. Good news does not sell papers or get you to watch the evening news. Would you cancel a trip to Phoenix because 5 people were murdered there yesterday? Would you cancel a trip to Disney Land because 6 people were murdered in Los Angeles yesterday? Probably not.

Mexico is about 2/3rds the size of the US in land mass so it is unlikely you will find yourself or any other friends or family in danger at any time.

The Mexican government is going after the drug cartels and as a result violence is erupting between the narco traffickers and the police and military in isolated areas and incidents. If you are not in the illegal drug business, not a Mexican police officer, or a member of the Mexican military you have nothing to fear. The violence is primarily drug dealers killing other drug dealers as they fight for a shrinking corridor to smuggle drugs into the USA. If people in the USA would stop using so many illegal drugs these guys would be out of business. Currently the cartels are moving into Phoenix and Atlanta so drug violence in the USA is also on the rise, it is not just Mexico.

In traveling to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico you will NOT drive through Nogales if you use our driving directions, as the faster commercial crossing (Mariposa Crossing) goes around the city and is much faster. Once on the highway it is four lane highways all the way to San Carlos. The roads are well patrolled; there are gas stations, 3 toll roads with bathrooms and lots of small towns that you travel through so the highway is very safe and secure.

Once in San Carlos you will find a small predominantly American community in Mexico. Here we don’t lock our doors or worry about someone stealing our car or any other crime for that matter. This time of year our winter residents are here most of them in their 60′s and 70′s and they all drive back and forth between here and the USA regularly and no resident has had any problems. One friend of ours Pat Sheya who turned 80 in November drives her Dodge truck back and forth once a month by herself!

When you arrive in San Carlos you will discover what only a few of us know, that Mexico is as safe as ever, possibly even more so now with the more regular patrols by the federal police and “Green Angels” (mechanics on wheels). And when you return home we hope that you will be able to spread the word that Mexico is safe and more people should ask those who live there how it is and not always believe the media all the time.

I have attached some other testimonials that have recently been posted on face book regarding other people’s thoughts on traveling in Mexico. And we have just acquired 2 new websites that we hope to have up in the next month that will have even more info on safe Mexico travel www.sonoraissafe.com and www.mexicoissafe.com . Sorry for writing a book, but the grossly inaccurate media coverage is rampant and I am trying my best to give people honest and factual information. I hope this helps you in deciding to come bring your group diving in San Carlos with us! And I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Michael A. Huhn

Special Mexico Travel Safety Advisory
Reports of violence are extremely overblown.

Some recent visitors to Mexico say the reports of disorder have been overly exaggerated.

One visitor said “I would definitely say that the impression that the Americans get in the media is more intense and hyped-up than reality.”

Another said “Millions of people go to Mexico every year without any incident whatsoever.”

Another said “The situation is grave in some sense, but it’s not that significant for most tourists. … But people need to be careful and stay informed where the major incidences are happening.”

Still another said “People who know Mexico will keep going. It is less expensive than many places, and it is easier to get there.” She continued “But then, I’m cautious. I don’t do stupid things. I dress appropriately and I’m not rude to people. I try to speak Spanish as much as possible,” she said, “These are all the things that I do as a traveler anywhere.”

People need to look within their own borders. Looking at crime statistics, it would appear that Americans are safer in Mexico, especially Sonora, than they are in many parts of the United States. It’s true there is violence in Tijuana and other border towns, however the violence is against one another (much like gangs or gangsters of prohibition), this is also true with kidnapping. It’s the wealthy Mexicans being kidnapped; not tourist or snowbirds.

It’s also important to remember that the rise in violence is due to the pressure being placed on the cartels and corruption by a Mexican President and new administration that is dedicated to clean things up and removing as much corruption as possible.

CRIME in the USA vs. MEXICO:
• Just about every country in the world is now experiencing increased crime rates. However, there are usually safe areas in every country where the crime rate is lower or non-existent.

• The U.S. State Department put out a warning about the violence in Mexico. The report states that 128 Americans were killed in Mexico between January 2006 and December 2008.

