The following readings are journal entries from a NOLS Semester in Mexico that I was a member of. The entries were written by the students and instructors. I've not edited the entries in any way, however, I will apologize now to my expedition members if I have not copied exactly your words as you wrote them. You are all wonderful writers but some of you are not so good with handwriting. If you do find an error, post a comment with the correction, and I'll fix it.
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- 12 Feb 2006 - I LOVE AMERICA!
"Chente, what do you think of Norte America?"
"Victor, in America you have everything, and everything is better. The trucks are better, the horses are better, everything is just better."
Listening to Chente speak lovingly about a country I spend most of my time away from reminds me of something my mother once said. She said that giving birth to her children in the United States of America was the greatest gift that she ever gave us. Mom was right. Sure there is much to complain about. Urban sprawl, gridlock, smog, the CIA, the FBI, George W. The list is long, no doubt about it. Yet people line our borders whose greatest dream is to have what I have. What you have. What we share. What is it that we share? Opportunity. The opportunity to be, to do, to go where we want.
Is America perfect. Absolutely not! Is America the freest country in the world? Debatable. What is not debatable is that never in history has there ever existed a land like ours. The land of opportunity.
Today listening to Tio Milongo talk about his life I was struck by how often he used the word battle to describe it. My life in America has never been a battle. It has been a blessing. So say what you want, but I LOVE AMERICA! Even if from the outside in.
Vic 
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The following is a list of 12 steps that were asked of all of us in order that we would take home the maximum benefit from our time in the field.
- Semester in Mexico 2006 - Here is a list of some expectations, goals and themes that we can work toward on our course so as to have the best possible semester. These are just ideas t get us started thinking: we can revise, add, drop as a group throughout the semester.
I've not spell checked or edited the entries
1. Take of ourselves and the group. Stay healthy emotionally and physically. Be supportive of one another. Create a positive learning environment where we feel free to make mistakes, take chances, and learn from our experiences.
2. Develop awareness about the environment and communities we travel through. Learn to understand
your surroundings and develop appreciation and respect for the wilderness.
3. Take appropriate risks and try new things: hike up a steep ridge, take the helm in challenging waves, befriend someone who is different from you. The things you will remember most about your semester will be the moments you stepped out of your comfort zone.
4. Reflect as you go. Think about what you are experiencing, enjoy the silence, notice the small stuff. Get creative and have fun contributing to the group journal, as well as keeping your own, personal journal. You'll be amazed at how quickly this time will go by.
5. LAUGH A LOT!!! Everyday, all the time, at yourself, each other! Life is good!
6. Be on time and organized. Know how your equipment works and take good care of it - we depend on it for our safety! Knowing where things are and being efficient gives you more time for enriching experiences instead of hunting down a lost spoon or sock. Be detail oriented.
7. Take advantage of leadership opportunities, both big and small. This is a perfect time to gain confidence leading others and to feel the rewards of being trusted by your peers.
8. Resolve conflicts/problems as soon as they arise. The overall success of our expedition depends on effective communication withing our group. Be open, honest, sincere and let people know how you are feeling.
9. Be responsible for your own experience. You have the power to have an amazing time during this semester. Take initiative to get what you want out of this course.
10. Give our best. That's what counts - "I'll try" beats "I can't" every time.
11. Live in the present.
12. HAVE, FUN!!!
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- 4 Feb 2006 - Were almost to 24 hours in the field. It feels like a bit more, but that's how these first day go. Things will be flying by soon enough. Already we know who has soft ears, and who snores. Oh wait, that's all Joey.
We've gotten a taste of what the month will be like. Now we get to see how it unfolds.
We've all come here alone, leaving behind family, friends, beds, in exchange for something we saw in a now distant NOLS catalog. But soon (or already) we won't be alone. We will be living with each other so closely we will know when someone needs to sleep, eat, even poop. And we will see each other learning, leading, and making mistakes. I am excited to live with an incredible group of people and I am excited to live with natures rhythms and become in tune with them. Now I am excited to have a flat place to go to sleep. Buenas noches todos.
