Lau is a photographer founded in San Francisco.
Last March, on my 38th birthday, I was laid off from work.
I wish I was bitter. I wish I had been angry that I had been released or unhappy that I had been forced to leave. At least my feelings would match what I imagined I would feel. However, I didn’t feel any of that. On the contrary, that morning, I witnessed a great weight lifted off my shoulders. For years, I had become increasingly agitated by my current situation. I tried to distract myself or focus my attention elsewhere, but to no avail. But suddenly, I found myself with a lot of time and an excuse to do anything to the max. I couldn’t wait to make the most of this opportunity.
As an adventure motorcycle enthusiast (a riding pleasure that involves traveling long distances on a motorcycle over various terrains), I have covered giant portions of the American Southwest. My favorite places are Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and the vast deserts of central and southern Nevada. As I became more talented at horseback riding, I was encouraged to explore the vast wilderness south of the US-Mexico border in Baja California. Now is the time to live that dream.
The Baja California Peninsula, a component of Mexico, is a long, narrow landmass bordering the United States. To the west is the Pacific Ocean and to the east is the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California). Well known for its marine life and extraordinary landscapes, but also known for its harsh and unforgiving climate. I spent weeks preparing for this trip. In April, however, I crossed the border on a motorbike. At that moment I embarked on my first great adventure.
A rich variety of marine life thrives on the peninsula. For example, during the winter and early spring, giant pods of gray whales migrate south from the cold waters of Alaska to mate and breed in the warm, open waters of Baja California. They congregate in many places, thousands of them stopping at Ojo de Liebre lagoon (the eye of Hare lagoon) every year. This vast body of water is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, but far enough inland to protect these animals from the rough waves of the open sea.
On the day of my visit, it was hot but cloudy, and as we made our way into the lagoon, we encountered a multitude of colorful marine life, plus dolphins, ospreys, and sea lions. After only an hour in the water, we arrived at Despite everything, we saw two gray whales, a mom and her calf. Throughout the day, we met many more. Curious hatchlings would hit our boat and soar above the water, as if to look at us and see what else was inside. A whale came so close to me that I could almost touch it. When it submerged again, I felt a splash of bloodless seawater on my face. Soon after, I saw another whale slowly gliding past me, flapping its fin as it flew away. As I watched, I may still not be able to answer him. This experience filled me with admiration and enthusiasm.
Baja is blessed with beautiful landscapes. From the seaside and desert to the mountain tops, its diverse geography creates a picturesque palette of places to see and explore. On one trip, I explored Carmen Island, located in the Gulf of California. It’s part of Loreto Bay National Park, a protected region and UNESCO Heritage Site. During that excursion, I spent hours exploring shallow reefs and swimming among deep underwater pinnacles. The pinnacles, in particular, were one of the best sights to see. From above the ocean, they appeared as modest rock formations. However, below the sea, these narrow crests stood proudly and prominently above the ocean floor. No matter where I found myself in Baja, whether on land or in the water, stunning landscapes constantly surrounded me.
Baja also has a harsh and unforgiving climate. It is located in the Sonoran Desert. This desert stretches across northwestern Mexico and includes most of the peninsula, as well as giant swaths of Southern California and southwestern Arizona. It is the desert of all of North America. every year through hurricanes and intense tropical storms. Many other people struggle to make a living here.
For example, let’s take other people who make a profit selling fuel on the side of the road at makeshift gas stations. Due to the fragility of Baja California’s transportation infrastructure, there are several long stretches of road where valid gas stations cannot be found. In their absence, and to satisfy the fuel desires of traveling motorists, enterprising families have installed custom-made stations that source fuel from giant 55-gallon drums, 5-gallon fuel cans, and 2-liter recycled plastic soda bottles. As you can imagine, this fuel is, to say the least, questionable. Still, as is the case in much of the desert, it is smart enough to survive.
These adventures have brought me closer to nature and increased my appreciation for the relative point of abundance that I enjoy. This also made me need to keep exploring the global with my eyes wide open, a camera in one hand and a pen in the other.
Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSubscribe to our newslettersSite map
Follow Us
MORE