BajaNomad

Too Much News...

Mike Humfreville - 4-14-2005 at 09:32 PM

Well, I'm stuck here in L.A. for another few weeks before I head south. In a few days I'll sign my retirement paperwork and remain friends with so many wonderful folks I've had the pleasure to work with for pushing 40 years at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I'll miss them all but see them from time to time I hope at our homes in Ventura or Bahia de Los Angeles. It's been a fine run.

As I sat tonight and read Newsweek here in So Cal, I realized though that there are a few things I won?t miss during the times we spend in Baja. I can't be certain, but I'll offer up a guess anyway, just to fill the time between planning to and being there.

Even with the advances in communication technology, e.g., satellite telephone, Internet, television and radio, I don't think I'll miss all the overwhelming information we are bombarded with stateside. Some folks I know here won't allow the TV or radio news in their homes. I'm beginning to understand.

I look forward to a time in my life with a focus different than what I've always had. I look forward to a time when I think on a "smaller" scale, about simpler things, things more in my control. Things like "when to fish," "how do I fix that solar panel," "How's the spring water supply," and "shouldn't I be trying harder to drink less booze."

I'm worn down by reading about how our two-party political system can't get anything done, about the war we shouldn't be in in Iraq is going badly, about gang shootings on freeways and assassinations and schoolyard killings and small children ballbatting each other to death.

It's been a while since I've settled into a small town. I'm not certain how I'll fit. Will I be a considerate neighbor? Will I fit into the community? I can't answer those questions but I do know that I'll give it a conscientious shot.

And I know I'll be more entertained considering issues about "how Marielena's tortillas were on Monday compared to Tuesday," "when will the highest tide be this month," "are the best clams from La Mona or La Gringa?" and "what meat is available in town this week?" I just sense that life in a small village in Baja will offer far greater peace in my aging years.

Beats the hell out of bombs, WMD, and multiple deaths on the playground of an elementary school. It's not like I could ever leave my country of origin on a full time basis. I am an American and always will be. But it might just come to pass that I will find complete relaxation in Baja. Perhaps before I die, somewhere down the road, the tension in my shoulders will ease and I'll find fulltime peace.

I look forward to that.

[Edited on 4-15-2005 by Mike Humfreville]

David K - 4-14-2005 at 10:20 PM

Really well put Mike!

You will settle into what Ben Hunter called 'The Baja Feeling' quite quickly!

Another concern will be knowing if TWO yellowtail will be enough for the evening meal, when all your Nomad friends show up for a visit!!:rolleyes::yes:



July, '03 Camp Gecko: Mike Humfreville's morning workout!

jeans - 4-14-2005 at 11:57 PM

Very touching....you are right, we are bombarded entirely too much with bad news.

Happy retirement...you've earned it! (and so has MA!)

Bruce R Leech - 4-15-2005 at 06:44 AM

you will do fine Mike .

bajajudy - 4-15-2005 at 06:59 AM

I have only been here 5 years but I firmly believe I have added double that to my life span. We still do not have sat tv. If I want the news, I go on line(we do have dsl) and I really prefer to look at the headlines and decide if I want to know more about that topic rather than having some airhead on the boob tube tell me whether I want to know or not. I have found that over the years I look less and less at .....(full story)'s
My husband and I really relaxed for the first 2 years....we called it looking for the manana spirit. Now we have started a business and are working stiffs again. My husband found that he needed something to do and the money helps. Me, I could have continued in search of the manana spirit for a while longer.
I love the Bahia and would like to spend some more time there. Nice community.
Suerte

Osprey - 4-15-2005 at 07:16 AM

Mike, you're gonna need TV. Get as many channels as you can afford. Otherwise you would miss the upcoming season which will feature Libertarian Lesbian Dwarfs Survival Mudwrestling World Poker Tour and the neat new realitity show where a whole town in Kansas changes families, homes, jobs, with each other, every other day.

El Jefe - 4-15-2005 at 07:20 AM

"It's been a while since I've settled into a small town. I'm not certain how I'll fit. Will I be a considerate neighbor? Will I fit into the community? I can't answer those questions but I do know that I'll give it a conscientious shot."