Dougie Fresh
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- 5 Feb 2006 - Today was a day to test and adjust ... our packs, our boots, how much weight we are carrying. Most importantly the mindset we need to carry a big sack up a big hill and still be able to enjoy where we are and what we are doing. Some of us will take longer than others to get to that place, but one of the measures of success to the trip is that we all get there.
I can already tell that despite packing water, being high on the Mesa's will be a treat. Cooler in the day, warmer at night, and wonderful views in all directions. I am constantly astounded by this place, and am very thankful that we are still at the beginning.
Chavez
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- 7 Feb 2006 - With each step taking us deeper into the mountains my sense of time has begun to warp. I am torn between losing myself in all that surrounds and attempting to correctly set the day and date on my watch in order to keep with me a small connection to the reality I have always known.
As with many of the questions I have recently pondered it is hard for me to say which is best. Of course there is no right or wrong for me or anyone else, but discerning such answers and sticking to intentions seems invaluable in such a situation. 
It makes me, for a lack of a better word, happy, to think how excited we all are to be here and how willing to allow our perspective to grow. Such thoughts and questions of what being here means to us and their eventual answers seems little return for all that the rugged enormity is providing us, but it is certainly the least we can do.
I feel incredibly lucky to be here, glad to have already gotten to know so many people and as Chavez concluded thankful there is so much time to go. And from observation, I think that goes for all you too.
Nathalie
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- 8 Feb 2006 - When I first thought of this section, backpacking in the desert, I never really gave it much thought. I thought of the desert as being rather barren and desolate, consisting of a uniform landscape of a few cacti and lots of rocks. Over the last couple of days, today especially I've seen 
drastic changes in the environment such as the scorpions my first day, palm trees and agave yesterday, barrel cacti and tons of various trees and leaves scattering the terrain. It reminds me of the saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." Simple words or a summary can't do justice to the majestic beauty surrounding us here. We ought to cherish our time here and live in the moment instead of getting wrapped up in the worrying about the future or past events.
Chris
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- 10 Feb 2006 - Two paths diverge in this dusty world and sorry we could not travel both and be six travelers, long we stood and looked down as far as we could to where it bent in the cacti.
Then took the other, in cacti avoidance, but often to our dismay, was redirected into the thorny abyss.
Scraped and torn we six trudged on seeking for water and shade to sit upon. Hours pass but only the trail gets steeper. Tired and sore and often hungry these travelers made way to the hidden oasis where water was mapped to lie, but to our dismay only larvae and much algae were found. Few switchbacks, few falling rocks and alas cows were found, quenching the desire for watering hole.
Packs on, trek on, up the mountain we go, beautiful scenery igniting the desire to walk another step. Soon the top is met and the setting so beautiful, we rest.
Only in Mexico would six travelers set out through thorns and elevation to see such a sight.
Three cheers for Mexico.
Jen
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- 11 Feb 2006 - I need to worry about my dog getting into the kitchen and going through my pantry. I spend about half an hour of my day locking doors, making sure that cabinets were shut, and pushing food to the center of the table, out of the dog's reach. At one point, I put a drill through a sliding door and stuck a spoon through it to keep the beagle from scratching through. My life is full of little things like this. Little worries and tasks take up space in my mind and eat up my time.
Human complications and human constructions dominate my landscape.
Baja has offered a new perspective. Our greatest critics, our most disastrous conflicts and our complicated relationships, are just a bubble on the crust of something older and more substantial than any of our proudest creations.
These mountains have survived every civilization. That Moon has risen every I've had a fight with my girlfriend. My problems are small and passing in an infinite rock solid world.
One day I'll go bankrupt; one day I'll get a divorce. One day my daughter will bring home a bad report card and one day the dog is going to eat my entire kitchen. That same night the stars will shine over Baja like they have the last millions of nights, and I hope I remember that and realize that no problem is ever truly monumental.
Author ????
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- 13 Feb 2006 - I sit here with my Nalgene of horchata, desert, another comfort of home that I am having to substitute or live completely without, and I am totally enjoying it immensely, even with the salt and sugar combined.
