The southern tip of the Baja is magical. A rugged beauty dominates the landscapes. Either you love it or you hate it, there is no in-between. The Baja conquers you or spits you out, it has no pity.
Giant cacti grow on rolling hills while the Pacific Ocean crashes forcefully on the rocks, making its presence known, day and night. Trees look dry and forlorn for most of the year, giving you the false appearance of death when in fact they are patiently waiting for rain, much awaited rain that comes in rain season, between the months of May and October. It usually rains in August and September, but there may be an occasional shower bringing relief to the Baja’s many plants and trees.
This may be the semi-desert, but the desert is full of life.
I live in the middle of nowhere and I am privileged to see all this beauty, day in and day out. I awake a little after sunrise and bear witness to an amazing sky that is tinged with pink and red hues while metallic blue shimmers in between. It is hard to describe such a sky. One has to come down here and see it for oneself.
At the moment I am living in a trailer while my house is being built. In the corner of the beam holding the roof which provides shade for my trailer, a couple of birds decided to build their nest, and every day I get to see their little babies. I hear them chirp when they are hungry. I watch mommy bird feed her babies while father bird sits at a distance, standing guard over his precious family. It is such a privilege to see this. Nature amazes me every time.
I boil water for tea (usually Earl Grey, my favorite) and prepare my breakfast while the bird family is having their little meal of worms and whatever else mommy bird brings her babies 🙂 . My dogs stretch and go outside, except for Mr. Freckles who is not a morning dog and prefers to stay in bed just a little longer. Oh yes, he is a bed hog.
Although I live at a 3 kilometer distance from the sea, I can still hear the surf far away. The Pacific Ocean slams wave after wave on the beach, all night long, with such force that the sound carries far to the village. Until early morning, the sound of the waves accompanies me in my sleep.
Lizards race around, doing their best not to get noticed by my dogs, but those little critters are too fast anyway. My dogs are luckily very unsuccessful at catching them. Spider webs reach from tree to tree, a work of silk art that shines in the morning sun, their artists basking in the middle while waiting for unsuspecting prey.
Richly plumed birds of bright yellow and red colors descend upon the trees and grace me with their songs. If I only knew the names for those birds. I must find out. Yesterday I spotted a gorgeous bird. It was nearly the size of a dove, with a red comb and a bright red beak. It met my gaze and didn’t look away, leaving me just awe-struck.
After feeding my dogs and cats, I water the plants and trees – there are many – I take a shower, and get ready for work. Trying to break my heart with their sad looks, my dogs watch me drive away. Fortunately, I work part-time, so I am not gone that long. When I return in the afternoon, they are overjoyed, jumping and barking as if they haven’t seen me in weeks.
Yesterday, on my way home, a beautiful gopher snake crossed the street. I slowed down to let it pass. It was quite long and its yellow color shone in the sun rays. It slid away in fear. I was stunned at the speed of this snake. After it was gone, I continued driving.
The increase in temperatures means that the snakes are out again, awoken from their hibernation. Gopher snakes, but also rattlesnakes … I learned how to deal with the latter, but that doesn’t take away the fact that rattlesnakes are scary … The sound of that rattle is not my favorite sound …
It is fortunate that my dogs and cats realize the danger of the rattlesnake and they stay away from them; well, all of them, except one, my little Greta. So, I still have to keep an eye on them.
The frogs are out too, and at night they have their own little party on my land, frolicking in the dog water bowls, splashing around, swimming in the buckets or in the doggie pool, croaking in contentment and finding their mates.
The frogs are just lovely to watch. There are many mornings that I have to fish them out of my outdoor shower – where they have a nice little pool – and carry them outside. The first times they try to escape, but after a few mornings, they get used to me and they know that I am not going to harm them. So they allow me to take them in my hands and move them out of my bath room 🙂 They are so cute!
Life in the Baja is interesting. It is an inspiring place. Since I am a writer, this southern tip of the peninsula is a constant source of inspiration for me. I can tell you so much more, but I am going to stop here, and leave more stories and observations for upcoming blogs.
