BajaNomad - Graham Mackintosh: 'Marooned' on Isla Angel de la Guarda: 6-06 PHOTOS POSTED!

Graham Mackintosh: 'Marooned' on Isla Angel de la Guarda: 6-06 PHOTOS POSTED!

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David K - 12-26-2005 at 02:01 PM

>>> scroll down for the latest updates... link to Graham's photos <<<

Graham cannot communicate live beyond short range of handheald radio, see Bonni's email at bottom of thread...

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Exciting news that Graham just relayed to me in our Christmas greetings...
=========================================================
First was this:

Hola David and Elizabeth,

Nice card. What a great pair of Santas!

Hopefully, in a few days I'll be on Guardian Angel Island... should be fascinating. Marooned for a couple of months!

Have a wonderful Christmas,

Graham
=========================================================
Then after asking him if I could share the news with all of you:

David,

Yes, it's time for me to shed a few holiday pounds and write another book. Assuming I can secure permission I hope to be soon braving wind and current "marooned" on Guardian Angel Island. I'll have a kayak and a couple of pair of boots so I can explore all over the island. Otherwise I'll be staying on the Baja side setting up camp as far from civilization as I can get. Looking forward to seeing you again, maybe in March upon my return.
==========================================================

I know his fans would be interested. Angel Island is very mysterious and is quite worthy of exploring... Is there any water there? Early reports said no and that is why no
Indians lived there... But, is that true? Graham may make some great discoveries!

Best of luck to you, Graham! http://www.grahammackintosh.com to see his three books and other stories.

Here is the photo Graham included in his email today...
Graham dreaming of the big rattlesnakes on Guardian Angel Island

[Edited on 6-7-2006 by David K]

capt. mike - 12-27-2005 at 02:09 PM

humm??
what does his family think about him going off on these solo trucks all the time?
his wife has to be very understanding i'd guess.

i'll look forward to reading it.

that guy sure likes lonliness.

One isn't always the loneliest number

Dave - 12-27-2005 at 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
his wife has to be very understanding i'd guess.

If she were like mine she would probably welcome the vacation.

David K - 12-27-2005 at 05:27 PM

Well, Bonni met Graham while he was giving a presentation of his 1980's 3,000 mile walk around Baja... During his 1,000 mile walk down to Loreto from Tecate with the burro 'Mision' in 1997, Boni and Graham came to an understanding (it is all in the second book)... :yes:

[Edited on 1-14-2006 by David K]

sancho - 12-28-2005 at 04:01 PM

I have to hand it to Graham, coming to the USA from England as he
did with nada to his name, getting a couple of sponsers,
Sport Chalet,etc., to supply him with a pack and hiking boots,
walking the coast of the Peninsula, finding material for 3
now a fourth book, (I believe he is a member of the
prestigious Adventures Club of Los Angeles), heck, I
remember seeing Graham belowdecks of the 'Titanic", Baja has
been walked around, kayaked around, an inflatable Zodiac
has been run around it, the strangest
one I heard was from a couple old desertrats living
so. of Loreto who 'while sober', claimed to see a unicycleist
with pack, riding down Hwy Uno... on Angel Island sounds like he
is in for a diet of triggerfish, ratlesnake

My topo of the island..

neilm - 12-28-2005 at 04:55 PM

INEGI 1:250000 shows several arroyos; maybe a puddle in Feb. or Mar.... I think a solar desalinator would be a good piece of gear for that trip.... triggerfish and buzzies, for sure.

Neil

David K - 12-29-2005 at 11:11 PM

Graham is leaving for his new adventure tomorrow, Friday...

Good luck to him!

UPDATE from Graham!

David K - 1-4-2006 at 06:45 PM

January 4, 2006 --
I am waiting to begin my next adventure, spending maybe two months
exploring Isla Angel de la Guarda.

I am at Villa Bahia just north of Bahia de los Angeles, on the road to
La Gringa. I can see the big island beckoning twenty miles across the
channel. A panga will be coming to ferry me out there tomorrow or
whenever the wind permits. I have decided to set up a base camp in a
cove at Humbug Bay (locally Los Machos)in the middle of the island,
along the west coast. After three or four weeks exploring from there I
will probably move to different locations around the island either in
my blue Cobra Tandem kayak or more likely by panga.

What a privilege to be out there. The island is breathtakingly
beautiful. The geology and and the ecology are amazing. Species and
subspecies found nowhere else. Not many people have ever stayed so long.

Say hi if you motor by. I have a marine VHF handheld radio. If I'm not
up in the mountains and anyone is close by I'll monitor channels 16, 68
and 72.

Graham

From Bonni...

David K - 1-4-2006 at 06:57 PM

While Graham was calling me this morning on the satellite email/phone, the panguero arrived and may have taken him out to the island. Here is the picture, sized for emails, and if it is not good please let me know.

Graham also wanted to include the contact info for Villa Bahia, if you could please add that as well:

www.villabahia.com

Paulina - 1-4-2006 at 10:01 PM

I see a Sandi Pratt palm tree...

David K - 1-4-2006 at 10:07 PM

This information has been also now been added to Graham's web site under the 'events' link: http://www.grahammackintosh.com/events.html

David------

Barry A. - 1-4-2006 at 10:18 PM

I just brought up BOLA from your list of aerial photos and scrolled out to the island-----------boy, Graham is biteing off a big task------that island is HUGE, and complicated. As long as his food and water holds out, he should have a fantastic time, but not sure how much of the island he can cover in 2 months-----------it sure will make for some interesting reading. Hope he takes 3 pair of boots.

What a guy!!!!! Part of me is jealous----another part of me is aprehensive for his safety-------!!

Barry

David K - 1-4-2006 at 10:34 PM

I agree!

However, I am glad he is sticking to Baja for his new adventure... He had considered walking across the U.S., but that just doesn't have the sizzle of living on a real desert island and eating rattlesnakes!!!

bajataco - 1-5-2006 at 09:55 AM

WOW!!!

This is GREAT news! Graham is the man. This should make for a great book. I have always looked at that island and wanted to explore it. I wish I had know he was going to be in BOLA, as we just got back from there - that would have been cool to see him before we left on Thursday.

I once talked to a guy in BOLA, who had seen some extraordinary tracks on the island. They were very BIG and apparently unidentifiable. :wow:

GOOD LUCK GRAHAM! :cool:

Thanks for updates David.

