I just liked this

Not much to report regarding whale activity as yet. Not surprising, it’s very early in the season. I thought I caught a blow the other day but not sure. One of my local friends did see three humpbacks moving north past El Cardonal about two weeks ago, so they are moving in my grid.

There are some people leaving Cardonal that will be sorely missed. My good friend Dr. Alexander will be returning to Europe (Spain) where he has a home – he is a German Doctor – because his daughter who was living in Los Barriles returned to Germany. The other is not certain but it looks like my friend Alfonzo who owns the Cantina across the street might be going too. Just not enough business to keep him here. He will probably return to Mexico City where he has family. I will miss them both.

Alfonzo & Zack  2014

However, an old friend (from forty years ago) may be making his home here. Bert and I were neighbors in the hills outside of Sebastopol, CA when we were young fathers. We are of the same age with very similar histories. It is a distinct pleasure to have him here.

The north wind has started to blow so my swimming time is limited due to swells but I will try to get in whenever I can. On the 9^th of November I did some swimming in the swells and it was very enjoyable though a bit hard to get out due to rocks.

On the 16^th I had one of those “everything works out” trips to LB: car ins. covered, taxes, Doc says no thyroid problems, great lunch (camarones wrapped in bacon and liberally covered with mango sauce), visit with my dear friends Chris and Christina, ATM worked, home by 1:00, hoohah!

A bit of not good news, my good friend Char, who runs the clinic in LB, fell and broke both arms and fused four discs. She’s ok and back at work at the clinic but jeez.

First cold night (to me) was on the 22^nd. After living through the summers here even our “winter” is cold to me. Most all visitors are dressed in T shirts and shorts and I’m doubled up with long shirt and vest.

The big event last month was my birthday and the visit of my daughter Kersti and my son Zack. It’s the first time in many, many years where we three were together for any real length of time. I even got a few days with each alone on either side of my birthday and that was some real quality one on one time.

Here are some pics of our time together.

Kersti and Zack out in Ishmael’s panga looking for whales.

This is a pic of my two very good friends – Alfonzo and Ishmael

Me and my kids on my 75^th birthday.

Zack working out on the beach, every morning for him, every other day for me.

Kersti shell hunting

Me in my kayak on Kersti’s last day here. So lucky with the wind! I am honoring the four sacred directions which I do whenever I kayak.

I expect to have some encounters fairly soon though it is still very early in the season.  This was my very first one in the water - 2007.

I wanted to add this whale shot of a languid wave by a friendly humpback some years ago.

Just a reminder of the power of Mother Earth and our responsibility to care for her.

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.