Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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JR revisited
It was passed on to me recently that Karen and Jim (who knows the last names—who cares)have moved a huge trailer onto the spot in Rosarito that once
was occupied by Carol and JR before JR’s untimely death.
One weekend an unnamed female friend of Karen’s was visiting and had spent the night on a hide a bed in the living room. When she woke she noticed a
nice looking urn next to her bed. When she asked how it got to be there, Karen told her that Carol had left it one day because she had just returned
from San Bartolo where she had scattered some of JR’s ashes around his old campsite. When she returned to the beach in Rosarito it was far to windy
to scatter them so she asked Karen to keep them until she could return at a later date.
The funny part of this story (if there is a funny part) was when the female visitor exclaimed, “My God! Do you mean I have been sleeping with JR?”
I have included a thread on JR that was on the Board in 2005 so that some of the newer Nomads can understand just who JR was and also so that some
of us older folks can think back on quite a guy.
In Memory of JR
bajajudy - 12-12-2005 at 16:06
Let's all play like we are sitting around a campfire out in the desert somewhere in Baja with the sound of bamboo rustling in the background and we
are here to tell tales of our friend JR:
I will go first
I was in Los Barriles last year at Tio Pablo's department rstocking books. When I came out there was this pickup truck with a bamboo rack. Well I knew
immediately who was in the bar and wandered over and introduced myself. What a charmer! We spoke briefly and I was on my merry way.
After reading about his other bamboo projects, I contacted him to build a mosquito net for my bed. He said that he hoped he could get it done over the
winter months.
This is not much of a tale but I am sure that others of you have some wonderful stories to tell. Now is the time to share them.
Gypsy Jan - 12-12-2005 at 17:18
I never met the great, infamous (in Baja bulletin boards, anyway), JR, but from the first, whenever I saw his handle, I always logged into his posts.
Alternately fascinated and appalled by his edginess and willingness to take on all comers, he never deviated from his basic and logical observations
and summations of the "state of Gringo in Mexico", and, despite being bitterly attacked by the "Emperors who wear no clothes", did not fall of the
edge into mean spiritedness or bitterness.
I was hooked.
He took the war to the battlements; monetary entitlement and cultural snobbery versus solid, established ethnocultural ways of living.
He looked at us through his kaleidoscope of being bicultural, and, in his musings, he let some of his thoughts that he felt bereft of his ethnic
heritage and was trying to reclaim it come through; giving us a unique and very naked peek into the great divide between the border and Baja sur
cultures.
I will miss his wit, wisdom and insight.
Good night and sweet dreams, good spirit.
[Edited on 12-13-2005 by Gypsy Jan]
Jack Swords - 12-12-2005 at 17:38
Spent some time with JR in San Bartolo last year. He shared his dreams and plans for the bamboo projects and an old house he was fixing up for ?
Bought him lunch in Los Barriles and then he was on his way to get on the internet and ruffle some more feathers. Had the impression that he really
enjoyed this role. Good heart for Baja folks, hoped to see him again this year.
Sharksbaja - 12-12-2005 at 17:45
As you and will always remember that " thorn" in the arse, JR, remember a couple things.
What he gave you is/was a conscience even tho he wasn't always on target or on cue, but especially to those of you who knew him more intimately. He
did reveal much but not all.
I wasn't fortunate enough and it may have been an awkward relationship but the JR I got to know vicariously totally affected my view and attitude
online.
He may not have always brought the best out of me but, by damn, I believed his sincerity. He may have been a mentor of sorts. Particularily when he
would engage me and exchange points, many times finding myself agreeing with him only to lose confidence from others.
I guess it was/is a price I'm was willing to pay. I found him intriguing to say the least as I do others also but none as profoundly as JR. What I saw
in JR was his unending passion, love and defense of Baja and it's people. I admire this. Mexico is certainly at a loss in my opinion.
This kind of man stimulates others through his strong feelings, actions and words designed to do just that. Not only a thinker but a doer.
This is what defines the person. What you see is what you get; lock, stock and barrel whether you like it or not.
