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

Summary

Al Hague and Nicole Cougher discuss the upcoming Jose Tovar Christmas concert aimed at raising funds for the Youth Academy for Young Soloists in San Felipe. The concert will showcase performances by Jose Tovar, Augustine Andre, and Jamie Jose Aguire across various music genres. Al and Nicole emphasize the significance of live music and the importance of supporting young aspiring musicians. Nicole also speaks to the community's need for a senior care center.

Key Points

* The concert will feature performances by Jose Tovar, Augustine Andre, and Jamie Jose Aguire, showcasing a range of musical styles  

* The academy not only teaches music but also instills important life skills like persistence, perseverance, and respect.

* The concert will offer a unique experience with music that differs from what people hear at other venues.

* For more information and tickets: Al Hague, Nicole Cougher, Mario’s Steakhouse, The Chateau, Cafecito Lindo, Sun Runner Mail.

* Mama Martha's Care Center provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals seeking support.

* The center is owned by Marisol, who also owns the restaurant Mama Martha's.

* The center offers the opportunity to visit and experience the services they provide. Contact Nicole Cougher for more information.

This is the second in a 2 part, end of summer Fork in the Road outlining a few upcoming events and a bit of local news for September, October, and November of 2023.

If you are enjoying this podcast, please give us a llke and take a moment to let us know in the comments. You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify and follow us on Face Book.

SHOW NOTES:

Building in EDR: Rules, Tips, & TRC Insights with Ron Enzweiler

Join Tricia and I as we chat with Ron Enzweiler, civil engineer and EDR Technical Review Committee member, unpacking the sometimes-confusing world of Homeowners Associations and the Technical Review Committees. We look at the guidelines, responsibilities, and homeowner tips for ensuring a harmonious community here on The Ranch. From building a house to selecting paint colors, Ron demystifies the process with insider knowledge.

Some of the things we talk about:

• Ron explains HOAs and TRC roles

• Insights into EDR's building & design codes

• Tips for navigating contractor relationships

• The significance of following community covenants

• Modern vs. classic architectural designs in EDR

We hope you enjoy and find the information useful! To learn more about the El Dorado Ranch home owner community, visit their website at:

http://www.eldoradoranchhoa.com.mx

To support TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS podcast

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Face Book. And, share us with your friends!

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 produced 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 also talk with Mexican locals about cultural differences and what we can do to better integrate ourselves into the community.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and San Felipe personal 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/Audio Editor/Engineer: Cal Whedbee

Hosts: Cal Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

This special September edition is one of a series of experiments to see if the community of San Felipe is interested in a weekly news & information edition of the podcast. If it resonates with you, and you find it useful...or, interesting, and, would like to see us continue, please let us know by answering our questionnaire or sending us a message either through cactusleft@gmail.com. or, through our Facebook page.

If you have information or news you'd like to see us include in next week's edition....please send it to our email address and include the following in the subject line: Include in Next Podcast. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS!

In this, our final episode for Season 1 (We will be back with Season 2 in October)-- Tricia and Cal are joined by Marnie Ross and Linda Wiggins for a relaxed, informal conversation looking back over the year and sharing thoughts, feelings, and stories about everything from moving to San Felipe to experiences with getting around town. It was an opportunity to be silly and serious as we discussed stop signs, restaurants, water resources, bars, local bands, and a host of other topics. We sincerely hope you will have as much fun listening to this podcast as we had producing it. So, as Wigs suggests.... make a Margarita, open a beer, serve yourself some tea, or pour a mug of coffee and pull up a chair and have yourself a listen in on the cast and crew of Turn Left at the Cactus. And, stay tuned for a great line-up of guests for next season....as well as a few brand new twists and turns in the format.;-) Whatever you do....stay cool...and don't forget to Turn Left at the Cactus....for NO BAD DAYS!

In Episode 13 we were introduced we were introduced to Chris Steger. Chris is from Phoenix, Arizona. He served several tours of duty in the U.S. Navy before making a career in the field of fiber optics. He has been coming to San Felipe since 2005. Although he still has a few more years to go before retirement, he has chosen to make San Felipe his home base even though he continues to work in the United States. One of his passions is brewing beer and when he's in town, you can catch him down at the San Felipe Brewing Company on Tuesday Brew Day. When he first came to San Felipe, he worked as part of the El Dorado Ranch real estate sales team.

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

An American citizen, born in Spain, Elena has traveled all over the world. But, in the end, she and her husband, Ron, chose San Felipe as their home. She has coming to Mexico and the Baja for several decades. She is a staunch believer of becoming involved in the local community and reaching out to neighbors and community members. She is an active member of the local Lion's Club and a fundraising women's group known as the "Tequila Pigs." She is particularly interested in organizing and fundraising around issues such as breast cancer and local, affordable health care. Recently she was named "Embajadora" for the foreign national community and will spend the year working as the liason between the foreign national communities and the Mexican community. She also helps out with the Blues and Arts Festival. This year her big project is organizing a fundraising baseball series entitled, "Baseball by the Sea," whereby she hopes to create further alliances between foreign nationals, Mexican nationals and local businesses and organizations. Elena brings enthusiasm and great insights into what is happening with many of the health oriented fundraising groups.