For some fanfare, a pic of Graham and my wife, Sharon at Viva Baja 2K2...

marv sherrill - 1-5-2006 at 11:24 AM

I talked with Graham new Years eve at Villa Bahia. A few of my friends bought books and got them signed - what a great guy indeed! - He has done so many adventures, yet he was still totallly excited about his new one. The bay on the island is well protected, stark, but beautiful. If anyone still has their 2005 Baja calendar, the hills behind the cove are pictured in the March main photo. I hope to check in with him on the island over President's Holidays.

wilderone - 1-5-2006 at 11:53 AM

"As long as his food and water holds out, ... not sure how much of the island he can cover in 2 months. ... Part of me ... is aprehensive for his safety"

You may recall, on his previous trips, he sometimes curtailed them to replenish supplies (and then continued); had supplies brought to him; had many meals and water offered and provided to him. I'm sure he'll have boats bringing him supplies as needed. I look forward to a good read of the essence of the island and some of its secrets revealed.

ursidae69 - 1-5-2006 at 02:18 PM

Oh man, I just got back from a week of kayaking in Bahia de LA and points north. I've always wanted to visit Isla de la Guarda, what a great treat this must be! I'm jealous!

Can anyone confirm?

Hook - 1-5-2006 at 05:33 PM

Is Humbug bay (or Los Machos) also the cove that I believe Jack Williams refers to as Esta Ton?

Esta Ton

cristobal - 1-5-2006 at 07:28 PM

I do not know if Humbug Bay is known as Esta Ton but this little cove is the only one that I found on the West side of this 41 mile long island.
I went around Guardian Angel in my 15.5' Zodiac ... 16 years ago ... and went ashore at Esta Ton for several hours. There is NO protection in the bay if the wind blows from the South. If it comes from the North ... you can stay until it stops. I dropped my camera gear off before anchoring in the bay in 20' of water and swimming ashore. The different colors in the mountains are fantastic. I will try to dig some pics out. The bay is full of large boulders and it would be difficult to go ashore anywhere in the bay. :bounce:

aha baja - 1-6-2006 at 03:05 PM

Ran into Graham having some fish tacos at Chinas on the 2nd of jan. He was getting ready for the trip to La Guardia. 50 gal. of water,provisions for a month and a hand held 5 watt VHF. seemed primed for the adventure. good luck

Titanic Adventure

academicanarchist - 1-6-2006 at 04:27 PM

It has been a "Titanic" adventure for Graham and Boni.

Graham, Good luck

academicanarchist - 1-6-2006 at 04:28 PM

Graham is doing things I would like to, like getting lost in an isolated land for a prolonged time.

Note to Nomads from Graham and 1-6-06 Update

David K - 1-6-2006 at 08:11 PM

Hi David,

I sent this update to Dick Van Bree for my website. I really enjoyed reading the string of postings on the Baja Nomad board. Please thank all those fascinating folks for their interest and positive comments. See you in March, and looking forward to swapping a few Baja tales.

Dick,

Another update for the Guardian Angel Island adventure:

Friday January 6, 2006

A couple of days of north wind have prevented me from going out to Guardian Angel Island. Today is much calmer inside the bay; but out beyond the near islands there are some good waves running. I have total confidence in my panguero; he predicted as much yesterday, but thinks Saturday will be the day for the crossing. He came to that conclusion by taking into account the moon and the clouds, and studying the bay from an elevated point on the road to town. I reached the same verdict by looking at the weather forecast on the internet.

I have an abundance of time, and Baja has taught me patience. I am putting the days to good use talking to some of the knowledgeable folks here at the bay and doing a little research on line. I also took a couple of long hikes, including out to the rugged shore north of La Gringa, to break in my boots and recover a little lost fitness.

As a reminder about the power of the wind, I watched an inflatable left on the beach suddenly tumble down to the water and so somersaulting out towards the islands! My campsite on the island will need to be sheltered from the north and west winds; and I'll need shade. Even with hat and sunscreen, being fair of face my skin will not appreciate being exposed to two months of wind and sun.

Unless there are compelling reasons to locate elsewhere (such as finding a camp with loaded pangas) I'll be at the narrowest part of the island, I guess about 15 miles or so north of Este Ton, a wonderful little sheltered cove on the west side. That was my initial first choice location but a glance at a satellite map suggests it is so rugged there that getting along the coast on foot or into the mountains will be a challenge. Humbug Bay is the best place to hike right across the island; I shouldn't have to climb much over 1000 feet.

Luckily at this time of year I shouldn't see too many rattlesnakes, but all accounts suggests that they are there in numbers and one species is huge compared to its peninsula cousin, probably because of the absence of predators and its proclivity for dining on large endemic chuckwallas.

I'm taking 45 or 50 gallons of fluids, mostly water! And I'll have enough food for two months, especially as I'll be fishing most every day. But those chuckwallas might look tasty if all else fails... and giant rattlers will go a long way too.

Well, will send next report as I'm able.

Graham

Note from Bonni 1-10-06

David K - 1-11-2006 at 08:44 AM

Hi David--

I'm sending a picture in another email of Graham leaving with his panguero Basilio on Saturday morning.

Graham was headed for the Los Machos area (known only to the gringos as Humbug Bay) because Este ton offered little opportunity for exploring much of the island interior--steep high mountains all around. Los machos is north along the west coast of the island, about where it has a P-nched off appearance (with indents on both sides), and the lower terrain of the island can be covered on foot and crossed from there. He'll be there for an indefinite period of time, and relocate at some point.

Antonio Resendiz helped him accomplish a lot with getting the permits and lining up Basilio, the panguero. The enthusiasm of the locals really heartened Graham I know, and several scientific people are wanting him to be their eyes and ears out there also. Apparently no one has spent such considerable time camping on the island since the Indians were there.

Roger and Jean at Villa Bahia gave him a great base from which to leave--many thanks to them, and for the picture I'll be sending along.

Bonni

David K - 1-11-2006 at 09:06 AM

I think it is a play on words or a comical sub title... because he cannot leave there on his own... he is 'marooned' (until a boat can remove him).

At least we see this as it is happening, and not a couple years later, after he writes the book. We are witnesses... and pray not they happen, but Graham's adventures do all have some form of danger involved!

ursidae69 - 1-11-2006 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Antonio Resendiz helped him accomplish a lot with getting the permits and lining up Basilio, the panguero.

In March 05 I met Antonio and my friends and I rented Basilio's boat for a day, great fisherman. He put us into some really good fishing after the bay tour.