To those unforgiving few......... I think it's time.
I just learned something very good just now, thanks JR.
See yer arse later Corky
vgabndo - 12-12-2005 at 18:06
My personality has never had much time for people who seem to gratuitously yank other folk's chains. Perhaps I am more like him than is easy to admit;
I just haven't the gonads to say what's in my gut, and stand up and take the heat. He could do that...with zeal. I don't like having people pi$$ed at
me. Maybe JR taught me that that is dishonest.
I find myself unexplainably emotional about the loss of someone I did not get to meet. Hard as I tried, he DID have an effect on me. So, I forgive you
if you can forgive me JR.
Go forth and give 'em HELL.
Osprey - 12-12-2005 at 18:19
JR stopped by my place in La Ribera and we shared a couple beers. I saw the eyes, the smile, the demeanor of a prophet -- I got the feeling that he
made every person he got close to a conspirator in the war - "us against them". Gypsyjan hit it right when she alluded to the "border people vs
southern Baja folks." It made little sense to me because to me he was a greenhorn newcomber here who lived way up north in Rosarito. IT IS VERY HARD
TO BE CHARITABLE IN MEXICO. I know smart people around here who find ways to help needy Mexicans, Mexican families. They might not approve of JRs
methods but they would have hailed his giving heart, his zeal, his love for the place and all its people -- I know I do.
There are a lot of misguided missionaries around these parts and I don't like any of em. I sure took a liking to JR.
eetdrt88 - 12-12-2005 at 18:27
and I am feeling somewhat strange....the weird thing is that I never met JR or anyone from this board for that matter although i'm hoping to meet up
with quite a few of you for Bajalou's New Years eve gathering...but I am definitely feeling a loss over a person that i've never met...some of what JR
said here seemed quite confrontational at times but I have to say his posts almost always held my interest and his eye for great pictures was
sometimes unbelievable...i will definitely miss his character and his wit
Sallysouth - 12-12-2005 at 18:59
A good man he was, full of life and giving! Rip JR, I will miss you...
Herb2 - 12-12-2005 at 19:26
A Nomad for whom I have tremendous respect once gave me some of the most wise advice that I have ever received. He told me that he did not place so
much stock in what people wrote but was more concerned with face to face meetings with people so that you could actually look into their eyes and see
what makes them smile. That, he told me, would tell you what is REALLY important to a person and would speak volumes about that individual's
character. He made an assessment of JR back then based on this model that, in my mind, was 100% accurate. In fact, he so eloquently put into words
what I had already learned about JR. His quote in a post once directed at JR:
"SOME ARE ALWAYS ASKING YOU TO LIGHTEN UP! But let me say that I believe that men and women of passion are somehow unable to'lighten up'. They just
care too much and see far too much.
Stay as you are my friend!"
He had obviously looked into JR's eyes and seen what made him smile. Bottom line is that I have never met a more caring and compassionate "human" (to
coin his favorite term). He was so passionate and straightforward in his feelings and beliefs, however, that there was no room in his mindset for
being PC to spare anyone's feelings. At the same time, though, this was the beauty of Mr. Palmer. He was true WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get)
because he did not mince words even if he was not choosing the kindest of them. We all know, however, that actions speak louder than words. And the
overwhelming majority of his actions conveyed more kindness to those who knew him than most of us could ever imagine.
I met JR after the devastating hurricane season of 2003. I emailed him as a complete stranger, not even a registered Nomad at the time. Merely a long
time lurker from there and Amigos before. I asked him for suggestions on where I could go and what I could do to help. He directed me to some small
mountain villages and communities where I have since made friends who are like family to me now. I thanked him for his help in providing me with such
a rewarding experience and he subsequently invited me to stop by and visit. I did so bearing, naturally, even more donations for his next trip down
south. We hit it off instantly. We shared many common passions and had a strikingly similar outlook on life in general.
