I just can't believe how many older surfers and sailors have retired in Borrego Springs! Is there something similar to be found here that entices them to this relatively remote small town? True, sailing and surfing are both solitary activities...both involve communing with nature and are subject to nature's whims. Jeff Divine says no two waves are ever the same. No sailing trip is, either. The ocean is a mighty force.
Do they find something similar here, in the desert? Something seems to draw them here. Perhaps the capriciouness of the weather, the wilderness of the Park wich surrounds us, the infinite vistas, the ability to explore or hike and find a new type of self reliance. For whatever reason, they DO seem to like Borrego!
What is even odder, is that many of them have become avid gardeners! Again, gardening is also a solitary activity, reliant on nature,and subject to her whims. The other evening, we had dinner with Jeff Divine and his wife, Julie. Jeff is a well known photographer/ author who has worked for years for Surfer publications. He presented us with his new surf book, SURF 80'S. It's a great book. Now, I know what to order for my surfer relatives for Christmas!
Jeff and Julie have a residence here, in Borrego. He told me, " I'm getting to love gardening." He went on to tell me about his mother and grandmother, who were famous in gardening circles in La Jolla. Now, Jeff has the bug. Gardening MUST be in the genes!
To see ESPN interview, go to: http://espn.go.com/action/blog?post=6404159&sport=surfing&sort=oldest
I was thinking about what you said about surfers-sailors being attracted to Boreggo. Part of the attraction is that the ocean is kind of like a desert in the sense that when you are out in the sea it is pure wilderness and wild. It can look calm but there is constant motion and subltle things going on with , sealife, weather, textures and lighting. When I visit boreggo all of that is the same. Being surrounded by the National park with minimal development makes the beauty and the similar experience of being in an ocean really stand out. Man walking the deseert is similar to man paddling in the ocean.
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