The more I read this thread, the more I get jealous! What a cool adventure. :cool:

Oso - 1-11-2006 at 07:35 PM

Just wait for the frickin book, then buy it, read it and offer your unsolicited review, wey.

bajataco - 1-11-2006 at 07:37 PM

David, Bonnie and Graham, thanks for sharing the updates with us. Beautiful photo! Hopefully we will get to hear some more dispatches in the future. Maybe he took some corked bottles with him that he can put some messages into... :tumble:

Chuck, that is pretty cool that you know Antonio and Basilio. Small peninsula I guess :cool:

I'd call it unique!

John M - 1-11-2006 at 08:09 PM

I believe Braulio's opinion is unique to say the least! Of course that is the best part of this forum - to be able to be our own unique self.

I'd offer that many, many writers plan and consider topics and experiences for stories ahead of the writing.

John M

doesnt sound like Braulio..

eetdrt88 - 1-11-2006 at 08:19 PM

has read any of grahams books...if he had he would know that the guy is definitely not a phony...in fact he's quite the opposite as far as I can tell from the two books of his i've read so far

Helping to make it real

Dave - 1-11-2006 at 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
I guess I'm missing something here (yeah - I know Graham's a great guy - we all love him) but the concept of "preparing" to be "marooned" escapes me.

I mean aren't the words prepared and marooned anti-themical?

Plus he's doing it in the least harsh part ofthe year - I don't know - why not call it what it is - an adventure with scant provisions (and a big safety net).

Braulio (marooned in San Ramon)

Hey, let's go down there and drink all the water, break the radio, steal his shoes, fishing pole and that silly hat he wears.

Roberto - 1-11-2006 at 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Hey, let's go down there and drink all the water, break the radio, steal his shoes, fishing pole and that silly hat he wears.

You are most definitely incorrigible. Keep it up.

David K - 1-12-2006 at 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
Point well taken John - but then a lot of writers also make their experiences out to be more than they really are. I guess at some point we just have to trust them - unless we're just reading for the entertainment value.

But there is one point on which I think we can all agree - that Lera and Oso should be kicked off the board - for never contributing anything of value - and troublemaking.

(Sorry I hijacked you post David - won't happen again.)

No worries Braulio... His first book 'Into a Desert Place' (c1988)was written AFTER his 3,000 mile walk around the peninsula and it is a must read for all Baja people, IMO.

However, all of his following books were planned... ie. he did an adventure so he could write a book about them (and I am glad he did)... I am sure there was an internal need to be close to Baja, as well!

'Journey With a Baja Burro' was about his 1,000 mile walk from Tecate to Loreto (in 1997) with a burro named Mision to carry his equipment... following the trail between missions in many places. Again, a great read... full of history details.

In 'Nearer My DOG to Thee' (c2003) he spent a summer 'marooned' in the Sierra San Pedro Martir at 8,000 feet, with his dogs... and nearly got struck by lightning more than once. I am using the word marooned (not Graham) here because he did not have a vehicle to leave with. Bonni made a few trips up to resupply him.. and teach him which mushrooms could be eaten (funny chapter). Great details on wild fires and the California condor were very interesting... again good historic research on the padres, who established a mission which is what the sierra was named after.

I am excited about his choice of being on Baja's largest (an uninhabited) desert island... Will he find signs of ancient native inhabitants? A lost mission? Will he even find water? Will he again be eating rattlesnakes for survival (he actual told me he enjoyed them)?

I am not sure if two months will be enough out there!!!

Here is Graham's website... He has a couple stories in there that are interesting reads, as well: http://www.GrahamMackintosh.com

[Edited on 1-12-2006 by David K]

jide - 1-12-2006 at 09:36 AM

Hey David,
do you know if Graham has ever posted on this forum?

Fatboy - 1-12-2006 at 06:52 PM

Quote:

was written AFTER his 3,000 mile walk

Yes, but it was his intention to write a book based on it.

Whether the chicken was first or the egg, Graham and other authors have always went on an 'adventure' in order to write about it(you could also say that they write about it to go on one) so that he is able to support himself.

So while I have my concerns about what 'Into A Desert Place' claims it is a very enjoyable read for me. His other 'Adventures' have been a little to contrived for me so I doubt I will buy one of his books.

I do enjoy reading the updates posted on this board though.

[Edited on 1-13-2006 by Fatboy]

David K - 1-13-2006 at 09:52 AM

Hmmmm... well if he didn't write about them it would be a great loss of entertainment and education for the rest of us Baja and adventure seeking folks... That is like having a Baja Nomad forum where none of us write about our trips to Baja.

So, you see Baja Nomads who take the time to write about their trips are travel or adventure authors. Most Nomads have not been published, so they are amateur writers... Graham and a few Nomads have been published.

Graham's last two books were both less than $20... For the research and effort that went into them, and the value of information and pleasure reading them, that is an incredible bargain. Do you only watch free TV, or do you ever go see a movie? Baja Nomad is like free TV, and a Baja book is like going to a movie... only better as it lasts much longer!

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Jide, I do not think Graham has posted on Nomad... he does read it, however... Back in the Amigos de Baja days, I passed on notes to Graham from people who had good questions when he was writing his second book... and I would post any responces he had for them... sort of his Internet secretary... lol!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a photo of when I brought Graham to the San Clemente pier in 2000 to meet some of the Internet Baja folks... that's Mike and Mary Ann Humfreville next to Graham. As you know Mike is the newest Baja author, published by Sunbelt... Have you ordered 'In the Shadow of the Volcano' yet???...

Email from Bonni 1-14-06

David K - 1-14-2006 at 11:09 AM

Hi David--

First of all, thank you so much for everything you are doing for Graham. I hadn't looked at the Baja Nomad website for a while, and it seems to have really grown into something awesome. Graham had asked me before I left him in LA Bay to check it out--particularly his page!

I tried to clarify Graham's location (los machos) on GAI for the readers who were wondering, especially hoping that if anyone was "happening" upon that area with a marine radio, they could contact him. i.e., There is no satellite phone! He only has a 5-watt, hand-held, AA-battery powered radio that can't reach LA Bay. He will be monitoring certain standard channels, and only if he hears a boat or plane in his vicinity, in order to save on batteries. Apparently the gingos use a few common channels, and the Mexicans use another couple. (I should have written them down, because he told me what they were!)

