At The Beach

A change of pace.  A much needed vacation.  An even better reason to get excited about new material to film.  This week I take you all on an epic 5 part series that has been several weeks in the making.  I write one month in advance so I have to process and develop my topics.  It also helps having time to reflect on what it is that I have captured on film. This week we head south to Mexico to the fishing village of Rocky Point.  We'll also explore the Bird Islands in the middle of the Sea of Cortez.  I am excited to share with you all ......life!  So come and join me at the beach for awhile.....

The Whimbrel reminds me of a large hummingbird!

South of Tucson by about 4 and half hours in car, Puerto Peñasco(or known by many as Rocky Point) is located near the US border.  The sleepy little homes along the beach offer many a great place to relax and escape the crazy life of the big city.  It also offers magnificent views of the ocean, birds, marine life, and a little Mexican culture.

At low tide, this area makes me think that these rocks are a home to the crab people

On this trip, I was enraptured by the incredible wildlife found in this area.  And for the first time, I saw Rocky Point in a new light.  For many years, I had considered the town an ugly stain near the border but only because I stayed in the downtown area.  Over the years, we rented the condos on the beach and it has helped change my perspective from ugly to gorgeous:)

I discovered this beauty at a low tide pool!  What a find!  I also found Starfish and other fun critters.  

Tide pools, Sand Dollars, and oh so much more can be found along the beach.  My recommendation for people interested in visiting is to get up early and make these incredible finds before everyone else stomps all over the sands:)  Is Rocky Point safe to visit?  My answer is yes if you go with a group and during the day, but no if travelling alone.  People play down the drug wars happening along our border because they want the tourism money to flow into the economy again, but I felt an edge this time that I haven't felt for a long time.  I've lived and visited Mexico for over 20 years and have hesitated this time to go, but the birds were calling me.  You'll see:)

Sand Dollar

"Mexico, I love you so what I have to write is difficult.  You taught me to be "me", but as I am getting older, I am finding it difficult to understand your lack of hygiene.  Why don't you take an interest in your environment?  I've travelled all over the world (which includes many of your Spanish speaking siblings), but you seem to enjoy trash everywhere.  How is it possible?  You make fun of Guatemalans but I don't know why.....they have a cleaner country with people who know how to care for their environment.  Your food is the best as are your people.....the dancing and partying are incredible, but you have to do a better job about the trash situation and your careless attitudes towards wildlife." 

Turkey Vulture flying over the beach along Rocky Point

It can be challenging for people to accept the "dirty parts" around some areas.....or the bottles floating in the ocean waters.  So it does take some training to "ignore"(if that's even possible).  After seeing amazing environmental programs in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Chile, Peru, etc etc, it's difficult to look at Mexico in the same way because it's nowhere near environmentally conscience as these countries mentioned above.   But let's stick to the positive because there was a lot of good from this trip.....

We had an incredible trip and I'll have some very funny stories to share with you all.   I've learned so much about birds and other marine animals that I want to go back again.  But the next time, I will hire an environmental guide to give me the lowdown around the area.

But for now, I'll leave you with our team of wonderful friends. It was an incredible 4 days and I hope to go back again next year for some more incredible finds.  Stay tuned for more from our trip this week to the Sea of Cortez and her islands.  More tomorrow.....

The Team