Of course you'll fit in Mike! You already have the temperment and experience to settle right in; no suprises there. More folks could do with neighbors of your character. Good luck to you both!

Mrs. Jefe and I start our own adventure down in bajajudy's neck of the woods the end of this month. Exciting times indeed!

TMW - 4-15-2005 at 07:25 AM

News Is a business, big business for all involved. Our appetite for more and more is often like a drug. Some if not many reach a point where we say enough is enough. For years I noticed that when I went to Baja I hardly ever listened to radio or watched TV. I was busy exploring, camping, fishing, site seeing etc. There were those moments when in a bar or hotel something caught my eye like the earthquake in SF in 89 and during the election of 2000 I tuned in every once in a while to hear if it had been settled.

When I would get back home nothing really seemed to have changed that much. It was more of the same, just the names were changed. I hardly ever watch a TV newscast. I usually will listen to the radio news on top of the hour a couple of times a day and I do like reading the paper, every page. Over the years I have found that if you want the most up to date news in a short version, listen to radio. If you want the longer version with 10 expert advisors get cable. If you want the details read the paper. If you want short visuals of what happened watch local TV. If you want everybodies opinion, right, wrong and everything in between, surf the internet.

It's good to stay in touch but know where the overload button is and use it.

Bob H - 4-15-2005 at 07:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Humfreville
I look forward to a time in my life with a focus different than what I've always had. I look forward to a time when I think on a "smaller" scale, about simpler things, things more in my control.

I look forward to that.


Mike, what you write is very touching. This is a dream come true for you and Maryann. Audrey and I are happy for you and hopefully, some day, we can come and visit you in the beautiful Bahia!

[Edited on 4-15-2005 by Bob H]

surfer jim - 4-15-2005 at 08:47 AM

Mike....I just signed up for a JUNE 1 retirement date....so I liked your story....

Once we're settled...

Mike Humfreville - 4-15-2005 at 02:25 PM

It's OPEN HOUSE time! We're only a few hours from both ends of the peninsula.

Regarding Pompano's comments, I have always held that colder climates require more serious folks...it just takes more to survive in the cold. Now I'm looking forward to a pair of shorts and sandals as my daily attire.

El Jefe - 4-15-2005 at 04:18 PM

Quote Surfer Jim "Mike....I just signed up for a JUNE 1 retirement date....so I liked your story.... "

Jim! I was just filling out my retirement papers. Last day on the job...June 30. Ain't it great!!!!

Tom

Eli - 4-15-2005 at 05:14 PM

The news, now there is something I seldom miss.

As far as T.V., Alas, I have addiciton issues there, better off with out it, have been since last July, miss it once and awhile, but it is like ciggerettes for me, totaly out of control, can't have just one.

Enjoyed reading your stuff as always Mike, feliz dia amigo, Sara

[Edited on 4-16-2005 by Eli]

Sara

Mike Humfreville - 4-15-2005 at 05:38 PM

I've been waiting for a story fix. You must have suffered a depression on return to Baja or some such. I know I'm not alone in missing your warm and gentle reflections and I hope you're doing well back on the peninsula. Let us know how everything's going for you.

Amigo Miguel

Paulina - 4-15-2005 at 05:46 PM

"Now I'm looking forward to a pair of shorts and sandals as my daily attire. "


Mike,
Remember what we talked about over spring break, the dress code of the previous owner of your new casa? Ja Ja Ja! You might have to trade in your sandals for "thongs"....
Just kidding, congrats to you and M.A. !!

As always,
Your neighbor,
P.<*)))><

Thongs do not become me...

Mike Humfreville - 4-15-2005 at 08:08 PM

unless they're on my feet!

One of the secrets of my life, I have found, is to live long enough to accept myself as I am rather than as I would like to be.

I'm now in the midst of trying to show Miguelito and Kevin that they should reject jobs that require only two weeks vacation a year for ones that allow time without pay (like school teaching, remember?)

