Tom and Admirers

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')

Through the experiences I have had over the past month while traveling from Canada to Mexico with Phill, I return to my home a different person then when I left. The life we lived, the things we experienced, and the people that were involved had a profound impact on my outlook on my own life as well as the manner in which I relate and communicate with people. I have been set on my way to the realization of what is real, who is honest, and what type of person I want to relate to. The adventure bug has bitten me; there's no real other way of putting it. It is something that I need in my life and I can't think of better partners then the people I was with on this trip. Phill, I thank you for all that you have shown me and I am ready for our next adventure together!