Norman J. Harris, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
At least once a year, an intrepid
group of congenial fishermen set off from an assembly point in
Orange County to study and contemplate on the Baja, Mexico
peninsula. The subjects have included, buoyancy of certain objects
in sea water, rehydration techniques, comparing fermented to non
fermented fluids, and most recently, chaos. Many others too numerous
and weighty to enumerate have been and will be featured... So
intense is the labor, that only a Wednesday to Saturday period was
scheduled. The locations favor Loreto, though the East Cape has also
been selected on occasion. The accommodations selected are spartan.
The meals are buffet during the
day, presenting only 20 varieties of entree. At night, the
selection, served at the table for once, is larger. The list of
libations only includes 30 to 40 entries. The German and Hungarian
wines are, sadly, missing. The crepe suzette's are not always
available. The rooms are sizeable and air conditioned, yet, there is
neither TV nor telephone in the john. The pool is as much as 15 feet
from the nearest source of liquid refreshment in one location, and
the swim-up facility in the other accommodates only 6-7 people at a
time. These experiences can be grueling! Yet, we've been fortunate
in that no one ever fell in or stepped in anything offensive. All
have managed to catch fish....no exceptions!
Preparations begin for this ordeal after Thanksgiving. If truth were to be told, we begin to prepare for next year on the last day of each trip! We number about 15, though the members vary from year to year. The bulk of the crowd are repeat offenders from previous years. The requirement for participation are rigorous. They include a commitment to the enjoyment of the kind of suffering only a trip to a Baja 4 star fishing resort can bring, the ability to listen to many tall tales with a straight face, and to tell a few as well. We select for serene persons, open to meeting their fellow man in a spirit of friendship and cut throat competition over the fish caught. Thus far, we have moderated that competitive spirit by doing without a 'pool'. A goodly supply of jokes....clean as well..., stand one in good stead. Although fermented libations are available, participation is STRICTLY a matter of individual choice. No activities are EVER scheduled or advocated which one would not want to tell one's family about....EVER!