Las Animas //
This morning I’m drawn to the turkey vultures that are perched high atop the giant cardon cactuses behind our camp. Their wings are splayed wide as they warm themselves in the early morning sun causing them to look as though they’re presiding over nature’s mass on this Sunday morning.
While I’m taking photos of the birds I hear a man call out “buenos dias” in the distance. Unexpectedly, when I turn to look I see he’s talking to me. Other than a few fisherman that come and go, there’s no one around here for many miles so I’m taken by surprise. In broken English he tells me that him and his friend got their truck stuck in the sand as he points at the sandy hill in the distance. “On the other side of the hill. Can you help us?” I point to our trucks and say I’ll ask my friends. He says ok “I’ll wait here”.
Josh and Mark decide to first go ask the man if he thinks they can be dug out with shovels and sand tracks. We’d rather not have to pack up camp and use the trucks if at all possible. The man says yes and Mark & Josh come gather the tools they’ll need – shovels, gloves, and sand tracks. Unfortunately in this moment I’m awash with fear. What if these men have poor intentions? What if they’re not stuck at all and are out to rob and/or kill? We’re hours away from the nearest town, from help of any kind. Mark acknowledges my concerns and asks what I’d like him to do. He goes on to tell me that nothing about this situation feels suspicious and Josh agrees.
The truth of the matter is that the most widely-circulated Baja news story of the year got to me. Nine months ago three surfers were murdered in Baja and the headline made waves. Nearly every single person we spoke with in the States about traveling to Baja reminded us that these men were killed and therefore Baja was dangerous. We tried to offset this negative light that was being shed on Baja by providing our own first-hand experience of many months spent traveling the peninsula without ever once feeling un-safe.
I closely assessed how I was feeling as Mark & Josh prepared to go help. Were my instincts trying to warn me or was it fear causing unwarranted fright? I choose to believe I can discern the difference. My rational mind reminded me that this is why we’re here, to overcome fear, to be reminded that there’s more good than bad in the world, to be a friend to our fellow humans. To bring a bit of ease it was decided that I would watch with the drone. Further, Josh would carry his Garmin InReach tracking device and I would turn ours on as well.
While Mark & Josh headed off on foot with shovels and sand tracks, I was able to see the scene that was unfolding about 1/4 mile away with the drone. For the entirety of the extraction I watched and took video of Mark & Josh successfully helping these men get their truck out of the deep sand. All in all it was about a 20 minute task and the men were immensely grateful. In hindsight, it was probably us that looked like the creeps for hovering a drone overhead the entire time but I’m glad I had the ability to have eyes on the scene. When Mark & Josh returned to camp I learned that they were gentlemen in their 70s, a teacher and a photographer, here doing work in the nature reserve.
I was relieved. And also proud to be in the company of Mark & Josh who choose to see the good in people and don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand; but also are extremely calculated in their risk assessment. They exude every trait you could ever want in an overlanding partner.
The story of the surfers is horrific. But that event does not translate to every resident of Baja being out for blood. In the many months that that story lived on in the media, Americans were murdered…in the US…by other Americans. Life is risky no matter where you are. We take every precaution, exercise discernment and good decision-making skills, but we choose to not let fear stop us from experiencing all the beauty and kindness that the world has to offer. And while we’re at it, help others along the way.
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U.S. culture has taught us to be fearful, suspicious and afraid–much more so than when I was a kid fifty years ago. And I don’t think things have changed that much. The way we perceive things has changed. Having said that, it’s always good to be mindful and alert, and I’m glad everything turned out well. A good deed was done and would have been offered/returned if circumstances were reversed. The difference is that the Mexicans would not likely have been fearful, suspicious or afraid. In their country, they aren’t afraid of us. It’s something I think about.
Thanks so much for sharing that perspective John. We’re happy to have helped because you’re absolutely right, it would have been offered if the role were reversed.
Glad to hear all went well with Mark and Josh. So nice you had the drone to watch was going on!
Isn’t it interesting how you happened to be there when you were needed?
How long might they have had to wait before help arrived?
How did they know you were there? Had they come in on the same road?
Yes, they came in on the same road. If it wasn’t for us, they likely would have run into the local fisherman at some point. I’m glad we were able to help.