Archive for the ‘waterspouts’ Category

PARTY LIKE IT’s 2019

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, chubasco, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, highway, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on January 29, 2022| Leave a Comment »

WELCOME NEW ARRIVALS! ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

PARTY LIKE IT’S 2019

Originally Published the Week of Jan. 26, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

Well…check any source and you’ll find that the number one travel destination since covid started is (drumroll)…MEXICO!

This is not just for Americans. It’s apparently the top spot for the whole world.

It’s pretty easy to get to, especially for Americans. There’s lots of flights. Or you can drive or jump a cruise ship.

It’s pretty economic. Foreign currency against the Mexican peso is pretty strong. For Americans, the dollar is huge. It’s 20 pesos to the U.S. dollar. International money goes a lot further than in many other countries.

It’s easy to come home. That’s pretty important. When you’re ready to come home…you come home!

Your chances of getting stranded there are pretty slim because of Covid. Your own country might put the pinch on you, but not Mexico.

In fact, there have been some new changes in Mexican restrictions.

As of this month, Mexico has completely dropped all entry requirements. Gone! Deleted! You are welcomed with open arms.

You can argue whether that is good or bad, but it is what it is. I make no judgements. Don’t kill the messenger.

However, borders are now open. In fact, many would ventur that they were never really closed at all. It was pretty leaky.

You also no longer have to fill out either the paper or digital health-care form to enter Mexico. This was the form asking thing like whether you had been in contact with a Covid person or whether you had Covid.

I always thought it was silly. I mean…who is going to answer “yes” on the way to their vacation? Who wants to get told they have to go in the little back room for secondary questioning when the tour bus to the hotel is waiting outside and your luggage is spinning mindlessly on the carousel?

Additionally, Mexican President Obrador has said he doesn’t plan to ever ask for proof of vaccinations.

But, there’s a small caveat.

Individual states, areas or businesses like restaurants, bars and casinos might ask for your vax card. However, according to sources, it’s just like many places in the U.S. with masks. It only applies if the rule is enforced and no one seems to really enforce it.

In lieu of that, proof of a negative covid test within 48 hours will also work. Jalisco is one of the states that recently implemented the rule about showing a vax card.

So, basically, it’s time travel. Mexico is back to pre-covid 2019 in terms of travel.

As of right now, the only real bump in your travel road is coming BACK to the U.S. or entering the U.S. if you’re a foreign national.

The U.S. requires that within 24 hours of your flight back to the U.S. you need to take a rapid Covid test. And, of course, it has to come back negative.

The test takes 15 minutes and you get your results usually within the hour on your cellphone. The airports all have facilities as do many hotels. Or the hotels will have someone come to the hotel.

There are also a plethora of labs that sprang up all over the place understandably.

This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

If you are a foreign traveler headed to the U.S., the new rules mandate that you must show proof of vaccination now.

Stay tuned. The picture changes all the time!

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

Jonathan Roldan has been writing the Baja Column in Western Outdoor News since 2004. Along with his wife and fishing buddy, Jilly, they own and run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet in La Paz, Baja, Mexico www.tailhunter.com.

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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DESERT GHOSTS

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, aquaculture, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, cabrilla, camping, car, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charity, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, historical, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, taco stand, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail on January 20, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Someone had a dream at one time…or at least a good idea!

DESERT GHOSTS

Originally Published the Week of Jan. 12, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

I’ve always had this weird (not creepy) thing about looking at (and into) people’s houses.

At the time I’m writing this, we’re driving across country to the fishing and hunting shows in various cities around the western U.S. We’ve exhibited at these shows from January to April for almost 30 years to talk to folks about fishing with our company in La Paz.

We have our booth packed up and are on our way to the Wild Sheep Foundation Show in Reno, NV. Over the past 3 days, we’ve driven across Texas, New Mexico and Nevada.

My wife Jill is driving and I’m tapping out on my laptop.

And looking at people’s houses.

I like to guess what they do. I’m intrigued by their story.

Why they happened to plant themselves in this particular area near that particular town.

Or in the middle of nowhere.

I look at what’s in the yard. Kid’s toys? A rusty swing? A bunch of old cars? An RV? Five later model cars and a mini-van? Or 5 cars on concrete blocks?

Is the yard done? Is there even a yard or just tumbleweeds and a cotton field in the back.

There’s a washing machine on the front porch of a single-wide modular. Or is there a swimming pool out back?

You can tell a lot.

Driving up and down Baja, I have that same fascination.

But, it’s not the occupied homes that I focus on.

It’s the empty houses.

Empty buildings have a story as well. And sometimes they talk.

These are the abandoned homes and buildings standing ( or leaning) in the middle of the Baja landscape. You find them built on the side of a hillside. Or they are tucked onto the bank of an arroyo or still standing observant by the side of the highway.

Baja - Mision San Fernando Velicata - Ruin - Shack

Dilapidated. Wind, sun-baked and weather torn. Collapsing roofs and leaning walls. Warped and sandblasted wood. Maybe some leftover traces of color or paint.

The Baja is not kind to old buildings left unattended.

Fascinating head-scratchers. I wonder about those stories.

Why here? It’s the only house for miles. What were they thinking?

No obvious source of water. No towns or communities nearby to drive to…or if the house is that old… nothing nearby to walk to…or ride a cart or burro to.

Is this as far as the got? Is this where the donkey cart finally busted an axle?

Maybe the few small tree trunks stuck in the ground at crazy angles are evidence of an old corral.

Stone, bricks and adobe are handy.

How did the even get the wood to build? It’s not like Baja has a lot of treeworthy lumber around. Did the haul it here? From where?

Baja isn’t exactly known for its forests.

Occasionally, you find a small cluster of buildings. Or what’s left of them.

Perhaps an extended family. Again, why here? And what happened to them.

Maybe as often happens, parents settle. Raise kids in the hardscrabble environment. Kids move on as they grow up. Parents pass.

Or the parents pass and the dream of living in the middle of nowhere is not the dream of their progeny. They move on.

Buildings are abandoned.

I’ve never trespassed, but if it looks like it doesn’t matter, I like to stop. Normally, it’s not like anyone cares. There’s no one around for miles and I doubt the tumbleweeds or jackrabbits care.

But, poking around old buildings…they sometimes talk to you if you look.

A blackened brick outdoor firepit. A sign that there was probably no electricity when these folks lived there. They cooked outside.

