Year in Review-Travel

 Las Aventuras took a break this year from international travel.  Why?  I discovered Southern Arizona with new eyes.

 So while I stayed home, we had such an amazing time here in Arizona.  However, we did get a chance to meet some amazing people, visit Wisconsin and bird in nearby Mexico along the Pacific Ocean.

 One our favorite spots was in Wisconsin Dells over the summer.  Wonderful weather along with beautiful forests made for a very special day.

 And in my hometown along the shores of Lake Michigan, we were able to hang out with the family.

 We even found time to visit Madison, the Capital of Wisconsin during the Scott Walker vote!

 My brother and SIL took us to the Green Bay botanical gardens which was a real thrill.

 Sometimes.  Just sometimes.  I wish I could grow some of these amazing green and colorful plants.

We did get out to Mexico though and had an amazing birding trip along the Sea of Cortez to go to the Bird Islands!

 This next year, several epic outings have been planned.  Some are in the works right now and I'll keep you updated.  I am plotting our courses for next year as are my travel buddies.

 Life is full of good people and experiences.  I believe in kharma.  Throwing bad cause out into the world is not good. But when you send out the positive vibes.......

 .......they come roaring back to you loudly full of incredible energy.  And I'm loving life.  Each day is a new adventure whether it be close to home or elsewhere.  All we have to do is step out that door:)

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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

Alive

Sometimes I withdraw into my own little world.....and just think.  There are little miracles all around me that happen everyday.  I know I make an impact on the world, but it's never really evident how it all goes down.....I just know that I make a difference.  I was born to support structures and be creative within them. Sometimes I wonder if there is ever an original idea out there to be discovered. I open a book up and read....just read. One weekend in Rocky Point, Mexico, I sat back and read, ate carrot cake, read some more, and walked the beach alone picking up shells as the waves crashed over my feet.

I know that everyday is vital and important.  I know that everyday is special and unique.  Sometimes I forget those things and get lost in my routine......and forget to breathe. Photography allows me to focus and shut out the world and pay attention to the things that matter the most.  Gardening also allows me to create and dream of inspiration.  As the El Presidio garden grows; so do I.  The garden angers me, makes me happy, makes me want to do more.....and do less.  Sometimes I just want to shut the doors and not look outside because it frustrates me.  And yet it's still there when I open the door again. 

Sometimes a little getaway helps me escape the work and issues every gardener has in their own world.  But it's when I come back from my getaway that I feel inspired to get back into my work around the property. And that's when I feel alive......