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<p class=MsoNormal>I just got off the phone with the Border Patrol in Lordsburg
(575-542-3221). I was checking to see if all the national news about
increased “border” violence in the urban areas in Texas and Arizona
should be of concern as one started hiking the CDT from Crazy Cook. We
talked at length and the officer knew exactly where Crazy Cook was. Here
are his points: 1) As a courtesy to the BP, please check in with them
before you hike, either by phone or in person in Lordsburg. He said they
will KNOW we are out there, but this basically is to keep them from having to stop
and check us multiple times, especially at night. He asked that your contact
with them is best just as you start and not weeks ahead. 2) He
flatly stated that there is no appreciable increased hazard where we will be. It’s
an urban thing right now. He felt we should not be overly concerned.
3) At the fence, we WILL be observed from the other side, at a distance, by
some “bad types,” but their interest is just making sure no OTHER
illegal group is trying to enter Mexico with a shipment of drugs. Turf-protection.
They stay on their side and will leave us alone. We probably won’t even
be aware of their presence, again, at a distance. 3) As we hiked, anyone involved
with the drug trade on OUR side of the fence would not approach us, he said,
and, in fact, will do all they can to avoid us and not be seen. The only
ones who might approach are those (like occasionally on the PCT in S CA) who might
ask for any water we can spare. 4) The BP presence is thorough, night and
day. He chuckled that even if we didn’t check in with them, they
would definitely know we were there, implying that their electronic
surveillance is pretty good.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>It was a reassuring phone call. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Dr Bob<o:p></o:p></p>
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