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Wilderness "It is in the wilderness that we find our true hearts." Phill Michael
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Tales from Secret Spot Baja
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Wilderness "It is in the wilderness that we find our true hearts." Phill Michael
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Notes from the editor...
As I reflect upon the events of this year from the air-conditioned comfort of an intimate hotel on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, owned and operated by extremely gracious, capable hosts...I realize that some experiences are much more 'heartfelt' than others. %^>
Fresh from an exceptional trip to a coral reef with a beautiful little family, I have only now had a few moments to compile the submissions and post the Secret Spot Baja newsletter…as well as reflect upon all the spectacular scenes I have been privy to in a relatively short time.
Phill Tears up the Powder
From New Year’s
horse rides and hunts on the California coast; to plenty of attention from
wonderful friends and family in the frozen north of Alberta; to waist deep
powder snowboarding in the Kootenays of British Columbia with an awesome group
of people
At the portal of inspiration, one treads lightly. The fear of entering can be debilitating.
Most ask, as their hand hesitates at the handle...
“What if I say the wrong thing?”
I ask, while I barge in...
“What if I say the right thing?!”
My mind wanders to distant memories...of a time when youth took precedence over wisdom...and hearts were fully open. The trappings of a culture so rich in goods and devoid of soul can be a fickle influence. But who is to judge what is right...and what is wrong?!
In a world without judgment...everyone is enlightened!
In a world without risk...security is paramount...and everything stays the same.
In a world full of love...we are inspired to dream!
The positive, energetic people that I constantly come in contact with keep my thoughts on the right track. As always, my many thanks go out to people who show me the right way to live… they share the sparks of curiosity, which are most certainly sure signs of vigorous intellects!
It’s been a pleasure to read the recent submissions and put together a publication for the summer of 2003. Thanks go to those who were good enough to retell tales from their various Secret Spot Adventures. Slowly but surely, we are compiling images and sentiments that will be included in the 2004 Secret Spot calendar. It has been wonderful reflect on past adventures and seek to create new ones to follow. Please email me at 2003calendar@secretspotbaja.com if you would like me to send a calendar to you...or someone you know.
I hope you enjoy reading the second of many of our newsletters to come. They will be published quarterly. If you ever have the desire to add to these writings, join us for some enlightening activity, or just feel like communicating...don’t even hesitate for a nanosecond, and email me at phill@secretspotbaja.com.
Hasta Muy Pronto
Phill =^)
Phill Michael
Founder of Secret Spot Adventures
Time amongst the Maya by Niky H.
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There’s something about rocking through the jungle in Phill’s fantastic Land Cruiser that makes one feel very far from Calgary’s snowy and Vancouver’s rainy winter. An Indiana Jones bounce through dense vegetation on roads that travel high above Jurassic Park valleys and through white water rain forest runoff, is the perfect intro to a jungle adventure in the secret spots of Belize and Guatemala. I, being one of two incredibly lucky children of two very adventurous parents and the friend/dive buddy/co-outdoor laughter and amazement seeker of Phill Michael, got to explore the Central American jungle and its Mayan wonders in January 2002.
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Our trip to Caracol involved more wonder, and not only a feeling far from home, but also of feeling far from the present as this was our first foray into the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization. And what a civilization it was. Standing on top of the highest man made structure in Belize and realizing that it dates to 70AD, makes you realize that you are only a very small part enjoying the immense history of people who have looked out over the same rainforest canopy.
We shared our experience with the resident Kuatimundis and our local guides who satiated our curiosity about such a wondrous place, in which we were practically the only visitors of the day. My brother, Tom, who is my favorite exploring, climbing, investigating partner-in-crime, I discovered many of Caracol’s secret spots under corbel vaulted ceilings in tombs and residences that would have housed brothers and sisters like us over 2000 years ago. After the mouth-watering taster of Caracol, it was time to crank the adventure up a notch by heading to Guatemala. Every experience from the border crossing, and the long, rough, night drive on Eastern Guatemala’s main highway to the final sunset over the lake while eating chicken (it’s all about the chicken!) and rice and beans in a tiny local restaurant on the last night was extraordinary. Our main focus in Guatemala was to experience the humbling and awesome ruins of Tikal and the national park which surrounds it. The pyramids are crazily steep and afford panoramic views of the jungle rooftop, pierced with ancient rock constructions that tower into the hot sky. Antediluvian urban scenes of such complexity and precision are now inhabited by colourful and mysterious creatures like the toucan and the puma. Even though tour buses full of visitors arrive at the gates every morning to catch the Tikal sunrise, often we could find ourselves alone examining the birds or leaf-cutter ants, and Tom and Phill and I even did our fair share at jaguar stalking, an activity yet to be mastered!