In the past, on his other trips, I generally have heard from him via the people he encounters along the way who are kind enough to give me a call or put a letter in the mail from him when they get back to the States. On one of his last nights recently in LA Bay, he was at a restaurant in town with Roger and Jean (owners of Villa Bahia), when a couple came up to him there and said they were the folks who sent me a Valentine's Day letter he had asked them to post while he was on his burro trip (in 1998)...

My best reassurance on this trip is that amongst the fishermen out of LA Bay, with Tony's and Basilio's assistance, any important news he gets out to them will filter down to me. The ejido people were very supportive and interested in his project, but full of warnings, especially about the fat rattlesnakes that might be active all year long. Mike Essary has set a date with Graham in early February when he plans to fly over the camp, speak with him via radio, and possibly drop some things off his plane. If I get any news, I'll send it along to you.

I also wanted to say a big thank you for posting the letter from Henry and Carol on Baja Nomad. They have been retired at Pete's camp for a number of years and are meeting a long term goal of now retiring to their home on the Isle of Wight (she is English) in May. What a blow at their leaving Baja, if there had been no way foreseen to recover the animal shelter. You folks are helping to make it happen.

Hasta luego, Bonni

bajataco - 1-14-2006 at 07:03 PM

David, thanks for posting her message.

HI BONNI!

Thanks for the note. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but I have met su esposo, Graham, and have really enjoyed his books very much! I just wish I could share a rattlesnake kebob with him out there overlooking the bay! (con salsa picante)

Best of luck 2 both of you.

This post now qualifies

Hook - 1-16-2006 at 10:07 AM

as a trip report if we can expect continuing episodes of "Survivor, La Guardia". :rolleyes:

Why not post this riveting account of man vs. the elements over there?

Of course, I'm sure it won't have the commercial impact desired on THAT board......are we to look forward to two months of pre-sale pimping of the next book here?

I'm with you Braulio.......21st Century American television has twisted the meaning of the word "reality". :?:

David K - 1-16-2006 at 06:43 PM

Hook, it is not a trip report yet... well by me, anyway!

I think it is being well 'discussed' on the discussion board... Once a trip is finished, then it can become a trip report... Unless Doug wants to make a 'TRIP IN PROGRESS' forum???

I am really stoked...

eetdrt88 - 1-16-2006 at 07:48 PM

on the updates of Grahams latest adventure..after reading a couple of his books I feel like I almost know the guy and now to be able to read about his latest adventure on here is a real treat...I think Grahams adventures are a real inspiration to anyone who wants to explore some of the more remote area's of Baja :yes:

David K - 1-16-2006 at 09:35 PM

Exactly the way I feel eetdrt88...

By the way, Graham is really a super nice fellow... He would be honored to spend time with any of you Baja loving kin!

One of my favorite photos of Graham Mackintosh was taken soon after his famous walk around Baja... Showing how to get dinner with your bare hands!... LOOK>>>

....

What NOT to eat... is important as well!

David K - 1-16-2006 at 09:37 PM

ECLIPSE!

David K - 1-16-2006 at 09:40 PM

Remember the total eclipse of July 11, 1991? Graham was there! He just had to see a Corona! Wait, not the beer... the SOLAR corona! :lol:

Neal Johns - 1-16-2006 at 09:52 PM

Graham in person is a real kick in the ass! A very real, funny, person. The DesertExplorers.org had him as our annual Rendezvous speaker twice.

JZ - 1-16-2006 at 10:58 PM

I'm with Hook and Braulio. This whole thing is hokey.

Bedman - 1-17-2006 at 02:59 AM

Graham, Best of luck in your current endeavor. I've always enjoyed your books and stories. I've been around the Guardian but never set foot on it. Too damn hostile and no cable TV. The last time I know of anyone spending any time on it, one died after 4 days and the other two barely survived. Anybody remember that fatefull encounnter?

Bedman

Some people should start their own thread and title it "Armchair Whiners". If you don't like the subject and can't say something Nice, Don't say anything at all.

I think I remember it, Bedman

Hook - 1-17-2006 at 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bedman
Graham, Best of luck in your current endeavor. I've always enjoyed your books and stories. I've been around the Guardian but never set foot on it. Too damn hostile and no cable TV. The last time I know of anyone spending any time on it, one died after 4 days and the other two barely survived. Anybody remember that fatefull encounnter?

Bedman

Some people should start their own thread and title it "Armchair Whiners". If you don't like the subject and can't say something Nice, Don't say anything at all.

Damn, where's the group hug board?

If memory serves, they were shipwrecked off a panga mothership and forgot to bring their two month supply of water, food, tent and tarp. Don't believe they had a radio either.

Now, I would pay to read THEIR story.

Please don't misunderstand me. I think this "adventure" is alot different than some of his others. Pardon me and others for pointing it out. Sorry if it's not a "feel good" post.

Bajaboy - 1-17-2006 at 07:49 PM

Regardless of what you call this trip, I'm a bit jealous. I could care less who does the trip...but I can't wait to hear more about it.

Braulio- definately "Into a Desert Place"

I still owe a trip report from my Christmas trip to Playa San Rafael and Agua Verde...I'll sit down this weekend and put something together.

Zac

David K - 1-17-2006 at 08:03 PM

Braulio, I concur with Bajaboy, read 'Into a Desert Place' first... all three of his books should be read in order, in fact. Order from Graham and Bonni will probably get it out to you... http://www.grahammackintosh.com

The guy is real and he does things few would ever consider, in a place we all love!

[Edited on 1-18-2006 by David K]

Graham letter from the island!

David K - 1-25-2006 at 11:15 PM

Monday, January 16, 2006

Position: 29? 15.568 N
113? 25.933 W

I?m just getting a quick note out with a Canadian kayaker. His name is Gary. Real nice guy. He paddled into my bay 2 days ago, and we?ve been hiking and exploring together the last two days.

Yesterday, we reached a point in the middle of the island offering a fantastic view of the other coast. I?ll try to reach it before I leave here. Weather has been generally warm with some lovely days perfect for kayaking, but yesterday and especially today have been real blasters, with Pacific-size surf in places. I?ll need to get the sand and grit from my tent when it stops.

Generally I?ve been out of radio range, but in the mountains I made contact with presumably a boater south of the Bay of LA, in Puerto Don Juan. So if I climb high enough I can probably make contact with someone.

I have plenty of everything and all?s well. I?ve lost a pound or two already. There are lots of animal tracks, and scat with fur inside. Probably not coyotes?might be feral cats? If so, there are a lot of them. Otherwise, not sure what they are.