We travelled together shortly thereafter and what a blast that was. He was an incredibly skilled (and crazy) off-road driver. We explored remote nooks
and crannys of the peninsula, shared a wild "confluence point" hiking adventure, and met and spent time with many more wonderful people along the way
just by being "human". We have stayed in touch ever since and I visited him on a regular basis. He became a dear friend and was truly loved by myself
and my family.
It has been said, at times, that he was self-promoting. Ha! Nothing could be further from the truth. A self-promoting person would have been far more
concerned about his public image. He had a story, a message, and a vision that he was determined to share with the world. He wanted to challenge
people to look at things differently and he didn't give a damn what people thought about him as an individual as long as the message was heard. He saw
himself as merely the messenger. And, as we all know, a devoted one.
There were some who proclaimed pity for the man because he must have been miserable and lonely. Not so. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting
her, know that his soul-mate Carol is one of life's truly special people. They shared a wonderful kind of love with each other that most people never
find. She tolerated him, tamed him, encouraged him, nurtured him, reigned him in and at times, just shook her head and let him run wild. He, in turn
knew what he had and cherished her as only he could. She was right there by his side to the very end. He could not have been more loved. And he
deserved it. They were beautiful to watch together.
When I went to San Bartolo to visit him just before summer this year, I ended up having to bring him and his dogs back north as his health really
began to take a turn for the worse. I watched how he handled the onset of his impending physical demise with a grace that I could not even begin to
imagine. Always smiling when I saw him and leaning forward to embrace me with little more than his shoulders as his arms were increasingly unable to
move.
In the last message I received from him, he asked about making a "couple more trips down south while I still can." Well it didn't happen before your
death, my friend, but you still can. Because I will carry you with me in warm memories everywhere I go. Down south, up north and anywhere else on the
planet. Thank you!!!
Ken
Soy P-nche Gringo y Que!
Marie-Rose - 12-12-2005 at 19:32
At first I thought it was some horrible joke!! JR was the one Baja Nomad that transformed me from "lurker" to poster!! Some of the things he said just
infuriated me and then he would go and post something quite sensitive. His pictures were amazing!
This board has definitely lost a major presence.
Ken Just read your post. Thank you for sharing!!
[Edited on 2005-12-13 by Marie-Rose]
bajalera - 12-12-2005 at 21:34
Herb2, that was a beautiful tribute.
Bob H - 12-12-2005 at 21:45
Wow, this is a huge loss... I am in tears. God bless you JR!
Bob H
pappy - 12-13-2005 at 10:45
wow! i am in shock....that seemed to come out of nowhere....my sympathies for his family and loved ones... vaya con dios JR.....
JZ - 12-13-2005 at 16:21
It certaintly does seem to come out of nowhere. He was very brave to keep it from this board. I feel bad for giving him such a hard time!
DDurrell - 12-14-2005 at 23:50
Bajajudy.... Don't know you. Don't think I've met you unless you are the guys that moved into La Barca that used to have the "Main Event " in El
Monte. Bruce told me about this site and I'm flabergasted. Lots more to come. JR was more of a brother to me than a cousin.
I loved the way you started this..... lets just sit back and talk about JR.
Thats the way he did things.
Thank you .
Dave
bajagrouper - 12-15-2005 at 07:32
REMEMBERING J.R.
