11/11/14

So, here we are… at our first campsite for our last backcountry experience on ECOEE 14. It has some similarities to our first site way back in Canada. Paddling, not knowing what to expect, sand, a debrief and plenty more. With that being said, it definitely has its differences too. This time we were all ready. We listened to Jeff’s ten minute spiel on what to pack and how to do it and we went about taking care of ourselves. There was no all-day process of packing dry bags, Walmart runs for missing items, or even worried faces about what’s ahead. ECOEE 14 has grown in so many ways since day one. One of those ways is our willingness to accept challenge. This Mexico experience is proof of that. A 15 mile hike through the Sonoran Desert with only the goal of food in mind. Now sea kayaking through the Sea of Cortez where we get to camp with some casual hazards like rattlesnakes and sneaky coyotes. I believe a big factor in the reason why people accept challenge is because they realize the rewards. We move often, open our minds to learn every day, work hard, we’re up with the sun and asleep with the stars, and we take in all the rewards along the way. Accepting challenge is obvious… it’s all obvious.
-Greg Strobel

11/10/14

            Hola, friends! It is our last day at Casa Azul here in Bahia de Los Angeles before our last backcountry expedition. Where, you ask will this last adventure take us? We will be spending the next eight amazing days sea kayaking some of the most beautiful water I have only dreamt of. The Sea of Cortez holds so many great treasures that I cannot even imagine. Today we all learned some basic kayaking skills to better prepare us for the days ahead.  As our group split into two, the first group headed out. As they arrived back they told us nonchalantly that they had seen incredible marine life: sea lions, whale sharks, and dolphins. As the rest of the people in the second group and I hoped for the best we set out in our kayaks eager to learn what Tati had to teach us. As we headed out the winds started to pick up and it made it more difficult practicing t-rescues (if our kayaks flipped we needed to know how to get out and others come help flip the kayak to get the water out). After we practiced for a while it was time to paddle out into the bay. Tati had us paddling towards a huge flock of seagull, pelican, blue and brown-footed boobies, and many others.  As we got closer all the birds fascinated us with their dive-bombing skills, that we almost missed the whale shark surfacing right next to Cassidy. I quickly noticed and hollered at Cassidy. We stared in awe; it was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. We all just sat there silently trying to watch were it was going, so we could catch just a bit longer glimpse of the magical beast.

            It really puts into perspective when Tati says “live in the present, be here now”. Even though we may get caught up in the moment of our daydreams of being back home with our bed, beer, chips, and loved ones. There is no other place I would rather be than laying here under the moon lit sky full of sparkling stars, soft sand beneath me, and the sound of the waves in front of me

Cheyenne Wilson