BajaNomad - A simple Question

A simple Question

Baja Bernie - 1-30-2006 at 08:20 PM

How does one become marooned on a desert Island when one is supplied by an Aeroplane. Just a bit confused, don't you know.

[Edited on 1-31-2006 by Baja Bernie]

Dave - 1-30-2006 at 08:55 PM

Easy, if you get a permit.

Oso - 1-30-2006 at 09:15 PM

"To be put ashore on a desolate island or coast and left to one's fate" The definition doesn't really speak to whether or not the situation may be voluntary.

I was "marooned" on the coast of Quintana Roo in the mid 60's, but I agreed to stay behind and guard the salvage rights to the Arawak Chief while the rest of the crew went back to Belize and the Gallego captain went to Miami to bring a tug. I wish I had Graham's wordsmith skills. Maybe I could have made a book out of that (mis) adventure.

Al G - 1-30-2006 at 10:03 PM

Oso,
Please tell us your adventure.

Oso - 1-31-2006 at 06:23 AM

It's too long to post here. "One of these days", I'll take another shot at writing and put the story up somewhere below.

Questioned my Motives

Baja Bernie - 1-31-2006 at 07:15 AM

Someone questioned my motives, in a U-2-U, about why I had posted this negative post. Well, I didn't think it was negative and below is what prompted me to start this post. Please read the last sentence.

Graham is a nice person and we even had lunch together once when I was seeking help from him on one of my books.

Bonnie IS a saint!

MexMike
Newbie

________________________________________

Posts: 1
Registered: 1-28-2006
Member Is Offline
posted on 1-28-2006 at 14:47

Just registered - looks interesting. But I have to say a few of you have the wrong impression about Graham. I've spent quite a bit of time with him - in San Pedro de Martir delivering condors, in LA Bay on a film shoot, and have listened to his plans and reasons for his trip to Isla Guarda. He has to make a living like we all do, but his "real" motivation is experiencing unusual aspects of Baja and then sharing his experiences. But then, there is always spin on any person/situation on message boards. Thought you all might like some first person input. Dropping off some basics for Graham by plane next week - more for the experience than the need, but those are the things that make life exciting!

David K - 1-31-2006 at 09:06 AM

Graham coined the term 'marooned' in a comical description of his condition on the island BECAUSE HE CAN NOT LEAVE on his own.

Bonni sends me any news she gets about Graham and I share them with you all... Many are fans of his books. If anyone is not, then don't let me bother you.

There has been no communication from Graham or Bonni about an air drop of any supplies. But, if there is that still doesn't change Graham's status of being 'marooned' or not able to leave the island.

Thanks for adding some detail to the thread... As you didn't originally mention it was about Graham, and you didn't ask it in the thread about Graham... I wasn't 100% certain that was who.

gonetobaja - 1-31-2006 at 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
How does one become marooned on a desert Island when one is supplied by an Aeroplane. Just a bit confused, don't you know.

[Edited on 1-31-2006 by Baja Bernie]

Well,

Call me up, I will put you on the island with no way off. I will leave you with my handheld Aiviation radio. We pay extra to have Capt Mike buzz the island and drop off Pacificos with little parachutes hooked to them.

Did I mention that I have the permits to do this.... :smug:

I only wish Graham would have picked the Islas Encatadas.

Listen everyone, if you want to be left on an island all alone, its easier than you think. The hard part is once you have been left there. I have spent time on the islands, although never La Guardia. To me after a few days the noise from the birds and sea lions, combined with the "extended camping" proves to be quite a challange. Little things like, well, giant c-ckroaches and big rattlesnakes come to mind every time I would go to sleep. You would hear big splashes in the water at night and not have any clue what it was. After a few days I was glad to head back and take a hot shower. I have never read any books by Graham, I am not a reader. Im glad people like him will go to the extreme and then write about it. This may be a book that I read. How much longer is going to be out there?