No signs of plumbing of any kind.

Rough carpentry. Uneven door and window frames. No signs that glass ever filled those windows.

Old uneven hammered rusty nails protrude from splintering dried wood. These didn’t come from Home Depot. They look like tiny sharpened spikes…handmade. Probably pretty precious back in the days.

In fact, there are signs that furniture and parts of the buildings may have been bound together with what remains of rope or old leather strips.

I find an old bent spoon in what would have been a dirt floor.

I have found an old coin or almost rubbed smooth and largely unidentifiable.

There are dark patches along walls where perhaps candles or old fuel lanterns once burned.

I found lots bleached fish bones around the back of one building. They ate fish? We were 10 miles from any body of water.

I once found two old crosses and a weathered upright stone marker side-by-side. They were in the shade of an old scrub tree back behind what may have been an old shed or barn.

Nearby the remains of a cracked clay vase that long ago may have held desert flowers. A family cemetery?

Whoever lived in these places are long gone and forgotten. But, there was a story here at one time.

I think in some sense, moving through these old living spaces makes them somewhat more real. A reminder that real people and families once lived here. Had dreams here.

And moved on. While the desert moves back to reclaim everything.

images

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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IT’S OK TO BREATHE THIS AIR

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, christmas, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, sustainable, taco, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on December 19, 2021| Leave a Comment »

IT’S OK TO BREATHE THIS AIR

Originally Published the Week of Dec. 13, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

Christmas time in Baja.

Specifically, here in La Paz where we live and have our businesses.

On so many levels, the air is definitely different this year. And, on so many levels, it’s easier to breathe.

It’s palpable

Practically speaking, masks are pretty much down. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale again. It’s been awhile.

You can probably relate. Feels pretty good not to talk through a piece of cloth. Or trying to figure out what you were saying to me!

I have a hard enough time understanding Spanish or trying to make sure my Spanish was correct. Let alone trying to do it through a mask!

And hey! That’s a smile under there. I was tired of just looking at your eyes!

The pandemic hit Mexico especially hard. It whacked Baja really hard, especially for an economy that depends so heavily on tourism.

Seventy percent of the population lives hand-to-mouth. It’s a cash economy. No one is on anyone’s books.

If you have a job, most get paid in cash or what you can sell. Conversely you pay cash as well.

Cash. No checks. No credit card. No bank account .

What’s in your pocket at the end of the day is how you feed yourself and your family. And back home, that could be a lot of folks living in a small space.

No school. No computers. No Netflix. Beaches closed. Stores closed. Restaurants closed. Curfews enforced. Entire areas completely off-limits.

Sit and stare at the rest of your family for days-on-end.

If you were actually on someone’s payroll and that business closed it’s doors during pandemic, that was just tough luck.

No feel-good stimulus checks. No unemployment checks. It doesn’t work like that in Mexico.

No money . No food . Simple as that.

Last Christmas, there wasn’t a lot of hoo-haaa.

So much lingering uncertainty . Many places and events still closed. Even churches were closed.

Fast forward to Christmas 2021.

This year, most of Mexico is now in the green level. It’s been a long transition from being in the red.

In our city of La Paz, I’ve heard it’s got one of the highest levels of vaccination. Something like 85% of the population has their shots.

Tourists are flocking to Mexico, in general, and Baja, in particular. It’s a quick hop from the U.S. No need to quarantine or prove you’re vaccinated to enter.

The dollar is strong. Mexico wants you. Mexico needs you. There are deals to be had. The world is figuring out Mexico is a good value as well.

The border is “officially” open now. Technically, it’s been closed since early 2020 although it was easy enough to drive across. But, it deterred many visitors from…well…visiting!

So, there’s a reason for optimism in the air.

You can just tell walking around town.

It’s good to see decorations and lights again. It’s good to see people in the stores and restaurants.

There are actually real live people hanging out on the beaches again. Not just police shooing people away or giving out tickets.

Even Mexicans are travelling. It’s OK this year to go see family and friends.

The surest sign of hope and optimism…I saw a wedding and a baptism at our local cathedral.

And that’s the difference. There’s a subtle sense of joy in locals and visitors alike. They’re enjoying themselves! Not looking over their shoulders or over masks.

Yes, people are gathering.

We may have this virus with us for a long time. Things will probably never be like it was, but there’s an actual air of hope.

You can feel it. You can breathe it.

It probably makes the health officials cringe. And government officials cautiously tippie-toe on eggshells hoping the other shoe doesn’t drop on the merriment or economy.

But, for now, it’s a good time to enjoy the smiles.

A good time to appreciate the moment. A time not to be taken for granted. A time to appreciate each other again and how precious simple freedom is to each of us.

It can be fleeting. As we saw only a year ago. Poof…gone!

I’m not talking about political freedom.

It’s even more basic.

The simplicity of walking where we want to walk. Taking a big unhindered breath. Going where you want to go. Shake a hand. Give a hug. Eat dinner with the family.

Hold a child.

This is the precious air you can gratefully breathe this Christmas.

May it wrap and surround you and yours.

Revel in it. Amen.

That’s my story! May you and yours be blessed this holidays and Christmas.

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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A BETTER MARGARITA

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, green, Heat stroke, highway, historical, history, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricane, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storms, suitcases, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on December 5, 2021| Leave a Comment »

A BETTER MARGARITA

Originally Published the Week of Nov. 5, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

As the owners of our own restaurant in La Paz for over a decade and then living in Baja for almost 30 years, we’ve seen a lot of margaritas made and consumed.

It’s interesting to note that most of the locals won’t touch tequila or margaritas. When I’ve offered it to them at our restaurant, they (perhaps wisely) wag their fingers at me and smile. “No, gracias!”

I think they know better and I also think they enjoy watching the gringos go at it. I mean, if you’re going to Mexico, it’s your “go-to” drink.

Seemingly, as soon as folks walk off the plane, vacation has not started until they have one of those high-priced margaritas served in a plastic cup at the bar just outside the terminal. Am I right?

“Whoo-hooo, Honey! We’re in Mexico. Hot dang!”

I’d estimate that at our restaurant, 95% of the margaritas are ordered by tourists. Personally, I think we make a pretty good margarita.

We cut our own limes. We make our own lime juice (no bottled mix). Our tequila does not come from a plastic jug behind the bar. We cut our own fruits and make our own syrups.