I?m camped at the north end of this bay within Humbug Bay. There?s an abandoned panga there which has been incorporated into my campsite. Driftwood abounds in the bay?so fires will be no problem. It was wonderful to have a week of bright moonlit nights, but now I?ll be doing more stargazing. The beachcombing is great, and I?m always finding a crate or a plank to add to my comforts.

Gary is camped a mile away at the south end of the bay and I?ll be heading over there with this letter just before dark. Then I?ll come back by flashlight. He has agreed to let me download my pictures so far to his I-pod, and when he gets back to Victoria, B.C., he?ll make a CD and send it to you.

There?s a resident hawk on this point and it?s killing a lot of birds. I saw it flying off with the blooded carcass of a webbed-foot bird, probably a duck. Also I?ve found the remains of a duck on the beach and a barn owl in a little canyon above my campsite. Every day, for companions, I have sea lions, oyster catchers and ospreys. Great bird watching here, and looking at the seashore creatures is wonderful.

Crows are the only nuisance so far. They love to poke around my camp when I?m gone, and check everything out with their sharp beaks. The fishermen who brought me over warned me about them. So I need to ?crow-proof? my camp when I?m away.
So all?s well and I?m very content among all this beauty and peace, but I did get a surprise, actually quite a shock on the first night. About 1:30 a.m. I heard a motor, a panga came in after the moon had set and began shining a powerful light on my tent. I thought it best not to emerge so they wouldn?t know it was just me inside. Besides, I was sleeping naked in my sleeping bag. So I was frantically getting dressed and shining my light back so they knew I was inside. Luckily they went elsewhere. Not sure who they were, but I doubt that they were fishing! After that, I?ve slept dressed every night.

I?m going to head over to give this to Gary. So no more for now. I?ll keep this campsite for a week or two more, maybe longer as I?m getting so cozy and settled. It?s sheltered from all but the worst weather like today. Moving will be difficult as I have so much food and water and equipment. Only regret I didn?t bring more beer. Such a super way to salute the sunset. Miss you all.

thanks David

eetdrt88 - 1-25-2006 at 11:36 PM

for the updates on Graham...very cool to hear whats happenin on that big island

bajataco - 1-26-2006 at 01:53 PM

Hey, cool updaate! I hope we get some more as time rolls by. Wish I was there.

:coolup:

Pompano - 1-26-2006 at 02:49 PM

Yes, I miss JR's style, too ...especially for this thread.

Thinking about adventurers, I wish I could find some photos of a certain day long ago when I met a young guy hiking by BOLA. He was on a trek, too, but seems his supplies were rather poor and some were lost in shipment, so we gave him boots and foodstuffs. Told me he was walking the entire length of Baja...both coasts. That was just a few years after the pavement was built. He made it..I hope. Was doing it all for donations to the Brittle Bone Cancer Society of London.

Then there was another youngster from England who was paddled the shoreline perimeter of Baja for donations to another cancer fund sponsored by the London Daily Mirror. Believe that was in 1980 or so..

Of course there were the odd nuts who: would backpack back and forth fairly often from Coyote Bay to the Pacific and howl at the moon...fly ultralights the entire length of the Baja Road from Ensenada to Cabo. Take a few two week burro trips into the San Francisquito Mts. and the Gigantas out of Loreto. A boating kook who took a 16' Lund with a 20hp Johnson from San Carlos to Ille Tiburon to San Marcos to Aqua Verde to Mag Bay. That amazingl Chicken Bones....A survivalist who outfoxed the Mexican Army from the mountains south of La Paz to the US border...then disappeared. Another island dweller at Ille del Fonzo who survived on that bare rock for almost a year...but had a ball doing it. Nice guy, Lorenzo...too bad he was asked to tear down his palapa and vacate.

Way back then, the desert and beaches were crowded with all sorts of adventurers doing all sorts of things. We met Graham for the first of many times around 1987-88, I think. My memory is a little cloudy from pounding waves for so many years. He gave talks on my patio, at NOLS next door, and in the Jungle Bar in Mulege. Always had an interesting slide-show.

Then who can forget the infamous...SILVIA!! Anybody out there know her/him? A very familiar figure on the old Baja Road from the 70's to the early 90's. Ah..the truckers knew THAT sight well! Guess he/she must be muerte now...cuz I quit having nightmares a while back. I last saw of 'Silvia' was coming back from Muluge late one afternoon...there was Silvia, laying on his/her back on the side of the road..torso out on the highway, clutching a bunch of plastic roses in her/his hands. A sobering sight.

Walkers, hikers, riders, paddlers, flyers, hot air ballonists, boaters, hermits, survivalists, and crawlers (rest in peace, Silvia) all have frequented and enjoyed the special mystic of Baja over the years...and more power to them. Wish I was a few years spryer..I would join them...hmmmm, who has some plastic flowers?

Skeet/Loreto - 1-26-2006 at 03:11 PM

Pomp; It will never be as it Was!!!

Skeet/Loreto

Sharksbaja - 1-26-2006 at 06:42 PM

Graham sounds like he has ants in his pants.

Seriously though, I'd worry bout those "runners" around there.

I'd also like to meet that hardy Canadian he met out there complete with IPOD! My kinda guy! :lol:

Roberto - 1-26-2006 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Answer: What you can expect from me is reports, photos, trip details of interesting Baja locations and people.

All repeated umpteen times, like the kid in the classroom - me, me, me, watch me, listen to me, it's about ... me! :lol:

The other thing we can expect is, whether you have information or not, "been, there done that" or not, something of substance or not, air ************. And, with each emission, multiple links to your website.

To sum it up ... All DK, all the time. :barf:

Now, why don't you just retire to the Baja Room, email your buddies, and organize a Viva Baja party or something?

And spare me the "if you don't like it, don't read it" line you reserve for such "discussions" :rolleyes:

. Eliminating all posts that don't have your "input" leaves precious little to read on this board, except the off-topic - which presents a whole different sets of problems.

[Edited on 1-27-2006 by Roberto]

[Edited on 1-30-2006 by BajaNomad]

Dave - 1-26-2006 at 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Please let JR rest in peace...

David, I doubt that JR is into either. :biggrin:

bajalera - 1-27-2006 at 12:20 PM

Well, let'shope that something dangerous--or at least interesting--shows up, and pretty soon. So far, this adventure is everyl bit as exciting as a 10th-grader's essay on "How I Spent My Summer Vacation."

capt. mike - 1-27-2006 at 03:25 PM

is this thread an "infomercial" for Graham's next book or what?!