David K - 1-31-2006 at 09:25 AM

Everything I have heard from Graham is in the thread about Graham on Nomad... 2 months is what he says. Do read the emails I posted in that thread.

I can highly recommend Graham's first book that you will enjoy, even if not a big time book reader. The first leg of his 3,000 mile Baja coastling walk is San Felipe to L.A. Bay... Right by your area in Baja.

Pompano - 1-31-2006 at 09:52 AM

Pompano will be marooned at Ray's Bar most of the day today...his only chance of leaving would be a crawl down the beach to Anna's Bar and Cafe. Prayers for him would be appreciated...also payment of overdue bar bill. This could be air-dropped or brought by dune-buggy.

[Edited on 1-31-2006 by Pompano]

Pompano.....

Hook - 1-31-2006 at 10:03 AM

....no one gets the mileage you do out of photos.

Keep up the good work......

zforbes - 1-31-2006 at 12:51 PM

With those three leading the pack, trouble would be fun....

I think some of us.......

Hook - 1-31-2006 at 12:53 PM

......are looking at this adventure with the same skepticism that we view some of the "reality" shows that are on TV. Maybe a little hardship, but not really that big a deal. Help is always at the ready.

Others have construed that we skeptics have a problem with Graham, personally. At least for me, that's not the case. If he can make a buck by selling books about his "adventures", then that's fine. I won't be among the purchasers, however.

Come to think of it, if these reports continue, there wont be any real incentive for most Nomads to buy it; they will already know how it turns out.

Hooks' right!

Sharksbaja - 1-31-2006 at 01:33 PM

Quote:

......are looking at this adventure with the same skepticism that we view some of the "reality" shows that are on TV. Maybe a little hardship, but not really that big a deal. Help is always at the ready.

Exactly.

When one learns of his plans and backup arrangements it tends to diminish the thought of his actually being marooned.
DK insists that this means he has to call a cab for a ride. Heck, if the hardy Canadian was able to come and go in his boat then it does seem ludicrous to suggest Graham can't. :rolleyes:

I am sure that the isolation must be incredible but it seems the (future) author loves this solitude and is comfortable alone.
Now that we all know how he does these trips, I feel less intrigued from an adventure standpoint. As far as this being a valuable educational documentary on the Isla, absolutely!

bajalera - 1-31-2006 at 02:04 PM

I think I'll wait for the movie.

Oso - 1-31-2006 at 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja

Quote:

Exactly.

Anyone who has actually read any of Graham's books knows that he is not trying to prove anything, get into the Guiness records or pull off a "reality show" stunt. He is primarily doing something he finds an interesting thing to do, that gives him lots of solitude and time for introspection, reflection and philosophical searching. I liked the first book better than the second, which was a bit TOO introspective and well, "religious" for my personal taste but I guess wandering alone in the wilderness (except for 4-legged companions) will lead to that sort of thing. I don't have the third one yet, but since I got the first two signed (In Blythe where I met BBbait) I'm sure I will buy it next time I see him. I expect it and the Island book will also be more "journies of the mind" than endurance contests.

Boy,

Baja Bernie - 1-31-2006 at 05:58 PM

All I do is ask a question based on what MexMike posted about dropping supplies by plane to Graham and I get hit over the head for asking and then questioned about why I posted a separate post from the original one.

Then I am honored by being placed in the company of two people, Oso & Lera, whom I respect most highly. Unfortunately, I am only placed in that company because I am a "trouble maker."

I apologize because I did not realize that questions were no longer allowed on this board and I did not understand that I should not have started a separate post of my own. I still do not understand the rules on that one.

It is my strong feeling that Graham is a big boy and he can do anything he wants to as long as Saint Bonnie goes along with it--In fact I guess he can do what he wants without her blessing if he so choses.

Perhaps I should ask Doug to expand my title from Normal Nomad to "Normal Trouble Making Nomad."

No, I think I will stick with my Normal Nomad label if it is okay with the rest of you.

Back into my cave for, oh, about two months---nah!