If you are enjoying hearing from the many voices of San Felipe, please subscribe to our podcast, follow us on Face Book, and give us a LIKE and a comment. You can also join us at the Margarita Bar by going to ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus. ;-) Thanks for your support. Thanks for listening. And, remember to TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS.....for no bad days!

8The opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the hosts.

Before turning left at the cactus, here’s another “Fork in the Road.” 

This Fork is lead by Yvonne Armour.  This is a preview of what Yvonne shared with me.

In 2019 the first aqua therapy was held with disabled students at the community pool, located in town.  This was a deep pool and had very limited access in and out. Several students learned to swim and it was a great program!

However we realized it wasn’t a long term option at this location.

My girl friend Elizabeth Sainez and family owned the building in town. It was going to be for video arcade games and a bumper boat Pool.

When the economy crashed so did that dream. But they very much wanted it to still benefit the community.

2020 refurbishing started on the bumper boat pool, located at the Nino De Arena building. This was a one depth pool that was large enough to safely host aqua therapy. New pumps, filters, wiring, painting... The list of improvements is long.  Lots of people stepped up as sponsors and labor volunteers to accomplish the refurbishing of this pool.

The program provides a safe place for disabled students and their families to enjoy water.

Lots of donations from businesses and private pockets have been received. This includes financial funding, pump equipment, chlorine, swimsuits, towels and new equipment.

THANK YOU to ALL sponsors for making this program work.

Aquaventures swim Centre with Sharron Crowley

San Felipe Solar & electric

Schmitty Pools

Second chance resale

Sunrunner mailbox

San Felipe Brewery company

Rotary club of San Felipe

Lions club of San Felipe

DIDAF- Cristian Lara & Sergio Gonzalez Perez

Government of San Felipe

Brotherhood MC

Desert Adventure Tours

Dozen+ of volunteers

Staff from the CAM School

Families & their students

HJD Construction- Javier Dagnino

Private donors

Yessica Calderon- local woman from San Felipe. Physical therapist working with students. (Diosa Mexa’s on FB)

You'll see and hear a great number of physical volunteers, that make this program a success. All we can say is THANK YOU!

2021 was the first year aqua therapy was held at the Nino De Arena pool. Lots of great volunteers and students showed up to make it a success!

2022- more modifications have been done to the pool and the pool opened for the programs fourth!

Check the FB weekly during June/July/August and September for new photos in the photo album 2023 as the program continues to grow.

To find out more about the Aqua Therapy Program, you can find them on Facebook, or, DM Yvonne.

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.  This is a labor of love, so we have opted out of a specific time schedule. We “drop” when we can.

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!

Cal & Tricia

Meet Angela, a fresh voice sharing her cross-border journey!

Angela represents one of the younger members of our ex-pat community in San Felipe. She's from the East Coast by way of Portland, Oregon and has been living in San Felipe about 2 years. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, she's a full timer and a dog lover. In this episode, she discusses why she thinks we are seeing an influx of younger people to the area; safety issues; and her work with local dog rescue and assistance organizations. She also talks about her work; establishing friendships; learning Spanish; the South Campos; and, her take on music and dancing in the area. Join us a fun discussion, as well as an opportunity to meet and get to know yet another voice in our community.

Key Points

• Expats find a sense of belonging

• San Felipe's unexpected safety and vibrancy

• Remote work beckons the younger crowd

• Expat life blends fun with community service

• The local culture enriches expatriate experiences

Dive into the sun-baked tales of San Felipe expats. Join us on 'Turn Left at the Cactus' as we uncover heartfelt stories of community spirit, culture, and the embrace of a new homeland by foreigners.

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.

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: Calyn Whedbee

Hosts: Calyn Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

It you’ve ever driven the Hwy between Palm Springs and San Felipe you will have passed a very large body of water called the Salton Sea.  And, I wonder if you have wondered, as I have, about its history and its future.

 In this Podcast, Tricia and Cal will be talking to a local San Felipe Resident who is quite an expert on this.  Listen and learn about the Salton Sea’s fascinating history and its future.

 From the once, resort and recreation destination, where Sonny Bono used to water ski, and what was once a refuge to many, many migratory birds that stopped and rested on their journey’s North and South; we’ve watch the water level drop and the saline level increase.  Wildlife can no longer survive in its current environment and recreation and fishing have disappeared.

 What does the future hold, will it be rescued or will it go back to its natural state?  Listen, as Ron Enzweiler share’s his expertise and first hand knowledge of the Salton Sea and the Imperial Irrigation District.  There may be a bright future ahead for the Salton Sea that involves supporting our transition to Electric Vehicles.  The Salton Sea may be a ‘gold mine’ of sorts, in natural resources that can be used to support our future.