Just like anything else, good fresh ingredients result in a better product.

But, in the spirit of “research and development”, not to mention it’s a great way to actually write-off the cost of drinking margaritas, my wife and I have gone to numerous places to “test drive” margaritas.

Here’s the deal. We go to someplace that’s known for their margaritas and as a tourist destination…Cabo San Lucas…Puerta Vallarta…Maui…San Diego…San Antonio Texas…and others.

All in the name of “research and development,” as mentioned.

We do our own version of a margarita crawl.

The purpose is not get drunk and buzzed. However, I will admit it is sometimes a happy by-product of our in-depth research! We go from bar-to bar at supposedly the places with the best margarita reputation.

We ask for their house margarita.

We take a sip or two. If we don’t like it, we pay for it and walk away without finishing it. Move onto the next place.

And so-forth-and-so on.

Spoiler alert. Here it comes.

It is amazing that some of the places that are known to be great margarita-makers literally serve absolute JUNK! Most places, we honestly can’t finish them.

But tourists don’t know any better.

They buy margaritas the size of birdbaths or chug them with their chips and that’s pretty much the extent of it. Or it’s what happens to be in their hands sitting at the pool bar all afternoon.

Admittedly, there are a few places where Jill and I take a sip and then look at each other. And another sip to make sure. Surprise! OK…not bad at all. There’s some decent stuff out there.

But, again as mentioned before, it starts with the ingredients.

If volume selling to tourists or catering to the “buy-one-get-the-2^nd margarita- free” crowd is the intent, the customers aren’t going to be very discriminating.

993553-drinking-a-yard-of-beer-each-at-a-bar--merida-mexico-0

They have no idea nor do they really care that they’re drinking a mix or that the tequila comes from a jug. It’s got ice. It’s got salt. We are having a large fun time!

“Let’s party, Baby. Afterwards let’s go buy a sombrero and one of those sarape blankets and a hammock to bring back to Montana.”

Honestly, nothing wrong with that. Vacation fun is vacation fun. Good on them! But, you get the idea.

If you really want a better margarita, here’s a few tips.

Yes, it will cost a tad more. So figure that.

For one, ask for real lime juice. Not “Jose’s Fiesta Lime Juice” in a bottle or jug. Get the real stuff if at all possible. It will make a tremendous difference.

Ask what kind of tequila they’re making your margarita with. In fact, ask to see the bottle!

There are 3 kinds of tequilas.

Silver (Plata) is clear. It has not been aged or not more than 2 months.

Resposada is slightly amber. Reposada means “rested” and it has been aged in a barrel up to one year.

Anejo means “old.” This tequila has been sitting for awhile aging for more than a year and is much darker.

The older the tequila, the richer and more full-bodied the taste.

That doesn’t mean it’s the best for tequila.

Personally, we feel that the Silver/ Clear plata tequila is best for mixing cocktails. It’s got a clean flavor that blends nicely with other ingredients.

I like the Reposada and Anejo in a shot glass or snifter. It’s meant to be sipped or I especially like it with a cigar at sunset!

While checking out the bottle, make sure it’s REAL tequila! The real stuff must be from the blue agave plant and, by law, may ONLY be produced in the regions of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

I’m not being snobby here.

Good tequila does NOT have to be expensive to make a good margarita. Like wines or beers there are so many great and inexpensive brands.

A fancy bottle does not necessarily mean a good tequila. Conversely a good tequila doesn’t have to be in a fancy bottle either.

However, like most liquors, the more expensive sipping tequilas do taste better and smoother. But, that’s OK because I’m not using the good stuff to do slammers or shots with buddies!

Life’s too short for bad margaritas! So are vacations.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Posted in Airline flights to Mexico, airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, CBX Express bridge, cerralvo island, charters, christmas, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, fish, fish farming, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, holidays in mexico, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on November 26, 2021| Leave a Comment »

JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Originally Published the Week of Nov. 22, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

No one likes surprises when they travel. Travel can be pretty stressful as it is. Even moreso, travel during the holidays is also high anxiety time.

As luck would have it, I got to fly back to Texas from our home in La Paz to spend Thanksgiving with my wife and family. After not having a day off pretty much since last April, I couldn’t wait to jump on a plane.

As usual, I went to obtain my covid test within 72 hours of my flight.

In case you missed it or haven’t traveled internationally, since January, anyone entering the U.S. on an international flight MUST show a negative Covid test result within 72 hours of the flight.

No biggie.

Quick swab of my schnoz takes a few minutes and results pop up on your cellphone within the hour.

We’ve had hundreds of fishing clients for our Tailhunter Fleet in La Paz over the past season. It’s a little inconvenient, but just part of travelling these days along with so many other protocols we live with.

Everyone gets one then goes happily on their way back to the U.S.

So, I was all set. I had my passport, ticket, and my covid results for travel the next day.

I went to check in online and get my boarding pass and get a notice that curled my toes!

The CDC has implemented NEW RULES as of Nov. 8 for international travelers entering the U.S.

Basically, if you have been vaccinated, you still need to show a negative covid test result within 72 hour of your flight home. The problem is if you have NOT been vaccinated.

I have not been vaccinated. In fact, I’m getting it THIS week in Texas. There was no rush.

I had Covid bad last year. I’ve tested positive for the anti-bodies. I didn’t want to get vaccinated in Mexico. I’ve been there solid for 8 months.

Understandably, I’d much rather get any shots or vaccinations in the U.S. with my own doctors.

Well, the new rule requires that ALL UN-VACCINATED persons MUST show a negative covid test within 24 HOURS of the flight. Further, I had to attest that upon arrival, I would self-quarantine for a few days. Plus, I had to promise that I would get the vaccination within 60 days of arrival.

Yikes!

So, I had to run back to the testing lab in La Paz and get a 2^nd negative covid test. I know the staff there and they were surprised that I returned for the 2^nd time in 2 days.

They were surprised at the explanation and had no knowledge of the new rules. However, they graciously expedited my results.

The other bump in the road is that the online check-in does not work if you have not been vaccinated. Therefore, instead of TWO hours checking in before your international flight, it requires you check in FOUR hours before your flight to show your paperwork.

My flight was at 11:00 a.m. from Cabo.

Normally, I would arrive about 9 a.m. for a flight like that. Since it’s 3 hours drive from La Paz, that means leaving about 6 a.m. to head to the airport.