My God !

Hook - 1-27-2006 at 05:52 PM

He's still alive???? How is this possible??

Aren't the daytime highs, like, in the 70s and humidity in the 40s?

And CROWS, too!!!

C'mon, now, he MUST have earned "immunity" in a competition with that member of the KAYAK tribe he encountered, no? Or did members of the PANGA tribe come to his aid?

Predicted next episode of Survivor: La Guardia...........SNAKES!!!

David K - 1-27-2006 at 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
is this thread an "infomercial" for Graham's next book or what?!

Sure, why not... if that's how you see it... It has to do with camping on a Baja island, with no means of independently leaving it (ie. 'marooned')... and that is interesting to plenty who come here.

I hope he writes a fourth book... his other three were a great read at a fantastic bargain for the entertainment and information they provide.

Anyone who writes a Baja book will get my support, as I don't have a problem with helping Baja people share their stories. Thank God Doug has this forum so we all can learn more and exchange stories about Baja. I wish more would take the time to share their stories (old or new)!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yah, I'm hyper on Baja... That's not in dispute... What I don't understand is why anyone let's that bother them to the degree that they take time to post negative comments?

If just seeing my posts is so irritating, there are two Baja forums I never go to, and three others I post very little at... So, go there... Baja Nomad isn't the only game in town... just the best IMHO, and most read.

capt. mike - 1-27-2006 at 06:46 PM

i read his book on the walk down the peninsula with mision the burro and liked most of it OK. i may read the into a desert place epoch but that read about spending time alone with his dogs on the mountain for 3 months........sorry Graham.....too boring for me, not my cup a joe.
good luck on the isla. maybe you'll find some pirate's treasure or some other stash!! watch out for the motta runners though, they hi speed it on converted PT boats at nite headed for El Golfo where they unload. scary dudes amigo ,Cuidado!

David K - 1-27-2006 at 06:54 PM

The third book has chapters on the condor program in Baja, Mexican wild fire management we could learn from, eating wild mushrooms and how easy one could eat the wrong ones... other things certain mushrooms do... the observatory across the canyon from Diablo mountain... the padres mission the mountain range is named after..., almost being struck by lightning (see tree hit near his tent), and more.

Mike, you cannot judge a book by its cover... Plus you met the man at Viva Baja #3 shortly after he finished that experience.

That mushroom on the cover ...

Sharksbaja - 1-27-2006 at 07:36 PM

..... amanita muscaria or better known as the Fly Agaric are very common in forests. These mushrooms contain alkaloids that cause mind expanding hallucinations. They also contain toxins that will make you ill.
I read that Graham was eating mushrooms in the Sierra Martir of Baja. He was smart enough not to trust his own limited knowledge and eat unidentified mushrooms. So he relied on his wife to show him which mushrooms to pick and consume.

Either his wife is an accomplished mycologist or they are both crazy. Even experts have trouble identifing many fungus which share common traits. Sometimes it takes a chemical reagent or microscopy in order to delineate them.

But if Graham ate the pictured mushroom than it might account for his toughness and determination and his way out trips :lol:

....

Way back when in the northen latitudes of Europe when Norsemen fought dearly for their lands they drew upon the gods to help them in their conquests.
They also drew upon reindeer and mushrooms to bolden their warriors. It is said that the reindeer would eat the Fly agaric and it would thereby spike their urine. The warriors would collect this urine and drink it before battle. The stimulant and highly intoxicating beverage made for a fiercesome warrior.
AS the men charged they enemy stark naked and screaming wildly the enemy would be convinced they were of evil making and would usually high-tail it.

JZ - 1-27-2006 at 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
is this thread an "infomercial" for Graham's next book or what?!

YES!

Oso - 1-27-2006 at 08:27 PM

OK wise-ass, the last mushrooms I ate were yesterday at The Olive Garden. I had the Ravioli de Portobello. They sucked. I was ,however, in the company of 8 lovely ladies. These were my employees and it was my treat because of a good rating we obtained due to their efforts. They got to pick the place. OG is new to Yuma and they thought it was "elegant". I did not. I have to admit I've never been to Italy, but I've been to New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia and I think OG is to Italian Food what Taco Bell is to Mexican. But, they enjoyed it and I got off cheap, a C-note and a half with a magnum of the house Bianco. Frankly I've had better ravioli out of a Chef Boyardee can, but I just smiled and filled up on the damn breadsticks.

Many, many years ago, I did eat teonanacatl in Juautla de Jimenez, Oaxaca. Maybe the effects still linger...

BOLABOUND - 1-27-2006 at 08:32 PM

Cool story :wow:

Sharskbaja

Does anyone know if there any water on the island?

While back I was talking with Ruben Daggett and he mentioned there was some kind of oasis with palm trees on th east side? Is this true....

Dave - 1-27-2006 at 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
I have to admit I've never been to Italy, but I've been to New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia

Yes, but on different occasions?

BOLABOUND - 1-27-2006 at 08:35 PM

Hows that?
On occasional downpuors? perhaps .....

Bud - 1-27-2006 at 09:02 PM

I just ordered all three of Grahems books. I've spent some time on Laguardia and can't wait to hear what he has to say about his time spent there.

Bud

oladulce - 1-28-2006 at 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
Bottom line for me is that Graham is probably computer literate enough to hype his own stuff here if he wanted.

But first he'd probably have to mooch someone's computer.

I didn't enjoy the first book. I started it thinking "he must be a likeable chap because folks are always helping him out". Which progressed to "thank goodness that ranchero was nice enough to give him water. Good thing that pangero passed by when he did. Nice of the couple to give him a ride, and that guy to send the message to his wife". Towards the end, "ok, who's going to bail him out next?".

I would enjoy a book by a person who carefully plans and invests in their own equipment which allows them to be as self-sufficient as possible on a excursion to remote parts of Baja.

Oso - 1-28-2006 at 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
I have to admit I've never been to Italy, but I've been to New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia

Yes, but on different occasions?

