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Refreshed by Mark W.

Some of my most memorable experiences with Phill in Baja were the result of the quaint setting of Loreto, the spectacular sunrises over the Sea of Cortez and the simplicity of life.  Time tends to move at a snail's pace, at least when compared to the hustle and bustle of city life.  It’s remarkably refreshing  to relax, sit back, and enjoy.  Although my stay included all the amenities of home, it was refreshing to be removed from the world of digital cable, cell phones, newspapers, and the internet.  Rather than sitting back “knocking down” a few cold ones with an order of wings, it was refreshing to hang out with Phill pondering over difficult decisions like remembering which novel began with “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times” in a highly competitive game of Trivial Pursuit, or whether or not to take points for 3 of a kind or the full house in Yahtzee.  All of this over a cup of “Coffee Combate” or  Cerveza of Tecate.


 

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. (Click here to view movie clip of "Lens Splash") Soon after our lunch the weather changed as the winds picked up… could it be an "El Norte".  We battened down the hatches and began the journey home.  Alas!  The winds were too strong so we decided to anchor in the cove of a small island and wait for winds and sea to calm.  It didn’t take long for one of us to begin skipping rocks and a contest quickly developed.  Then we found ourselves throwing rocks into a hole 80 feet above our heads--men and their simple pleasures!  Perhaps this was how our Neanderthal cousins first taught their young to hunt.  Upon completing our cave man rendition of tiddly-winks, Phill and Michael explored our tiny oasis while I just sat.  Sat and watched the seas… mesmerized at times…not thinking, not talking, just sitting.  Refreshing!

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. (Click here to view movie clip of "Pablo is Coplalitos")

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!