About Ron.

Ron is an MIT graduate with an MBA in Engineering. He is also a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He has worked as a project developer and water resource manager at the private, state, and federal levels both in the United States and abroad. Beginning in 2004 he served as the Executive Director of the Salton Sea Authority. He also acted as the Infrastructure Advisor with A.I.D. in Afghanistan before retiring. He is the author of many articles dealing with United State foreign policies.

If you are enjoying our podcast, we would sure appreciate knowing about it! Please leave us a like on our FB page, on Spotify or Apple. And, even better, subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast channel! This is a labor of love for us. However, if you REALLY want to encourage us to continue, please BUY US A MARGARITA! (or, BEER, or SHOT!) You have NO idea how much THAT would be appreciated. Just click on the link below to BUY US A MARGARITA!

https://ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus

THANKS for listening!! ;-)

The History and Future of the Salton Sea: A Forgotten Refuge

Summary

This transcript explores the decline of the Salton Sea, once a popular resort and haven for migratory birds. It delves into the challenges faced in sustaining its ecosystem, including water scarcity, disputes over water rights, and political influences. The conversation also delves into the future potential of the Salton Sea as a source of natural resources for supporting the transition to electric vehicles.

Key Points

1. The construction of the Hoover Dam and the All-American Canal affected the flow of water into the Salton Sea.

2. Water scarcity in urban development: As cities expanded along the Colorado River, water resources became scarcer, leading to over appropriation and disputes over water rights.

3. The area around the Salton Sea is being developed for photovoltaic electrical fields, providing jobs but not solving the water problem.

4. Geothermal power plants exist on the southeast side of the Salton Sea, creating 400 megawatts of electricity.

5.The use of lithium batteries can help self-supply the battery resources for the American electric vehicle fleet.

6.. Innovative methods are needed to capture runoff water from the delta without harming endangered species.

7. The oversubscribed water rights system and water use in the Colorado River water system need to be addressed.

*The opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the producer or the host.

In this episode, Tricia and I were treated to a morning with Dave and Nicole' Cougher at their beautiful house and gardens in El Dorado Ranch, north of San Felipe. These two came down to San Felipe in the early 2000s, immediately fell in love with the area, and began planning and constructing their retirement home. They are a tight knit family with strong ties to their children. They successfully home schooled their youngest son in San Felipe. In addition to becoming big aficionados of off-road racing, they have participated in the SCORE Baja 250-- and won their division. They are extremely public service oriented and have done much to develop ties between the foreign and Mexican national populations of our community. Dave is soon to become the first foreigner to be granted Mexican citizenship in the newly established Municipality of San Felipe. They are extremely gracious hosts--Where else would you get a breakfast treat and mezcal at 10:30 in the morning? We hope you will have as much fun hearing their stories as Tricia and I did.

Cal Whedbee

If you enjoyed this podcast, the best way to show your appreciation is to leave us a comment or a LIKE either on FaceBook or on your favorite podcast channel.

We are always looking for suggestions of people from the San Felipe area to interview and ideas for the "fork in the road." Please send any suggestions or comments you may have to: cactusleft@gmail.com.

Building a Life in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico: A Conversation with Nicole and Dave Cougher

Summary

In this episode of "Turn Left at the Cactus" podcast, hosts Cal and Tricia Sykes interview Nicole and Dave Cougher, a couple who made San Felipe their home in 2006. The couple discusses their experiences of building a life in San Felipe, including homeschooling their son and becoming engaged in the local community. They share their love for the Mexican culture, unity of family, warm weather atmosphere, and offer advice for potential visitors. Adjusting mindset and expectations when living in the area is emphasized.

Key Points

1. Nicole and Dave stumbled upon San Felipe with friends and immediately fell in love with the area.

2. The couple always enjoyed visiting San Fe Depe during their children's breaks from school before deciding to move permanently.

3. They appreciate the strong sense of community in the area and admire the unity among different ethnic groups.

4. The couple expresses their desire to become Mexican citizens, showcasing their respect for the country and its customs.

5. They advise potential visitors to rent and immerse themselves in the local lifestyle before making any permanent decisions.

6. The transcript highlights the hard work and coordination that went into organizing vaccination efforts in San Felipe.

7. The sense of home and contentment within their own living environment is emphasized by both speakers.

Best Quotes

23:06 - 23:12

• "And a shout out to San Felipe because the vaccinations, it was so organized. It was just a beautifully run operation really was."

24:43 - 24:47

• "Sometimes I do just fine. Sometimes, sometimes I need to go get my feet wet in the US."

27:14 - 27:18

• "I think my favorite part about San Felipe is our home. I love being at home."

27:49 - 27:55

• "We have no problems going out and having fun. But sometimes it's like, wow, it's nine 30. I, I gotta, I want to go home."

*Comments or opinions expressed on this podcast by our guests are not necessarily those of our producer or hosts.

