Radio Green Earth

We here at Gus HQ are in love with podcasts, espcially awesome public broadcasting shows like Radiolab or This American Life. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to survive another long trip without them. That's why we were excited when our recent trekker Robert turned us on to this NPR show: Radio Green Earth. Here's how they describe themselves:

Radio Green Earth is a weekly radio program produced for Public Radio focusing on the environment. You hear the latest environmental news and from the experts on subjects like alternative energy, green buildings, energy efficiency, endangered species, protecting the environment, the Everglades restoration, water conservation, and much more. We inform you about the technologies, products, and practices you can employ to become greener in every area of your organization, business, and your life.

It's always so satisfying to hear about productive ways to lead greener lives, rather than just to hear about problems without solutions. You can catch the show every Saturday at 5 pm on WXEL 90.7 FM, NPR’s West Palm Beach affiliate, or download their podcasts for free from iTunes (iTunes link). Let us know if you hear anything you like!

Internet as a Human Right

If you're reading this, you probably have a feel for how powerful the internet can be. Besides all the pictures of cats and naked people, it can directly improve people's lives: children can use it to learn; small businesses can use it to grow; individuals and groups can use it to make connections with other people; even revolutions can use it as a rallying point and a call to action.

However, the internet remains today the realm of the privileged. There have been many philanthropic projects that have tried to get computer and internet access out to those who don't have it, but handing someone a computer is much easier than ensuring they have the infrastructure to make full use of it.

That's why we were excited to read that ahumanright.org is raising money to start buying some of the unused satellites that are already orbiting the earth, move them over areas without connectivity, and provide a free internet connection to the people below.

The group is working on other projects, too. You can read more about this particular one at buythissatellite.org.

Somos todos Bajanautas!

Practice your Spanish and learn about Baja's wilderness areas at the same time! Check out this awesome blog (albeit a couple of years past its prime?) by and for Baja-lovers (or shall we say, "Baja-nautas"!): http://bajanautas.blogspot.com/

They've got all kinds of things listed in there, from why we shouldn't litter plastic, to what's behind the mystery gate in Punta China. They've even got video footage of swimming with the whale sharks in Bahia!

Nature in HD

Check out this cool perspective on the recent Sandy River flood up in Oregon by Tyler Malay and Alexandra Erickson "Nature’s torrent rendered beautiful with a Canon 60d and Canon 7d…"


Source: Open Culture


Also, this is a neat little collection of timelapses shot by Mike Flores in Baja California:

Baja California Timelapses from Mike Flores on Vimeo.

Source: Thanks, Armando!

Backpacker's Guide to Mexico's Michoacán Coast

While living in the neighbouring state of Jalisco for a couple of years, I was lucky enough to discover some of the hidden treasures in Michoacán - majestic colonial mountain towns, beautiful little villages, and some of my favourite beaches in the country. That's why I was excited to come across this incredibly in-depth guide, called Backpacking the Coast of Michoacán.

This site has photos, maps, tips, and every other piece of information you could possibly want if you were heading to the area. The author is clearly very familiar with the subject, and he even describes some of the recent political history of some sites. So head down there, take some photos, and report back!

Baja Trek's Vegetarian Pozole Recipe

Photo Credit: Eliza Wilmott

I'm posting this recipe by popular request from our recent trekkers! As I always say, the beauty is in the garnishes... Enjoy!

Vegetarian Pozole (serves 20)

Soup base:
-4 pounds cooked hominy
-2 cans pinto beans (or other kinds!)
-8 quarts water (with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes)
-1 whole head garlic
-1 whole onion, sliced
-4-8 dried red chilies (pasilla, ancho, guajillo, or any combination)
-4 Tbsp olive oil
-2 tsp oregano
-Two 14-oz cans of chopped tomatoes
-coriander, cumin, salt & pepper to taste

Garnishes:
-2 red onions, chopped
-1 pound radishes, sliced
-1 head of cabbage
-60 tostadas
-½ cup dried oregano
-½ cup chile pequin
-10 limes in wedges
-1/2 lb cotija cheese (or queso fresco)

Instructions:
Saute onions and garlic in olive oil in the bottom of a large pot.
Add the water/broth as well as the hominy, pinto beans, chile peppers (remove seeds and stems when soft) and tomatoes and simmer for 2 hours in large pot.
Add oregano and other spices and cook another hour.
Prepare garnishes. Serve soup in individual bowls & invite guests to add their own garnishes.

Excellent with freshly-picked mussels and grilled cheese sandwiches on the side!

Upcoming Trek: Jan 29 - Feb 6 Whale Scouter

Quit your jobs! Take vacation! Dig the sunscreen out of the closet! It's time for that once-a-year chance to see the migrating California Gray Whales at their breeding grounds in sunny Baja California!

Join us on board the bus for our 9-day Whale Scouter Trek.  We're going South along the Pacific coast as far as Laguna Ojo de Liebre, about halfway down the peninsula. It's a famous whale-watching spot, and with good reason!  Along the way, we'll make stops at some of our favorite beaches and towns, get our fill of fish tacos, and cook up some delicious camp meals too.  From bonfires to starry night skies, we can pretty much guarantee that you won't want to go home when the trip is up.

To sign up, just fill out a booking form here: http://bajatrek.com/book-a-trek.htm

Hope to see you on board!

The Travel Film Archive

"See the world the way it was" at the Travel Film Archive's Youtube channel. They've got all kinds of excellent old videos from around the world, including ones from as far back as the 1920's. Check out Mexico - This Land of Ours, from 1947. Be careful though, it might make you wish you had a time machine and could see all of these places while they were still a little more undiscovered...

Christmas Toy Run for Tots!

As you may well know, every year, we organize a Tot Program designed to bring Christmas out into the streets of Tecate and Tijuana and to give toys to the kids who deserve them (i.e. every kid).

This year went very well. We loaded up our friendly VW bus with toys, engaged Santa to join us, and hit the streets!

A very big "Thank You" to Santa and the Christmas Elves, as well as to everyone who helped assemble toys and make this Christmas Run happen. You've put so many new smiles on children's faces!

 

Capturing the In-Between

I was taken by these photographs by Frederic Lezmi, from the excellent online magazine Lens Culture. In the artist's words:

I have been searching for the "in between” – whatever lies geographically as well as culturally between my world here in the midst of Europe and my long term focus of interest in the Middle and Near East. 

They're my favourite kinds of photos, ones which hint at the beginnings to several different stories.The people in these images are all in that transitory space between destinations - such a common sensation that it's only recognizable when we see someone else experiencing it - just as the world around them seems to be in deep cultural transition.