What a wonderful writer you are! I have never been anywhere near or like the Baja but to read your descriptive narrative makes me wish I was there, even if just for a visit. The rugged beauty and the “little things” of nature take on a very entertaining aspect in your text. Thank you for sharing and creating a desire to see what you see every day.
Hi Jack,
Thank you very much! The Baja is an amazing place, I hope you can visit it one day 🙂
To be honest, I am really looking forward to reading more and more from this website concerning your adventures and your impressions in the Baja. It seems to be an interesting place with a lot of wildlife and also filled with natural endowment. I would really be thrilled to read more from this. The rattlesnake seems scary a bit but thankfully that you are safe
Hello,
Thank you! I will post more on this site. The Baja is indeed a very interesting place. Like the Eagles sang a long time ago: “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”
Thank you very much for sharing this information and giving us a clue of how life is in Baja, From your post I can easily derive that you live in a serene environment devoid of stress and distraction or nuisance. I hope you keep getting enough inspiration in your environment to keep writing wonderful pieces.
Hi Charles,
There is always inspiration here, that’s what I love about the Baja! 🙂
Hello Lila,
Thank you for this post and serene imagery. I live in northern California and have been down to San Diego, Mexico and even further south like Panama and Columbia, but I have yet to visit Baja.
I’m a SCUBA diver at heart and, although I was certified in 40° F water, I tend to prefer the tropical diving destinations. Still, I do dive cold water occasionally.
I have to say, your descriptions make me want to visit. I suspect I’d lay back and relax much like the cat you have featured in your article.
Thanks again,
Scott
Hi Scott,
There are some beautiful places for scuba diving here! Really, amazing! The underwater sand waterfalls for example, I’ve never seen them, but I heard how wonderful it is to see. Hopefully one day you can come down here and go diving here 🙂
It is great to read about your experience in the Baja. If I can, I’d surely try to give it a trial too. However, work doesnt permit to. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Though I got rather scared at first when I saw the path of the rattlesnake. Nonetheless, it is just another experience in the wilderness. Very interesting to read in general. Thumbs up
Hi Shelley,
yes, rattlesnakes are scary … They are not my favorite visitors. Fortunately, they only come out during the summer.
I have never been to Baja personally, but I know from what I have heard it is a very nice place. Your site here portreys that. Any place like that where nature is all around like the animals and ocean as mentioned does make for a great atmosphere of meditation and thoughts. How long have you lived there ?
Hi Justin,
I’ve lived here for 15 years now. And like you said, it’s a great place for meditation. 🙂
From the post, Baja sounds like a very peaceful and nice place to be, the way the ocean and desert are right next to one another, and being able to go out and have quiet time around nature. The post gives a good description of what it’s like to live in the area. Seems like it would be a nice place to just visit.
Hi Justin,
It is indeed a great place to visit. The desert and the sea so close, it’s beautiful, a rugged beauty.
Capturing website! I am envious of your living location, it sounds so wonderful! Your writing is awesome and your description of your days there are awesome and make me want more 🙂 I hope you keep writing and I hope people follow your blogs, I can see a bright future for this page.
Hello Nick,
Thank you very much for your words! I will keep on writing. I haven’t been consistent with my articles here, but this blog will continue to grow, and I will post more articles on a more regular basis 🙂
Thank you for this great article! That sounds really cool, to be able to see the baby birds. All of the wildlife sounds really cool. It sounds like a very inspiring place for a writer, because there is lots of different wildlife and scenery. I would like to live there too. I wish you the best with your new house being built. Great writing and have a great day.
Hello!