With the new regulations, I had to leave at 4 a.m. to get to the airport by 7 a.m.

Grrrrrr….talk about adding stress to a travel day.

Once I was there, it was easy. The folks at the airport were more than helpful and since the early days of the pandemic have tried to alleviate all the confusion and stress.

There are assistants everywhere directing travelers to the correct places or helping with forms and documents. Everyone I’ve ever run into speak English.

I’m glad I got there early, even if it was a pain. I’m glad I knew about the new rules BEFORE I got to the airport or there was a good chance I would have been denied travel.

So, bottom line is this:

If you have not been vaccinated, you must obtain a negative covid test with 24-hours of your flight for an INTERNATIONAL flight.

You must check in at least 4 hours ahead of your flight.

Plan ahead and hopefully, you’ll have a smoother easier travel day.

By the way, after more than a year-and-a-half, the border is now open as long as you can show proof of vaccination.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

MY SMALL THINGS THEIR BIG THINGS

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, chubasco, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, holidays in mexico, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, storm, suitcases, Sun stroke, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, tourism, tours, Travel, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, waterspouts, Western Outdoor News, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on September 23, 2021| Leave a Comment »

MY SMALL THINGS THEIR BIG THINGS

Originally Published the Week of Sept. 14, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

I’m sitting here reveling in my surroundings for a bit as I write this week’s column in my office here in La Paz.

We just got through Hurricane Olaf that smacked into Baja down here about three days ago and really gave us a spin.

Funny how things work out here. Almost a month ago we all watched as Hurricane Nora approached us. It was all about the same time that Ida hit the U.S. Gulf states.

For our days, we prepped and stayed vigilant. You just never know.

I had my batteries for flashlights; extra waters and masking tape for the windows. aWe had lots of junk food piled up that could be eaten right from the bag without having to cook in case we lost power (Pringles, Doritos, Chips Ahoy). And of course bottles of wine.

We call this “survival eating.” Not a healthy thing in there! I’ve been through quite a few hurricanes and it’s hurricane sustenance food.

If you have to be shut in, might as well enjoy it.

I had warned all our fishing clients that we might lose some fishing days.

Anyway, after all this prepping…

Nora turned out to be nothing more than a big-weather fart. Some strong winds. Some big southern swells. Not a drop of rain.

Actually, kind of a letdown after all the anxiety.

This week, we did the same thing.

We watched Olaf approach. All the computer and weather experts predicted it would come up the Pacific side of Baja and make a 90-degree turn out to the Pacific Ocean.

Nothing to really worry about. Totally benign. A cream-puff storm.

So, we didn’t do much in terms of prepping

Last Thursday morning, I launched all our fishing boats and client. It was early . Seas were flat calm. Not a hint of wind. Skies were so clear I could see stars.

However, just a few hours later, it was like suddenly someone had flipped a switch. Out’ve nowhere, the heavens opened with huge blasts of thunder. Lightning bolts could be seen striking in the bay in front of us.

Mexican apocalypse.

The rain didn’t drizzle to start. I came in buckets from the get-go. Winds whipped trees and everyone caught unawares was literally running and diving for cover like they do in war movies when the fighter planes sweep in.

Over the next 48-hours, Hurricane Olaf turned into a Category 2 storm. We had 12-15 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. We had winds to 90 mph and gusts up to 150.

Trees were uprooted. Roofs torn off. Boats were sunk. Roads were flooded. Arroyos ran like rivers.

Fortunately, I haven’t heard of any fatalities or serious injuries.

But, it DID leave us with no power or water.

And that’s why I’m sitting here now writing about it.

In this modern world we take a lot for granted.

I can always get a glass of water. Hot showers no problem. Need to call someone, the cellphone is there. Need to check something? Pop the laptop.

Tough day? An icy margarita or beer is at arms-length.

Hungry? Open the frig and cook up something in the microwave or stovetop.

Night comes? Turn on the light.

As I write this, there’s still folks here in town that don’t have water, power or cellphone/ internet from the storm.

Off-the-grid.

We were like that for 2 days and we just lights and electric about 12 hours ago. Trying to work in the office with a flashlight or navigate our apartment with candles just doesn’t cut it.

Even more importantly, only about 2 hours ago, we got AIR CONDITIONING!

I guess I’ve gotten to be a whimp in my old age.

However, when it’s 102 degrees during the day and 92 at night and the humidity level is 85%, and you have nothing but candles and flashlights, it melts even the strongest of men.

We have our breaking points, right? Imagine sitting in your bathroom fully-clothed with only the hot water on your shower going full blast. You are engulfed in steam.

And you’re locked in the bathroom for 2 or 3 days. Try to sleep. Try to function.

That’s what it’s like.

And so, I’m able to type this column while sitting in blessed cool air and my laptop is plugged in and finally re-charging. There are lights. The food in the frig isn’t turning to muck. Sweat isn’t dripping onto my laptop keyboard.

There’s still a lot of folks in town without water or power.

We had 46 clients/ fishermen here in town also locked in hotel rooms with no power or water in some cases. We also had to deal with that as they put on game-faces and had to deal with it as well.

But, now that we personally are back in the light, I realize (again) just how much we take for granted. We push buttons on remotes or gadgets or turn handles and all the conveniences of modern life are at our fingertips for our comfort and ease.

And every now and then, mother nature reminds us what it’s like without that ability.

And then it make me think that there’s people right here in this Mexican city that NEVER have those things. Basic services that we never even think of.

I do know folks here in town that live by flashlights and lanterns in the night. I know folks that have to get their water in buckets from a public faucet to bring to their homes for cooking and washing and cleaning.

There’s no tapping a button or flipping a switch. There’s no knob or handle to turn. It’s like this for them 24/7.

And, I’m grateful and blessed at this moment. I have very little to complain about for even a few hours without all my comforts.

Ultimately, it’s not an emergency. It’s an inconvenience not to have these luxuries because that’s what they are.

To many others, it’s just another day without.

Very humbling.

That’s my story…

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

CUTTING SOME SLACK

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo island, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, Dehydration, dorado, east cape, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, fish, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, holidays in mexico, hurricane, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storm, storms, suitcases, Sun stroke, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, tuna tournament, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on August 24, 2021| Leave a Comment »

CUTTING SOME SLACK

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 11, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

Current affairs here in Mexico…

At one restaurant, we sat down to a dirty table. All the other tables weren’t much better. We had to ask the waitress to wipe the table and she looked put out by the request.

