VIVA BAJA

A grand get-together of book and article authors, website creators, and gobaja ‘roomies’ was held in San Clemente on Saturday, Oct. 28th. The party was organized by ‘David K’ with the intent to further constructive communication for the benefit of ALL who use the Internet to learn (or share things) about Baja California.

Nearly fifty guests attended and included those who provide or represent the following….

Amigos de Baja, Baja Links, Baja Expo, Baja-Web, Baja Public Message Board, Baja Nomad, Baja Traveler Magazine, Baja California Language

College, and the San Nicolas Hotel in Ensenada.

Authors attending included Graham Mackintosh, Greg Niemann, Kacey Smith, and Mike Humfreville…

Frequent contributors to the discussion boards present included… Lorenzo de Baja (LdB), David Eidell, Michelle (M), Ofer, Dave in 29 Palms, DP Dave, Paulina, Neal Johns (Aridologist), Alejandra, Jack Swords, and more!

Ken Cooke (Baja Ken) who shared his San Pedro Martir photos on TimsBaja.com and DavidKsBaja.com, provided music for us. Ken’s guest, Suzanne, showed us her beautiful collection of Baja landscape photography. Lorenzo showed us his very interesting movies of early trips into Baja from nearly 40 years ago. Graham provided his entertaining slides from both his first and latest Baja walking adventures. Many others shared a bit of Baja during the ‘Show and Tell’ presentation. We all learned some new things that day.

Door prizes offered included Deluxe hotel accomodations for two nights in Ensenada (from Tillie of the San Nicolas), and in Rosarito (from Ferna de Tijuana); $100 cash from ‘Wayno’ of BB Bait and Tackle, in Blythe; A copy of ‘Into a Desert Place’ from Graham Mackintosh; A copy of ‘Baja Fever’ from Greg Niemann; A copy of Ray Cannon’s ‘Sea of Cortez’ from David K; Two Hellerwork sessions from ‘jeans’ (Mindy); and two full fare sportfishing tickets at ‘Pierpoint’, from ‘Whistler'(Glenn).

The more than thirty photos will give you a sample of some of your ‘fellow amigos’ enjoying that day. If you have a photo of a guest that was missed please scan and email to me (jpeg), and I will add it! A list of links from attendees completes the page.

Thank you all so much for making VIVA BAJA a great day!

David Kier

Earle Robitaille and Trish Ramsey of Amigos de Baja.

Greg Niemann of ‘Baja Fever’

David and Michelle (‘M’) Diekmann

David K showing what Baja looks like, lol! Well, in 1930 anyway…

‘Jeans’ aka Mindy…thinking of the cave paintings she will soon visit!

‘Dave in 29 Palms’, was instead in San Clemente… But, is itching to get to Baja!

Ken Cooke (the off road DJ) and Suzanne (the desert photographer).

Norm (Baja Links), Carlos Fiesta (Baja Expo), and Keith Rolle (Baja Cal. Language College)

Eric Robitaille (Amigos de Baja/ Bajanet.com)

Gisela Van Bree with Tillie of the Hotel San Nicolas

Dana Point (DP) Dave and Whistler (Glenn) seated while David K listens in for that secret fishing spot! Paulina is just inside the doorway.

Greg Niemann (Baja Fever) and David K (DrDrip)

Jay Lawrence was one of the Desert Explorers in attendance.

Mary Ann and Mike Humfreville

Fred Metcalf (Baja Public Message Board +)

Amo Pescar (Mike), Doug Means (Baja Nomad), and Kacey Smith (BajaGPSGuide.com). Just behind Mike, is Jack Swords.

‘Baja Hwy’ (Kris) is thinking of the best photo locations for the Baja 2000 while ‘Juan del Rio’ listens on.

Michelle (‘M’) and Graham Mackintosh. Behind is Neal Johns telling desert stories.

Carlos Fiesta (BajaExpo.com) and Kacey Smith (author of ‘All About Your Whereabouts’, http://www.bajagpsguide.com/) who came from Colorado for VIVA BAJA!

David Eidell (making sure the facts are correct!)

Dick & Gislea Van Bree (BajaLinks.com) and Tille Foster (Hotel San Nicolas, Ensenada)

Michael Keenan is ready to go exploring!

Keith and Dick discuss the fine art of language.

Lorenzo de Baja (LdB) on the right, enjoys dinner with DP Dave, and Whistler.

Here’s Tim (Paulina’s husband) enjoying some hot Baja information.

Gisela Van Bree meets Jaws!

Hostess ‘Alejandra’ and Host ‘David K.’

‘Alejandra’ with David K, who thanks all of you for making VIVA BAJA so very special! With you all so committed to a love of Baja California, future VIVA BAJAs are guaranteed. http://vivabaja.com/ email: info@vivabaja.com

The Babisuri on Isla San Jose. The subject of Alejandra’s story at Viva Baja.

VIVA BAJA LINKS