It looks like we’re going to get a little rain today, which is not a bad idea unless you’re traveling to the United States or planning a picnic.  Of course, we could use the rain to pack down the sand and dust and water the desert flowers.  Speaking of flowers, the memorial for Tony Reyes, Sr. was very nice and the film by Frank Foster was very moving.  It made me cry to see and hear Tony speaking.  The Pavillion was packed with friends and family of the Reyes family.

In true San Felipe fashion, it started late but it was well worth it.  Hat’s off to Frank Foster for depicting Tony Reyes as the icon he was and is.  Tony’s brother, Mario was there as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.  After the memorial at the Pavillion, we made the trip to the harbor where pangas took us to two different boats, the José Andres and the Tony Reyes.  Frank Foster is pictured below.

It was a very nice day to drop Tony’s ashes in the Sea of Cortez.  The two boats tied up together down near Crystal Cove and the priest gave his sermon and Tony’s remains were put into the Sea of Cortez, the place Tony loved the most.  There were many men who fished with Tony over the years there, including Gene Kira of Mex Fish, our esteemed mayor, Hazel Sierra, Rolando Ortiz of the Tourist Bureau and Roberto Ledon, owner of Playas del Sol.  Roberto was recently appointed Registrar of the Congress in Mexicali.  We will be doing a podcast with our mayor, Hazel Sierra via Skype.

The Tony Reyes holds 27 and the Jose Andrés can carry 18 persons on fishing trips, but there were many more than that on the trip yesterday.  Being on the boat again reminded me how much I want to go on another six day trip.  I don’t fish anymore, but I certainly love the trip down the peninsular and the beauty of the islands.  If you ever have the opportunity to take one of these trips – believe me, you won’t regret it.  It is by far, one of the best memories I have of the Baja.

I posted an album of photos on Kat’s Gallery #2 and you can see those by clicking on Galleries or here.  They may be in reverse order, but the photos tell the story.  I climbed up to the top deck of the José Andres to try and take photos of the folks on both boats and the ceremony.  There were plenty of libations and food served and in spite of the reason we were out there, it was a good day.

Cory Dudley, our resident tennis pro, writer and wood carver sent me another photo of one of his art projects.  He says: “On a trip to the Mayan ruins in Tulum one year there was a couple wearing an Aztec costume made from pheasant feathers.” I believe he has recreated the costume in wood and it’s beautiful.

Today out at the Jollymon, the Lions Club and others are collecting supplies for the Mexicali earthquake victims which will be driven up to Mexicali on Tuesday.  Karen Bradley, owner of Baja Java out on the highway, wrote me yesterday.  She is on assignment with the Air Force reserves and while there, she is collecting money and supplies to bring back with her.  As Martin has requested, if you’re coming down from the United States, it would be better if you could drop the items off at one of the locations listed on their page.  Again, all donations are greatly appreciated and you may also find the state bank accounts to donate cash.  Please click here to see San Felipe 2010′s web page.

I am leaving this morning to make the trek to El Centro where I’ll board a plane at 2:25 for Seattle.  I plan to visit with my daughter and little Turtle, but I will be available daily via email and the office at La Plazita is open where you’ll find Briana daily and Yolanda on Fridays.  You may also reach the web team at 577-2577.  I will try and post as often as I can so please stay tuned.  Until then, have a great day and I’ll be back for the 8th Annual International Chili Cook-off.  This is a photo of yesterdays catch at the harbor.

I will let you know first hand about the road conditions and the situation at the border.  I’m going to try and take photos as I pass through Mexicali, so please check back.  Happy Sunday!