At another restaurant, the waiter literally tossed the menus at us onto the table from about a foot away. Turned and walked away.

We’ve waited at other restaurants that we normally patronize and were left drumming our fingers on the table for meals that should not have taken THAT long. I mean, how long does it take to make two plates of fish tacos?

We’ve had clients tell us they went on some kind of booze cruise or some other kind of tour and find out it was delayed because “not enough crew members” or “they had to find another driver.”

We own several businesses here in Mexico and chatting with some other local business owners I guess we’ve got ourselves a labor shortage going on. Sort of like in the U.S., but somewhat different.

We thought it was just us.

For our restaurant it’s been more difficult than usual.

Can’t find a cook. Not enough waiters. We’re down a driver…again. The vegetable delivery guy quit again. The bakery won’t be bringing burger buns for 4 days because they’re short-handed.

We have advertisements all over social media, newspapers, school bulletin boards and other platforms.

Maybe 20 apply. 15 say they’ll be there for an interview.

Maybe 5 show up. Of those, we give 3 of them contracts.

Of the three…two of them actually show up for their first day of work.

One of the two never shows up.

One of the two quits after 2 days. The other one doesn’t show up after 5 days. No phone call. No notice. Just doesn’t show up.

Or the universal excuse, “I have to quit because my mother is sick in Guadalajara.” You have no idea how many times we’ve gotten something like this. Everyone’s parent gets sick in Guadalajara. Right up there with “My dog ate my homework.”

Other business owners are telling us the same thing.

Can’t find people to work.

But, it’s a bit different than in the U.S. where folks find it more economic to sit on the couch with the remote because they’re getting unemployment checks or stimulus checks.

Mexico doesn’t have that luxury. There’s no enemployment down here. Or stimulus checks.

For many folks you work or you don’t eat. So, why can’t we find workers?

Some of our co-business owners with the same issues told me some of it is simply cultural.

“Like the rest of the world, some people just got used to staying at home. If you can ‘get by’ without working, there’s no need to go to work.”

“Many people live together. Especially younger people. You find ‘youngsters’ in their 20’s and 30’s even with their own kids still living in the same house as mama and dad. No one gets kicked out. If mama will keep cooking and washing clothes, there is not much motivation to leave the house. They are spoiled,” is what one business owner said to me disdainfully.

“Some are just looking for the ‘perfect’ job. They have no particular skill or education, but if a job isn’t ‘perfect’ they do not stay and bounce from one menial job to the other.”

One of my amigos agreed, “Yes, if it seems too much like ‘work,’ they quit!”

By no means does this mean everyone has this work ethic. There are many many good hard workers to be found.

But, they are hard to come by .

Or they in such demand, they get snatched up having their pick of positions. And can also command higher pay.

However, with the pandemic rules changing weekly combined with the shortage of workers, service is inconsistent.

For example, the covid rules might say you’re allowed only 30% occupancy at a restaurant or hotel.

Keep in mind that you lost most of your staff last year when everything shut down so you’ve got almost a completely different staff.

Last year’s staff that you had for years. has moved on.

Then, they allow you to increase to 40% occupancy. You optimistically hire and train more people.

You teach them how to cook; wait tables; clean rooms; work at reception; drive shuttles…and with a smile!

Two weeks later, the government knocks everyone back to 30% occupancy.

Or, you you are not sell alcohol after 5 p.m. Or the beaches get closed again.

That pretty much kills all your evening dinner business. You have empty tables. You have empty hotel rooms. People cancel reservations and trips.

So, now you have to fire all the new people you just hired and trained.

Then, the restrictions change again.

And you just need bodies to work. Whoever you can get. Whoever is willing to work.

No real time to train properly. And no one knows how long that person will be working for you either voluntarily or involuntarily.

So, the guy making tacos, is still learning to fry a tortilla. He can’t remember if the fish plate gets beans on the side or rice. Or has never heard of meat “medium rare.” Cooked mean cooking until it’s done.

The guy making your margarita has never worked in a bar before. He thinks a margarita is tequila mixed with orange juice.

They waitress tells you she’s not sure what’s on the menu. She has actually been fired or quit her last 3 restaurant jobs. But, the restaurant owner was desperate to hire someone

The guy driving your shuttle tosses your luggage in the back and gets lost driving to your hotel. Takes 20 frustrating minutes to go 4 blocks.

That’s not to say they’re not trying. Under the circumstances. Seems like most of them are.

Everyone is just trying to get by. I have to remember to cut folks some slack and remember it’s not just us. Or us.

“Dog ate my homework and my mother is sick in Guadalajara.”

It’s just the times we live in now.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

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EPERANZA

Posted in bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, driving, east cape, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, fish farming, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, giant squid, holidays in mexico, ice chests, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, Sea of Cortez, sierra, spearfishing, sportfishing, storm, storms, taco, tourism, tours, tuna, Uncategorized, vacations, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on August 18, 2021| Leave a Comment »

ESPERANZA

Originally Published the Week of Aug. 11, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

In Spanish, the word “Esperanza” generally means “hope.”

It can also connotate “promise,”

And “confidence.”

And “faith”

And “expectation.”

And “possibilities.”

Like a lot of kids in the U.S., Dayana just graduated from high school. Like a lot of kids, the last year or so was especially tough.

She has not been in a classroom in 16 months as schools remained closed. No proms. No dances. No sports. No activities.

Like a lot of kids, she’s headed off to college next semester.

But, Dayana isn’t like a lot of kids in the U.S. You see, she’s not in the U.S. She’s in Mexico. In fact, she’s in Baja. La Frontera. The Frontier.

You see, unlike kids in the U.S. education here in Mexico is only mandated or required until the 6^th grade. That’s it. That’s as far as you go.

If you even get that far.

And unlike U.S., the family must pay for the kids to go further.

And unlike the U.S., if a family can afford to send a child further, it’s usually the boy that gets the nod. Girls will go to work.

Or stay home.

Make babies. Marry. Make more babies.

That’s the thinking. For girls, no education needed beyond rudimentary reading and writing.

So, education is wasted on the girls. Or, even if not, it’s simply not affordable.

And that would easily have been Dayana’s “happily-ever-after-future” into the abyss of life.