ANOTHER BAJA AMIGO HAS PASSED AWAY
THE NEWS HAS MADE THIS A VERY SAD DAY
HELPING OTHER PEOPLE WAS HIS MAIN GOAL
UP AND DOWN HIWAY 1 HIS TRUCK WOULD ROLL
DRIVING UP IN THE MOUNTAINS OR ALONG THE SHORE
ALLWAYS COLLECTING DONATIONS TO GIVE TO THE POOR
HE PULLED INTO MY CAMP ONE SATURDAY NIGHT
WE DRANK TEQUILIA AND B.S.ed WELL INTO THE NIGHT
SO WHEN I DRIVE DOWN BAJA AND SEE SOME BAMBOO
YOU KNOW J.R. I’LL BE THINKING OF YOU
BAJAGROUPER` 05
DDurrell - 12-17-2005 at 20:32
In 1967 I was 16 and had just gotten my driver’s license. I had only been to Mexico once before. My brother Dennis, JR and I planned a week- long trip
during Easter break from school. Back then all you needed was notarized permission from your parents to cross the border if you were under 18. Don’t
know what the situation is now.) So Friday afternoon, armed with surfboards, sleeping bags, a tent and an ice chest we were off and the adventure
began. We ended up spending 25 cents a day to camp on the bluff between K38 and K 39 (now it’s a high rise). We surfed there and explored the coast as
far as we could, searching for “ The Wave”. We had a blast. Tuesday was my girlfriend’s birthday and I had a hot date that night back in Azusa. I left
JR and my brother at the campsite and promised to be back the next afternoon. Well…. Somehow I didn’t get back down there till Friday. No JR, No
Dennis, No surfboards, just the tent and my sleeping bag. Crap! What had I done? Left two 14-year-old kids in a foreign country with nothing but the
clothes on their back. There was no one around to ask any questions so I just decided to wait. Around sunset, an old beat up truck pulls out onto the
Bluff with Dennis and JR in the back screaming their lungs out at me. I’ve never been called so many names in my life. Leave it to JR. He’d made
friends with some of the local Mexican surfers and they took care of the two till I got back. There was an old out house on the bluff. I was inside
taking care of business. JR some how managed to block the door so it wouldn’t open. He then dropped in about a brick of firecrackers. Besides the
burns on my legs, I don’t think I could hear a thing for about a week. It took me over 10 years to pay him back for that one, but that’s another
story.
Over the years we made quite a few trips to Baja together, but that first one still sticks in my mind.
JR was made for Baja. Or maybe Baja was made for JR. And Jay found one special woman in Carol. Carol my hat is off to you. You and Jay had a unique
relationship that is hard to find.
I never got the chance to see the bamboo farm or many of the other projects that he had in the works. Hopefully someday I will.
JR was a character, a charmer, a true nomad and an antagonist who could pee you off to the max.
He was also mi primo
And I miss him.
Dave
Bajame - 12-18-2005 at 11:14
I talked to JR on the phone after he left me an e-mail that was pretty shocking! He got me mixed up with another nomad that he was peeed off with. He
really felt bad when he realized what he did and it was funny hearing him change his tune, I have to amitt I made him squirm for awhile, I have been
called alot through the years but that beat everything! I couldn't stay upset with him and just had a good laugh over it.
A Distant Drummer
JR Palmer
I have known a ton of people who have settled here in Baja. These folks are very different than those who come down to spend a few days or even a few
weeks at a time.
Some, mostly middle aged men, were pulled into Baja by the climate, the great fishing, cheap living, free flowing booze and other delights. Others
were pushed over the border by divorces, arrest warrants, failure to pay child support/alimony or other more anti-social behavior. Very few of them
were ever politically correct.
A lot of the guys came to hide from themselves. These are the unshaven, hollow cheeked guys, who—because of healthy retirement checks—ruined their
health by beginning to drink, and it ain’t orange juice, as soon as their feet hit the floor in the morning. These are the guys I call evaders;
basically good guys who were productive members of society who have just given up on life. Yes, there are a few women in this group.
Usually when you find a husband and wife team, those people who are chasing a dream and are both involved in a fairly small but successful business,
you will more often than not find that the woman is the stronger of the two and that the guy drinks far more than is good for the business.
Interestingly, I have only met one (1) man in Baja who has never touched an alcoholic drink in his life—and that over 40 years. I have had a lot of
acquaintances who frequented the “AA” meetings that can be found wherever a few gringos have set down roots.
Many young to middle aged guys and gals wandered down here and found that the local cops don’t bother gringos even if they are using drugs as long as
they basically stay in their ‘own’ areas. It became party time all of the time with these people. A few of these, usually the younger ones, would
really mess up and start dealing to the Mexicans to support their own habits. This was dumber than dumb and a quick way to never get older. If the
cops didn’t get them then the Mexican gangs would.