No, all at once when I ate the shrooms. :rolleyes:

what a shame....

eetdrt88 - 1-28-2006 at 02:02 PM

to see what started out as such a cool thread degenerate into name-calling and grade school B.S....the way I see it is that a few people dont deem what Graham is doing as having any importance and maybe even believe that they themselves could do what he does or something even better...but after reading his first two books I am quite sure there are things he has done on his travels that almost no one on this forum would even consider,the fact that what he's currently doing is probably less dangerous and life threatening doesnt change that...I actually find it kind of ironic that people on the internet are rousting a guy who's actually out there on an adventure that many of us could only dream of doing....I guess there right when they say "Some go while others watch" and some of those watching are such attention deprived folks that all they can do is go on the internet and put the guy down...really makes no sense :rolleyes:

MexMike - 1-28-2006 at 03:47 PM

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!

capt. mike - 1-28-2006 at 04:28 PM

Foster Brooks' 1st wife died eating poisonous mushrooms. His 2nd wife died of a fractured skull......she wouldn't eat the mushrooms!! :bounce:

soulpatch - 1-28-2006 at 08:53 PM

Jesus, there's a lot of b-tching here. If you don't like it don't read it. Who gives a chit. His books are entertaing and that's it. They are not going to win any literary prizes but they are a nice escape for when I can't make it myself. Put it thru the DK filter and get over it. Try reading one too many Hemingway books and then pass judgement.

bajataco - 1-28-2006 at 09:10 PM

David, I am really interested in any updates from Graham. If you choose not to keep adding them here, please send them to me via email or pass my addy along to Bonni. I'm not sure what the deal is with this forum? Seems like every other thread I read is people bashing each other...

:?:

soulpatch - 1-28-2006 at 10:02 PM

Unless I'm mistaken Braulio,
Graham is on an island w/no internet access.
Quit being a whiny b-tch.
On edit: who cares if it is commercial....... like the internet is some bastion of purity.

[Edited on 1-29-2006 by soulpatch]

soulpatch - 1-28-2006 at 10:43 PM

I support no censorship.
It's just that the DK hatership is so overdone. Who cares, I don't. Maybe Doug should create an " I hate DK category".
Back to the original spirit of things: It's just one man's journal, basically, that he writes up that we can choose to buy or not.......... way less harmfulll than ET Tonight.
I just think all the indignation is way overdone. I'll stay out of it after this because it is just becoming a novella now. Frankly, I could give a flock.

Bud - 1-29-2006 at 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
Hey Bud - welcome to the board - this is the first I'd noticed any of your posts.

I just finished "Into a Desert Place" - I was going to submit an unsolicited review - but on second thought it'd probably upset some of folks on this board - besides that stuff is all subjective anyway.

But just between you and me - save yourself some time and money and pick up this book directly:

Thank's Braulio. Wish I would have known that when we ordered them. My wife got all three through Amazon.com the other night. I have a business in Lemon Grove and probably could have walked to his house from there. Thanks for the info anyways though.

Anybody with the nads to walk 3K through Baja has got to have some interesting stories to tell. I've driven through most of it and I can tell you, I sure as heck would want to walk it.

Bud

[Edited on 1-29-2006 by Bud]

Sharksbaja - 1-29-2006 at 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bud

Anybody with the nads to walk 3K through Baja has got to have some interesting stories to tell. I've driven through most of it and I can tell you, I sure as heck would want to walk it.

Bud

No way Bud, why would you want to??

Bud - 1-29-2006 at 12:52 AM

Quote:

Anybody with the nads to walk 3K through Baja has got to have some interesting stories to tell. I've driven through most of it and I can tell you, I sure as heck would want to walk it.

No way Bud, why would you want to??

heh heh! Well, the slower you go the more you see. If the yahoo's I go down there with wouldn't drive like they were in the Baja 1K I would do every trip in 4x4 granny gear. As it is they spend a lot of time sitting at intersections waiting on me. haha!

Bud :lol:

[Edited on 1-29-2006 by Bud]

JZ - 1-29-2006 at 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eetdrt88
to see what started out as such a cool thread degenerate into name-calling and grade school B.S....

It is called:

- call a spade a spade
- devil's advocate
- truth in adervertising
- exploiting the true
- two sides of the coin
- etc, etc...

Sorry you can't handle that. Your problem not mine.

PS: ********************************************
********************************************...

[Edited on 1-30-2006 by BajaNomad]

capt. mike - 1-29-2006 at 06:02 AM

yeah, Oladulce..... i felt the same way about the prose and his "way" of barely getting by with out the hapless luck and help of the indigents, well put.
But Graham's a great guy who i'd never bash personally, maybe critique his work under fair game laws, and i'd welcome campfire tales with him anytime.

In the literary class of Steinbeck or Hemmingway?......decidedly not. just my pea pecker brain's opinion! :lol:

he documents well like a college level geography text, good for sleeping.....but as a riviting adventure story teller......uh uh.
And Bonni must be a saint.

David K - 1-29-2006 at 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
Yes soulpatch - you are mistaken - we've had no news about Graham since he left for the island - not from DavidK - or anyone else. ...

[Edited on 1-29-2006 by Braulio]

I guessed you are not reading everything... look again! :

"posted on 1-25-2006 at 10:15 PM

Graham letter from the island!"

As for claiming I am hyping or doing an info-mercial, I have only posted emails from Graham and Bonni, and responding to the additional comments you folks have made.

In re-reading each post, I fail to see where I am promoting myself (DK) as a couple have claimed...

The name calling is just childish jealousy and makes those two Nomads look silly.

Graham is telling his own story and I (and our web host) are posting them on the Internet for anyone to enjoy. That is not censorship, that is freedom... Trying to prevent me from posting by bashing me or Graham here is the censorship.

[Edited on 1-29-2006 by David K]

HotSchott - 1-29-2006 at 09:16 AM

Like I said some time ago, my dog has spent more time in Baja than most of the people on this board. This, like Amigos, is a place for a very few people to share their experiences and the rest to talk about them - or pick them apart. I tired of the criticism, sarcasm and unlimited anonymous opinions (ad nauseum) long ago.

Dr. Drip, alot of these folks will just never have anything more to do than spew forth their winey liberal crapola as they seek to label and defame the few adventurers left with something to share. That is why we are drawn to the desert to eliminate the din of global whining for just a few precious moments of tranquility. You are just a glutten for punishment my friend and I hope they don't like it.

It still amazes me what people will write behind the veil of a keyboard that they would never have the balls to say to you or I in person (well maybe you, they wouldn't talk to me like that)...

other peoples perspectives...

eetdrt88 - 1-29-2006 at 10:52 AM

when so blatantly wrong will be met with criticism which is what is happening here...the guy up above talking about how uncool someones posts are is just spewing wasted jibberish,why he even bothers to post such nonsense is hard to understand...sounds like he belongs on a highschool chat forum rather than a place where people who are stoked on Baja adventures meet up and tell tall tales :spingrin:

David,dont let a few nay-sayers ruin it for the rest of us...keep posting those updates on Graham,I for one cant wait to hear more about his adventure :cool:

Debra - 1-30-2006 at 01:03 PM

YAWN.......

