Baja Dreamin'

Adding On

2005-12-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well, we have scratched the idea of a new house in front of our casita and have opted to add on to our present structure. After much contemplation, we have decided that we really won't be that much happier with a new house than we would be with a simple expansion at 20% of the cost.
With the addition, we will have more daily living space as well as a second bedroom for guests and family as well as a second bathroom/shower. And the shower is outdoors, open to the sky, tile floor and curvaceous privacy wall.
Also, very artsy staircase up to the roof which will have built in seating areas so we can enjoy sunsets and sunrises with morning coffee and evening coctails, or the other way around.

We are presently in Portland for X-mas, but I'm anxious to get back, as they broke ground on our project last week. We are doing a double duty shopping agenda, both for presents and for stuff to haul back to Mexico. We are upgrading our satellite systems, bith for TV and internet, so I have lots of new toys to tinker with when we get back.

We'll keep you apprised of our goings on.

Each Morning, a Surprise

2005-02-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

In the winter that is. Once spring rolls around, each morning the sun comes up like a fireball, surrounded by blue skies and bluer seas. But in the winter, there are usually early morning clouds and haze, and the upside to that is a potpouri of color.

This morning was no exeption. I was up before sunrise towing my raft with my ATV, down my yard to my ramp getting ready to launch, and then do a little fishing. I caught the shot below, just as I was making preparations to push off. There is nothing more peaceful than the solitude of the sea as I slowly troll along the shore looking to hook up my breakfast. I fished about an hour, getting two hook-ups, and landing one Sierra.

After breakfast, I went on a five mile hike along the shore. Upon returning, I worked for three hours. This consisted of checking the stock market, making a few trades, rinsing the boat and fishing equipment, and of course taking a nap. Yep, quite a full day.

2005-02-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

Sunrises on the sea of Cortez are especially magnificent. It seems there are always some early morning clouds in the winter that are responsible for the difraction of light that results in views like this.

2005-02-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

Baja Shrimper

Sierra Fishing

2005-02-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally got up enough energy to launch my inflatable raft from the beach this morning and proceeded to my favorite Sierra hole. I used my normal slow troll technique with a small 4 inch Rebel. The best color in my opinion is blue. I was able to get a double hook-up, and then a single for a total of three fish. Not bad for an hour of fishing.

Once I figure out all this blogging stuff, and install "Picasa2" and "Hello", I'll be able to attach photos to my entries.

This blogging is a really cool way of keeping a journal that you can share with others. I guess it has really become the latest fad of Journalists. Readers can easily attach comments or send e-mails to the author of the blogs.

I'll write about more interesting things once I figure out all the nuances of this new gadget.

For a while last year, I used to submit articles to a website hosted by my son, but this idea seems much easier. Although, as I recall it was very similar in the end result to this.

Adios for to-day. Guess I'll go play some Party Poker.

To Build or Not to Build?

2005-02-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are facing another conundrum down here in Baja. We love our little casita (guest house) , all 500 square feet of it, but we want to make use of our beautiful ocean front lot just north of Los Barriles. Real estate is exploding here since the idea that the new highway will actually be finished, has been finally accepted by everyone.

Building costs are rising almost daily, and the time has come to make the decision with the commitment, or forget that dream and move on. We are also being encouraged to build by Jim and Maryanne, dear friends from Portland. They have purchased a lot across the street and will break ground very soon. From an investment standpoint, I think building now will see rapid appreciation in our real property.

Oh well, I guess I'll go Sierra fishing tomorrow and think about it.

By the way, this is my first Blog, and I hope to keep a runnung journal of this entire experience.