I have been meaning to post this, but with the craziness of the Holiday's I have admittedly delayed. My wonderful wife surprised me for Christmas with
a signed copy of "Marooned with very Little Beer" (Thanks Graham and John M.). I have been wanting to read Graham's books ever since my son and I ran
into Mike Younghusband on our first trip down to Baja.
My next door neighbor (John M.) had been telling me about the majestic qualities of Baja for many years, but I was too much into the "sand dunes &
buggy thing?" to ever truly bite onto any of his "stories". However, just over a year ago, we (my 7 year old son and I) went down to see what all the
hoopla was over Baja! Well, we were not disappointed. Baja has something about it that leaves one wanting more! All of my friends and colleagues could
not believe that I would go down South with my 7 year old son. I too had my doubts, but then again again, I was in excellent company (John M., Jay L.,
Skip, and Bob B.) all who have been traveling down to Baja for much longer then I have been alive!
My son, now 8, is unable to stop talking about his trip to Baja! He loved everything about it, even though he stuck out like a 'sore thumb', being a
blonde hair and blue-eyed kid (though he did have several senoritas hitting on him!!). Unfortunately I have this pesky thing called school right now
that has delayed us returning, but hoping to finish up early and make the 2012 Baja 1K. My son cannot wait. We are even going to attempt to enter a
Class 11 once he is old enough to ride passenger (anyone know of the minimum age or perhaps a car for sale?).
Anyhow, back to Graham's book. I have not been able to put it down the past couple of day's. What an adventurer huh? We attended Mike's presentation
in San Diego and the adventures that Baja offers just continues to live on. How much different would it have been if Graham had decided to make the
'America Coast-to-Coast' hike rather than the island? Boring! Good choice Graham and so far I recommend this book to anyone looking to read a story
about a true adventurer!
Brian E.David K - 12-28-2011 at 09:14 AM
Welcome to the infection of Baja Fever! A sickness that knows no cure, just treatments of many return trips into the magic peninsula!
I highly suggest and recommend you read Graham's first, then second books after you finish the one you now have.
High adventure is what Baja can be for those of us who want or need this in our lives! The Baja Adventure Book by Walt Peterson is a great guide to so
many such adventures and interesting sites.
Perhaps at your library or used book Internet sources, but I think that Erle Stanley Gardner's Baja adventure books (1960's) are great reading... I
specially recommend his 'Off the Beaten Track in Baja' c1967
To me, Baja is a time machine that takes us as far back as we desire... as little back as a time before so many rules and regulations strangle our
freedoms, we used to have... a time before paved highways rushed us past what was a real travel experience... a time of hardships mining gold from the
hills... a time of conquest by the mission padres and Spanish soldiers... a time of Indian life and cave art... a time of dinasaurs and ancient
forests...
I caught the Baja Bug at a very young age, and Baja Fever has never left me... nearly 50 years later!
Viva Baja!!shari - 12-28-2011 at 09:30 AM
and thanks to Udo who brought down my personally signed set from Graham for my collection...now I'm not worried about loaning out my other copies of
the books!!!TMW - 12-28-2011 at 09:39 AM
So glad you had a great experience in Baja and hope you have many more to come. It is what you make it to be. Your TJ will take you to many
adventurous places with great memories. The 1000 is a great event for a family adventure. It goes to La Paz in 2012. By the way I'm told that if
people pat your son on his head it is to bring him good luck. Some Mexican tradition I guess.
[Edited on 12-28-2011 by David K]sancho - 12-28-2011 at 11:14 AM
DK, How do I get a Library card for your excellent
collection? A couple other off beat books, 'God and Mr.
Gomez' J Smith, 'Baja Feeling' B Hunter, perhaps
my favorite 'Almost An Island" B Berger
[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]David K - 12-28-2011 at 11:36 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
DK, How do I get a Library card for your excellent
collection? A couple other off beat books, 'God and Mr.
Gomez' J Smith, 'Baja Feeling' B Hunter, perhaps
my favorite 'Almost An Island" B Berger
[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]
That is just a small sample of my collection... I suppose it would be cool to scan every one... I have listed them a few years ago on Nomad. Neal
Johns and Rockman have bigger Baja libraries than do I.
Of the books you mentioned, I don't have God & Mr. Gomez (I don't think)... but I am familiar with Jack Smith's story in the book. Baja Feeling by
Ben Hunter is a very nice read... Berger's book is good too... as it reflects the past and the present together.
I am in Oceanside, and if give me enough notice, I may be able to be here when you can come over to visit... Although, the books cannot leave!
Whether you are camping, four wheeling, or exploring, a TJ Wrangler is a great platform for Baja fun!
Ken Cooke - 12-28-2011 at 11:42 AM
Rock Crawling in Tecate, BCN with friends
"Car-Crawling?"
Exploring the backroads of Baja
Camping and Four Wheeling the Baja deserts sancho - 12-28-2011 at 11:44 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I am in Oceanside, and if give me enough notice, I may be able to be here when you can come over to visit... Although, the books cannot leave!
A Gentlemanly Offer...Graham - 12-28-2011 at 12:23 PM
Thanks Brian. Hope you’re still enjoying the tale of my adventures on Isla Angel de la Guarda… and you’re right “Marooning” myself in such a
spectacularly beautiful spot was sure a better idea than trying to walk across America.
There are still and probably always will be many great ways to enjoy adventure in Baja. My preference is for the slow paced, meditative kind of
experience with boots, burros, dogs and kayaks… and then writing about whatever comes my way, usually plenty.
So many of the Baja books mentioned have been inspirational for me. I’d add Marvin and Aletha Patchen’s Baja Adventures by Land, Air, Sea to the list.
There is no place I’d rather be right now than back on that island, enjoying peace and silence, fishing from my kayak, alone – even with wind,
current, drug runners, poachers, rattlesnakes and feral cats to deal with.Graham - 12-28-2011 at 12:27 PM
Just spotted your pictures Ken. Those look terrific and that trip looks like a lot of fun.David K - 12-28-2011 at 12:34 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Graham...
So many of the Baja books mentioned have been inspirational for me. I’d add Marvin and Aletha Patchen’s Baja Adventures by Land, Air, Sea to the
list....
YES, of course... perhaps among the best modern day Baja adventure books along with yours! I missed it selecting for the images above, but will add
it! Thanks Graham!!
Thank you, Graham
Ken Cooke - 12-28-2011 at 08:22 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Graham
Just spotted your pictures Ken. Those look terrific and that trip looks like a lot of fun.
After all of these years, I still have the Baja camping bug.Neal Johns - 12-28-2011 at 10:24 PM
Sublimity,
Get John to bring you down to my house, I have over 100 Baja Books and Rotten John a.k.a. John M on this forum, gave my one of them! He is a good dog!
Neal Johns