In Fork in the Road episode #5 of this 5 part series, George discusses spiders and snakes common to our area; what to look out for; and, what to do should you have an emergency unpleasant experience with a venomous variety.

In Fork in the Road #4 of a 5 part series with George, he shares techniques on starting fires and building shelters in an emergency situation to survive in the desert. He also covers essential tools to make survival possible.

Wherever you may be--on the road, thinking about being on the road, or, already here in San Felipe--WELCOME BACK!

We have a great season of really interesting folks lined up as guests this season. We hope you will enjoy listening to their stories--why they came, why they stay or return, and what they love about the area.

Join us now for season 3 of Turn Left at the Cactus!

In this Turn Left at the Cactus Fork in the Road, George Jackson covers the basics of desert navigation. Included: GPS, Map, Compass, Flagging, Sat Phone, Cell Phone.

If you are enjoying these podcasts and are discovering a few things you didn't originally know about the San Felipe area, please don't forget to give us a LIKE. Thanks for listening.

Turn Left at the Cactus takes a "Fork in the Road" to hear what desert guide, George Jackson has to recommend about human preparation in the desert. In this segment he focuses on the importance of shade, water, first-aid, and meds to carry.

In this episode of Turn Left at the Cactus, we take a Fork in the Road to focus on the importance of desert preparedness. Who better than long-time resident, off-road racer, and desert guide, George Jackson, to lead the way! In this first Fork in the Road on desert survival, George covers vehicle preparation. In it he covers SUVs, VWs, Pickups, UTVs--what to carry in an emergency.

In this episode we had an opportunity to speak with Donna van Groningen. Donna's husband, Joe, is part owner and founder of the San Felipe Brewery. Between the two of them, they have put in a lot of time and effort getting this idea for a business in Mexico off the ground. Here we learn a little more about them and the evolution and workings of what has become the first (and, most popular) local microbrewery. Donna also shares her thoughts on the need for more communication between San Felipe proper and the communities north of 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

A former music teacher, vocalist, and violinist, Debra Carson has been coming to the Baja of Mexico since childhood.  She currently splits her time between San Felipe and Rosarito.  In this episode, we learn how and why she came to make the Baja her home.  We also hear about her business ventures and charitable efforts in Mexico. We also discover what she and Gisella Romero are working on for karaoke night at the (Mac & Nan) EDR Pavillion.  Finally, she reveals why--and, what--things loves about the area. You won't want to miss this episode.

If you enjoy 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, AnchorFM, or Apple.  And, don't forget to share us with your friends!

You can follow us on FaceBook at:  Turn Left at the Cactus.

If you have a suggestion of who you think would be a great person to interview for this podcast, please email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com, or, DM us through FaceBook.  

In this episode we spoke with Gisella Romero.  Unlike many of us, Gisella was born in Mexicali, but has spent her life growing up and living in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico.  As a musician--with the band, Ray Guns; an entrepreneur -- Smoky's Pizza; and, manager: Rustique Home Decor, Gisella is proud to call San Felipe home.  This is a unique opportunity to hear why someone who has grown up in San Felipe has chosen to remain in San Felipe, rather than escape elsewhere--as so many of us have chosen to do. 

If you are enjoying these opportunities to hear from the many voices that make up our community, please subscribe to the podcast, give us a LIKE, or, just tell a friend about us.  Any support is appreciated.  Thanks!

In this episode, Tricia and I caught up with Gabby Morin:  Mom, volleyball afficionada, and staff member at the San Felipe Brewery.  Born in Mexico and raised in the States, she shares with us her experiences growing up and raising a family on both sides of the border.  She talks about the circumstances that led her to discovery of San Felipe; why she fell in love with the place; and, what has encouraged her to stay.  

For those of you here in San Felipe who haven't had the pleasure of running into George Jackson, you're in for a treat.  George is a long time resident and ex-pat of the San Felipe area.  When it comes to all things having to do with off-road racing, desert survival, micro-beers, and general knowledge of the area, you can't go too far wrong by George....by George.

In this episode, George shares a bit about his background growing up in Idaho, joining the marines, and becoming an surveyor.  He also talks about his first trip to Baja in the 1980's.  He describes what it was like to build a house in Pete's Camp; his off-road cars and experiences; and, coaching women drivers.  Finally he shares thoughts on the impact of plastics on San Felipe and what the future holds for water in this area.  Enjoy!

--Cal Whedbee

In this episode, co-host, Tricia Sikes and I spoke with Yvonne Armour and Lynn Lazzarini.  These two women have devoted time, energy, and expertise to working within the San Felipe community to create programs to assist children, the elderly, and horses with special needs.  

Yvonne was born and raised in Colorado and moved to Texas where she spent 27 years working with children birth to 6.  She also assisted with an equine program working with students with disabilities and PTSD.  She moved to San Felipe in 2017 and, among her many projects, currently assists with the San Felipe CAM* school. 

