The Adventures of Familia Bajaboy

I recently had an epiphany that has greatly altered how I see myself.  I am going to do my best to put into words that realization and what it means for me moving forward. After teaching in public schools in San Diego for 15 years as a math teacher, we made the choice to submit our leave of absences and move to Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico.  For many, the decision seemed abrupt and irrational but not for me.  After strugglng through Covid and watching politics invade public education, I knew the future was bleak, at least for me and my happiness.  People who know little about what happens in the classroom were on television making wild claims and accusations that were far from the truth.  It was too big of a battle for me and I knew I would be misearable moving forward.  While I am speaking for myself, my wife, Tracy, was sharing similar fears.  So our decision was very well vetted and thought out and our kids were also driving forces in the decision....

One of the most asked questions about our decision to move to Mexico was if we were going to homeschool Mikayla and Gabriel.  After all, Tracy and I have been successful teachers for many years.  Well, we decided to make a video and share our thoughts and experiences after a few years living here.  Gabriel also has some great perspectives as well.  I hope you enjoy!

 We recently had the opportunity to sit down with the founder of Tacos Don Ramon here in Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico.  He explained why he decided to open a taqueria selling fish in a village of fisherman.  Now after 14 years, he is as busy as ever.  Enjoy the interview

Pro-tips are a fun way for us to share little nuggets of information with each other.  I decided on this trip to Mexicali to share some of my tips for driving on Baja Mexico Highway 1 with Gabriel.  He is now 15 and will be driving soon.  In fact, Grandpa Gary spent a great deal of time on his recent visit teaching both kids to drive. Now in no way am I saying that I am an expert or that my knowledge is supreme.  But I've been driving in Baja for 38 plus years.  And over the past three years, I've been making the trip north almost once a month.  So I figured, it was time to share some of my wisdom nuggets with Gabriel.  We thought it might be fun to make a video and share it with others as well.   I recently bought a Go Pro 12 as I've wanted to tell our story with more than just words and pictures.  I started a YouTube channel  The Adventures of Famila Bajaboy  years ago mainly as a repository for our family videos.  But a...

 One of my favorite ways to start the day is by taking a walk around town.  Tracy and I try and walk anywhere from 3 to 5 miles depending on our time constraints.  This morning we had time to walk around three miles. While our route varies, some things are always the same.   We can always count on mostly nice dogs along the way, a lot of waves and smiles from friends and strangers, and plenty of things to look at.  In addition, Tracy and I have good conversations during our walks.  In fact, we hatch up most of our crazy ideas while walking, hiking, riding, or running.   This morning was especially beautiful as we had a nice, steady rain last night.  The air was crisp but not cold and everything seemed relatively clean.  If all goes well, we might even get out for another walk after Tracy's first class of the day. In addition to writing about our adventures, I plan on posting more videos on our YouTube channel.  I hope you suscr...

  I have been drinking craft beer for most of my adult life.  It was Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, still one of my favorites, or St. Stans IPA that started it for me almost 25 years ago.  I lived in Fresno, California back when I started drinking beer and back then the craft beer scene was non-existent.  But we did have some decent options at the liquor store.  Some of my early beers that I remember were Liberty Brewing, Russian River, and Stone Brewing. Over the years, I found myself gravitating towards pale ales and India Pale Ales.  I never considered myself a beer geek and still don't to this day.  I do love hanging out with friends and enjoying a good beer, though, whether it's at home, camping, at the beach, brewery, or dive bar.  Hands down, it's one of my favorite activities. So when we started seriously considering moving to Mexico full time, I knew that I needed to learn how to brew beer.  Now don't get me wrong, there is a thriving brewe...

I have always enjoyed early morning hours but things are amplified in our village.  The roosters start the show followed soon after by the fishermen in their loud trucks and cars heading off to the boat launch.  Soon after, the sounds of seagulls, dogs, a passing motorcycle and kids heading off to school starts to fill the air.  It's loud but peaceful and welcoming.  The school bell rings and then it's time for me to head up to my office to begin my work. Most days, I sip my coffee and read emails.  I follow things up by getting math lessons ready for sessions I have with students later in the day.  I really don't like the feeling of being uprepared as it causes undue stress.  I'm trying to write more often and soon hope to make this a daily habit.   Before I know it, I need to head downstairs and get brunch started for Tracy and Gabriel.  It's a straight-forward and simple life but rich and rewarding.  Cheers to all the village voi...

Today I find myself looking out at the sailboats and thinking about where my dreams will take me this year.  I feel the need to challenge myself to move beyond my current ambitions and seek out new goals.  I feel the urge to continue on as a lifestyle entrepreneur.  I want to push beyond what is comfortable and create opportunities where I can grow, discover, and learn.  So today, my mind is a lot like the sail boats in the distance.  I am open to seeing where my dreams will take me just the currents and winds take the sailboats.  Time to raise anchor.  I hope you join me on my journey.  Cheers!