The scale of Tikal is immense and indescribable. So many days would be necessary to summit every pyramid and explore every trail that leads to its thousands of secret spots. The one day of adventure we had there was enough to teach and demonstrate only a fraction of all that Tikal represents historically and ecologically. I must return, and I can only hope to do so in the same fabulous company that this trip included. Two silly students (one university and one high school), plus two more-than-fantastic world traveling parents plus a fabulous custom trip facilitator equals pure excitement, adventure and smiles.
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SUMMARY Report from the field for 2003
by Michael Fishbach
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The 2003 field season on the Sea of Cortez was a fantastic one.
Huge swarms of krill filled the waters wherever the currents took them-
and the many large whales that were present took full advantage of the situation. Countless instances of surface feeding were observed,
with Blue, Finback and Humpback whales all taking part. |
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A NonStop Whirlwind by Tom H
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And thus my adventure alongside Phill continued… |
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Our first stop was the infamous Rancho Macho located in the equally well known Sonoma County, California. Never had I ever imagined such a beautiful, tranquil and isolated place in the middle of such a populated state as California. The sun setting over lush hills, a patchwork of vineyards rolling away into the distance. The vultures and red tailed hawks would keep me company, circling overhead as I walked across the forty-six acre property. Up on the highest point there is a 360-degree view of the valley that truly takes the breath away. Many nights I would walk up to that point and watch the sun drown in the mountains later to be swallowed by the horizon in the dusk battle for the sky. Sun down and moon up, soon followed by the animals of both the numerous constellations and the earth. I would make my descent back to the house feeling very peaceful. Ten days of rigging on the ranch later, Phill and I set off, Land Cruiser with dune buggy in tow. (Click here to see the movie 'The Land Train Rolleth') Fully loaded with gear, we made our way to LA to pick up the last member of our elite team of travelers. Once we were all together, our trio embarked heading directly for the Mexican border. Our first night in Mexico was one of the phenomenal experiences that would become commonplace for the duration of our trip. We pulled over to the side of the road after we had put a few hundred miles of Baja under the tires. A short trail of dirt road led us to our home for the night. A small clearing littered with beautiful boulders and soft desert sand to rest our bodies. We lay our Mexican ponchos and blankets on the ground, grabbed our sleeping bags and stared up at the best star show I have ever seen. The Milky Way was our total view prior to our dreams taking us away. (Click here to see the movie 'Amazing Secret Spot') As well, the night was silent. I'm not referring to the tranquility of a quiet night. I mean silent. At one point the ringing in my ears became so loud that I started to hum to myself in order to ensure I had not gone deaf. No wind, no bugs, no people, no cars, and no lights. Just the desert, the stars, and us. From that point on we did not sleep with a roof over our heads for the rest of our time together. Every night was the beach or the desert, trillions of stars, and zero additives. Everything was pure and real. It is nights such as those that keep you attuned to reality. On through Loreto and Aqua Verde we went, Land Cruiser solid as a rock and dune buggy loyally trailing behind. A long dirt road and a few hours in a panga later we were well on our way to the Rancho Secret Spot Baja. I have to say I was extremely excited to see the location I had heard Phill speak of on many occasions. And as promised by Phill our introduction to the ranch was nothing less then spectacular. On our way along the shoreline of the Sea of Cortez we happened to see on the beach a long, white, object that seemed to be broken up into many pieces. Upon closer inspection, and information from our friend and panga pilot, Jose Manuel, we find ourselves staring directly at a sixty-foot skeleton of a Blue whale.