I made another connection to home earlier today by blaming the seemingly dragging quality of the morning and my mental state on it being Monday today. It's just a coincidence of course, I know by my lack of knowing the date and time and that I only found out what day of the week it was yesterday that
the days of the week don't translate to out here, but we certainly had sort of a weekend yesterday. It seemed to be such a magical carefree last couple of days filled with fresh fruit, generosity, tortillas, an epic goat feast and birthday cake.
Back to work today, or so it seemed, but once we got over that first ridge I started to enjoy the feeling of my muscles working hard, my heart rate going and the sweat wetting just about every part of my body. There is definitely something exhilarating and totally satisfying about working hard, and I especially felt it as I realized how satisfying it is to carry your water for the next day on your back for a good distance. Besides I really decided to come here because I thought it would push my limits more than I would ever staying at home where I end up falling into my comforts. The Monday vibes had worn off as I set my pack down and began cooking, I had just finished a good days work and food had never tasted so wonderful, except for maybe that goat feast. But both where entirely different experiences that would never be a part of my life had I not chose to come here and push myself and learn. And even though I often imagine the desserts I could be eating all day long, they will be there when I get home, and I'm having an awesome time here!
Author????
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- 14 Feb 2006 - I am hungry. My stomach is constantly moaning for more food and nourishment. All I want to have is the feeling of satisfaction or fulfillment again. These are just a few of the many emotions that run through my head each day. And I'm pretty sure everyone else is going through the same things. I guess I never realized how important food really is. It is what keeps us going, it feeds the machine. 
Without food or water we are non-existent. I have selfishly taken food for granted and have not respected it as much as I probably should. I am so used to getting some cash and running down to the local deli and getting a large Italian sausage sub with extra cheese, a strawberry sundae, and a big can of Arizona ice tea. Not being able to have as much food as I want has greatly affected my views. Now that I know the true importance of produce I feel the need to help other people and other countries that suffer from food.
Gregg
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- 15 Feb 2006 - As we sit here waiting for our re-ration, I've been contemplating the good that I've been taking out of this course and I've decided I believe in two worlds. One full of cell phones, television and a mold of the way people should be. The other one far away from cities covered with 
mountains and trees untouched by man made machines and self-centered ideas. Both worlds have their pros and cons ups and downs and as everyday passes that I am out here in the world away from man made machines I discover a part of me that is no longer masked by someone Else's ideas or what TV tells me every time I leave the wilderness. I realize I must return in order to rediscover who I am and to become more of the person I want to be and I am glad all of you will be the group to do it with me and as every day passes I hope to share the part of me that I'm just discovering with all of you.
Lauren
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- 16 Feb 2006 - My initial impression of NOLS semester in Baja was of sacrifice and leaving my views behind. Over the past couple weeks I have found that vision to be true. We have all left behind our vain comforts; the things at home that bring us simple joy. From warm bed to clean shirt 
we all sacrificed our simple pleasures for something greater. I expected this sacrifice would wear me down, that without all my vices; these days of scarcity and the fact that I would be physically exhausted from the activities of the various sections, I would go through a mental breakdown. This breakdown never came, though, after two weeks the pressure that came from "home withdrawal" just made me stronger as it came to it's peak and began to drain out. I don't know whether I'm creating Zen or if my ching, my life essence is stronger, but I have come to to feel more at home. And without things I have craved; my soft bed, a shower, the feel of clean cotton, and the taste of cigarettes smoke have been forgotten. I can wake up with a smile without lighting a cigarette and can fall asleep without over eating. These needs have been replaced with the need to reach the next ridge, to reach the next saddle, and to get to the best view. NOLS has showed me new comforts and new highs, and these are reward for the sacrifice I had expected.