But, she’s headed in a different direction. She’s going down the “road less traveled” because some few with generous hearts took an interest.

And made a difference.

Even in impoverished areas, we see American kids wearing $300 Nike Jordan basketball shoes. Or carrying $500 smartphones. A different outfit every day. Name brand clothes and backpacks. School lunches. Transportation. Real books.

For the past 6 years, Dayana has moved forward. Because for her, $300 per year wasn’t used to buy the latest shoes or a smartphone.

The “monumental” amount of $300 a year kept her in school.

For a lot of us, that’s a concert ticket. It’s a steak dinner. It’s 5 minutes in Vegas. It’s a hotel night in Puerta Vallarta or a night of clubbing in Cabo San Lucas.

And yes (cringe)… It’s the cost of YOUR kid’s shoes headed to school this fall.

A special program here in La Paz, where we live and run our fishing business, allowed many of our anglers to donate towards keeping a kid in school.

Five bucks…ten bucks…a hundred bucks. Little-by-little. Poco a poco.

Hit $300 and another kid stays in school.

Three hundred bucks goes a long way.

For Dayana, each year, it purchased her books. It purchased her uniform. It got her transportation to school; as well as breakfast and lunch.

And this was no free ride for her either.

She had to maintain her grades.

Forget dances, sports, social events, day trips and extracurricular activities. No time for that.

She was also required to do community work. She was also required to mentor other students and pay-it forward.

And from year-to-year, there was no guarantee that her benefactors would sponsor another year. Or that there would be enough money.

It could have ended at any time, but for the big hearts of certain individuals.

It could easily have been a trip back to that happy-ever-after dead-end future that befalls so many of her friends.

In the barrio. In an un-ending circle of. . .whatever.

So, she graduated. High grades. She reads and writes fluently English and Spanish. Most of us can’t even do that.

And she’s moving on.

And up.

A full scholarship to the military university in distant Mexico City for 4 years then onto officers-training school and hopefully an engineering degree.

Oh…and an anonymous benefactor also paid for her braces!

It calls to mind the story about the hiker walking along the seashore after a storm. He sees many starfish washed up stranded on the beach.

The hiker starts throwing the stranded starfish back into the ocean. Hoping to save a few.

A bystander says, “You’re wasting your time. You can’t save them all. There are miles of beach. You can’t make a difference.”

The hiker smiles. He picks up another starfish and tosses it back into the ocean and says, “It makes a difference to THAT starfish!”

I’m writing this column because Dayana wrote a letter…in perfect English mind you…probably better than some of the writing I’ve seen from other high school students…just to say thank you.

Thank you to sponsors and benefactors named and anonymous.

“…and to all those people who make the dream of many young people possible, to improve ourselves, study, pursue a career and achieve our goals; blessings for all.”

Her words. Not mine.

Grateful for “Esperanza.”

Hope.

Promise.

Confidence.

Faith.

Expectation.

Possibilities!

That’s my story

signature June '18 two 1

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s

Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:

from USA : 626-638-3383

from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

WHAT THEY SAY and WHAT WE REALLY SEE

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, cerralvo, charters, circle hooks, deep sea, donations, dorado, driving, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, holidays in mexico, humboldt squid, hurricanes, ice chests, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, missions, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rental car, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, Sun stroke, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, testing facilities mexico airport, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on July 31, 2021| Leave a Comment »

Originally Published the Week of July 26, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

I probably get at least a half-dozen e-mails or phone calls about the rules and restrictions with Covid down here in Baja so I guess it’s time for a “point-counter-point” column about things.

Please keep in mind, I am in no way encouraging anyone to break or dis-respect the laws. These are merely observations and all of this can change week-to-week.

RULE: We are back to Level 5 Restrictions

Southern Baja is currently in a Level 5 (orange) for Covid restrictions and protocols. This was implemented about 3 weeks ago as a result of rising Covid infections.

REALITY: Everything is pretty much still open

Since March 2020, we’ve bounced back and forth through several levels of Orange, yellow, orange and back again. The current level was initiated several weeks ago via a government vote.

They vote on this every week. It could change by the time you are reading this.

In the current state, gyms, churches, concerts, theaters and social events (like parties and weddings) are closed. Classrooms have been closed since last March, but are set to re-open in August.

Everything else is open.

RULE: The Border Is Shut Down Again

Since last March, the border has been shut down to non-essential traffic.

REALITY: Welcome to Mexico. Please Bring Your Tourist Dollars!

The restrictions DO NOT apply to entry into Mexico via plane, train or boat. No one we know that has been driving has been turned away from the border if you give them an “essential” reason for entering.

Shopping? Sure. Fishing? That’s pretty important. Lunch in Ensenada? C’mon in. Visiting friends in Tijuana? You bet!

Believe me, Mexico wants and desperately needs U.S. travel money. They’re not stopping anyone.

RULE: Fishing Has Been Shut Down

REALITY: False! Jump on a boat!

Fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities were deemed “essential” activities. Business as normal, folks

RULE: Restaurants and Hotels are Closed

REALITY: False again. But, they are all supposed to be at 30% occupancy

Unless closed for other reasons, hotels and restauratns are mostly all open.

With restaurants, I see them full all the time. Maybe tables got pushed further apart for social distancing. Occasionally, they might tell you that they’re “at capacity” so you go somewhere else if the restaurant manager is worried about an inspection.

Yes, some restaurants got fines or suspensions for blatantly ignoring the rules. Others (wink wink) never ever seem to get checked and pack folks in every night. Most tourists will mostly not notice. Eat like normal!

For the hotels, parking lots sure look pretty full to me. However, they are “supposed” to be at 30% occupancy. Down from 40% occupancy.

The reality is no one seems to be counting heads or beds.

People are pouring off planes. Everyone is flocking to Mexico. Airlines are packed. Plans have been made for months.

With the way the restrictions change almost weekly, no hotel is going to say, “I’m sorry, we’re now at 30%. So, 10% of you have to get back on the plane or go find a different hotel.”

Not gonna happen. If you have a reservation, come ahead!

RULE: No alcohol sold or consumed after 5 p.m…oh wait 8 p.m.

REALITY: Probably True

If you run into an empty restaurant, this is probably the biggest reason for it. Two weeks ago, it was at 5 p.m. No sales after 5 p.m.

Now, it’s 8 p.m.

