Turn Left at the Cactus – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Season 3 Episode 44: George Peters and Raceland

[This episode contains descriptions of an event which some listeners may find disturbing.]

Show Notes:

Dive into George's remarkable life story, from a childhood sparked by curiosity and innovation to his impactful career in the film industry and the adrenaline rush of off-road racing. Learn about his deep connection with San Felipe, his passion project 'Raceland', and his heroic response to a devastating bus accident. Tune in for an unforgettable journey of creativity, community, and unadulterated drive to fulfill a dream.

Key Points

• George's roots in innovation and mechanics

• From grip to Ultimate Arm in the film industry

• Origin of the camera platform/Ultimate Arm technology

• The thrill and community of San Felipe off-road racing

• George's response to a tragic bus accident

Best Quotes

07:54 - 08:06

• "It's the ultimate arm is a, is a camera platform. It's a stabilized inertial navigational camera platform that you can go over rough terrain, any down sidewalks or curbs or"

31:37 - 31:41

• "I didn't even think about it. I just, I, I got out, I started looking around to see who's the worst hurt."

43:22 - 43:29

• "I make images. I'm a cameraman. And I can't get the image out of my mind."

My special thanks to Linda Wiggins for agreeing to sit in as co-host on this podcast.

TO SUPPORT TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Face Book.

And, we wouldn't say no to a propina  (a tip) at: ⁠⁠http://www.ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus⁠⁠ ! Gracias!

If you, your organization, or, your business would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or--DM us via FB Messenger or What'sAp.

*We choose our sponsors very carefully. If you hear us talking about products or services it's because we have tried the product or service, and, can vouch for it.*

If your organization or business has an event that you’d like us to mention, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or--DM us via FB Messenger or What'sAp.

You can reach us at: cactusleft@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

Your Co-Hosts,

Cal & Tricia

*The views expressed by our guests may not necessarily be our own.*

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Turn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. This podcast has a primary focus of discovering what foreign nationals who live and work here--full or part time--find so attractive about the area, why they moved here, and what they think is deserving of more attention. However, we don't always stick to the script, so anything is possible.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and San Felipe life doesn't interfere. If you have a suggestion of someone you think should be interviewed, please email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com Please put: Suggested Guest in the Subject Line.

If you have announcements you’d like us to mention, email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com. We will do our best to get them on the show in a timely manner.

Producer/Audio Editor/Engineer/Co-Host: Calyn Whedbee 

Music Editor/ Co-Host: Tricia Sikes   

Show Notes:

Join us as Karen Hefner shares her voyage from the Pacific Northwest to “igniting spirits” in San Felipe. Dive into her fascinating world as a single mom, alternative healing and personal growth facilitator, traveler, and part-time resident discovering her sanctuary in Pete's Camp. Her story of trials, tribulations, and finding her frequency showcases the transformative power of community, healing, and the sea.

Key Points

• Karen's seeker story from SoCal to healer and a business: Igniting Spirit

• Pete's Camp: A place she calls home

• Alternative healing meets vibrant community

• Embracing and balancing local life and virtual healing

• Karen’s thoughts on the magic of San Felipe and its community

About Karen:

“Karen is an Usui/Tibetan, Holy Fire®, and Karuna Reiki Master, holds Master’s degrees in Science and in the Arts, a Doctoral degree in Shamanism, is certified as a Life Coach, an Angelic Guidance Counselor® and is a certified F.I.R.E.walk Facilitator. Her background also includes teaching ceremony and shamanic practices, and channeling the Mystery School teachings at LightSong School of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine.

Karen is a powerful creator and facilitator of ceremony: Firewalks, house/land blessings and clearings, setting grids, wedding ceremonies, and other unique and personal ceremonies. She is also a minister, cancer survivor, mother, and grandmother.

Deeply invested in the areas of healing and personal growth, Karen gently guides people toward their own innate health and happiness through education, ceremony, soul retrieval, extraction work, and Reiki. Karen’s intention is to assist clients and students in finding their soul’s path, their true self, their source of power and freedom. She offers this with deep gratitude to her teachers, spirit guides, and the native healers and communities who have been so generous with their teaching, healing, and ceremonies.” –web site, Igniting Spirit

To learn more about Karen karen@ignitingspirit.com and Igniting Spirit: https://www.ignitingspirit.com/

To support TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS podcast--

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Face Book.

And, we wouldn't say no to a propina  (a tip) at: ⁠⁠http://www.ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus⁠⁠ ! Gracias!

If you, your organization, or, your business would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or--DM us via FB Messenger or What'sAp.

