Los Angeles Verdes - The Green Angeles Sept 3

Photo courtesy Señor Google

More years ago than I want to divulge,

while hitching a ride from one Mexican Pacific

beach town to another,

we came upon a wreck on the highway.

A VW bus with a middle aged American couple

had rear-ended a pipa (peé pa) that was stopped on the roadway

without warning.

Hardly anything unusual about that.

A pipa is a Mexican water tank truck.

The water is not potable but the truck delivers

it for folks to store at their homes.

This particular one had about 3 feet of pipe and spigot

protruding from the back of it.

That spigot and pipe end was now firmly embedded

in the front seat of the VW bus.

Exactly between the knees of the woman sitting there.

This was the luckiest day of her life.

We stopped to see if we could help.

About 10 minutes later a dark green utility truck

pulled up with 2 very professional and friendly guys,

who turned out to be Los Angeles Verdes.

Photo courtesy Señor Google

First, they stopped a small bleed for

the woman then called Cruz Roja to come and check

them out.

Then they told them where to go in the next town
to get the car fixed and find a place to stay.

I was pretty impressed.

Today, they  continue to roam the highways and toll roads

of Mexico on the lookout for stranded travelers.

If you are in need of the Green Angeles,

pull over and lift your hood.
Then find a seat in the shade

and wait for one to come by.

Or you can call their national 3 digit number

078.

 Each unit is assigned a length of highway or road

to patrol per shift.

The lengths are long and the units have to complete

each direction in a 12 hour period.

They are crack mechanics and can get you back on the road

with a bobby pin.

Of course, they carry gasoline, motor oil, coolant, hoses,

belts, and other essentials to get you mobile.

They're REALLY cool.

Today, as back then, they are funded and operated

by Mexico's Department of Tourism.

Their service is free but tips are

graciously accepted and appreciated.

Some speak English and they are

quick to say they are not medical —

but no doubt they have saved many lives in the course

of their existence.

This is their spiffy new look:

Photo courtesy Señor Google

¡VIVA MEXICO!