TWEENER DAZE

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 22, 2023 in Western Outdoor Publications

This is my favorite time of year in Baja.  It’s not summer anymore.  It’s not winter and it sorta feels like fall.

I call these the “tweener days.”

They take place  “tween” the Labor Day celebrations and Thanksgiving.  There’s no exact dates, but suddenly it’s like a switch has been thrown.

Or maybe it’s more like a dimmer.  Sometimes it seems to happen overnight.  Sometimes, you realize that after a few days, things have changed.

I think it hits sometime in October. 

The shadows are longer as the sun rises and sets at a different angle. I don’t know what it is, but the colors of the desert and the earth, in general, seem to change with the sun.

The air is cooler.  It’s breezier.  Mornings can be brisk and I find myself reaching for a sweatshirt or my raggedy Pendleton.

The color of the water changes as well. It still retains much of its summer warmth, but there’s a marked difference.  I think it’s just a shade or two darker blue.

Even the air is different.  That oppressive humidity and heat of the summer and early fall have diminished tremendously. 

If there had been some rain earlier, the vegetation across the hills, mountains and lowlands has exploded with life into a huge carpet of green. 

It’s no wonder the air breathes, smells and even “tastes” fresher.  It’s not as dusty or heavy.

Even the folks walking around are different.   

It’s quieter and more tranquil. The hubbub and drone of people moving about is turned down a notch.  The vibe is less hurried.

Kids are back in school. Mexican and tourist families alike.  So fewer families are in evidence. 

Most are focused ahead towards the holidays.  Beaches are less crowded.  The waterfronts are less boisterous.  Getting seated at popular restaurants are easier.

For the airlines, it’s considered off-season.  Fewer folks are in the air so there’s some great deals to be had between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. 

Same for hotels as well.  They need “heads-on-beds” and offer some excellent discounts.

For fishing, it’s different also. It can still be outstanding, especially with fewer fishermen out on the water and less boat traffic on the fishing grounds.

There’s a reason why so many international fishing tournaments take place during this time.

The only drawback I would see is that the waters can be a bit bumpier some days so you might want to keep an eye on the extended forecasts and pick your fishing days accordingly.

Or not!  Just come fishing.  Why not?

My point, get outside the box.  Break away for a quick Mexico run.  It’s a completely different experience.

That’s my story

Jonathan