Lynn is a California native who has spent her whole life involved in training horses and competing in equestrian events.  She holds a Masters in Education, and has taught elementary school and children with special needs.  She first came to San Felipe in 2006.  Her equine center first opened in 2012.  Her "barn" offers a variety of equine related services including:  safe care and rescue for horses in the area, trail rides, private lessons, boarding, and assistance programs for children and elderly folks with special needs. 

*Note: CAM schools.  CAM stands for Centro de Atencion Multiple.  A CAM school is a public special facility dedicated to providing education and related services for children with mental, physical and/or behavioral disabilities.  CAM provides a holistic approach to learning by helping children and their parents set realistic goals for their learning capabilities, providing physical therapy, a social worker and psychologist to work with the children and their parents.

To find out more...or, to volunteer or make a donation to their programs, please look for them on Face Book :  Horses in Baja..... OR.....Aqua Assisted Therapy Program.  Or, refer to the web site:  www.horsesinbaja.com. 

And, a shout out to Cafecito Lindo for allowing us to record our interview in their cafe.  To find out more about them, follow them on Face Book or www.cafecitolindo.com  

In a previous episode, the author of "Death in the Baja," Marnie J. Ross felt that the Valley of the Giants and the Cardon cactus were deserving of much more of our attention.  Tricia and I confess to only having a very superficial/"yes, we've been there" knowledge of the forest.  Therefore, our curiosity was piqued and we set about to do a little more reading.  In this first mini-episode of Fork in the Road, we share a few things which struck us as interesting. We hope you will discover something you, too, didn't know.  Thanks for listening. 

We would sure appreciate a LIKE if you fancy more episodes like this one.  

Show Notes:

Join us on a journey with Marnie J. Ross, who shares thoughts of her life as an expat in San Felipe, Mexico, and dives into her work as an author of murder mysteries. Marni shares her experiences, from everyday cultural nuances to the world of pickle ball inspired novels.

Key Points

• Marnie's transition to life in San Felipe

• Cultural observations in Mexican traffic

• Discoveries in San Felipe: Dos Mares Restaurant & more

• Insights on rising costs in a retiree's paradise

• Marnie's writing process & her murder mysteries

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 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/Audio Editor/Engineer: Calyn Whedbee

Hosts: Calyn Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

Tricia and I have noticed that as we interview guests, there are definite gaps in our knowledge about the area.  Consequently, in order to fill those gaps, we will be doing  a  bit more research and sharing what we learn with our listeners.  We will call these mini-episodes:  "Fork in the Road."  We hope you will join us as we learn more about our area.  -Cal

In this episode, Tricia and I visited with Melody Ashley, founder of Casa Digna,Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to recycling used tires to construct new homes for single moms and vulnerable families in the local San Felipe area.  We are treated to an afternoon on the patio of her tire home.  She discusses her background in service to others and her education in waste management and how those things played an important role in her decision to tackle the issue of wasted tires and turning them into a plus for those in need of housing and a hand up out of poverty.  She shares her reasons for coming to San Felipe and why she fell in love with the area and the people and why she chose to make the Ejido the location for her own tire home.

 Note: We must apologize ahead of time for the sound quality in spots.  The unexpected wind created a few technical difficulties that we had to accept and work around.  In spite of those glitches, we hope you enjoy learning more about another transplant to our area. 

Building Sustainable Homes and Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Summary

Melody Ashley, founder of Casa Digna, shares her journey of constructing tire homes and providing housing to single mothers and vulnerable families. Casa Digna aims to create affordable and eco-friendly homes in the Sun Felipe community, addressing the housing needs of marginalized families.

Key Points

1. She pursued higher education in oceanography and visited San Felipe, Mexico, during her time at the University of San Diego.

2. Inspired by Dennis Weaver and a community in New Mexico, Melody combined her love for the environment and helping others to start Casa Diga.

3. The tire homes built by Casa Diga not only provide shelter but also contribute to cleaning up the tire waste in Mexicali.

4. Eligibility criteria for receiving a home include no criminal record, no property ownership, being drug-free, and completing at least 156 hours of work.

5. The tire construction process involves packing tires with red dirt as a foundation, stacking them like bricks, reinforcing with rebar, and creating a concrete roof beam for stability.

6. Future homes will have a smaller front porch and a larger back porch with laundry hookups.

7. Interested individuals can visit the Casa Digna website or contact them for a tour of the homes in San Felipe.

Best Quotes

1. "Maybe not so loca. Yeah. Maybe not So loca."

2. "We could not graduate unless we did so many hours of service work... Compassion And service."

3. "I wanted to build what I wanted without having to ask permission... I didn't want any rules, dues or fees."

4. "And at that time I said, I wanna do that someday... I just thought it was a great idea."

5. "There were over 10 million waste tires in Mexicali at that time in 2006."

6. "Originally I wanted to help single mothers... But they said, no, it's gotta be houses 'cause they'll never go for apartments."

7. "The trash. Don't dump your trash, put it where it's supposed to go."

