Community Forums

t55watson · 02-25-2015, 04:34 PM

I am sitting in Sierra Vista, AZ. South of Tuscon, East of Nogales. Approximately 25 miles North of the border. We have been coming here for part of every winter since 1997. Never encountered any hostile people. We used to see illegals walking the RR tracks and they would wave as we passed. Visiting Border towns can be a challenge if you don't speak Spanish. Some stores conduct all their business in Spanish. A customer who speaks English will often act as your interpreter. Very safe IMHO.

barthboy2 · 02-25-2015, 04:40 PM

we have young female friends who live in terlingua, tx and work in big bend national park. they even do their shopping in the little mexican border town of ojinaga without any problems. they also live outside of town in the desert. they have to watch out for rattlesnakes and mountain lions though. also a good time of year to visit big bend

wa8yxm · 02-25-2015, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacking

That went over my head.

BIG Iron is the title of a song by Marty Robbins. (He sang cowboy songs, rather good ones too)

The story goes that a man came to town with a Big Iron on his hip, People were... shall we say respectful.

Well he let it be known he as an Arizona Ranger would not be too long in town. He had come to take an outlaw back alive or maybe dead and the name of that outlaw was Texas Red.

Well to shorting it a bit, Texas Red had already killed 20 men, he figured 21 would be the ranger with the big iron on his hip.

He figured wrong. He had not but cleared leather (Gotten his gun out of the holster) when the Ranger's Big Iron put an end to his outlaw ways.

twogypsies · 02-25-2015, 07:05 PM

Wow! I'm amazed at the stories out there and the fear. Driving along the borders and especially visiting Big Bend is absolutely safe. Thousands of folks visit Big Bend. Millions of people live around the borders. People build elegant homes near the borders, go siteseeing and there are awesome 4-wheeling drives at the borders. We have hiked around the borders and went birding. We live south of Tucson, AZ forty miles from the border as do thousands of others. We have no concerns whatsoever. I would hate to live being so paranoid.

There is crime everywhere - even in your home town. The border is no worse. Once an illegal crosses he wants nothing to do with you. He's looking for a fast remote route. Go and enjoy Big Bend as we have many times.

Bumps · 02-25-2015, 07:10 PM

Last time I was at Big Bend, a young Mexican boy offer me a burro ride to cross the river. It was just a dollar to get across, so I figgered, "Why not?!?"

\ken

PS. He wanted $5.00 to get back to the U.S. side!

TurtleKent · 02-25-2015, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srx-6

The article in the link provide by Old Car Nut is dated June 26, 2010 and is about Federal land closed in 2006 in Arizona. I would not cancel a stop to Big Bend NP in Texas just because it is "to close to Mexico". No matter where you are in this country today you should always be aware of your surroundings and if you do not feel comfortable then leave. If you are in the area stop by The McDonald Observatory in Ft. Davis

x2.

flaggship1 · 02-25-2015, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Wow! I'm amazed at the stories out there and the fear. Driving along the borders and especially visiting Big Bend is absolutely safe. Thousands of folks visit Big Bend. Millions of people live around the borders. People build elegant homes near the borders, go siteseeing and there are awesome 4-wheeling drives at the borders. We have hiked around the borders and went birding. We live south of Tucson, AZ forty miles from the border as do thousands of others. We have no concerns whatsoever. I would hate to live being so paranoid.

There is crime everywhere - even in your home town. The border is no worse. Once an illegal crosses he wants nothing to do with you. He's looking for a fast remote route. Go and enjoy Big Bend as we have many times.

X2 - the world is a dangerous place. No more or less so as best I can tell along the Texas border with Mexico than any downtown big city in America. And safer than many I've visited.

Bumps · 02-25-2015, 07:15 PM

BTW ... I paid the $5.00 and we had a good laugh about it! \ken

twogypsies · 02-25-2015, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumps

Last time I was at Big Bend, a young Mexican boy offer me a burro ride to cross the river. It was just a dollar to get across, so I figgered, "Why not?!?"

\ken

PS. He wanted $5.00 to get back to the U.S. side!

We took the leaky boat across.

From there we walked into the tiny town and had a wonderful lunch and beer. The Mexican people are very gentle, caring folks even though they are very poor. They have a good sense of humor.

Arizona Lizards · 02-25-2015, 07:25 PM

We have lived within three miles of the border for over 18 years, in a largely traveled illegal area in Arizona. In all of that time we have had fences cut repeatedly, so much that our barb wire fence has not been repaired in about 10 years. However, we have never had a problem with the illegals bothering us personally.

kalynzoo · 02-25-2015, 07:27 PM

My wife has a fear of boats, not water just boats, so we don't cruise. If you fear something just don't do it. Why be uncomfortable. There are so many places to go that are not near small border towns. Love San Diego, go there often (hate the traffic going down but that's another story). I really don't think I will visit Chicago in the near future. The motorhome has wheels, so I go where I like.
JMHO

Scottybdivin · 02-25-2015, 08:13 PM

We used to make 1-2 trips per year to some part of the Rio Grande River, while I young and growing up in west Texas in the 60's and 70's. We floated the canyons and caught catfish and an occasional gar. We rarely saw people and I don't remeber ever seeing a ranger unless we drove back to Rio Grande Village for supplies.

After a 35 year absence, I took my wife for her 1st visit to Big Bend in 2013. We drove about 50 miles of back country roads and dry camped at RGV. I saw no signs of ilicit activity or questionable people. The only issue I had was how much more restrictive the rules are now. There other issue is that a monster flood rearranged the river where we used to camp (Solis) and rendered it unrecognizable to me

If you go to BBNP, you have to visit Terlingua and Lajits. The drive along the river on 170 toward Presidio is one of the most scenic in Texas. The Starlight Theatre in Terlingua is a fun place for dinner. There you can get a taste of a World Championship Chile recipe from the Chile cook off. No beans, sorry.

Thunderfoot · 02-25-2015, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacking

I am planning a stop to Big Bend NP in TX. I have some relatives who are, lets say overly cautious and are worried about my safety being on the border of Mexico. Should I be concerned? Even vigilant?

Because I have not been, but don't know if I am being naive

Thanks

You'll enjoy BBNP this time of year! We'll be there starting Monday, March 2nd and staying a few days....most likely be staying at Lajitas. Shoot me a pm or post here if your schedule coincides. Happy motoring

SDCOToyhaul · 02-25-2015, 09:31 PM

Agree with those who recommend vigilance when traveling or even going to the mall these days. That said, sure would hate to miss seeing places because of fear. Wondering, maybe get one or two other travelers together as safety in numbers. We plan on seeing Mexico and being aware but will enjoy the country, scenery and the people. Can hardly wait. Looks like so much of the country is getting blocked off to tourists or damaged by nature that think we had better see it now. Wish we could have started this retirement journey 10 years ago. Better late than never. lol