*We choose our sponsors very carefully. If you hear us talking about products or services it's because we have tried the product or service, and, can vouch for it.*

If your organization or business has an event that you’d like us to mention, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or--DM us via FB Messenger or What'sAp.

You can reach us at: cactusleft@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

Your co-hosts,

Cal & Tricia

*The views expressed by our guests may not necessarily be our own.*

ABOUT

Turn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. This podcast has a primary focus of discovering what foreign nationals who live and work here--full or part time--find so attractive about the area, why they moved here, and what they think is deserving of more attention. However, we don't always stick to the script, so anything is possible.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and San Felipe life doesn't interfere. If you have a suggestion of someone you think should be interviewed, please email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com Please put: Suggested Guest in the Subject Line.

If you have announcements you’d like us to mention, email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com. We will do our best to get them on the show in a timely manner.

Producer/ Editor/Engineer/Co-Host: Calyn Whedbee      

Co-Host/Music Editor Tricia Sikes

Music created with open ai and created in house.

This narrative paints a vivid picture of an expatriate's immersive journey—navigating changes, embracing simplicity, advocating for sustainability, fostering connections, and appreciating the diverse tapestry of nationalities in the vibrant community of Mexico.

Show Notes:

Dive into Steve and Leslie's captivating journey from the Bay Area to San Felipe, where they stumbled upon a new home and a life dedicated to community service. From culturally rich beginnings to heartwarming charity work, this episode offers a profoundly personal glimpse into the lives of two expats transforming their slice of paradise by giving back. It's a tale of culture clashes, language barriers, and the unrelenting quest to make a difference.

Key Points

• Life shift from San Jose to San Felipe.

• Humorous airport incident upon arrival.

• The power of a simple Corona and community.

• Facing construction and language challenges.

• Deep dive into community aid efforts.

Our thanks to this episode's sponsors:

Author Marnie J. Ross. You can find her book, Death in the Baja: A San Amaro Mystery through Amazon.

Author Al Hague. You can find his book, A Marine's Daughter through Amazon.

To support us:

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Face Book.

And, we wouldn't say no to a propina at: ⁠http://www.ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus⁠ ! Gracias!

If you, your organization, or, your business would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or-DM us via Messenger or What'sAp.

*We choose our sponsors very carefully. If you hear us talking about products or services it's because we have tried the product or service, and, can vouch for it.*

You can reach us at: cactusleft@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

Your hosts,

Cal & Tricia

*The views expressed by our guests may not necessarily be our own.

ABOUT

Turn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. This podcast has a primary focus of discovering what foreign nationals who live and work here--full or part time--find so attractive about the area, why they moved here, and what they think is deserving of more attention. However, we don't always stick to the script, so anything is possible.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and San Felipe life doesn't interfere. If you have a suggestion of someone you think should be interviewed, please email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com Please put: Suggested Guest in the Subject Line. Thanks!

Producer/Engineer: Calyn Whedbee

Hosts: Calyn Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

Tales from San Felipe: Life, Laughter, and Lemonade: An interview with Christine Buffaloe

Summary

Dive into the dynamic journey of a Milwaukee native as she embraces San Felipe's vibrant culture, from trivia nights to desert walks to the Baja 250. Discover heartwarming stories, cultural hurdles, and the joy of making Mexico home. From trivia defeats to embracing Baja life, motorcycle experiences, and the charm of desert walks, this episode of our podcast is a whirlwind of laughs and lessons learned. Tune in for a heartwarming journey of resilience, community, and quirky anecdotes straight from the sunny shores of Mexico. 

Key Points

• Navigating life changes in San Felipe

• Importance of community and walking clubs

• Cultural adaptations and 'Mañana' challenges

• Trivia night and cheeky team names

• Milwaukee to San Felipe: A life story 

• The quintessential expat survival traits

• Street tacos to Baja 250: Local favorites

Best Quotes (times are estimated) 

03:01 - 03:13

• "I remember driving down here thinking, when is it gonna get pretty? When am I gonna see the palm trees? When is this gonna look like what you think of as Mexico as a vacation destination?" 

05:38 - 05:46

• "I started realizing that not only did I have to make the lemonade, I had to drink the lemonade and I had to love that lemonade."

05:56 - 06:10

• "I started seeing the beauty by looking at the mountains and seeing El Diablo going to the beach and not seeing crowds of people being able to enjoy something just to enjoy it."

07:00 - 07:10

• "I was sitting there feeling sorry for myself instead of being grateful for the fact that I had a nice house to live in. I had good friends. I had my health."

*******

Find on Facebook:       Christine Buffaloe      Los Caminantes (the Walkers) Baja Bound Insurance   Baja Bound Adventures   BajaBundos MC San Felipe BC Mexico   Bunk-a-Biker Mexico

*****

TO SUPPORT US

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Facebook.

