Is It Worth It?
What were we thinking when we signed up to take care of a dog, two chickens, and 1230 acres in a remote area of Baja California, Mexico for two months?!? The thought of driving across the Mexican border at Tijuana and then 200 miles south on treacherous roads seemed like an adventure in itself. What if our truck broke down on a deserted stretch, or we ran out of gas, or met someone passing on a curve coming towards us as they often do here? Would we be caught in the cross-fire of the drug cartels. If we survive that, will we and our supplies be safe when we stay a night in Ensenada on our way down? Then, how will we fare climbing the perilous unpaved road leading up to the property; chiseled and rough by flash floods on the side of the mountain. Once there, how many rattle snakes and scorpions will we encounter. Will we have enough supplies for two months? It would take the better part of a day to drive to the nearest town and back on these hazardous roads. On top of that, we got word on our way down that the property caught fire and the main water supply had been destroyed. Would it be repaired in time? How would we protect ourselves if roving desperados came up the drive? We are miles from anyone, without phone service, much less police protection.
We spent weeks preparing for this trip, buying supplies, readying our 4x4, researching the area, and purchasing our visitor permit online. As with most things in life, our imaginations are a far cry from reality. Crossing the border was a breeze, about as simple as the agricultural check point we passed through when we entered California. The Coral & Marina hotel in Ensenada was the best I have ever stayed in. I learned how to adjust to Mexican driving practices, and we turned the 4x4 experience into a virtual Baja 500 as we each took turns giving Howard Cosell type commentary along the way. Though my heart was pounding and hands tightly gripped to the wheel as I navigated unforgiving terrain up the side of rugged Sierra San Pedro Martir we stayed calm and very present. The only venomous creature we have encountered is a black widow. A more present hazard is brushing against a prickly-pear cactus as Linda discovered our second day here. It was some time before we were able to remove all the hair-like glochids from her arm and leg. If I have any worries now, after five days, it’s that I’ll accidentally brush up against some poison oak which has been spotted in the lower canyon.
In exchange for crossing the border of fear and embracing uncertainly, we have been given amazing sunsets, crystal clear skies complete with nightly meteor showers with the serenade of frogs and crickets. Last night after counting 5 shooting stars in quick succession, we didn't see any for a long while. We decided to call one as we boldly sang the line, "bring back our shooting star," to the tune of, Stormy. Incredibly, one appeared directly overhead, in clear view to both of us, right on queue as the word "star" left our lips leaving us awestruck!
We are regularly treated to booming thunder storms that echo through the canyons, appearances of an owl, fox, rabbits, woodpeckers, and all manner of colorful songbirds. The large birds we see overhead are likely from the nearby condor station. Fruit is ripening on the trees and vines, the air smells fresh and clean after each storm rolls through, and life is simple. Taking the 2/3 mile walk to the arroyo (stream) and back twice a day to turn the water pump on and off is my biggest job for the day leaving ample time to hike, explore, rock hound, write, photograph, relax, read, play my guitar, learn drone operation, work-out, and enjoy Linda’s company, delicious cooking, and artwork. This morning we explored a nearby settlement previously inhabited by pioneers, outlaws, and gold miners.
Managing water supply and power off the grid has required us to be much more mindful of our consumption levels and we sometimes feel like pioneers (especially when we are hanging laundry on a clothes line to dry) and we’re loving it! Does this sound too remote for a two-month stay, or does it sound fun to you? Maybe you have had a similar experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