Not sure what that had to do with reducing Covid in the first place. Not sure how changing it from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. has to do with reducing Covid.

You cannot buy it at the supermarket. At restaurants, you can’t have a bottle, a can or cocktail class at your table.

But, that’s the rule. Literally, a buzz kill.

That being said, just like I mentioned earlier, there’s some places that “strangely” never ever ever get checked. Most restaurants will do whatever they need trying to stay afloat. Desperate times.

In the last two weeks, my wife Jill and I have been at several restaurants that approached the curfew. Our server encouraged us about “last call.”

Then, we were served our drinks in red solo cups and a can of Coke or bottled water was placed on the table. It was served with a “wink and a smile.”

RULE: You Must Have a Negative Covid Test To Return to the U.S.

REALTY: Yes and No. Mostly Yes.

Since January of this year, you have to show evidence of a negative Covid test to come into the U.S. via plane. It has to be within 72-hours of the flight.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been vaccinated.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve already had Covid.

But…It only applies to flying.

It only applies to INTERNATIONAL flights.

For instance, many S. Californians fly Volaris Air from Tijuana. They return via Volaris through Tijuana and walk across the border. Volaris is a DOMESTIC flight. Therefore, no testing is required.

The test takes only 15 minutes and you get results on your phone in less than an hour.

There are labs all over providing the services. Many hotels can set up services. There are labs at the airport as well. Very easy. Cost is $25-50 U.S. dollars.

RULE: You need to Quarantine

REALITY: Negative

You do not need to quarantine on either end of your trip.

If you happen to test positive while in Mexico, know that of the thousands that have been tested since January, only a miniscule amount have tested positive.

The reality is that there is very little Covid infection in the tourist sections. Sanitization is incredibly strict in the tourist zones. More strict that your town back home.

It has been that way since Baja opened up last year from lockdown.

The surge in Covid is in the inner-city areas where folks do not have the luxury of not working. There’s no unemployment or stimulus checks. If you don’t work, you and your family don’t eat.

Many people live in close quarters.

If you happen to test positive and show no symptoms, you simply take the test in two days. As soon as you test negative, you go home.

RULE: Beaches and Waterfronts are Closed

REALITY: Selective Closures

Where we live in La Paz, the main beaches and the waterfront get checked often and folks get chased off. As soon as the inspectors leave, folks go back onto the beach.

Down by the area of all the clubs and bars, it seems like business as usual, especially with locals. (Even with the limits on alcohol sales.)

In Cabo, I hear conflicting reports about the waterfront, but many tell me, it’s very much open in most cases. It’s not hardcore enforcement.

Others tell me there’s a noticeable lack of visitors and some operations are getting shut down.

Then again, there’s lots of beaches that no one can check because they are too remote. Where we are, everyone is flocking to the local islands to enjoy the beaches there. Pangas are doing a brisk traffic as water shuttles.

It’s just impossible to patrol several hundred miles of beaches.

Bottom line for all of this is that I don’t think it’s going to impinge much on your vacation.

UPDATE:

Since this article was published, there have been some changes! As anticipated, the government voted again.

Cabo San Lucas restrictions were reduced from a level 5 to a level 4.

La Paz and the rest of the states were kept at level 5.

However, strangely, it’s confusing because even though we here in La Paz are supposedly at Level 5:

Beaches were re-opened to 30% occupancy during the daytime hours
Restaurants were kept at 30% occupancy, but are now allowed to sell alcohol until 11 p.m.
The Malecon is open for “exercising” during day time hours.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-internation al.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

AM I MISSING SOMETHING?

Posted in airlines, bahia de los muertos, bahia de los suenos, Baja, Baja Fishing, Baja fishing lures, Baja Life, Baja Mexico Fishing, Baja Rockfish, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, camping, car, cerralvo, cerralvo island, charters, circle hooks, Coronavirus Baja Mexico, crankbait, deep sea, dorado, east cape, ecotourism, el nino, el sargento, espirito santo, family, farm-raised, first aid, fish, fish farming, fish pens, Fishing, fishing blogs, fishing hooks, Fishing lures, fishing packages, fishing reports, Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing tournaments, fishing trips, fishing videos, flyfishing, freediving, giant squid, Heat stroke, highway, holidays in mexico, inshore fishing, inshore fishing in Baja Mexico, jack crevalle, Jonathan Roldan, kids, kids fishing, La Paz, La Paz Fishing, la ventana, las arenas, light tackle, Living in Mexico, los barriles, luggage, marlin, Mexican, Mexican business, Mexican culture, mexican food, mexican food stands, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Mexico Christmas, Mexico coronavirus Baja, Mexico economy, Mexico life, Mexico neighborhood, midriff islands, outfitters, pack for a purpose, packages, packing, packing fish, panga, Panga Fishing, pargo, passport, planning, pompano, rentals, road trip, roosterfish, Salt Water Fishing, Salt water lures, San Jose del Cabo, saving money, Sea of Cortez, seafood, seri indians, sierra, speaking spanish, spearfishing, sportfishing, squid fishing, storms, taco, taco stand, Tailhunter International, techniques, testing facilities mexico airport, tiburon island, tourism, tours, transpeninsular highway, Travel, trolling tips, tuna, Tuna jackpot, Uncategorized, vacations, vehicle, wahoo, waterspouts, weather, Western Outdoor News, Western Outdoor Publications, women fishing, yellowtail, tagged amberjack, bahia, Baja Mexico, beaches, billfish, bonito, Cabo San Lucas, cabrilla, Cerralvo Island, charter, coronavirus in Mexico, deep sea, diving, dog-tooth, dorado, east cape, eco tours, espirito santo island, family, fish, Fishing, fishing report, Fishing Techniques, fishing tips, fishing video, fly fishing, fly fishing. Spearfishing, Fubar Cocina Cantina, gray whales, grey whales, guide, holiday, igfa, inshore, jack crevalle, jill roldan, Jonathan Roldan, kids, La Paz, las arenas, light tackle, live bait, los barriles, marlin, mexican, mexico, muertos bay, offshore, outfitter, package, panga, pargo, pompano, rooster fish, sailfish, scuba, sea lions, sea of cortez, seabass, sierra, snorkeling, sportfishing, suenos bay, swimming, tailhunter restaurant, tuna, vacation, wahoo, whale sharks, whale watching, women, world records, yellowtail on July 25, 2021| Leave a Comment »

Originally Published the Week of July 18, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

AM I MISSING SOMETHING?