Yes, everything is inspiring here. And seeing those baby birds grow was a wonderful experience 🙂
What an adventure you have there Lila, I’m not much of a traveler myself, but I have been to quite some boring places that they sometimes makes me want to stay alone in my house, lol. Your description of the Baja seem to be one intriguing one I must admit. I have great fright fro snakes and that is a bit of a scare to me, but I hope one day when I get over that fear, I am able to visit this place myself. Lastly I must commend the intelligent nature of your pets, keep Greta safe. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Benson, It is indeed a place that is very intriguing. I admit that snakes can be scary, but living here you learn to live with them and the only dangerous one in this area is the rattlesnake, it is the only one that has venom, and that one does scare me too. The other snakes though are harmless and quite useful, they hunt mice. When I see them, I just let those be 🙂
You are a very good writer and I have to say that I really envy you here. The way you have given us all the details of how you live your life is totally cool. The insight into the life of those birds is also so cool and it goes a long way to tell us about the beauty of nature. Maybe someday I too will visit Baja to see all its awesomeness. Thank you for this uplifting post.
Hello! Thank you 🙂 It was such a beautiful experience to see those little birds grow day by day and fly out of their nest one day, an unforgettable privilege to see.
Hello Lila,
For what you say and show the Baja is a place of an incredible nature. I love everything that has to do with sea and mountains. I also notice that you are very well accompanied with different animals, birds and snakes very close to you.
I think as you say the Baja catches or expels you, I would be very pleased to know the place. I’m glad to know that you found inspiration to write what you love so much.
Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hello Claudio,
Yes, the Baja is a place of incredible nature, very true. The sea and mountains are a beautiful combination 🙂 When you have the chance to visit, come down here and explore it, it’s worth visiting.
Oh wow, Baja seems like one of the very best places to be in. I have not seen a rattlesnake before but i guess it is one of the things that one will see in the wilderness. Being able to see your experience in Baja, i really love it. Maybe someday i too can build a house there just like you. More ink to your pen.
Rattlesnakes are scary … I thought I had gotten used to living with them in the area, but you never know, they are unpredictable, I’ve had some experiences with them … I like the other snakes though, the non-venomous ones 😉
Wow, this is a very great post and i am very happy that you have explained about your experience in Baja. You really have a small family from all indications and i have to say that this is very nice. You write very well and i envy you. Your stretching dog looks cool as well. Maybe some time, i will come to Baja as well.
Thanks for visiting again 🙂 🙂
What an amazing view! As i am reading your article its like I’m there.. Very detailed and well thought out. I like to how added a little of your life. It pulls readers in, either they can relate or they like your surroundings. I enjoyed your article, was very interesting. A job well done. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Genia! 🙂
Baja. I have only heard of it but I have never been there. I need to get away and visit such a place. Watching nature and hearing animal and insect sounds and the flow of the ocean would give me the peace that is somewhere buried. Thank you for such vivid descriptions. i am ready to read more of your expressions.
Hi JJ, when you have the chance you should come down to the Baja 🙂 It is an amazing place.
You are a fantastic writer! You are very detailed in your writing and certainly I look forward to reading more from your website. I have never been to Baja, it seems like a beautiful place. I’m going to be adding it to my bucket list to visit there. Thank you for sharing this. Keep up the great work!
Hi Lana,
Thank you for the compliment! I’ll keep on writing, always 🙂
You should definitely come down here, great bucket list item 😉 You’ll love the Baja!
Thank you very much,
I liked this place as if it was a movie, I like every you talked about but only this part killed my interest, “It is fortunate that my dogs and cats realize the danger of the rattlesnake and they stay away from them; well, all of them, except one,
my little Greta. So, I still have to keep an eye on them” Snake is something I fear in my life be it dead.
Any way thankS for the adventure.
Hi Mugaloo,
Unfortunately, rattlesnakes are part of the landscape, at least during summer. I don’t like it either, … Every paradise has its rattlesnake, I suppose. The good thing is that they hibernate during the colder months, so at least we get a break from them 🙂
Wow what an adventure you appear to be on! And the way you describe it in your wrtiting is amazing. I have not been to Baja I feel like I have now after having read your post! 🙂 I would like to visit sometime, sounds like quite a spot to say the least. Great looking cat by the way, he seems to be enjoying living there also! Cheers
Hi Rob,
Yes, the Baja is an amazing and beautiful place. Hopefully one day you’ll get to visit 🙂
Love your Idyllic Existence 🙂
Peace and Light.
Thank you, Rique! 🙂