And, we wouldn't say no to a propina at: ⁠http://www.ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus⁠ ! Gracias!

If you, your organization, or, your business would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or--DM us via Messenger.

*We choose our sponsors very carefully. If you hear us talking about products or services it's because we have tried the product or service, and, can vouch for it.*

You can reach us at: cactusleft@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

Your hosts,

Cal & Tricia

*The views expressed by our guests may not necessarily be our own.

ABOUT

Turn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. This podcast has a primary focus of discovering what foreign nationals who live and work here--full or part time--find so attractive about the area, why they moved here, and what they think is deserving of more attention. However, we don't always stick to the script, so anything is possible.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and San Felipe life doesn't interfere with post-production. If you have a suggestion of someone you think should be interviewed, please email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com Please put: Suggested Guest in the Subject Line. Thanks!

Producer/Engineer: Calyn Whedbee

Hosts: Calyn Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

Dive into Jeanie Young's inspiring tale as she takes us through her youth, global adventures, life modifications, and how her entrepreneurial spirit led to opening My Baja Nest in San Felipe, Mexico. This episode is a blend of personal memoir and business inception, seasoned with a taste of local culture.

Key Points

• My Baja Nest: Unique home goods
• Jeanie's global escapades in the '90s
• Her love for San Felipe's community
• Her favorite tacos and local hotspots 
• Embracing family and culture in Mexico
• The need for more ways to communicate events in the area

Find out more about MY BAJA NEST on Face Book.

Events Coming Up Soon:

• 4th Annual Arts and Crafts and Craft Beer Experience December 3rd at the San Felipe Brewery
• Holiday Concert at Mario's on December 4th.
• Parrot Head Meeting,Happy Hour(s), and Karaoke at Pete's Camp 3 pm 1st Monday of the month.

To support us:

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Face Book.

And, we wouldn't say no to a propina at: http://www.ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus ! Gracias!

If you, your organization, or, your business would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or--DM us via Messenger or What'sAp.

*We choose our sponsors very carefully. If you hear us talking about products or services it's because we have tried the product or service, and, can vouch for it.*

You can reach us at: cactusleft@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

Cal & Tricia

*The views expressed by our guests may not necessarily be our own.

Summary

This podcast explores the Parrot Head Club, a social club dedicated to promoting a laid-back lifestyle inspired by Jimmy Buffett's music. It discusses the annual Songwriters Festival, where talented artists come together to showcase original Trop Rock music and pay homage to Buffett's influence as a songwriter. The festival creates a sense of community and celebration of life through music.

Key Points

1. The San Felipe Parrot Head Club started in 2019 and quickly grew in membership before being temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. The Songwriters Festival evolved from the love for original music and was inspired by Jimmy Buffett's extensive catalog of songs.

3. The upcoming Songwriters by the Sea event brings together talented artists who write and perform Trop Rock music, sharing their stories and travels through their songs.

4. The festival includes a variety of musical genres, including trop rock.

5. This year, the festival decided to include local talent, recognizing the presence of talented songwriters in San Felipe.

6. The festival aims to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for both the artists and attendees, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for music. 

Songwriters by the Sea is a two-day event organized by Baja Parrot Head Club in San Felipe. November 10 & 11, 2023 Victors Palapa Bar

Summary

In this episode of "Turn Left at the Cactus," Warren Sundquist joins hosts Cal Whedbee and Tricia Sykes to delve into their shared experiences in San Felipe, El Dorado Ranch, and the off-roading community. They discuss topics such as building straw bale homes, the love of solar energy, volunteer organizations, two-way radio communication during desert runs, the use of Starlink for internet, the impact of hurricanes, changes in the area since the late 1990s, and a surprise visit to Warren's place from local authorities during a gathering of friends and neighbors.

ABOUT

Turn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. This podcast is produced by Calyn Whedbee and co-hosted by Calyn and Tricia Sikes. We dropped our first podcast in the summer of 2022. And, honestly, given the demographic we are working with, had absolutely no idea whether any of it would fly. And, honestly, still don’t know.  To our amusement and surprise, however, our listening base is growing --“poco a poco.”    

The primary focus of Turn Left is discovering what foreign nationals,who live and work here--full or part time--find so attractive about the area; why they moved here; and, what they think is deserving of more attention. However, we don't always stick to the script, so virtually anything is possible.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and get them into post-production.  Given that we are retired, and that this is … to use the cliché…a labor of love….AND, that life in SF tends to pull in lots of different directions….we have opted out of a specific time schedule. We “drop” when we can. If you join the group on Facebook, however, you’ll always be the first to get the latest episode.