(Click here to see the movie 'Monster Whale Skeleton') It was lying on the beach, perfectly intact, just waiting for some people like us to arrive and marvel at it. I have to say it took me a while to fully grasp what I was looking at. But as time went on, all of us started to imagine what such a creature would have looked like during its lifetime. Such a size, such a spectacle. So after feeling as if I had just visited Jurassic Park, we hopped back in our boat for the last few minutes of our journey to the rancho. As we approached the beach we saw a lot of small, black fins bobbing in and out of the water. We soon realized that we had a squadron of manta rays as our welcoming committee. Sailing closer, we could see them flying in formation under the waves just before they dived to the depths. This was amazing. What a way to be welcomed! (Click here to see the movie 'Squadron of Manta Rays') Our next days were filled with wonderful dives, fresh fish, lobster, and drumming our souls out around the fire at night. (Click here to see the movie 'Drum Trippers') Such a way of life goes beyond the realm of therapeutic; it stretches the bounds of spiritualism and connection. Not only a connection with the land we were living on, but a connection between the members of our team. We would work together to accomplish everything from rigging gear, to hunting for food, to offering perspectives and experiences that challenged us all mentally. Such a life is something I didn't want to return from. (Click here to see the movie 'Dolphins off our Starboard')
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I felt it on the Sea of Cortez by Janet M.
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Absolutely the most fabulous vacation of my life!
The location, the whales,
the host and hostess, the food - could not have been better. This trip
is
imprinted on my soul forever, although no camera could capture the true
memories that I hold dear.
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Janet |
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Then ... we would head towards
it.
know this to be true ... I felt it on the Sea of Cortez.
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Powerful Serendipity by Rody J.
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Phill and I were rolling thru the multi hued green and gold hills of Western Sonoma County on a fine warm and sunny early summer day. The conversation, like the road, wound comfortably along. Various subjects came 'round the bend for perusal much like the sweeping corners that revealed vistas which would resolve into the redwood, buckeye, madrone and (one of the wild pigs’ favorite) oak. The discussion, likewise, formed detail and structure before receding from view to be reflected on later in the rear view mirror of memory. |
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We are heading down a historic Sonoma road, an area rife with the
aforementioned wild hog and other game. The hunt was only incidental,
notwithstanding Phill's being prepared in a large caliber way. We were on
our way to a friend’s ranch for the purpose of upgrading his nascent solar
electric system. The ranch is out eight miles along dirt road fully twenty
miles from the small town of Healdsburg. Out there utility power is at
least nine miles away and you can be sure that electricity, among other
things, is a do-it-yourself affair. You can bet one of the subjects of
discussion was Rancho Secret Spot.
To be
continued…
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Journey to the Rancho Secret Spot by Paul F.
'I like simple things that produce great results.'
Paul F.
June 2003
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I met Phill on a ski trip in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada in a very impromptu way- in March of this year. (Click here to view movie clip of "Pablo is Cookin") E-mails from Phill kept me posted about the Arctic hunting expeditions. Not long after, when I was away traveling in Paris, Phill suggested I join him on a trip in Baja. In no time at all, I found myself en route with Philip heading south. Once there, tasty crab tacos in San Vicente gave me a first taste of the fabulous food to follow. Sleeping under a canopy of stars each night also provided an introduction to the intriguing natural delights of Baja. |
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Emerging from the landscape were all sorts of Cacti including cardon, cirro, Joshua trees, elephant trees- many of which were in bloom. While shopping in the lovely old French colonial town of Santa Rosalia, I noticed that the people seem friendly and the kids especially entrepreneurial.
Lots of fresh produce (a dozen watermelons, 20 avocados, etc.) was taken on board in Loreto and when I thought we could take no more, Phill stopped and picked up two huge blocks of ice, one for me and one for Tom - a respite from the heat! That night we ate at a small restaurant on
the beach in Mulege where our waiter Miguel turned guitarist and found a
friend Antonio to join us (with his guitar) as margaritas turned to tequila
shots and Miguel’s deep voice filled the air.
Breakfast next day was at the local "restaurant" where Poncho joined us and
lunch was tacos from the yellowtail that Jose-Manuel had caught that
morning. Then off we went for our first dive in the Sea of Cortez. Later that afternoon we went diving again . Phill shot a Pargo Mulato and on the second dive he and I went down the "Roca Solitaria." On the way up, Phill shot some Parrot fish and I had to adjust my buoyancy to account for the heavily laden goody bag. A delicious dinner soon appeared beginning with scallops and conch and followed by the pargo, sashimi style.
