Tales from Secret Spot Baja

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.

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 (Click here to view movie clip of "Gary Speaks"); to Caribou hunting and snowmobiling in the Taiga of Canada’s sub Arctic (Click here to view movie clip of "Cruisin' through the Taiga")'; to visits with old and dear friends in Eastern Canada; to my circuitous return to Sonoma and eventually my beloved Baja...I realize how lucky one can be...if an attempt is made to explore one’s Adventurous Soul. So many doors are open to us if we just choose to walk through them and not fear what is on the other side.

At the portal of inspiration, one treads lightly. The fear of entering can be debilitating.

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 risk...security is paramount...and everything stays the same.

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.

Time amongst the Maya by Niky H.

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 to 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. >>>Full story

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 Humpbacks whales all taking part. >>>Full story

A Non Stop Whirlwind
by Tom H

And thus my adventure alongside Phill continued…
Over the past month I have been on a nonstop whirlwind of road tripping and adventuring from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to La Paz, Baja. It took roughly a month to complete our journey, which not only provided me with unbelievable life experiences that opened my eyes to people and cultures of different lands, but also left me with a burning desire to continue. To keep moving, not settle, see what's happening over the next mountain, wondering who or what I might find there. I have developed a thirst for travel and adventure that is only satisfied when I'm on the move. >>>Full story

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. >>>Full story

I met Phill at a ski trip in Island Lake, just outside Fernie, in a very impromptu way in March of this year. 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. >>>Full story

I am writing prior to having an adventure with Phill. My son and I met Phill through secretspotsonoma 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. >>>Full story

Some of my most memorable experiences with Phil 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 snails’ pace, at least when compared to the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s remarkably refreshing to relax, sit back, and enjoy. >>>Full story

Manzania Heights by Kevin L

Again, like many other trips with our good friend, Phill Michael, the adventure and holiday time was everything we could have asked for and more! The secluded surroundings and Mexican charm made Secret Spot Baja the perfect place to get away from hectic city life. For Pat and I, the 100 percent quality time moved very slowly. From the moment Phill met us at the airport, to the day we left, nothing seemed more important than being together every minute of every day. >>>Full story