• Looking more closely at the data, Rosarito Beach, Ensenada, Mexicali, San Felipe, Tecate and Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) only had 42 Americans killed in the last three years combined. Those are the largest tourist areas of Northwest Mexico, excluding Tijuana. In Los Angeles County, there have been 103 murders in the last six months. In 2008, there were 324 homicides in L.A. County. People in Los Angeles would probably say that there are certain unsafe areas to avoid. People living in Mexico would say the same thing.

• More detailed statistics indicate that he murder rate per 100,000 people in Mexico is about 13. Recent FBI statistics show the murder rate in Baltimore is 43.3, Washington DC is 29.1, and Detroit is 47.3.

Sometimes I go down by myself, and I have driven at night. I just got back last night from another great trip, and I tried lots of new food and met some great new people!

Did you know we are only a few hours away from the Sea of Cortez, one of the world’s most vast ecological resources? San Carlos has some of the best fishing you can find!

Recently our government has put out a travel alert against Americans going into Mexico. It has been my experience time after time, that Americans have no reason to fear or worry about driving south of the border. At the few stops I make along the way, I am greeted by friendly Mexican officials and clean bathrooms. The roads are smooth and well marked, and it’s very easy to navigate your way in to town! I have never witnessed any of the violence that is portrayed, nor have I felt unsafe.

My good friend Michael Huhn who owns Desert Divers and Ocean Sports in San Carlos has been working very hard to show Tucsonans just what an amazing opportunity we all have right next door, and I want to do everything I can to help get the correct information out.

I am hoping that somehow, we can get the media to do a positive story on this great opportunity so that other Tucsonans will be able to see dolphins, swim with sea lions, and have a lazy day on the beach.

I am asking you for your help, as I have many friends and great experiences in San Carlos that I’m sure others would like to enjoy as well!

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas, and Thank You for your help.

-Danya Paletz

During the 30 years I lived in California I learned not to feel safe. My car was broken into and my purse stolen. My houseboat was burgled and my new stereo stolen. I was mugged in San Francisco on my way to my night class, and my purse with my final exam was grabbed. I was the victim of a midnight home invasion, complete with guns aimed at our heads and everything of value taken. A couple of times I’ve been stalked, and had to run for help. And I was not hanging out in dangerous neighborhoods or with dangerous people.

When we have to go to the US I never feel quite as safe as I do at home in San Carlos, and we always feel a sense of relief after we cross the border back into Mexico.

Bliss Cochran

One frequently hears that travel is difficult in Mexico. This could not be farther from the truth when it comes to San Carlos.

Not only is San Carlos safe. San Carlos is gracious, friendly and fun!

The border crossing each way was a breeze. Traffic flowed beautifully and services along the way were plentiful and well marked. Anything can be purchased with either dollars or pesos. It was very convenient.

But the best part about going to San Carlos is being in San Carlos. The people are incredibly warm, friendly and helpful. It literally takes only a minute to realize that the locals and others in San Carlos love and appreciate having you there. It is not un-similar to the feeling one gets in Hawaii. The food was awesome and totally “tourist friendly.”

Many of our band’s friends couldn’t wait to hear about our experience in San Carlos. After talking to any one of us I’m confident they will be joining us on our next adventure there!

The Trip

As a 19 year resident of Tucson I had never even been to the Mexican border. In July of 2009 I learned that an oldies rock n’ roll band (the Retro Rockets) that I follow was going to play on the beach in San Carlos. I decided to go. And, contrary to everyone’s suggestions and advice for my first trip into Mexico, I drove alone in a new car. As might be expected, I had an auto accident. This trip was the middle of August and my next trip will be Thanksgiving weekend. I will be returning at least twice a year in the future.

The Destination and Accommodations

Wow! My original plans were for four days only. Within two hours of arriving I changed my plans to stay for eight days. I stayed at Posada Condominiums and that was a very important element in my enjoyment of San Carlos. I sat on my patio each morning and had my coffee. After coffee I would walk about 25 yards and be in the water. I had a fully functional kitchen stocked with dishes and coffee maker. The condo staff was very friendly and helpful. The General Manager and his wife even went to the police station with me to serve as interpreters/advocates in the auto accident issue. About 70 yards away was a bar and restaurant- La Palapa Griega- that was a very pleasant place with helpful staff to enjoy the beach from. Their food was an interesting blend of Greek and Mexican. Every time I purchased an item I was pleasantly surprised by the price. Everywhere I went shopping I found the same low prices and very friendly people.