But! Do any of you appreciate how boring this board would be if we all marched to the same drummer and were not allowed to express our thoughts if they did not conform to the wishes of a few.

Okay! Time out trouble maker, you just go stand in a corner until you bring more pleasant thoughts and feelings to this board.

Woops! And have a coke if I get service like that--perhaps with just a drop or two of that pirate brew. (this is what got edited)

[Edited on 2-1-2006 by Baja Bernie]

Hey Bernie...

eetdrt88 - 1-31-2006 at 06:14 PM

its happy hour...have a coke :spingrin:

Fatboy - 1-31-2006 at 06:39 PM

This is where this topic belongs and it is valid topic.
The way I veiwed the other thread was someone was talking about something then some else starts talking about how stupid it is and what a farce it is. While those things may be true it is not the conversation being had. If everyone starts talking about it then fine, but to have people continue on about it while others keep making snide remarks is just plain rude, Want to talk about what a joke it is? Fine, act like a person and go have your conversation somewhere outside of the first one.

Part of the conversation could be disagreeing with it but not attacking the person that brought it though. Take the internet out of the equation (?) and imagine standing around a campfire on the beach and have the same discussion as was had with DK's post about about Grahams latest misadventure is. Some of you would be considered rude and by putting it under the guise of being 'honest' or of expressing your mind is a bunch of BS.

Want to speak your mind? Then keep your fingers off of the keyboard when it is a subject you disagree with. Or make a brief response that you think the whole thing is hokey and will not be buying his book or be following the thread. Then you made your point and are out of the 'conversation' and other people that are interested in it may continue on with without all the useless stuff that has little or nothing to do with conversation outside of you trying to make a point.

So to Baja Bernies question it is really quite simple...what does being marooned on an island have to do with being supplied? Marooned generally means unable to leave. Yes, Graham can leave by swimming, paddling his kayak. Neither of which are perfect solutions without some inherent risk. Getting resupplied has nothing to do with it.

As for my 2cents, I am interested in the updates just to see what he says and to hear about what may happen. I will not be buying the book though. To me what might be interesting would probably fit on a couple of pages unless it delves into the flora and fauna quite deeply. I could care less about his ramblings and thoughts about the experience.

turtleandtoad - 1-31-2006 at 07:08 PM

WEBSTER
Main Entry: 2maroon
Function: transitive verb
1 : to put ashore on a desolate island or coast and leave to one's fate
2 : to place or leave in isolation or without hope of ready escape

Doesn't sound like Graham to me! A better choice of words would have been Solitude or Seclusion, which implies a willing act by the person.

You would have thought that someone that makes a living by writing would have a better grasp on the language. My instructors would have rapped my knuckles for a slip like that. :biggrin:

Of course it wouldn't have had the punch that marooned has.

Fatboy - 1-31-2006 at 07:15 PM

Quote:

You would have thought that someone that makes a living by writing would have a better grasp on the language. My instructors would have rapped my knuckles for a slip like that.

Maybe you should define READY as used in your definition since number 2 seems to fit Graham, does it not.

Okay-Okay!!!

Baja Bernie - 1-31-2006 at 07:23 PM

Give us authors a break---We all wish to make what we write at least exciting enough to attract attention. Were I to write a book about trying to sleep on a desert island I would probably use "maroooned." The other words available are somehow hollow and do not paint a picture that is worth painting....Try stranded, abandoned, isolated, stuck....Graham is correct if he wishes to engender excitement in his readers.

So now I guess I am no longer in the trouble maker club.

May I have another coke?

turtleandtoad - 1-31-2006 at 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fatboy

Quote:

You would have thought that someone that makes a living by writing would have a better grasp on the language. My instructors would have rapped my knuckles for a slip like that.

Maybe you should define READY as used in your definition since number 2 seems to fit Graham, does it not.

I think the key words there are "without hope". He has hope, he has a boat, a radio, and people looking over him, so there is hope.

