Another week at El Refugio..

It is amazing how stuff keeps happening here at El Regugio, the only 'real' animal refuge in southern Baja California. Today five more puppies were dropped off at the refuge - all gorgeous 10 week old fluffy pups of collie derivative. Yesterday two 5 month old pups were delivered to the refuge because their owner was told he could no longer keep the dogs. I'll have photos of all of them within a day or so. This makes the total dog count at the refuge climb up to 62, give or take one or two. The 5 month old pups are living in the main house of the ranch for the time being, because they are not quite ready to take on the rigors of competing with the main pack. As I visited with Mariposa this morning, they made their way out toward the main gate of the refuge, apparently heading for 'home', only to be headed off by the hoard of dogs guarding the entrance. They both hit the accelerator and flew toward the open door of the ranch house, and didn't let off until they were safely perched on their bed on the patio in the rear of the hacienda. The skid marks are still visible on the front patio, which they left in their haste to get through the front door, which was open as usual.

This morning I took a hike with Nandi along the coastal cliffs just north of Los Cerritos beach (playa) since Trisha was feeling a bit down due to a lingering cough which seems to be going around the Todos Santos area. I met two surfers on the beach who must be local residents of the beach, but other than that, there wasn't really anyone around. Nandi and I climbed up a trail which runs along a volcanic uplift just above the crashing waves until we descended on the other side to a beach made for romantic dreames. Not a person within a mile, or more. Early morning sunshine and pristine white sand, glittering with fool's gold. I couldn't resist the temptation, and stripped down to nothing (since I hadn't brought any swimwear....) and hit the water. Fuckin' cold, folks, at least at first impact. But within a minute or so, I felt right at home. This isn't for waders, however. Better be a strong swimmer, confident with your ability in a swirling surf to take on the baja Pacific. After a couple of invigorating tumbles in the crashing waves, I thought it better to join Nandi back on the dry sand..

After spotting an insane jogger high up on the bordering mountain, I thought it best to jump into my lower garment, and continue our exploration of the coastline. We managed to make it past two prominent rock outcroppings (known up north as capes) to the next lonely beach before deciding to re-track our original route back to Los Cerritos. Nandi was a great companion for this trek. This dog revels in the experience of being with one, or two people in a challenging physical outing. She has been a loyal companion, and I sorely wish she were my one special dog. She has struggled with the prospect of having to share Trisha and me with the new puppies that have made their way into our lives. This early day in the baja was medicine for both of us. I'm not sure yet whether Nandi will be returning with me to Oregon, as the decision is Trisha's, but part of me wishes to keep this magnificent dog close at hand, close to my life. I'll leave it at that for now...