Tales from Secret Spot Baja

Notes from the editor...
Fresh from an impromptu cat skiing/snowboarding trip in the Kootenays of Southern BC (Click here to view movie clip of "Didi sprays the camera") and on the verge of a Caribou hunt in Canada’s sub Arctic zone, Baja seems like a distant, warm planet. This morning, as I stared out the window at the snow and listened (over a crystal clear phone line) to Michael Fishbach excitedly rave about swimming with a Blue Whale in my beloved Sea of Cortez…I was reminded of why I do what I do…and why I wake up each day thinking that I should probably try and live to be a couple hundred years old…if not forever. That way, I might be able to do everything I want to do …and meet everybody I need to meet.

Many thanks always go to those who support Secret Spot and I appreciate receiving their musings regarding trips of yesteryear. These communications make all my hard work a supreme pleasure. As I take a day to edit the submissions for this publication and compile relevant pictures, my heart soars and I dream of a the shape of things to come...as well as the incredible events that the future constantly delivers.

Editing the first secretspotbaja.com ‘newsletter’ was something I was looking forward to- as it provides me with time to reflect on adventures in the past…and plan well into the future.

Each person that has been good enough to join me on these expeditions provides me with inspiration to continue looking for the ultimate Secret Spot. The realization that one can not completely plan adventure…only live it…continues to make me wish I never had to sleep. =^)

Despite the beautiful, and sometimes hellacious, times that the River of Life has provided us with over the last couple of years…we have managed to get through the rapids and find solace in calmer waters. In an age of political turmoil and tension, I still look at the world through rose coloured glasses and urge you to spend a week or three with me this year…or consider building your custom hideaway in an idyllic, tropical, self-sustaining community.

If you find the ‘end of the summer blues' start to get you down…make your way to the Rancho Macho and join us for the harvest work and post harvest Bacchanalian festivities.

I hope you enjoy reading the first of many our newsletters, which 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.

The marina in Loreto is absolutely wild with diving birds this year. Pelicans are plunging into the water at times by the hundreds inside the marina and they often miss boats by less than a foot. Blue footed boobies are diving en masse usually just outside the marina, and cormorants are swimming all over the place and coming up with fish. >>>Full story

Hello Family and Friends, Today finds all of our family doing well here in Baja California. The things we are seeing on the water this year have taken on an almost unbelievable form. >>>Full story

As I sit here in my favorite coffee shop in the center of Montreal, peering out at the whiteout caused by a sudden, January blizzard, I am reminded of warmer times, spent in the company of Phill Michael and his Secret Spot Adventures. >>>Full story

I pictured my first Baja sea kayaking trip with sweat constantly pouring down my face and the salt water stinging my eyes as I tried to paddle, just to move a few meters a minute, into the blowing headwind. I thought that after unloading the kayaks, with the flies constantly on red alert, the tents would be quickly put up just to find shelter from the sun and wind. >>>Full story

The secret is not to tell too many people about it or you will find everyone going there! The spot itself may not be so secret, but the experiences you choose becomes your own. They will forever be imprinted on you mind as yours alone! >>>Full story

A BUDDING SPEARFISHERMAN by Tom H

I am sitting here trying to conjure up a single adjective that embodies the essence of my time with Phill in the Baja. The conclusion that I have reached is that there is not one. I had the honor of experiencing a remote, beautiful and warm secret spot of the world that is teaming with life and culture. >>>Full story

Phill, why would you need to ask me if I remember any ‘secret spots’ on my trips through North and Latin America with you? Heavens, I could write a book because every single place was unique and memorable- and secret. >>>Full story

BAJA TRIPPING WITH A COBRA by Kevin L

The thought of a cruise to the Mexican Riviera was on the back of our minds before we booked our first trip with Phill. We took the challenge to kayaking the Sea of Cortez and have no regrets on our choice. >>>Full story

I first met Phill in the early 90's, and it was soon evident that he was a competent and adventurous outdoorsman, who each weekend was headed off in a
different direction looking for that elusive high that comes only to those with
the will to find it. It wasn't long before we both lived in Calgary (too close
to one another to get any real work done) where we attended classes at the University of Calgary and generally got into trouble whenever we could. >>>Full story

JUST A TYPICAL DAY IN BAJA by Mark W

As I awaken to the sounds of silence, a faint breeze barely flickers the curtains above my head. The peace and solitude the city of Cleveland can so rarely offer is- but a “typical” morning in Baja. Perhaps 5…10…30…whatever minutes goes by (not that it really matters) and a faint “Mark? Mark, it’s time to get up.” >>>Full story

If you would like to contribute to our newsletter please contact us at newsletter@secretspotbaja.com . Our next newsletter will be posted on July 15th, 2003 and the deadline for submissions is May 17th, 2003.