 Sorry for the suspense!  The power went out yesterday around 1:30 pm just as the main brunt of the storm was subsiding.  We decided to take a drive around town and see the. damage. As I thought, we were spared major damage although we had sustained winds of at least 50 mph and hard, steady rain.  We lost some of the lamina (tin) roof on the chicken coop and a few plants were blown silly but otherwise we were spared.  We did lose a phone pole on our property, too. Last night was one my favorite in a long time.  The kids played charades in candle light while I tried to sing kareoke from my phone.  We laughed so hard.  It was a very fun evening. We spent most of the day drying out, putting things away, and pulling weeds.  The chickens are super happy, the dogs and cat are good, and the garden is super happy now. We appreciate everyone following along and sending positive thoughts.  We heard the road out of town to Vizcaino is not passable ...

 The wind is still blowing hard out of the east.  I am sensing we won't get hit as bad as expected.  But with that said, the brunt of the storm is coming.  I know there will be extensive damage around town and to the roads.  From what I can see from our place, the erosion of the roads is not too bad yet but the bulk of the rain is still to come. We have moderate leaking in our house but not too bad.  Having Starlink has been great.  The kids are watching videos and building Lego while Tracy is busy creating lesson plans.  As long as the power stays on, we are in good shape. I wanted to point out a few things that have really helped us weather this storm.  First off, I created a few makeshift rain gutters.  I did this to collect water from fog and drizzle.  But it's really helped us out as I empty the rain collection containers and this has minimized water building up from saturation. I also bought some rain barrier bags.  They ...

 The storm is starting to kick up a bit.  Everyone slept well and is ready for what's to come.  We have a few minor leaks in the house but we are prepared.  The rain is starting to come down and I think is supposed to last until tomorrow.  The brunt of the strom should start around 9 and last until mid afternoon. I walked out to check on our rooster, hen, and baby chicks.  Our rooster, Reyna, was drenched and not happy.  It appears he was stubborn and slept on his perch.  I put come cinder blocks on the tin roof of the coop and made some more shelter inside.  They will survive but they don't too happy. The light just flickered a bit so I hope our electricity stays on.  If so, I'll post again in a few hours.

 All is good so far.  The wind is starting to pick up but it hasn't rained for some time.   Everyone has slept soundly except Tracy.  I'll check in again in a few hours. I am going to get some sleep while I can.  

 Here we go!  Hurricane Kay is on the way.  After 15+ years, I think our village will finally get a taste of a hurricane.  In the past, most of severe weather has veered west or east of us due to the cold water currents.  But it looks like Kay will arrive in full force tomorrow during the day as a Cat. 1 Hurricane. I had to head north again to turn in paperwork for the kids' residency.  Our great friends Hector and Letty came to the rescue.  They spent about four hours helping Tracy and the kids secure the house by boarding up the windows and tying down the roof.  I defintely feel we're in a great shape now.  It's so rewarding living in a village where people look out for one another. I decided to take down our Starlink dish and secure it on the side yard with sand bags and rocks.  As long as we have electricity, we should be able to provide updates along the way.  As of 7 pm, it's lightly raining and a slight breeze.   We...

After a two year break, the Bahia Asuncion Traditional Festival is back in action.  Yesterday, the beach festival took place with all kinds of activities and competitions.  I was asked to help judge the sand castle contest which was a lot of fun. The festival has a variety of things to do.  There is a carnival area with games and rides.  Close by is a dance with top notch bands from Sonora and other states.  Last night, there were two bands and the music went until about 3:30am.  Here is a video from our deck: We woke up today and decided to get some chores finished.  I brewed up a nice Pale Ale and Tracy is doing some touch up paint.  The kids are busy filming videos as well.  I thought I'd share how we recycle our spent grains from brewing here: Later today, we are going to watch the horse races which are a favorite of ours.  I'll definitely post some videos and pictures.  Thanks for following along!

 About 20 years ago, I first heard of David Goggins.  He spoke at one of the San Diego Tri Club monthly meetings.  Back then, I was getting into Olympic distance triathlons and was amazed listening to Goggins talk about some of his adventures.  Little did I know where my journey would take me. Fast forward to today.  I am signed up to do the very difficult Baja 50K, Oriflamme 50K, and finally Angeles Crest 100 mile in August.  It's been over two years since I have taken on a big adventure.  Hard to believe my last official race was the San Diego 100 Endurance Race.  Some days, I wonder if I will ever finish another long race.  I've been training almost daily but can't seem to mentally cross back into beast mode.  Something has to give. About a month ago, I recalled the Goggin 4x4x48 Challenge ( Link to Goggins Challenge .)  It's exactly what I need to jump start my training.  So beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 4 at 9:00 am mo...

 We are coming up on six months living full time here, and we couldn't be happier.  We're now all comfortably settling into a routine.   The kids are back to school.  Gabriel is in 8th grade full time, however still online.  This is not due to COVID as I first thought, however the sewer system at his school is in need of serious, costly repairs.  As such, all of his classes are online.  He has classes each hour from 8 am to 1:00, with a 5- 10 minute break in between.  Both Zac and I are really impressed with the curriculum, the class materials, and they way in which his classes are being delivered online.  As for Mika, she's back on campus in 6th grade.  She attends daily from 8 am to 10 am.  Zac and I find such joy walking her to school and picking her up.  As we hug Mika goodbye, we start most days with a chat with the school's director.  Often times he makes sure we are informed of school events, tells us how well ...