Travel in the Baja

I'm writing this morning accompanied by the crow of roosters and whinny of horses in Cuidad Constitution at Manfred's RV Park. This park used to be owned by Manfred and his wife who were Danish and they grew every kind of tree and catus they could get their hands on. The first year we came through in 2003, I had brought with me a camphor tree. I'm not sure what the special attachment was to the tree but it was at this point in our trip that I decided to leave my camphor behind to grow among the diversity of trees in this park. We found my camphor tree last night and she grew to be so big. We pulled some of her leaves and broke them in half and enjoyed the fragrance and the memory of our first passing through here together.

Our first day in Mexico was Sunday, crossing at the Tecate border. I was estatic. I had forgotten how simple life was here. My eyes enjoyed the people, the music, the smells, the dust and the simplicity of life for those who live here. First day we traveled to El Rosario, second day to Vizcanio and third to Constitution. Today we provision and head to Conejo, 130 miles on the main road and 10 on a graded dirt road. No more electricity or water from a spiget but instead we'll have miles of coast and mas olas. "Evie" has run like a champ!! There were multiple reasons for naming our motor home after my mom and some of them were putting my mothers characteristics of being stubborn as a mule and her desire to always finish well onto this vehicle that would carry us across the United States and 800 miles down the Baja peninsula securely and safely.

The high southern desert is lush and green this year... stunning. The tamales are as good as always as was the traditional breakfast of huevos ranchos in Catavina. Vaya con Dios

Westward Ho

As we sit here in Irving, Texas a very cold wind blows under gray low hanging clouds. Once we come into this state I really begin to feel the westward draw as the terrain changes to flat plains and wide expanses. The drive so far has been pleasant. Plenty of room in Evie to fix a quick meal although I do have to take a stance much the same as one standing in a sailboat under sail. I've been able to begin weaving a few necklaces and in the evening we have been enjoying an audio book of Islands in the Stream by Ernest Hemingway. Glorious weather and day spent in St. George Island State park where we took a four mile hike through the grassy pine forest and dunes that comprise the island. Many of the trees still bear the cat face scar inflicted on their trunks to bring out the sap which was used for turpentine years ago. We aim our land crusier to Balmorrhea State Park in Texas where the first spring fed open air pool was made. We've swam in the waters before but it may be too cool this time for a dip. We'll see....

Hurricane Ida

Today feeling much like a sailor waiting in port for the weather conditions to cooperate with the destination you have charted. Another reason why it is so difficult to nail a date of departure on the head and stick to it. Alas maties, we were unfurling the sails of our land cruiser today and Hurrican Ida has cut us off at the pass. Aarrgghh! We surrender and wait for our window of opportunity to open again.

Yes, I am beginning to feel excited

It has been interesting these past few weeks as we get our gear staged and the last minute details finished on Evie how many social events we've participated in. I think Robert and I have had more company in these past few weeks than we've had in the past year. Invariably we get the question "Are you excited about your trip?" And in our honesty, we consistently answer "No, not yet." Thereupon, in our private conversations we explore why we don't. For one we think it's because these trips entail so much planning and work beforehand. It isn't just driving a motorhome across the country but it is also driving the motorhome into Mexico where you may not have electricity, you dont' have AAA to bail you out and you don't have the network of family and friends to assist in challenges that come across your path. A time also when your faith in God is truly tested. So not only are you planning for the unknown, which is impossible, but you are doing your girl and boy scout best to be prepared. What foods can I prepare that are healthy and store well. What tools can Robert bring that are reasonable. What boards to bring, wax, leash, repair kits, fins... Passports, tourist cards, insurance... extra batteries... Then there is the home and how you leave it for two plus months. Billpay, yard maintenance, animal care etc. "Are you excited about the trip?" I was asked again last night as I had dinner with my two sons and their gf's and again my answer was not yet. "Then why are you going?" I'm asked. And when I thought about that, the why am I going started rolling over in my mind and it must have cooked all night. It was the morning after that upon rising and sipping my coffee as the sun rose that I imagined a Baja morning spread out in front of me. A day filled with the sights and smells of Baja, days filled with my best friend Robert by my side with no work to separate us, only a life that is simple and filled with surf, real surf, and like-minded people who do these things because we love not only surfing but the surfing lifestyle and then finally it happened, I got excited about our trip. Evie pulls out Monday and my baby gets home today!