travel – OFF THE MAP

It’s rare for Hayden Randolph not to be exploring. She has visited five of the seven continents, most recently living it up with her two sisters in Amsterdam. Everywhere from African safaris to sunlit islands, from snow to salt water, Hayden has been or has plans to go to in the near future. Traveling is a huge part of her life, and I believe I see it reflected in her personality as well. Hayden is open minded and welcoming to everyone she meets, and is always down for a fun time. Her adventures are anything but basic, constantly staying down to Earth in Air BNB’s and making friends with locals. Whether it’s international or in her own backyard, one thing is true; she’s rarely inside. One of her fave places in SB is outside (duh), and pretty iconic as far as “mind blowing views” goes.

Hayden with her sister on their recent trip to the Netherlands

Her favorite place happens to also be high on my list as well; Gibraltar!! Winding high in the mountains above Santa Barbara, the road (named Gibraltar) climbs and twists so that the view becomes more and more expansive. Going to the top is beautiful and commanding but not totally necessarily if all you want is a great view. The overlook is beautiful in any season or time of day, although sunset is always optimal in my opinion. Going at night is interesting since all of the city lights twinkle below you, yet you’re high enough up that the stars are clearly visible, but I would suggest driving slowly cause it can get a little sketch on the tight turns towards the top. Although Hay and I have never actually gone to Gibraltar together, we both agree that sunset picnics looking out to the horizon in the company of good people is hard to beat, and always leaves us feeling thankful and peaceful.

Currently, I’m writing this with a heart full of gratitude. I feel so lucky that I have a place like this to go in my hometown and a great friend like Hayden to experience these memories with. I met her in preschool, and we luckily reconnected in fifth grade, staying close ever since. She has been all around the globe, and I aspire to do the same. It has done nothing but enhance her down to earth qualities and broad perspective which is very refreshing when high school life can be clouded by very short term and irrelevant worries. She can let loose, allowing others to feel comfortable to do so as well, and for that I am so thankful.

Hi everyone. This week’s post is a strong contrast to last week’s. I’m moving away from the crowded, overly innovative, and hectic essence of Tokyo to a secluded lagoon in Baja, Mexico. San Ignacio Lagoon is tucked into the coast; entirely remote, desolate, and uninterrupted. It’s empty. But that’s how it likes it. It is host to noncomparable animal observing and a constant and peaceful quiet. It is the definition of off the map and the perfect location for this week!

This is no random lagoon for the Reitherman family. My dad lived down here for various periods of time when he was younger, sometimes with company, doing research on a bird species, the osprey. He has recounted many of the sketchy situations you might expect one would encounter when you are literally the only humans for miles around. These included running out of resources and their small boats getting carried out with the tide. But one great aspect of their trip was that they met the only family living there, the Mayorals. This family has remained relevant in our lives until present with one of the younger sons moving his family to Santa Barbara. About three years ago, I took my first trip down to San Ignacio and got to meet the rest of the family that I had heard so much about. Seeing how they lived and how happy they were was inspiring in itself.

The family lives in small, rugged, but equally adorable houses by the water, just a walk away from a line of cabins the eldest son has made so that people can have a place to stay when whale watching. Along with the cabin there is a building that tourists can eat in, made completely out of recycled materials in disguise such as water bottles and sea shells. The biggest aspect of this trip however, was the whales. We set out early in the morning on small motor boats out in to the glassy, waveless lagoon. After waiting merely twenty minutes after setting anchor, a mother whale and her baby approached the boat. They swam up so close we could reach out and stroke their slimy backs. Whales are beautiful up close and they played with each other around out boat with grace. Being that close and connecting with this force of nature really made me feel in sync with the world for a moment. I have always been raised to respect creatures as they deserve but this would give any open minded human a garenteed and newfound inspiration for the natural world.

I recommend this place whole heartedly for anyone going to Mexico that loves nature and doesn’t mind getting a little salty. Although it is good to preserve it’s seclusion, the small whale watching tours the company provides are an experience of a lifetime. Join me next week with insight on a local hidden adventure!

OFF THE MAP

Tag: travel

Hay’s Fave

Unknown Lagoon