In this episode I'm joined by co-host, Tricia Sikes.  Together we spoke to Rachel Fraser.  Rachel, at forty-four and a single mom, is a member of the younger set of ex-pats who have chosen--not to retired--but, to live, work and raise kids in the San Felipe area.  As a member of the San Felipe Brewing Company Staff, she presents a unique perspective of what's to love about the area, including the easy going nature and honesty of the people, the importance of family, affordability, and the history and vast array of sights to visit.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please follow us on FB and give us a LIKE!  Thanks for listening!

In this episode I interview Marnie J Ross, author of "Death in the Baja: A San Amaro Mystery" about what brought her to Baja; what she loves about the area; and, what she feels is deserving of attention. We talk about her newly published book and what we can expect in the sequel.  She also describes favorite places to go and things to do, including the beaches, the desert, the San Felipe Brew Pub, and, favorite, Valley of the Giants.

"Death in the Baja: A Mystery Novel Set in Northeastern Mexico"

Summary

In this interview, Marni J Ross, author of the mystery novel "Death in the Baja," shares her inspiration for writing the book set in the less-explored Baja region of Mexico. She expresses her passion for puzzles and unraveling mysteries while discussing her writing process and the unique aspects of her novel. The availability of the book and future book signings are also highlighted, with the author's website being the easiest way to purchase it.

Key Points

1. She chose to live in Baja after retiring and wanted to share her love for the area with others.

2. Julia Garcia, the protagonist, stands out from other mystery series as a mix of cozy mystery and police procedural.

3. The book "Death in the Baja" is available through various distributors, including Barnes and Noble in Canada and Indigo Books.

4. The website also offers convenient links to purchase the book from platforms like Amazon and Indigo.

5. The author is in talks with San Felipe Brewery to potentially host a book signing event.

6. The book signing event is expected to take place in the summer of 2022.

7. The author emphasizes the importance of visiting her website to obtain the book.

Best Quotes

15:31 - 15:38

• "On the books page, there is a location that lists all of the places that it can be purchased."

16:12 - 16:23

• "I sure hope so. I'm, I'm in conversation right now with San Felipe Brewery to see if they would be interested in hosting the event."

16:38 - 16:44

• "And then I do hope to do something again in the fall when more of the snowbirds are back."

In this "trailer episode" we introduce the podcast and tell a little bit about it and who will be our first guest. 

In September, listeners can look forward to learning more about Baja resident and author, Marnie J. Ross.

Show Notes:

Join us as we explore the amazing struggles and triumphs of Carol Dougherty and Wendy Sanguinetti, two passionate souls who, with the help of many volunteers, have  transformed their lives for the love of stray and abandoned dogs in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. Relive their inspiring journey through an intense and informative conversation that uncovers the stark reality of what it takes to organize and maintain a viable dog rescue in our town of San Felipe, Baja, Mexico.

Key Points

• Overcoming culture shock in pet rescue
• Conquering logistical hurdles in cultural differences towards dogs and cats
• Innovations in creating the San Felipe dog sanctuary
• Engaging the community for animal welfare
• Aspirations for a dedicated vet hospital and a larger facility

• Working with the local municipality to create a dog control department
• The need for donations of dog food to get them through the summer and what SCORE 250 is doing to help
• Drop off locations for dog food this week include: Pete's Camp, Road Runner, San Felipe Brewery, Chenowith Lodge, Race Land Baja
• 
  

To contribute or to find out more information: sanfelipedogrescue.org

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 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/Audio Editor/Engineer: Calyn Whedbee

Hosts: Calyn Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

 Show Notes

Strap in as we join forces with Mike Lawrence and Dawnette Carpenter on an exhilarating ride called "Racing for Boobs." This annual all-women’s off-road race doubles as a crusade against cancer, raising funds, and awareness in a flurry of dust and determination. From breast cancer survivors to newbies behind the wheel, hear how these racers and their off-road machines power through  one hundred and twelve miles of rugged Baja, Mexico back country with grit and determination—all for a common goal--to beat cancer. 

Key Points

• An all-women off-road race for cancer awareness 

• Participants span ages, from 14 to 65

• Race features various vehicle categories

• Personal race stories & team strategies shared

• Fundraising efforts & community support highlighted

A Special Shout Out to the following people and organizations for their generous support of this event:

Owners of Car:

1)    Ken Paige

2)    Preston Case 

Race Team:

1)     Dawnette Carpenter - Driver

2)    Kate Van Dyke - Driver

3)    Copy Wilson - Co-Driver

4)    Tracy Adams - Co-Driver

Crew Chief:

Michael Lawrence 

Race Prep Mechanics:

* Mike Vivilacqua

* Keith LaRoche

* *Special Thanks to Filmore for his Fabrication Expertise

Pit Crew:

* Robbie Castaneda for his Love & Support, Above & beyond:  supplying food, set-up, break-down AND Everything Else

* Dawnette’s Son, Dustin Close

* George Jackson

* Tim Harrison

Sponsors:

Chenowth Legacy Lodge                   

Wayne’s Bait Shop

Jollymon Bar and Restaurant             

Raphael by the Sea

Rancho Market & Deli                         

The Wing Shack

Tequila Pigs                             

Pete’s Camp

Alex House Restaurant             

Frankie’s Beach Bar & Grill

Baja 24/7 Real Estate                         

Garden of Eat’N

Second Chance resale             

RaceLANDBaja

Chase Creek Cattle Co.           

