I am heading down Baja next week on a Green Tortoise bus out of San Francisco. I have seen the top of Baja a couple of times with Jenifer and our then dogs at San Felipe on the Sea of Cortes (or the Gulfo de California depending on which map you choose). We have also seen the tip near Cabo San Lucas by cruise ship and plane. I have wanted to see the length of it as long as I can remember.
There is something really attractive about a joining of my two geographic loves of Desert and Ocean. My recent March birthday, a harsh winter, and the perceived safety of exploring with a bus tour that combines camping and outdoor meals plus 4 days on a private beach with a company that has done this for years has proven irresistible.
Last summer, while on my usual bike path walk with our dogs, Luna and Skye, I happened upon a Green Tortoise bus at the Goose Island campground near Moab on the Colorado River. They had had to change from their usual spot by the Lone Ranger movie's set that had the whole Gold Bar campground tied-up.
I engaged the drivers in conversation, was invited to peek into the bus and even helped them cook French Toast for breakfast. When I looked on their website and saw the options included Baja, a seed that had been planted ages ago started to germinate.
I called them with questions in late February and the man taking my call, Sully, sounded nice and said that it was a great trip and that he was going to be one of the drivers. Jenifer said "Go". Plunked down the deposit and booked airfare to San Francisco a couple of days later.
Have been reading up, sorting, ordering gear - a new sleeping bag from LLBean mainly - and readying myself, even taking to walking the two miles of the bike trail these cool mornings in shorts and Tevas.
Jenifer and I love Mexico and the Mexican people. Collecting memories and photos from Baja - a truly unique and strange land - in what I see as an exploratory trek should be just the adventure I need.
I am almost ready to begin packing my one allowed duffle. At that point Luna and Skye will begin to suspect something is up. Onward.
