Loop into Darkness

By Greg
additional pics by Mike

Ride


Inflate


Load




Float




Drift


Reload and 'schwack


Push


Ride


Lose daylight


Roll back toward the bright lights, big city


Repeat as necessary

Tilt and Shift

Words by Greg
Photos by Greg and Trina

As we pass the celestial moment that defines the beginning of spring, it seems we should interrupt our Baja reports and throw in a few photos from the last gasps of our rather mild winter. Astronomically and calendar-wise, this is the earliest equinox since 1896 -- or so I read on the interwebs. But no one in our valley needs the interwebs to note that it's warmer this year. Ice in deep shadows is melting quickly. Garden flowers and fruit trees are blooming -- foolishly, of course, as it froze again last night, and we're probably not done with that.

Add in the suddenly longer evening light -- courtesy of an hour of daylight stolen from the mornings -- and there are more and more reasons to be outside playing. A few photos. Icy river float on a sunny day. Afternoon rides in summer attire. Zeek is back to fishing for goldfish. (While riding a bike! Is it any wonder we think our dogs are pretty much the most amazing dogs in the world?) Apricot blossoms. A night ride with friends.

If you need us, we'll probably be outside.

Baja Inesperada: Los Muros y Las Ventanas

Unexpected Baja: Walls and Windows
Photos by Trina and Greg

Baja Inesperada: Los Perros

Unexpected Baja: The Dogs
by Trina
Photos by Trina and Greg



The street dog in Baja is ubiquitous. Even the dogs that are pets appeared to be essentially living the lives of street dogs, roaming free and fending for themselves. Eating garbage. Begging at taquerias. Loitering in front of grocery stores. Sleeping in the middle of intersections. Arriving on their own from who knows where to visit and play with Sprocket. Lounging in the shade. Lounging in the sun. Going wherever their noses pointed them.

With only a few heartbreaking exceptions, we were surprised to find ourselves observing that the street life, while tough to be sure, actually looked to be a pretty good one. Or at least not so horrible? Baja dogs definitely pay a price for their freedom, but the ones that were managing to stay healthy and fed looked like they enjoyed being their own people. We were left wondering which is better: a short, free life with no medical attention, no regular source of good food, and the risk of being hit by a car, or a long life living inside a fence with no exercise, no adventure, no stimulation, no freedom to explore new territory. Which would you choose for yourself?