We'll be looking forward to seeing friends at many places along the way.

Things to do.......

Bedman - 4-15-2005 at 08:52 PM

Mike and Mary Ann,

You'll have time "to do" all sorts of things. In fact, I've contemplated several of them.

1. Pour a level concrete slab about 15' X 40'.
2. Build a 13' tall palapa next to the New, Casa Grande. Hmm? what could we put under it?
3. Design and build a Desalinator complete w/ spigot near the New 15' X 40' slab.
4. Install a Sewage hook up near the New 15' X 40' slab.
5. Find and map all the under water reefs and holes that hold fish.
6. Dig and plaster that New Jacuzzi.
7. Install a big Sat dish for the Mother of All Superbowl parties (or news?)
8. Install a gate at the South end of town, complete w/guard to weed out the riff raff.
9. Remove all "Pointy" rocks from town to Las Animas.
10. Stock pile copious amounts of Mesquite for the weekly BBQ.
11. Stock pile copious amounts of Tequilla and Pacifico for those long term guests.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

I'm still working on the remainder of your "To Do" list.

The Best to you and MA on your retirement!
See you South soon!

Steve, Emma and Daisy

Items 1 through x...

Mike Humfreville - 4-15-2005 at 09:19 PM

are under consideration. Actually, we are missing a major palapa next to YOUR septic tank. Consider it done! Until then, there's major space both up and down stairs. SOOO looking forward.

Bedman....

Paulina - 4-15-2005 at 09:45 PM

You and Emma should pick up the Airstream lot and we'll all be neighbors!!
I like the 'honey do' list you made for Mike. That should keep him out of trouble for a while....

P.<*)))><

Floren's place...

Mike Humfreville - 4-15-2005 at 10:05 PM

just north of Beach Bob's is up for $30K. He's a very honest fellow who really doesn't want to sell but must and his house is SOLID and WELL BUILT like a rock. It's right on the beach, with a great room, a bedroom and bath. He has it rigged for an upstairs palapa.

Eli - 4-17-2005 at 11:04 AM

Not to worrry Mike, I Promise that life is sweet and fine, no depression, just no words presently come to mind to express much of what is going on around me.

Attended too many parties the last few weeks, most commitments have been fullfilled, ah but alas, I always give myself way to many projects to complete in way to short a time, (geez, I always do that). Shakespeare is done and put to bed for this year, along with the art festival, I would most certainly call both a sucess.

Still doing a theater work show with the kindergardeners every Tuesday a.m..

Also, Solovino, everybody's favorite "clown of a stray dog" must make an apperance and talk about how to take care of pets ect.,as such, I am due to visit all primary local schools before I return to Oaxaca in less than a month.

Inventory to do at the gallery, one more sale and party for 5th of May.

Hoping to see NatalieAnn and Sallysouth pop in here any day now.

I'll be back on board as soon as the words finally decide to flow again, meanwhile, exploring other sides to my persona, as Bernie always sez, somebody needs to take the shot gun away from me.

marla - 4-18-2005 at 05:16 PM

Mike, congratulations on your retirement and I look forward to many years of stopping by your BoLA place for a beer! Luv, Marla

marla - 4-18-2005 at 05:17 PM

btw, tell me more about Floren's place. I have the bug now myself....

Hi Marla,

Mike Humfreville - 4-18-2005 at 06:03 PM

Floren place is a one story right on the beach. He wants $30K for the building and it seems like a very good deal to me. He built the place to live when he's in Bahia taking folks out on kayak tours and the house is designed to contain his kayaks from the ceiling when he's not there. It's a normal house with thich stone or conderblock walls. It has three rooms. The largest and on the south has east-facing windows, a table and chairs, a kitchen and an open sitting area. this room is ~ 18' x 35'.

Through an internal door (or an external one for that matter) you access the smaller bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom is about 10' x 25' and the bath about 10' x 10' (maybe smaller than that).

He has begun construction of open garages on both sides and has laid out the idea for a staircase leading to what he thought would be an upstairs palapa.