Almost every type of water recreation you can imagine is available. My November trip will be shorter than the 8 days of this trip but I hope to include snorkeling and maybe a dinner cruise on the Hattie Annie. The views of and from the coastline are beyond description. Take a good camera. Although I didn’t get to go out on a boat I saw a lot of wildlife. It is just amazing to be standing about 40 feet out in the water and have fish swimming around your legs. One morning while I was having coffee on my patio I got a picture of dolphins swimming along the beach right in front of the condo. In 8 days I tried many different food establishments and, while some stood out, they all served very good food and had friendly staff. I even drank the water and had no problems.

The Borders

The Mexican Border crossing was very simple. I chose to drive through the border in Nogales for the experience. I stopped and got my tourist permit. The bank where I was supposed to pay for the permit was closed so the gentleman at the permit counter told me to “not worry about it”. On my way out I learned that the solution is to pay for it on the way out-very simple process. US Customs was a different matter. Had I packed all of my fragiles in cardboard they wouldn’t have been an issue. As I started getting close to the gate I thought for sure I was on my way now because I surely can’t fit anyone’s profile of a criminal. Surprise! They sent me to a side gate, escorted me to a waiting room and searched my vehicle. After they finished (there was nothing that they could have been interested in) I was walking out with the agent and he got distracted by another person. A young man standing close to me told me that they ran a dog through my vehicle several times and went through all off the contents. I commented that I had no idea why they would do this and he told me that my vehicle looked like a “drug dealer’s car”. Oh well. I had some pottery that was just wrapped in newspaper and plastic and they damaged the only one I bought for myself. No big deal – next time they will be in cardboard.

Oh Yeah-The Wreck

No big deal. Do what you are supposed to do and everything will be fine. San Carlos has some “business access” roads off of the main road that work very well. The right lane of the two lane is used for travel and parking. I was headed to dinner one evening and shortly after getting on the access road I found both lanes blocked. The occupants of the two vehicles were carrying on a conversation through their vehicle windows. I stopped to wait while they palavered in the middle of the road. I had just been there about 30 seconds when a vehicle slammed into the rear of my vehicle and knocked me into the vehicle parked in the driving only lane. Very quickly there were police everywhere and what appeared to be total chaos ensued. Everything was actually handled pretty well in spite of the appearance of chaos. I had two meeting at the police station with officers, drivers, and insurance adjusters. Just for the record, the person who actually was the root cause of the accident (one parked in the driving lane) was an American from Colorado and not a local. The insurance company gave me a report with the phone number of a US adjuster to handle the claim and, so far, everything is going just like it is supposed to. They have authorized the Toyota dealer that sold me the car to repair it. If you buy your Mexico insurance and respect the cultural differences it is not that difficult to deal with an accident. I did learn one thing of value that will dictate how I do things for future trips. I bought my original Mexico insurance online through AAA – bad idea! I extended my stay by four days so Sunday night at midnight I ran out of coverage. I sent e-mails to AAA well into Sunday evening to try and extend the policy but they were no help. First thing Monday morning I went on a mission to find more insurance-Posada’s management to the rescue again. They gave me names of two agents including one for Mapfre and I purchased another four day policy from them. It took them about 7-8 minutes to do the policy and get me out the door. The agent (Guillermo Iberri) was also very helpful after the accident. He said that in the future all I have to do is e-mail him the info and he will do the policy and provide whatever support he can. (www.mapfre.com), (memoiberri@hotmail.com), (memoiberri@prodigy.net.mx). That will be my solution for future trips.

Safety

As evidenced by the fact that my first trip into Mexico was 250 miles across the border, by myself, and in a new vehicle, I was never concerned about safety. My eight days in Sonora only reinforced my lack of concern over safety issues. Respect the laws and culture, be observant, and don’t get stupid, and you will be safe. The people are very friendly, gracious, and helpful-try to fit in.