There are shut-ins in the US that have less contact with the outside world than he has. I wouldn't call them marooned, abandoned? maybe!; isolated? probably! But not marooned. and, although he is somewhat isolated, he isn't marooned!!

David K - 1-31-2006 at 08:22 PM

My goodness...

When Graham reads all of this (and he will since Bonni is), he is going to regret his choice of the word 'marooned' in describing his condition there! I know Graham personally and have for 16 years... I can tell you he is a harmless little red-headed fuzzball and has not an ill thought of anyone who loves Baja. You really need to meet the guy and experience one of his slide shows!

Let's start over:

1) Graham Mackintosh, author of three Baja personal adventure books has chosen to spend a planned two months on an uninhabited desert island (Angel de la Guarda).

2) Besides limited food and water he has only a simple kayak to explore the island's coast (unable to cross back to the peninsula) and a radio that will only reach people within his line of sight (nearby planes or boats).

3) It would be easy to write a novel about such an adventure with this man's background, but Graham is actually there, so no fiction.

4) This book could have valuable information for anyone who sails the sea, knowing the research Graham puts into his books. In any case, it will be fun to read, if nothing else.

So, cut the guy some slack... he is THERE and we are NOT! :yes:

Uh...Make that twins

Dave - 1-31-2006 at 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
Bernie - I'm going to add you to the official list of Nomad Troublemakers - along with Lera and Dave - so now you guys are a triumvirate.

I do not make trouble. I simply exploit it.

Oso & Lera

Baja Bernie - 2-1-2006 at 07:47 AM

With Dave's explaination of Braulio's statement I am now wondering if I may rejoin the "TT's" (Troublesome Triuvirate) and share responsibility in, as Dave says, exploiting trouble.

I will leave this deciision in your competent hands.

No, I will not beg, but I will whine.

May I have a coke.

turtleandtoad - 2-1-2006 at 08:52 AM

Will someone PLEASE give that guy a coke!!!!! :spingrin:

Osprey - 2-1-2006 at 08:56 AM

I once read an article written by a guy who had a freighter drop him off on a deserted isle bizzillion miles from nowhere - the plan was for them to pick him up again in 2 years. He planned pretty well but he needed sustainable livestock and they escaped, got diseases. At times he had to work round the clock for days just to stay alive. He survived. Fascinating story. What I would really like to read is a story written by one of you if you would live for 2 months on islands in the same way the Vagabundos del Mar lived. That book I would buy, read, hold and cherish. Any takers? Gringorio, David K? Anyone?

bajalera - 2-1-2006 at 12:07 PM

It's certainly inspiring to learn that I've been appointed to an exclusive triumvirate, instead of just being a lone Troublemaker. I'll try not to let this go to my head.

Do you intend to give us lapel pins, Braulio?

turtleandtoad - 2-1-2006 at 12:19 PM

How about a big TT tatooed on your forehead? :lol:

bajalera - 2-1-2006 at 01:07 PM

No thanks. I do not trust suggestions from guys who upset my friend Skeeter by going around STARK NEKKID on motorcycles.

turtleandtoad - 2-1-2006 at 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalera
No thanks. I do not trust suggestions from guys who upset my friend Skeeter by going around STARK NEKKID on motorcycles.

There's GOT to be a story there

Letter from Bonni 2-1-06

David K - 2-2-2006 at 09:00 AM

Because a new thread on Graham was started, the letter I received from Bonni will be inserted into both... it has to do with the air drop and other concerns:

Wednesday, February 1, 2006 10:23 AM
This is some infill for the readers who are interested in following Graham's trip to Isla Angel de la Guarda. The letter that Gary (the primo kayaker) sent me is all I've heard from Graham, not surprisingly. We trust he is doing well and I am personally very stoked about this trip.

From my years being with Graham, I know how many people take the time to tell him what his books mean to them. There is also never any denying how many people do not like his brand of travel or writing. He agrees with dissension!