Mario’s BBQ & Grill

One Stop Services

Social Media, Design, Print & Digital Media:

Cara Curfew-Kociela - Marketing & Facebook Page

Tom Campbell - Shirt Design & Layout

Joe Pier - The Breeze Magazine

Calyn Whedbee & Tricia Sikes - Turn Left at the Cactus Podcast

TO SUPPORT TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS PODCAST:

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and FOLLOW us on Face Book and LEAVE US A LIKE, A FOLLOW, and A REVIEW on your favorite podcast host!!! THANK YOU!!

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 a million 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/Audio Editor/AudioEngineer: Calyn Whedbee

Hosts: Calyn Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

Show Notes:

In this conversation, Tricia and I dive into the journey of Carol and Jayna as they share their transition from California to Oregon to finally settling in on snowbirding from Montana to San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. Their tale weaves through beginnings in a landscaping business in Oregon to adventures and new discoveries in the desert of Baja, Mexico.

Key Points:

• Swapping Oregon ranch for Big Sky Montana and San Felipe desert
• Embracing the peace of the desert
• Challenges of building a home in San Felipe
• Choosing a neighborhood
• Tips for newbies
• A discussion of Mexico's warmth and family culture

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: Cal Whedbee

Hosts: Cal Whedbee and Tricia Sikes

Show Notes

Dive into an interview with Rotarians, Lou Dezarn and Tina Sweeney, as they whip up a blend of Rotary's spirited missions, projects and San Felipe's Taste of San Felipe. From eradicating polio to fostering education, to development of first responder services, get a taste of their passionate endeavors as well as information about the Taste of San Felipe event, all seasoned with local anecdotes and successes.

Key Points

• Rotary's history & local club impact

• Education initiatives that transform lives

• First responders get crucial support

• Community projects by Rotary explained

• Get involved becoming a member or a "friend" of Rotary

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 for details.

*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 co-hosts,

Cal & Tricia

*NOTE: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

Co-Hosts: Calyn Whedbee & Tricia Sikes

Show Notes:

Dive into the delicious detours of San Felipe with Turn Left at the Cactus' hosts, Cal Whedbee & Tricia Sikes, as they chat with Lou Dezarn and Tina Sweeney about the annual Taste of San Felipe. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Felipe, it's a walking tour with a twist—gastronomic gems await at every corner! From starting points tips to social sips, get the skinny on one of the must-attend social events of the season, where 250 tickets unlock a palette-pleasing adventure!

SO 3 EP 47: Margaritas & Retirement Dreams: Settling in San Felipe

Show Notes:

Nicole Trammell Woolpert and Paul Woolpert unpack their journey from seasoned professionals to blissful retirees in San Felipe. They share laugh-out-loud anecdotes, talks on local life, and the affordability that fast-tracked their retirement plans, peppered with tales of community warmth and quirky adjustment quirks. Get ready for a tale of transformation under the Mexican sun!

Key Points

• Ex-pro basketball coach retires in San Felipe
• San Felipe’s warm community charm
• Learning to embrace "Mañana" culture
• Traveling with dogs
• The real safety of life in Mexico
•  Retirement made possible by Baja’s cost of living

Best Quotes

• "I was a professional basketball coach for about 35 years until I retired recently. And Nicole and I decide this, this is the place for us to, to end our lives." LOL

• "I was actually invited to the Olympic training camp, so I spent time in Colorado Springs."

• "On the way back we were in Campo Ocotillo and saw a little sign for a lot for sale and decide to buy that day."

• "The sooner you learn this, the more comfortable you're gonna be here. Manana does not mean tomorrow. It does not mean the next day. And there's a really, really good chance. It actually doesn't even mean next week."

• "'cause we don't know if they're, if they're feral or if they're friendly or if whatever. But there are just too many and we need to, that's something that needs to be taken care of."

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.

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/Co-Host: Calyn Whedbee 

Music Producer/ Co-Host: Tricia Sikes   

Theme music composed and written by Tricia Sikes. Vocals Ai generated.

Show Notes:

Tune into Cactus Connection for a lively report  on happenings in and around San Felipe! From the El Dorado swap meet to exclusive scoops on Shrimp Festival and Songwriter’s By the Sea collaborations, we're diving into local events, special tributes, and community highlights. Get ready to mark your calendars and join the fun in San Felipe's vibrant life—with extra details thrown in, right here on Cactus Connection!

