TWO HAPPY CAMPERS

Agua Verde, Baja California Sur //

I know it’s morning when I start hearing pelicans dive-bombing for fish right outside our door. I love being tuned into nature’s rhythms, and we always seem to be dialed in while camped anywhere on Baja’s coast.  

I’m barely awake when Mark tells me he’s going to go out on the paddleboard. It’s the perfect time to go out. The stillness of the early morning water offers a clear view to the sea floor in much of the bay. I have yet to motivate early enough to get out and enjoy it for myself, but Mark says it’s gorgeous and that this bay is filled with sea life of all kinds. When he returns to land, we set out on a 4.5-mile hike that takes us to a cave perched on the mountainside with magnificent views of the Sea of Cortez. Cave paintings at the entrance are left behind by inhabitants from thousands of years ago.  

When we return to camp, it’s almost noon, and the sun is beating down from a clear blue sky. It’s not quite as hot inside the camper today, so we seek refuge indoors. But it feels nearly impossible to remain inside at a location as perfect as this. After a short siesta, Mark takes to the water for another paddle across the bay, this time to pick up a couple of items from the local tienda. When he returns, he delivers a zucchini to Dan, who is hanging out with Morgan & Marc. I see Mark join the circle of conversation and decide to follow. For hours, we sit in the sand and share stories. Sailors come by and say hello during their evening walk on land, and two new campers arrive and find a corner of beach to call home. Socializing with new friends and passersby is too enjoyable to be bothered with cooking dinner, so we settle for a bag of chips. I’m as satiated by good conversation as I am a hearty meal.  

By 8:00 p.m. we all disperse and climb inside our tiny homes. Beach activities from sunrise to sunset call for early nights to bed. With just enough food and water still on hand, I’m guessing we’ll get up and do it all over again tomorrow.

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