No one thinks he is out there trying to thwart death every day. As for the idea of being "marooned," this thread opens with a copy of a personal Christmas email to David K. From the next letter, which Graham actually wrote to Baja Nomad readers, he's used quotes to show the humor intended with the word. Sorry that got lost. Mentioning his book intentions took on a life of it's own, too.

Today I'm bringing a letter for Graham to Mike, who will be flying over the island around Feb. 6. His "drop" is limited to about 20 pounds (beer and chocolate!) as weight is very tight on a light plane and they are en route from parts elsewhere in Baja. Like he indicated in his post, Mike is doing this for mostly his own experience--but it will sure be appreciated. He will let us know what the latest is on Graham when he can.

Two other friends are going to join Graham for about a week around Feb. 22. They will also be able to let me know any news from him when they return. He has his foibles to be sure, but is not hiding them and making any great claims. Anyone is welcome in his camp to enjoy with him some of the best that Baja, or even the world, has to offer. He is one lucky person to be out there.

Thanks to all the people who have expressed support for Graham. He realizes completely how he has been helped by so many people he's encountered, or possibly doesn't even know, over the years. Will let you know what's up when I hear.

Bonni

Bud - 2-5-2006 at 12:26 PM

Well, I'm half way through the desert place book right now.
I've been to the area he's in obove LA bay in a boat. And on most of the land. So, it's been very interesting to me. As far as I'm concerned it good to hear what his thoughts were during the process of going down the coast. I know some seem to not like his style of writing and all I have to say about that is....to each his own. :yes:

So far he's held my interest pretty well. Still have a long way to though.

And Braulio, I got that suitcase book you suggested. As soon as I'm done with Grahams books I'll dig into that one. Looks interesting.....It's big too!

Bud

[Edited on 2-5-2006 by Bud]

David K - 2-5-2006 at 01:13 PM

I can't imagine anyone who loves Baja, (the land, people ,sea,) would not enjoy Graham's books... They are great armchair adventure works for those times we Nomads are not on our own adventure in Baja!

It was nearly a quarter centuary ago when he did the great walk around Baja... and he's still energized to keep us entertained!

David K

Baja Bernie - 2-5-2006 at 10:01 PM

You neglected to post the above on your original thread on Grahams next book.

Edit was to change threat to the intended thread.

[Edited on 2-6-2006 by Baja Bernie]

David K - 2-6-2006 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
You neglected to post the above on your original threat on Grahams next book.

What/ which 'above'? Bonni's latest email? It was posted there and here the same day... look again.

Any other posts in this thread by me are responces to posts only found in this thread.

This one David

Baja Bernie - 2-6-2006 at 04:35 PM

It is directly above my last post on this thread. I just thougt it would go nicely on your thread--

Graham Mackintosh: 'Marooned' on Isla Angel de la Guarda

Quote:
David K - 2-5-2006 at 12:13
I can't imagine anyone who loves Baja, (the land, people ,sea,) would not enjoy Graham's books... They are great armchair adventure works for those times we Nomads are not on our own adventure in Baja!

It was nearly a quarter centuary ago when he did the great walk around Baja... and he's still energized to keep us entertained!

David K - 2-6-2006 at 06:04 PM

Hi Bernie,
It was my responce to Bud's post here in your thread:

"Well, I'm half way through the desert place book right now.
I've been to the area he's in obove LA bay in a boat. And on most of the land. So, it's been very interesting to me. As far as I'm concerned it good to hear what his thoughts were during the process of going down the coast. I know some seem to not like his style of writing and all I have to say about that is....to each his own. So far he's held my interest pretty well. Still have a long way to though.

And Braulio, I got that suitcase book you suggested. As soon as I'm done with Grahams books I'll dig into that one. Looks interesting.....It's big too!

Bud"

If you think it is appropiate in my thread of Graham's and Bonni's messages, I suppose so ... ??

Please read my u2u reply to your u2u from early this morning... Gracias.