Key Points

• • Tribute to beloved Dr. Abasolo
• • Swap meets at El Dorado & Rafael By the Sea
• ·  Shrimp Festival
• ·  Songwriter’s By the Sea Festival
• ·  Chen with Lodge & Cow Patty’s open
• •  Middle Eastern food buzz in San Felipe
• •  Parrot Head Club's karaoke & cheeseburgers
• •  Howl & Growl Party at Raceland
• •  18th Annual Charity Golf Tourney Las Caras
• Snip Clinic

To Support Turn Left at the Cactus and Our Forks in the Road and Cactus Connection:

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 Producer/ Co-Host: Tricia Sikes   

Original theme music composed and written by Tricia Sikes

HEY, yes YOU! It'll take less than 4 minutes of your time! Take a listen!

In this Introductory Episode to Season 3 of Turn Left at the Cactus we'll tell you what you stand to gain from putting our pod on your pod follow listen list! AND, you get to hear our very special, first time aired, debut of the official TLAC pod jingle created by our very own, newly appointed, music producer: Tricia Sikes. You're gonna love it! But, the only way to hear it is to PRESS PLAY.

Welcome to winter season of 2023-2024 and Season 3 of TLAC! This is a free subscription to all things San Felipe, Baja, Mexico which includes:

• Turn Left at the Cactus -- Getting to know who lives here and why.
• Fork in the Road--Deep dives into businesses, organizations, events, cultural and historical events, and anything San Felipe.
• Cactus Connection--a bi-weekly happenings, rumors, and gossip for the area.

Your Co-hosts:

Cal Whedbee: Producer/Editor/Audio

Tricia Sikes: Music Producer/Scheduler

Contact: cactusleft@gmail.com or find us on FB @ Turn Left at the Cactus Podcast Baja.

We are a small "mom & mom" retiree type operation. So, if you'd like to express your appreciation, we wouldn't object to a small 'propina' in the tipsy jar at: https://ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus

Please do let us know what you think.

ENJOY!

Dive into the latest San Felipe buzz with Cal and Tricia on Cactus Connection! From wind-sensitive pups to local events, this episode is a lively rundown of what's been happening and what's coming up. Listen up for scoops on dog rescues, tasty eats, and vibrant venues in this community-centric podcast—your San Felipe Pod for staying in the know!

ABOUT OUR PODCAST

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, living and working 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.

Turn Left at the Cactus Podcast also hosts two different “segments” in addition to the interviews with locals in our community:

• Forks in the Road—A deeper dive into organizations, businesses, events, happenings in and around San Felipe.
• Cactus Connection—A bi-weekly, quick review of what’s on the San Felipe flow-chart for the next couple of weeks ahead.   

[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, Apple or your favorite podcast host.   You can make us really smile if you drop us a “propina” 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.

You can follow us on FaceBook at: Turn Left at the Cactus Podcast

Remember to:

TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS For NO BAD DAYS!

Thanks for listening!

From Marigolds to Turnips: Dia de los Muertos 101

Show Notes

In this Fork in the Road we take a quick dive into Dia de Los Muertos, a tradition rich in history and culture, where the deceased are celebrated and remembered. Discover the significance of sugar skulls and how Catrinas symbolize life's cyclical nature. And, see how Halloween's origins intertwine with this colorful Mexican celebration. Join us for an interesting journey from ancient Aztec rituals to European traditions to modern parades!

Key Points

• The evolution of sugar skulls

• Catrinas: 19th century humorous take on mortality

• Halloween: From Celtic roots to trick or treat

• Dia de Los Muertos: A joyful remembrance and celebration

• The evolution of a few shared traditions

ABOUT OUR PODCAST

Turn Left at theCactus 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 listenership is really growing! As is said in Spanish: “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 side conversation is possible.

We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and get them into post-production and uploaded.  Given that we are two old retired women, and, that this is … to use the cliché…a labor of love. AND, given that life in SF tends--especially in the winter months--tends to pull us in lots of different directions, we have chosen to not tie ourselves down to a specific time schedule. We“drop” episodes when time allows. If you join our group on Facebook or subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast host, you’ll always be the first to be notified of the latest episodes.

In addition to the interviews with locals from our community, Turn Left at the Cactus Podcast also hosts two unique “segments” :

• Forks in the Road—A closer look at organizations, businesses, events, happenings in and around San Felipe.
• Cactus Connection—A bi-weekly, quick review of what’s on the San Felipe flow-chart for the next couple of weeks ahead. 

[The views expressed by our guests may not always be shared by us. However, it doesn't really matter, because those views are also an integral part of what makes us a very special community.]

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, Apple or your favorite podcast host. If you really want to show your appreciation for what we are providing the community, please drop us a “propina” 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 provide the promotional material, or, we can do it for you. Either way, we will make sure your message gets out there. And, don't forget. We have the amazing "jingle-ist," Tricia Sikes--in house--to create your very own jingle. [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 for whose services we can vouch.]

Thanks for listening!

Please follow us on FaceBook at: Turn Left at the Cactus Podcast

Remember to

TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS For NO BAD DAYS!