One thing always stood out—the women knew exactly what they wanted in Baja and were not shy about grabbing it. Some of the guys still knew what they
would like to have but many had lost the desire or drive to reach out for it.
I guess what I have been trying to say up to this point is that everyone who settles in Baja does in fact march to a different or distinctive drummer.
So in this round about way, we have come to our late friend JR Palmer—aka Ski Baja, JR Baja, or Jim or Jay. Many people never met the guy in real life
but suffered a real and painful loss when they heard of his passing. If you based your knowing of this man from his postings on the Nomad Forum you
just might guess that one of his gears was put in backwards. You would see a guy that was way larger than life. A guy who could, and did, stir the pot
and make it boil by breathing angry flames on it. A man who thrived on conflict.
You would see him slashing out at anyone and everyone who, in his mind, did not really understand or care about Baja or it’s people ‘according’ to JR.
Heck, he even nipped at me a few times when he felt that I needed a little re-direction. We shared many of the same thoughts and values about Baja,
it’s people and the crazy gringos who closed themselves off from the Mexicans by living behind walls and who couldn’t care less about the ‘humans’ or
their culture. JR was always talking about the ‘humans’ and you could rest assured that he was not including most gringos in that grouping.
He held up a thousand mirrors that allowed (no—required) people to see themselves as they wished to be. The harsh and bitter person could peer into a
mirror and find a companion in JR, a guy who shared his bitterness towards life. Another who needed love, compassion and a soothing hand would easily
see these things reflected in JR. Others would be challenged and offended when he held up a mirror and they saw a person they really did not wish to
know. They would see JR peering out at them and it was obvious that he had very little use for them.
As with most people who believe that that they have been ‘called’—and he certainly did—there is seldom much if any middle ground. One person called
him a prophet. I would never go that far in describing my friend.
Those few of us who really had met JR were not surprised that he was not a giant of a man. In fact, he was rather on the frail or even on the delicate
side. His large mustache mostly hid the smile that came often to his face. If you watched closely you would notice that the smile often failed to
reach his eyes.
When I looked into his calm eyes I saw a man who had been deeply hurt in his life—and who had badly hurt others. A man who did not allow many people
to see who he really was or to get very close to him. Listening and watching closely I found a guy who had more than a passing knowledge of the drug
scene. I always had the sense that this was earlier in his life because one of his major missions in Baja Sur was to help and provide jobs in rural
areas so the kids wouldn’t get strung out on drugs. I saw a man who was a heavily conflicted ‘human.’ During his later years he constantly reached out
to help those ‘humans,’ usually poorer Mexicans. He tried valiantly to help them find a better life.
Here was a southern gentleman, who drew people into himself. He totally enjoyed a laid back discussion about almost anything—but mostly about ‘his’
Baja. His self deprecating little laugh was used in place of a period in his conversations. A real nice easy going ‘human.’
More than anything his pictures of Baja, which were always framed with much love and understanding, displayed a wonderful grasp of the land that he
loved. He did not focus in on the harsh and hot lands of Baja. No! They were normally filled with scenes of high and cool vistas or hidden oasis of
greens and blues with refreshing waters. One of his pictures says more than a book could about the man who shot it. It is taken from the inside a cave
looking out and down, dark to light, and focused on a beautiful green and fragrant little valley with a slowly flowing little stream meandering at the
bottom. These were the scenes that only JR seemed to be able to find and capture in ‘his’ Baja.
Let me stop here and insert a tribute by a man that JR named as his ‘friend’ with the full understanding of what that word really meant:
“A Nomad [Baja Nomad.com] for whom I have tremendous respect once gave me some of the most wise advice that I have ever received. He told me that he
did not place so much stock in what people wrote but was more concerned with face to face meetings with people so that you could actually look into
their eyes and see what makes them smile. That, he told me, would tell you what is REALLY important to a person and would speak volumes about that
individual’s character. He made an assessment of JR back then based on this model that, in my mind, was 100% accurate. In fact, he so eloquently put
into words what I had already learned about JR. His quote in a post once directed at JR:
“SOME ARE ALWAYS ASKING YOU TO LIGHTEN UP! But let me say that I believe that men and women of passion are somehow unable to ‘lighten up.’ They just
care too much and see far too much.
