I woke to the cool Baja breeze coupled with the distant sounds of Pacific surf. Poured a fresh cup of java that the amiable staff delivered to my room along with a fresh fruit plate that included my favorite – papaya, graced my comfortable robe and stepped out on the terrace. The ocean view refreshed.
my morning view
After the hearty, yet healthy breakfast, I walked down to the ocean’s edge to give the waves a closer look. A beach break ten minutes north. A dozen surfers seemed to be enjoying morning’s gift so I hiked the soft sand to get a closer look. El Nino delivered an impressive swell.
Surf is what led my here to Rancho Pescadero, the different kind of “dude” ranch. And actually when I think about it, searching for surf spots has led my all over the world.
What began twelve years ago with the purchase of my first long board from Bunger Surf totally blossomed. I surfed the east coast – west coast. Surfed in Asia, Europe, and South America. Surfed Costa Rica and Mexico. Long boards and short boards. Big Waves (big to me) and small waves. I am still no expert, a novice really, but it is addicting. You gain a sense of balance, a sense of spirituality in the sport. All completely captured at Rancho Pescadero.
In the moment, you connect with the energy of the wave, a force bigger and more powerful than you. And waiting in the water, you connect with your surroundings. Fish jump over your board, porpoises swim within yards, and a butterfly might flutter by and wink. But the connection goes even deeper and it isn’t just on the water or in the wave.
When I arrived, I decided to watch other surfers. To sit in silence. I needed just to be exactly there. To be on the sands of Baja. Perfect.
sitting on the sands of Baja
Stay adventurous,
Craig
