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My friends need to hear that Potrero is safe before we go there in dec/ jan.——help please.

Original Post
Evan Belknap · · Placitas, NM · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 65

Hi,

I really want to go to Potrero this winter. I have interested friends whose only deterrence is decapitation. I've been scanning the internet and reading peoples glowing reviews as well as the details of the murders in 2013 and general discomfort. There is very little information. I've travelled a lot by now and I know that, for the most part, knowing the language, and not doing anything too dumb is generally a good safety plan.

I'd love to hear some (hopefully successful) recent accounts of Potrero trips with which I can lull my friends.

Thank you,

Evan

Luke Mehall · · Durango, Colorado · Joined May 2009 · Points: 2,508

Mark Grundon who owns El Potrero Chico guides lives down there, and would be a good resource. Send me a PM and I can get you his email, or check out his site: elpotrerochicoguides.com/

I've been there several times, and I'm headed back again this winter... for what that's worth.

peace,
Luke

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

Aside from the murders it's probably safer than the US.

Ed Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 285

Everything here is tranquilo.

Climbers have been arriving every day for 6 weeks now by air, car and bus with no problems.

Men, women, alone or in groups, people with kids and dogs.

You'll feel safer here than you do back home.

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346

Keep in mind anyone who has a financial interest in you coming to EPC is going to give you a biased review. I wouldn't have a major problem going there, but I would be on my toes and I most certainly would not feel more safe than in the US. Go straight to EPC, and avoid contact with people along the way. If you are driving, get a full tank of fuel right outside the border, and do the entire drive in a single instance without stopping. That said, EPC is a one of a kind place, and probably the best place in North America for multipitch sport.

Carey S · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 80

I'm making the trip by car and have also been striving to reassure friends and family that it's not as dangerous as news media makes it seem. To be sure, the state dept website actually has issued an advisory against non-essential travel in Hidalgo's state, so 100% safe it is not. We plan to only travel by day on the toll roads on a full tank of gas with no detours. I suspect that increased holiday traffic near Christmas may make things a littler safer, too. (We're crossing the border on the 21st.) best luck, at least you can tell folks you're not the only ones going.

Rob D · · Queens, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 30

went last year and felt safe 100% of the time. Fly to monterrey, arrange a taxi ahead of time, and enjoy your time in Hidalgo. It seriously is one of the most friendly towns I've ever been. Strangers pulled over, picked us up to drive us to town, gave us beers for the ride, and then wished us well. All of the local people we met wanted nothing more than to share their love for mexico.

The most scared I was on my trip was when I got my rope stuck on rappel at night.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

... Vas a morir

Christian RodaoBack · · Tucson, AZ · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 1,486

..pinche gringo

Gordita

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

X-rated travel for G-rated climbing

Rob D · · Queens, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 30
marty funkhouser wrote:X-rated travel for G-rated climbing
pg13/R rated. You aren't going to get into any "Over the Edge" situations.
Evan Belknap · · Placitas, NM · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 65

Thanks, everybody. Keep it coming.

Dylan Weldin · · Ramstein, DE · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 1,715

The most intimidating aspect of a trip to Potrero is the feral dogs on the approach... and maybe burning yourself while cooking

SDY · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 10
Dylan Weldin wrote:The most intimidating aspect of a trip to Potrero is the feral dogs on the approach
Haha, this is true
Ed Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 285

Those of you driving down can save $ on insurance by buying over the internet and the insurance company can also help you get all your paperwork ahead of time so you don't have to deal with it at the border.

Make sure you have your title and letter from lien holder.

I highly recommend the Columbia Bridge near Laredo.

http://www.mexpro.com

ps: another reason to tank up before crossing the border is that gasoline is $3.85 a gallon here--$2.35 in Texas.

Ed Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 285
Rob D. wrote: pg13/R rated. You aren't going to get into any "Over the Edge" situations.
You might be surprised just how much trouble you can into in the Potrero.
Dylan Weldin · · Ramstein, DE · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 1,715

Story time Magic Ed! Time to reminisce for the rest of us to hear :)

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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