Devin
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- Feb 2006 - Fierce Climb
Pounding out the sweat
Coming close to my first heart attack
But I made it without a donkey as a pet
With goat in my stomach
I'm not even thinking about hummus
It was a fierce climb
Getting to the top
It was a fierce climb
But we will still climb without a stop
- A View From The Top
A view from the top
After my ears go pop
I hike the climb
That didn't ruin my spine
We made it together
As a team or a whole
Without a balance beam or a fall
Kevin
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- Feb 2006 -
Today was our last hike. I looked around and realized I might never make a journey through Baja again. I have tried to soak up as much as possible these last 25 days, usually thinking I'd never see what I was seeing again. Baja's vistas and arroyo's have been permanently etched in my memory. The stunning beauty of this environment is only a piece of what I have enjoyed.
Seeing the Ranchero lifestyle has kindled a romanticism of the wild west. Sitting on horses all day, taking in the beauty of the desert, and adventuring for a lifetime. I know the reality is more severe, but it still saddens me to think the last of the true cowboys have bigger worries than even water. Like their land being taken away. In the end I think the Rancheros are to good at surviving, and burdening hardship to lose their land.
I will miss the singing of our guides, but I look forward to continuing my once-in-a-lifetime journey through Baja with this group.
Author ????
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- 22 Feb 2006 -
As I stand in a saddle between two peaks, admiring the beautiful vista I think, man I love the desert, but when we start hiking down the other side, rocks falling out from under my feet, my knee almost buckling and tearing at least once a day, I think god, I hate the desert. I ask myself, would I ever do this again? No! Well, yes, but on a horse. 
I'm not complaining though, I'm just setting a stage, a stage for which I will tell you why it's worth the pain, or the risk of injury followed by an attempt to convince the I team I don't need an evac and to leave me at a ranch until the sailing section. (I just sat on a thorn, I hate thorns.) It's still worth it for the people. The people on this trip, and to see the people at the ranches. We walk through and think how cute these places are, but for them we are something out of the ordinary. It is for the magical feeling of walking through an orange orchard only 1/2 hour after the ground started spinning from dehydration and most of all I do it for you, because the effort one puts in is what makes the trip worth it for the person sitting next to you.
Greg
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- Feb 2006 -
Almost a month ago our group first sat together in the circle were sitting in now. In the pagoda I shared with you my reasons, my quirks, and among other things my fears, all so abridged that I can't begin to imagine who you thought I was. At this time I started to do what I'm willing to bet almost all of you did, which was to pretty much invent a personality for each group member. But I never let myself forget that these inventions would soon be replaced and should therefore not be taken all that seriously. Not knowing you guys to well, I was reminded by that skeptical, world-weary voice inside me that I should take things I hear from people with a grain of salt. So when we first began to write in the group journal I found myself listening to each entry much like I would explicate the writing of some stranger poet. This isn't to say I couldn't appreciate an enlightened thought or something straight from the heart, but nevertheless I think it's different now. So feel free to take all this with a grain of salt, but for me, feeling like I actually know you guys who made every journal entry and every conversation more meaningful than ever.
Author????
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- 24 Feb 2006 -
As our hiking section comes to an end, I find myself thinking about the culture we have immersed ourselves in. Towards the end of our SGE, Jose Andres took Doug and I to pick lima's. As he passed Doug and I fruit until we had stuffed every pocket we had, I noticed his hands. They are rough, callused, and hardened through 54 years as a ranchero.
Standing under those trees I decided Chacho's hands are an excellent reflection of the culture that sculpted them; rugged, yet giving. I often wonder what would I do if 18 random Mexicans showed up at my house and asked to sleep in my yard. I'd like to think I'd be welcoming, but I know before this trip I probably would have told them to go away. It's nice to think that there is still a place where no one has been to a mall, or a McDonald's, or a Starbucks, and for a while, even just 24 days, we were able to live and travel among them.
Evan
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I'll close the Expedition Journal with a thanks to everyone that contributed to the making of it. You spoke from the heart and that heart beat is reflected in your words. Thank you.
P.s. An apology to Anna for not including your entry in this journal, but the copy I have came out poorly and any attempt by me to piece together your entry would not capture the spirit of your words. If you will include it in the comments section of this post I will add it to the journal.
Also those of you that have read this post will have noticed that not all the entries where given author credits. That is due to not all of you having signed your entries. To get credit for your words just write a comment and tell me which entry is yours and I will update the journal.
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