To support us:

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Face Book.

And, we wouldn't say no to a propina at: ⁠http://www.ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus⁠ ! Gracias!

If you, your organization, or, your business would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at cactusleft@gmail.com.--or--DM us via Messenger or What'sAp.

*We choose our sponsors very carefully. If you hear us talking about products or services it's because we have tried the product or service, and, can vouch for it.*

You can reach us at: cactusleft@gmail.com

Thanks for your support!

Your hosts,

Cal & Tricia

*The views expressed by our guests may not necessarily be our own.

Producer: Calyn Whedbee

Hosts: Calyn Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

Series by the Sea: A Community Baseball Fundraiser in San Felipe/A Conversation with Elena Enzweiler

Summary

This transcript highlights the upcoming community fundraiser, Series by the Sea, which aims to foster unity between foreign nationals and Mexican nationals in San Felipe through a softball game. The funds raised will support baseball and softball leagues for both youth and adults in the area. This event is coming up on November 12.

ABOUT

Listen as we chat with residents of the San Felipe, Baja, Mexico area why they came here, why they stay (or, return as snowbirds), and things which they feel should be better known about our area. Our conversations range from interesting places around town and people worth knowing about to stories, experiences and ideas about the area. In the process, we share information about local events, businesses, organizations ---as well as useful and totally useless information. If you want to continue getting to know the many voices of the San Felipe area, please subscribe to our channel and leave us a comment. You can also follow us on Face Book. Email: cactusleft@gmail.com Buy us a beer or a Margarita at https://ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus Thanks! And, gracias por su preferencia!

In this interview, hosts, Cal Whedbee and Tricia Sikes discuss the early playing of Christmas music in October and the involvement of a renowned violinist, José Tovar. The conversation then shifts to their upcoming guest, Al Hague, an ex-Marine and published author, who has become a supporter of José's Young Musician's program. It is revealed that Al is sponsoring a Christmas concert in October, and the proceeds will support the program. The hosts are curious about the reasoning behind this event and decide to explore it further during their interview with Al.

Al, a Marine Corps veteran, shares his experiences and discusses his book "A Marine's Daughter," and emphasizes the challenges veterans face after returning home. He also highlights the importance of understanding and supporting veterans, along with his personal experiences in San Felipe.

Al delves into the challenges faced by expats living in San Felipe: the financial difficulties, and the slower pace of life. However, he also emphasizes the sense of community, security, and cultural richness found in San Felipe. He discusses the challenges of solving social issues and the importance of self-sustainability; the importance of doing thorough research and homework before moving to San Felipe; and, his appreciation for the people and culture of San Felipe, particularly their celebratory nature and love of children. Furthermore, he highlights the charitable work, musical talent, and upcoming events in the town.

ABOUT

Turn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. This podcast is produced by Calyn Whedbee and co-hosted by Calyn and Tricia Sikes. We dropped our first podcast in the summer of 2022. And, honestly, given the demographic we are working with, had absolutely no idea whether any of it would fly. And, honestly, still don’t know.  To our amusement and surprise, however, our listening base is growing --“poco a poco.”    

The primary focus of Turn Left is discovering what foreign nationals,who live and work here--full or part time--find so attractive about the area; why they moved here; and, what they think is deserving of more attention. However, we don't always stick to the script, so virtually anything is possible.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and get them into postproduction.  Given that we are retired, and that this is … to use the cliché…a labor of love….AND, that life in SF tends to pull in lots of different directions….we have opted out of a specific time schedule. We “drop” when we can. If you join the group on Facebook, however, you’ll always be the first to get the latest episode.

The views expressed by our guests may not always be those of the hosts. However, it doesn't matter, we want to hear those views anyway.

If you are loving learning more about the many voices that make up our San Felipe community, please subscribe to our podcast and give us a LIKE on Spotify or Apple.   You can make us really experience "no bad days" if you buy us a beer at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus⁠.

 MOST IMPORTANTLY please share us with your friends!

If your business or organization would like to become a sponsor of an episode, please message us or email us: ⁠cactusleft@gmail.com⁠.  You write the promotional material or we can do it for you.  Either way, we will make sure your message gets out there. There is only one caveat to this offer.  Any sponsorships we accept must be from businesses or organizations with whom we have had good personal relations and whose services we can vouch for.

If there is someone special in the community that you feel deserves a shout out on Turn Left at the Cactus, please email: cactusleft@gmail.com Put: SHOUT OUT in the subject line, give us their name and what wonderful they’ve done.  We will be sure to recognize them on our next episode.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Remember to Turn Left at the Cactus ....for NO BAD DAYS!

Cal & Tricia