Guess I fell asleep in 7th. grade again.....sorry I woke up on this page.

[Edited on 1-30-2006 by Debra]

gonetobaja - 1-30-2006 at 06:01 PM

Well after getting back from Baja yesterday I am just getting to my nomads reading.

I have just been issued one of only two permits to camp on the islands in the Bay of LA and the Islas Encantadas. We had to pay alot extra to get the permits from Ensenada. I know that the only other outfit in baja legaly able to put feet on the islands is located in Bay of LA. I have no idea who it is but he is probably the one helping out Grahms adventure. I for one am glad to see all of this press comming out about spending time on the islands, maybe it will spark up some business for tours to the islands.

As far as I know the islands in the northern cortez are protected under the bio-sphere laws and there is no people allowed on them unless they hold the proper permits, and carry them on the trip. Much like the islands in La Paz and other parts of mexico when you bring tourists to them you have to give the government the fee per person. That is the little wrist band you get. These fees are seperate from a fishing licence.

On my licence it names the islands that I am able to camp on. Of all of the islands in the Bay of LA there are only a few that are set aside for campers with guides.

I went through the hassle to get the permits when I was approached by some Yoga people who wanted to do fasting and cleansing meditation in the middle of nowhere. I got the permits to make sure I was completely legal for such a client, as it seems more people do yoga than spearfish :biggrin:

Besides packing food for a bunch of people that are not going to eat is a no-brainer :smug:

Anyways, Grahm couldnt have picked a better time to hang out if you ask me.

I have never met the guy, but I can understand why he is loco for baja....If I ever meet him Im gonna tell him

"Dude, I got major bookings off of your island adventure thing...."

GTB
http://www.gonetobaja.com
http://www.seawolvesunltd.com

[Edited on 1-31-2006 by gonetobaja]

Bud - 1-31-2006 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by eetdrt88
when so blatantly wrong will be met with criticism which is what is happening here...the guy up above talking about how uncool someones posts are is just spewing wasted jibberish,why he even bothers to post such nonsense is hard to understand...sounds like he belongs on a highschool chat forum rather than a place where people who are stoked on Baja adventures meet up and tell tall tales :spingrin:

David,dont let a few nay-sayers ruin it for the rest of us...keep posting those updates on Graham,I for one cant wait to hear more about his adventure :cool:

Well, I have no dog in this fight but, I did recieve all three books last night. And I will be recieveing Braulio's suggestion "Pendejo something or another" Thur. heh heh!
It may take a while for me to read em all but I'll let you know what I think when I'm done.

Bud

Hey Bud...

eetdrt88 - 1-31-2006 at 06:32 PM

I started with baja burro but actually reccomend starting with "Desert Place"... the interaction between the wandering Brit and the local mexicans makes for some great stories especially when he gets out in some of the more remote spots like the Calamajue fish camp or some of the ranches up in the high desert...I dont want to give away to much of the story but I think the real beauty of the Grahams tale lies within these relationships he forms with the local folks by just showing up in their "neck of the woods"...

Bud - 1-31-2006 at 08:14 PM

Thank's eetdrt88. I'll do that. Skimmed over it already and it looks like it might be interesting. :yes:

Bud

Oso - 1-31-2006 at 09:30 PM

"La Cueva Peluda"? Sounds like an early 70's bar in Santa Maria, CA, called "The Bearded Clam". :lol:

Bud - 1-31-2006 at 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Braulio
Bud - I hope you were serious about ordering the Pendejo Cave book - it really is an interesting theme - they found evidence of man having inhabited the hemisphere much earlier than thought before. I kind of prefer stuff written by more academic types - I guess I just trust them more.

I'll tell you what - if you do a review on Pendejo Cave on the forums, I'll do a review of a bar call "La Cueva Peluda" in Tijuana out toward La Mesa - I've been by it a thousand times - never had the guts to venture inside. It looks dangerous - I may not make it out.

Insisto Bud - bienvenido al foro amigo.

Nope! I wasen't kidding Braulio. Ordered it last night and It'll be delivered this thur. Guess I'll need a little time to read all these book but, I sure will let you know what I think.

That bar sounds interesting. heh heh!

Bud :lol:

BOLABOUND - 1-31-2006 at 11:24 PM

LOts of Ugly hookers.. dont recomend going in there,

if you have blond hair. :lol:

Letter from Bonni 2-1-06

David K - 2-2-2006 at 09:01 AM

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

bajalera - 2-2-2006 at 12:33 PM

I don't know Graham, but he seems to be applying the same approach to finding adventure and danger in Baja California that Uncle Erle used successfully. Nothing wrong with that.

At least he isn't irritating resort owners by expecting them to provide free board and room for himself and a lot of camp followers.

Sharksbaja - 2-2-2006 at 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalera
I don't know Graham, but he seems to be applying the same approach to finding adventure and danger in Baja California that Uncle Erle used successfully. Nothing wrong with that.

At least he isn't irritating resort owners by expecting them to provide free board and room for himself and a lot of camp followers.

I would tend to agree. It only gets harder to find that exclusive untamed and unvisited place. The proximity to the U.S. is obviously a great advantage.
In fact thats' what appeals to our family is the fact that we can actually drive to our paradise.
I do think he's got some large cajones even though he is (physically) well supported in his efforts.

Graham, being such of one with the earth most likely leaves a very soft footprint where he treads. This is good. He also has great compassion as he showed with his canine escapades.
If he has good fortune in his solo endeavours so be it, he's earning it.
He is counting on an audience however, but then, who isn't!

I am curious about others who have spent extended periods on that island and others.

Pompano - 2-3-2006 at 07:25 AM

How about an interview with 2 brothers who have paddled..yup, paddled... and spent almost all their lives in places like the one GM is visiting? Go to the south end of Coyote Bay between Sta. Barbera Cove and Coyote campbeach and you will find Kino and his brother at their fish camp most winters. Now they are not adventurers in the sense we use or even doing something they consider dangerous. They are just fishermen living on islands and bare coasts for the last 50 years or so. We have boat-dropped them a thing or two over the last 30.

It's their life. Wonder what they would think about writing a book?

[Edited on 2-3-2006 by Pompano]

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