The land belongs to Aurora Diaz (Sammy's sister). According to Sammy, she would sell it. The present land rent/year is ~$1K. The only reason we were not more interested in it is that Floren told us that Aurora didn't want him to put up a second floor because it would lennen the value of Aurora's land inland from Floren's house (no beach view in other words), but if you bought the land...who knows?

Floren is, in my opinion, an honest guy and has done a good job in his construction. He is savvy enough to understand local construction stumbling blocks (e.g., cement using beach sand with too much salt to rermain secure) and pointed out many of his construction thoughts (e.g., window and door construction that keep the place secure).

From Gecko, it's a 100 yard walk north to Beach Bob's place. Floren's is another 200 yards north, on somewhat of a point. Further north are several other homes in a cluster. Then some more open land and then more houses. Several folks in this piece of beach are permanent residents and thus it's relatively secure in that area.

Floren was asking $40k and just reduced it to $30k. I have his numbers if you want them. Email me at mhumfreville "at" hotmail "dot" com. If you are serious about the Bahia, I can put you in contact with several other locals that have information.

David K - 4-18-2005 at 07:22 PM

Mike, is it the place we 'camped' on the porch of, in July 2001 (Viva Baja Van Gang), next to P's?

Paulina - 4-18-2005 at 07:42 PM

No David, it's the house just north of B.B.'s You can see it from his front porch.

Our place is quite a jump up from that one.

David K - 4-18-2005 at 10:59 PM

Thanks Paulina... I have not walked between Beach Bob's and your place to know how many houses are between... just that one south of yours with the porch that David Eidell was sleeping on when we drove to Herman's for the July 4th Party.

That's when Mike Humfreville cooked up all the fish Minnow gave us at Cielito Lindo. Gee, seems like yesterday!

Here is you Paulina, peeking around the Viva Baja van, at Las Flores that day, at the end of our Lost Mission Hunt...

David K - 4-18-2005 at 11:01 PM

I think this is one of my favorite pictures of Mike Humfreville, examining a cholla at Las Flores, July 4, 2001.


David,

Mike Humfreville - 4-18-2005 at 11:39 PM

What do we know recently of David Eidel? The last I read was a couple years ago on "Radio Mazatlan" about his activities there. Anything more recent?

marla - 4-19-2005 at 10:57 AM

Hmm Mike that sounds good. What do you guys think? Should I buy it?

Marla,

Mike Humfreville - 4-19-2005 at 11:34 AM

I sent you an e-mail. I personally think it's a very reasonable price.

David K - 4-19-2005 at 06:54 PM

Marla, buy it... if you don't like it later on (and I can) I will buy it from you... even let you raise the price a thousnad bucks!:lol:

Mike, I sometime get an update from someone who is following Dah-veeed's activities. Last I heard, he was posting from southern Mexico and Central America. Maybe do a Google search? His trailer in Tecate is long gone.

See you Friday at Pyramid!

Paulina - 4-19-2005 at 07:54 PM

David,
Not one of my favorite photos, it looks like I just finished taking a "break" behind the van door...

Here's a better one, taken over Spring Break while visiting with Pancho at Playa Rafael. I'm sitting in his fantastic Sperm Whale skull captain's chair.

Marla, thanks for the u2u's, go for it!

You all have a good weekend at Pyramid!

Mike Humfreville - 4-19-2005 at 08:02 PM

You, Paulina, and cardon consuming Charlie!

Paulina - 4-20-2005 at 05:30 PM

Mike,
Wasn't it your foot that Charlie mistook for a cardon rib one time long ago? Here's our tough baja proven Bulldog with his good friend Pancho at Playa Rafael. He loves Charlie, so I promised him a copy of this photo the next time we're down his direction.

Mike Humfreville - 4-20-2005 at 05:41 PM

It's been a while since I saw Pancho. He and his pals saved our butts on night long ago and we shared a box of fine wine. Re Charlie, we were gathered in a group on your mom's porch at Gecko and Charlie, over an hour, devoured several sizable ribs of cardon. I can only imagine that the next morning you were picking "toothpicks" up all over Nana's house.