Early next morning, the journey by panga took us about 50 miles along a coastline that was almost deserted, except for one plantation inhabited by an infamous character nicknamed "el diablo." Pelicans, boobies and frigate birds gracefully took flight heading for the hills of Baja at our approach. Just before reaching The Rancho Secret Spot, Jose pointed to the shore. We couldn't believe our eyes. In front of us, lying perpendicular to the shore, was the perfect skeleton of a 60 foot plus blue whale.
It hadn't been there a year ago when Phill last visited, but Jose-Manuel had seen it 3 months before when he was last in the area. The skeleton was undisturbed in any way, but someone had placed a ring of sea urchins by the head of the great mammal. I guess that there are no large carnivores to carry the bones away. Apparently the human visitors were in as much awe as we were and, with respect, left everything as they had found it. As if this wasn't enough to welcome us to our final destination, we saw
jumping manta rays that came so close we could look down on them as they
were "flying" through the water beneath us. As the sun was setting, we arrived back 'home' where we had a pleasant
evening
and enjoyed the lobster and some of Phil's 1999 Merlot. The next morning we
headed for civilization. I had learned some Spanish, gained some insight
into
the lives of fishermen on the Sea of Cortez, and enjoyed a tremendous
adventure
with Phill, Tom, and Jose-Manuel. I am reminded of a slogan that I once
read
on a yachtsman that read, "life is not a guided tour" and although Phill was
an
exceptional guide I believe that this trip was an adventure for all of us
rather than a simple tour.
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Wonderful Encounters to Come by Carol J
| I am writing prior to having an adventure with Phill. My son and I met Phill through secret spot sonoma and are greatly anticipating joining him in Baja at the end of July. However, we do have a number of things to accomplish before then. |
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First, we must both take scuba lessons so that Phill may introduce us to the awe-inspiring undersea world which will be quite new to us! Dane, my son, has raised beef and sheep in 4-H and both Dane and Chase Connolly of secret spot sonoma spent the last school year each raising a steer that was sold at auction in the local Healdsburg country fair. Dane will continue to care for two sheep until mid July when these will also be sold at the county fair. This will be Dane's last participation in raising and selling animals as he just graduated from high school.
With all the excitement of graduation, the trip, and the upcoming fair we are both looking forward to unique, intriguing, as well as relaxing experiences with Phill down in Baja. Reading the personal anecdotes of other travelers in the secret spot baja newsletter has increased our own thoughts of the wonderful encounters to come!!!
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Refreshed by Mark W.
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March 15, 2002 stands out as “just another day in
Baja.” The morning was typical – breakfast, coffee, and Cribbage
(crushing Phill once again!). Soon we were off with Michael in our
little Panga to “brave the elements” (you know, sunshine and still
waters). Morning boat rides were always refreshing
as we skipped along accompanied by a mildly chilled, salt
water-scented air. (I love that smell!) Our boating escapades took us
to the birthing grounds of Blue and Fin Whales and the playground of
hundreds of bottlenose and common dolphins. For Phill just another
typical day in Baja; for the “guy from Cleveland” a natural “Sea World”
complete with aerial displays and thunderous splashes. There we were,
mimicking the whalers of the past, armed with our Canons and Nikons with
shutters clicking almost uncontrollably.
Once in a while, we would take a rest from the sea-
and at behest of Michael's family, go Copalito hunting. The Elephant
Tree, which is common near Loreto, produces a golden sap which smells
like an exotic incense when burned.
So went my time with Phil - simple, no rushing around, no deadlines to meet, no work to complete at home, just refreshing times with Mother Nature. My encounter with Phil was so refreshing that I absolutely had to meet him at the Secret Spot Sonoma. Another story for another time, but highlights filled with great food (the abalone and wild pig were incredible), great wine, and good times with Chris and Phill (like cruising ATVs through the vineyards, practicing hunting skills in the bush, and even winning $150 in the 15 minutes we spent at the Casino). I look forward to returning to wine country for harvest! Ultimately, my time with Phill is always refreshing!
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Manzania Heights by Kevin L.
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Chris (our son) and I dove in some of the most
spectacular waters and Chris received his open water dive certification on
top of his 8 dives in 10 days. What a thrill for a 15 year old!
Thank you Phill for the great times, the superb food and for allowing us to experience a wonderful adventure that our whole family will remember and forever be grateful for the rest of our lives.
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