Stay as you are my friend!”
He had obviously looked into JR’s eyes and seen what made him smile. Bottom line is that I have never met a more caring and compassionate ‘human’ (to
coin his favorite term). He was so passionate and straightforward in his feelings and beliefs, however, that there was no room in his mindset for
being PC to spare anyone’s feelings. At the same time, though, this was the beauty of Mr. Palmer. He was a true WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)
because he did not mince words even if he was not choosing the kindest of them. We all know, however, that actions speak louder than words. And the
overwhelming majority of his actions conveyed more kindness to those who knew him than most of us could ever imagine.
I met JR after the devastating hurricane season of 2003. I emailed him as a complete stranger, not even a registered Nomad at the time; merely a long
time lurker from there and Amigos [defunct website] before. I asked him for suggestions on where I could go and what I could do to help. He directed
me to some small mountain villages and communities where I have since made friends who are like family to me now. I thanked him for his help in
providing me with such a rewarding experience and he subsequently invited me to stop by and visit. I did so bearing, naturally, even more donations
for his next trip down south. We hit it off instantly. We shared many common passions and had a strikingly similar outlook on life in general.
We traveled together shortly thereafter and what a blast that was. He was an incredibly skilled (and crazy) off-road driver. We explored remote nooks
and cranny’s of the peninsula, shared a wild “confluence point” hiking adventure and met and spent time with many more wonderful people along the way
just by being ‘human.’ We have stayed in touch ever since and I visited him on a regular basis. He became a dear friend and was truly loved by myself
and my family.
It has been said, at times, that he was self-promoting. Ha! Nothing could be further from the truth. A self-promoting person would have been far more
concerned about his public image. He had a story, a message and a vision that he was determined to share with the world. He wanted to challenge people
to look at things differently and he didn’t give a damn what people thought about him as an individual as long as the message was heard. He saw
himself as merely the messenger. And, as we all know, a devoted one.
There were some who proclaimed pity for the man because he must have been miserable and lonely. Not so. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting her
know that his soul-mate Carol is one of life’s truly special people. They shared a wonderful kind of love with each other that most people never find.
She tolerated him, tamed him, encouraged him, nurtured him, reigned him in and at times just shook her head and let him run wild. He in turn knew what
he had and cherished her as only he could. She was right there by his side to the very end. He could not have been more loved. And he deserved it.
They were beautiful to watch together.
When I went to San Bartolo to visit him just before summer this year, I ended up having to bring him and his dogs back north as his health really
began to take a turn for the worse. I watched how he handled the onset of his impending physical demise with a grace that I could not even begin to
imagine. Always smiling when I saw him and leaning forward to embrace me with little more than his shoulders as his arms were increasingly unable to
move.
In the last message I received from him, he asked about making a “couple more trips down south while I still can.” Well it didn’t happen before your
death, my friend, but you still can. Because I will carry you with me in warm memories everywhere I go. Down south, up north and anywhere else on the
planet.”
I need to stop here and salute the ‘human’ that wrote this tribute to JR:
“You, sir, are a man who walks straight and tall and makes this world a far better place as you stride through with friends like Mr. Palmer in your
heart. Would that I had a friend such as you.”
Many people expressed condolences at JR’s passing and one of them stood as a reflection of just who JR really was.
JR my friend I salute you
“Like others of his friends I was aware of some of the problems that JR faced over the past year or more. Hell! I was called a hypocrite by more that
one member of this board when I disagreed, in a very forcible manner, with his attacks on some of the members of this board. I visited him a few weeks
before I posted this disagreement even knowing that he was very sick. Yes, he and I shared a lot! I must tell you that the absolutely the worst thing
that you could wish for this Baja warrior is that he rest in peace.
Hell, no! He could never deal with that. Lashing out right and left was his style and what made him a darling of this board.
JR, know that you have not lost this old guy’s friendship and keep pulling the devil’s tail.
