After working through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and St. Patrick's day (that really should be a day off). I decided to take a short vacation. We are very close to Mexico, and decided to take an opportunity to see some of the Baja Peninsula. We are joining a tour that consists of a group of RV'ers. The tour is called "Wine and Whales" http://www.whalesofbaja.com/ITINERARY.html.
Two of the most incredible things, in one trip, and never leaving our home! Get it? We're like snails, with expensive diesel propulsion. Wow! We couldn't pass this opportunity up. Well, OK, Ian won't be drinking the wine, but I'm pretty freakin excited!
We spend 2 days with the whales. http://www.malarrimo.com/en/tours/whales These grey whales stay in protected bays during the spring, to mate and have their babies. The giant grey whales actually bring their young up to the small boats we will be in. Most people have the opportunity to interact, and touch these massive creatures. If we are lucky, we'll have that chance also.
Our itinerary changed a little and we will also be staying at Rancho Sordo Mudo http://ranchosordomudo.com/, a residential school ranch for deaf and mute children. It has been operated since the 60's by a Baptist mission. We are donating things they need, soap and lotion and cleaning supplies. In return they allow us the opportunity to meet them and stay on their grounds. Ian has already gone out and purchased some great items to donate to them.
The other nights will be spent in Vineyards, actually between the vines. We will be able to sample and purchase wines http://santo-tomas.com/ Their wines look amazing, I hope they taste as good as they sound!
Our last night will be spent in Guadalupe Valley. This is a area with sixty vineyards. Sixty.....
It will be tough to leave.
We have just started our trek to California. Tonight we are in Shangri-La. A barren wasteland of an RV park in Yuma Arizona. It's near Quartzsite, a place I would like to go in the future, or if we have time, on our way back from Mexico. I hope to have internet access to update photos of the places we are visiting. If not, we will upload everything when we return in a week.
On a gentler note, this coming week is the week my father passed away. Marking one year of massive changes in my life.
I looked at my first posting.
Dad died.
Quit my job.
Selling the house.
Bought an old RV.
Downsizing to tiny home status.
Started a company.
First job is August 8, 2016.
Rapidly going broke in the process.
It is interesting to see that I have survived the job change. I love that I work for myself and can choose the jobs I want. The old RV is a sturdy bus that is comfortable to live in. It is great to have such a small place, it keeps me from purchasing things we don't need. I am not going broke, and in fact, am able to take more time off between contracts. My dad would have been proud of me!
Love to all of you.
Ravonne