I was sitting in our restaurant the other day here in La Paz. It’s kind of a big multi-story eatery over-looking the waterfront. Sometimes, it’s nice to bring my laptop upstairs to work.

I get some fresh breezes and sunshine. I get to people-watch all the goings-on downstairs on the beach. And I get to visit with folks a bit too.

It’s also difficult avoiding a bit of eaves-dropping and observing.

So, there’s one table over there with a family of five. Mom and dad. Three kids. Two girls and one boy. Maybe ranging from 12 (the girl) to 9 (the youngest boy).

No one is talking. At least not what I would call talking.

All of them, mom and dad included, are all on their cellphones. Tapping.

I think some of them are actually communicating with each other via text on their phones rather than just looking up and saying something to the other family member.

The only conversation I hear is a comment about what they are reading, but loud enough for the rest of the table to hear…and comment. If anyone else is interested.

Random comments just thrown out there like playing cards on the table…

“I simply CANNOT believe it, Shelly broke up with Lance over the phone.”

“Did you see where Danny and Elaine are finally engaged?”

“Wait, hold on, I’m streaming the NBA finals and the Bucks are down by two”

Even when the food arrived or when one of my servers asked them something, there was merely a perfunctory one or two-word response before getting back to whatever was no that tiny screen.

Tap…tap…tap…thumbs flying. Somehow mastered the ability to eat and type at the same time.

But who am I to judge, right? There musta been some really important critical communication going on at that table. (“Joes’ family gets to go to Hawaii next month!” “Our neighbors got a new dog!” )

There was another family next to them.

Family of four. One girl. One boy.

Ages 10-12…maybe. Honest. Hard to tell.

She kinda dressed like a boy…torn jeans…cropped hair…baseball hat. He was dressed in lanky stovepipe pants that were pastel-colored with and hot pink t-shirt.

Mom and dad were very nice and conversant when I visited the table to make sure everything was OK.

Kids…hmmmm…

Never took their sunglasses off. Oozing attitude. Bored. Disaffected.

“Why are we here when we could be somewhere else?” unsaid behind the smirks.

One of the boys said, “Can you turn down the music? It bothers me.”

Said what he said and I was “dismissed” to go turn down the Jimmy Buffet music I had in the background.

No “please” or “thank you.”

Yessireee…right on it, young master.

Parents not affected by the attitude.

They had a hard time finding something on the menu for the boys.

“Are your chicken wings as good as Buffalo Wild Wings? That’s our favorite and that’s the only place we eat them. “

“Do you have more things on the menu to choose from? Mostly, you have Mexican food and I don’t like tortillas. Or cheese. Or beans.”

They eventually ordered plain hot dogs on buns and had two orange soda floats each and pretty much ate in silence. Like they couldn’t wait to get out and why’d mom and and dad drag us out here?

Sunglasses never came off. One kid never took his ear plugs outta his ears.

Down the other end. Dad and two boys. Young teens. I wasn’t quite sure if both were his sons, but it might have been a son with a chum along on the trip.

I got the impression this was an absentee dad. Maybe a divorce? Out to take his son out on a trip. Some bonding time.

I heard him talking to them about maybe some beach time. How about a snorkel trip to swim with the sealions? Or maybe do some fishing or kayaking!

Hot dang! We’ll have a great time, boys! What d’ya say?

He was really excited and trying hard to sell the activities.

The boys…pasty-white complexions that never go outside…and stylishly-gelled hair…

Wanted to know where they could get massages and a manicure and pedicure. And if the hotel had NETFLIX.

Dad was a bit crestfallen. Understandably.

Am I missing something? I had to ask myself. What’s going on?

This kinda stuff is not uncommon from what I see…almost daily.

I don’t think I’m missing anything.

I think THEY are missing something. The kids AND the parents. On so many levels.

I wanted them to get excited about the view of the ocean or the sunset or even an “OOOooo”and “Ahhhh…” over a dumb plate of nachos. Or the anticipation of jumping in the water or going fishing.

But no.

Yea…there’s a lot missing these days.

Maybe it’s just me. I’m old and old school. Not hip enough.

My wife Jill says I’m “outdated” because I still use e-mail and all our grown kids use Instagram and Tik Tok and Twitter and Whatsapp and…and…and..

Can’t keep up with all those social platforms. I miss plain conversation with my own family. Obviously, these families don’t miss it at all.

Yup! Life has just passed me by. But, I haven’t missed much. Just eavesdropping and watching the tables.

And taking it all in. And thinking with a smirk of my own.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

______________

They also run their Tailhunter Restaurant Bar on the famous La Paz malecon waterfront. If you’d like to contact him directly, his e-mail is: jonathan@tailhunter.com

Or drop by the restaurant to say hi. It’s right on the La Paz waterfront!

_____________

Jonathan Roldan’s
Tailhunter International

Website:

www.tailhunter-international.com

Mexico Office: Tailhunter International, 755 Paseo Obregon, La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

U.S. Mailing Address: Tailhunter International, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #178, La Mesa CA 91942

Phones:
from USA : 626-638-3383
from Mexico: 044-612-14-17863
.

Tailhunter Weekly Fishing Report: http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.com/

Tailhunter YouTube Video Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLvdHL_p4-OAu3HfiVzW0g

“When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try.”

Read Full Post »

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¡Bienvenidos Amigos!
Jonathan has written for:

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Western Outdoor News Magazine
Pacific Coast Sportfishing
Discover Baja Magazine
Baja Life Magazine
The Log
Fish Taco Chronicles
Sportsman's Channel Magazine

His articles also appear in:

San Diego Union Newspaper
Los Angeles Times Newspaper
Sacramento Bee
San Francisco Chronicle
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Archive for the ‘waterspouts’ Category

PARTY LIKE IT’s 2019

PARTY LIKE IT’S 2019

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Originally Published the Week of Jan. 12, 2022 in Western Outdoor Publications

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Originally Published the Week of Dec. 13, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

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A BETTER MARGARITA

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Originally Published the Week of Nov. 22, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications

MY SMALL THINGS THEIR BIG THINGS

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CUTTING SOME SLACK

EPERANZA

ESPERANZA

WHAT THEY SAY and WHAT WE REALLY SEE

AM I MISSING SOMETHING?

AM I MISSING SOMETHING?

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