I missed you even before your were gone.”
I guess you can now understand how a guy who would take the handle “Ski Baja” really did march to a totally different drummer.
JR was a friend. . . .a foe. . . .and fun to know!
Baja Bernie
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3370
Registered: 11-5-2002
Member Is Offline
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P-nches gringos!!!!!! he used to say
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6700
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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I miss JR's posting. They were a breath of fresh air that caused you to pause and reflect... If you took the time to think about what he was saying
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Keri
Super Nomad
Posts: 1393
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: La Mision, Baja Norte
Member Is Offline
Mood: muy contento
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He always was a ladies man. Guess he's still got it,k lol  
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bajagrouper
Senior Nomad
Posts: 964
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico
Member Is Offline
Mood: happy and retired
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Bernie, Thanks for the memories, JR was a lot of fun to be around. He and all the Amigos and Nomads that have passed...paz
I hear the whales song
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BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
Member Is Offline
Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
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Thanks Bernie - I never got to meet JR but I love his spirit that continues to live on...
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Marie-Rose
Senior Nomad
Posts: 894
Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: Victoria, B.C. and Todos Santos
Member Is Offline
Mood: Worried...
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Great memories Bernie! Boy JR could sure get me going He just knew how
to get things going. You could see him smiling as he read our replies!!! ( and he always had an answer!) Sure wish I could have met him.
Remember, when in Mexico, yes may be no and no may be
maybe!
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
Member Is Offline
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I wonder if he would still be reigning in the CCGers?
Thanks Bern fer your good thoughts.
Do you bamboo?
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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fishbuck
Banned
Posts: 5318
Registered: 8-31-2006
Member Is Offline
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Viva espritu de JR!
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." J. A. Shedd.
A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it. – Albert Einstein
"Life's a Beach... and then you Fly!" Fishbuck
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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I'll never forget the day I met JR... and shook his hand! He was so different in person, close up... a very friendly guy!
Bob H
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65290
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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As Bob says, JR was a different man in person than behind the keyboard! He loved to get a rise out of us on Nomad with his 'chicken coop group' and
'gringo compound' replies!
When Antonio 'Baja Cactus' wanted to meet us, JR invited the use of his 'front yard' back in July of 2004.
That's JR with a beer and me sitting on Bernie's van (Bernie was next to me).
Doug (Baja Nomad) and Jesse were also there... In fact, I made a web page of that day: http://www.vivabaja.com/bajacactus/
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MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
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Happy Trails ?
I'm almost looking forward to being dead so I can read all that's said about me.
Wait. That won't work.
Forget it.
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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I'd guarantee JR would point out the chicken coup mentality of this post.....
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Ouch! I get it.... thanx.
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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ELINVESTIG8R
Select Nomad
Posts: 15882
Registered: 11-20-2007
Location: Southern California
Member Is Offline
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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Baja Boy
Sorry if the post offends you....JR and his friends spoke to me and prompted me to post it.
Here is another poem I wrote for him:
JR
As the earth dwindles, thieves take hold, I wander around collecting
More valuable than gold , just bits and pieces, Gathered here and there
Throughout the years, a shell, a stone, pictures by the ton
Stories and memories, friends, around a campfire
Collecting stories, a bit of truth, an exaggeration sorrow and fun
Sounds and thoughts, shoulders touch, Laughter and caring
Means so much, good times, memories and such
Sitting, listening, looking on faces, quiet thoughts
Earth dwindles, thieves take hold, wandering, confused
Fading, diminished, magic dwindling,, mi Baja
Bernie Swaim
December 15, 2005
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65290
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
I'd guarantee JR would point out the chicken coup mentality of this post..... |
Of course JR often called me the lead 'coup grouper' on Nomad, or some other 'insult'...
... and when I arrived at his and Carol's home I received hand shakes, a bottle of beer was thrust upon me, and JR would quickly show me the newest
Baja book he added to his collection (one of Erle Stanley Gardner's the last time).
There were TWO jrbaja's... one behind a keyboard and the other, in person.
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