Baja Bound (Part 11)

This entry is part 11 of 23 in the series Baja Bound

April 15, 2023

By Simon J. Lau

This is what I woke up to this morning: the sun rising over the hill, desert plants stretching long shadows across the stone patio, and Trixie curled up nearby. I sat there with my coffee in hand, just watching the day begin. It was beautiful.

Later, I stopped by Nomadico to take some portraits of my friends. They recently opened this cafe in Baja, and I thought they might appreciate having a few photos of the team from these early days. Pictured are Delmar, Laura, and Daniella.

Joel (far right), a Frenchman and Nomadico regular, had one of the most interesting backstories. Originally from the mountains in France, he moved to the U.S. but has been coming to Baja since the 70s. A trained chef, he peppered his stories about the peninsula with memories of cooking and travel, and it was fascinating to hear the perspective of someone who’s been visiting here for so many decades. He had a wealth of great stories and was genuinely good company.

Dinner was at a no-frills spot known for its BBQ chicken. Bright tablecloths, an ice-cold Pacifico, and plates arriving piled high and sizzling. The chicken was smoky and tender, served with salad, a baked potato, and a squeeze of lime. It was simple, hearty, and delicious.

And then there’s Trixie, the camp dog everyone knows. She drifts through the day, sometimes stretched out in the shade, sometimes following me to the playa or waiting outside my Airstream. By now it’s a little tradition, wherever I go, she follows. She’s really made this camp feel more like home.