Baja Journey
In 1998, I thought I should learn to play at least one musical instrument properly. I had always played by ear so I was determined to "read the notes," use music transposed for the saxophone. I foolishly thought that the best way to do it was to be alone somewhere.
Not for the first time, I went to Baja California. However, exploring the area and meeting the people was too much of a distraction for my music studies
San Roque lies on the edge of the arid Vizcaino Desert. Lack of a steady water supply was one of the reasons for its abandonment.
Once, there were fifteen families living in San Roque. There was a generator plant with street lighting, a store and a thriving fishery.
There was a primary school . . . a basketball court
. . . and a church.
Former residents still visit at the weekend for services and celebrations.
Only two or three houses remain intact. Fishermen and vigilantes (security guards) from the cooperative fishery occasionally use this one overnight. Poaching from the lobster traps is common
Ten years of blowing sand have taken their toll.
The families have returned to the nearby town of Bahia de Asuncion but they still rely on the lobster, tuna and abalone around Isla San Roque. Sometimes, folks will visit San Roque to fish or enjoy a beach party.
The shadow reveals that I was not completely alone.
I may have failed to get to grips with the saxophone
but I did learn to enjoy lobster and made many
new friends. I resumed my musical self-education
on my return to British Columbia.
These notes, together with more words and
images became a bigger story, almost a book.
If you wish you can find it here
Baja By Chance – a love affair
In 1998, I thought I should learn to play at least one musical instrument properly. I had always played by ear so I was determined to "read the notes," use music transposed for the saxophone. I foolishly thought that the best way to do it was to be alone somewhere.
Not for the first time, I went to Baja California. However, exploring the area and meeting the people was too much of a distraction for my music studies
San Roque lies on the edge of the arid Vizcaino Desert. Lack of a steady water supply was one of the reasons for its abandonment.
Once, there were fifteen families living in San Roque. There was a generator plant with street lighting, a store and a thriving fishery.
There was a primary school . . . a basketball court
. . . and a church.
Former residents still visit at the weekend for services and celebrations.
Only two or three houses remain intact. Fishermen and vigilantes (security guards) from the cooperative fishery occasionally use this one overnight. Poaching from the lobster traps is common
Ten years of blowing sand have taken their toll.
The families have returned to the nearby town of Bahia de Asuncion but they still rely on the lobster, tuna and abalone around Isla San Roque. Sometimes, folks will visit San Roque to fish or enjoy a beach party.
The shadow reveals that I was not completely alone.
I may have failed to get to grips with the saxophone
but I did learn to enjoy lobster and made many
new friends. I resumed my musical self-education
on my return to British Columbia.
These notes, together with more words and
images became a bigger story, almost a book.
If you wish you can find it here
Baja By Chance – a love affair