We didn’t have an opportunity to post all of the blogs we created while in Baja. Here’s one from our time in Bahia Concepcion.
On our way northbound, we could not wait to return to Bahia Concepcion. A breathtakingly beautiful place where the mountains meet the azure blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Having met many travellers, we learned that Playa Escondida was THE beach to camp on. It’s called Hidden Beach and is set back from the highway, over a mountain saddle away from everything. The roads leading to this beach are rugged and large RV’s cannot make it here. We had no issues navigating the dirt road and welcomed the company of smaller campervans at our destination.
The beach camping area was smaller than we anticipated and much busier. The winds were strong and this was one of the few sheltered camping areas. So we picked our spot and settled into our base camp for the night.
Our immediately neighbour, Dan, came over in the afternoon and introduced himself. He quickly commented on our Nikon camera and its large zoom lens. In the most respectful and courteous way, Dan begged us to take a picture of the moon rising from behind the island in front of us. He described the islands and the cactus and the mountains beyond, with the moon shining over the ocean water. And the incredible silhouette of the cactus atop this island. It was quite the picture he was painting. We were game.
Throughout the day, Dan gently reminded us of the time the moon hit this magical moment. 7:00 pm……
Now the pressure was on. We set up our tripod and snapped as many shots as we could, hoping that we captured the image for Dan.
Dan was on a father-son camping trip with their golden lab, Timber. He was a widower who has been travelling to Baja for many many years.
His description of the big event was impeccable. The beauty of the moon rising, illuminating the Bay, back lighting the cactus was something we will remember for the rest of our lives. We all stood in silence soaking up the moment.
Then as the moon rose higher and higher in the sky, a river of light appeared on the Sea of Cortez. It was so bright none of us needed flashlights and Orion’s Belt was hardly visible.
Dan asked us if we knew the song, “Moon River”.
Debbie replied, “Yes. It’s by Henry Mancini and I happen to have it on my iPod”.
Dan was gobsmacked. He got a little emotional and shared with us that he had not heard the song since he was 12 years of age, more than 4 decades ago. He asked if we could play it.
So Debbie queued up the song – an old time favourite of her late father’s. She recalls him singing it to her when she was a little girl.
Under the full moon, Dan, Debbie, and Jeff crooned out loud the lyrics from this classic. It was one of those precious shared experiences that brought Dan to tears and got Debbie choked up. A special moment for each of us an individuals, and for us together – being total strangers.
Moon river, wider than a mile
I’m crossin’ you in style some day
Old dream maker, you heartbreaker
Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ’round the bend
My huckleberry friend, Moon River, and me
Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ’round the bend
My huckleberry friend, Moon River, and me
VW Bus and Us 