by Holy Shmoly!
I'm here to report that this area has it going on!!! La Nina has been
providing copious amounts
of steady, consistent (rare day it doesn't blow) wind , swell, and waves
to this unique desert setting since early November with no let up in
sight. I have posted some pictures on my website
of some typical daily action:
http://BAJADAWGZ.homestead.com/LAVENTANA.html
Unfortunately, there was a casualty amongst all this fun.......I am sure
many people know the couple Margaret Nold and Olaf Podehl, who recently
bought the Avon Sailhouse at Hatteras and travel extensively to the
Gorge in the Summer doing sail repair at Scotty's Sailboard Warehouse
and the Baja in the Winter with stops in between. Olaf had a bad
accident on a BIG day ,where he got slammed into his mast on a big jump
and broke his neck. Fast action by sailors in the campground got him to
the hospital in La Paz, where a surgeon was flown in to undertake a
critical surgical procedure. The good news is that he is up walking
around now........very close call.......the bad news is that they were
between medical insurance policies (not covered) and have incurred
substantial medical bills.
The generosity of sailors in the campground and surrounding area has
been truly heartwarming
as you can imagine. To date , over half of the more than $6K in bills
has been raised by donation and raffles that were held there recently.
It is great to be a part of the windsurfing tribe
of "Windians"!!! Olaf is recuperating and healing through the great
outpouring of love and concern exhibited there in La Ventana. He will
stay there until given the green light that he can drive or be
driven.....(for those that haven't driven in the Baja, the roads can be
jarring to say the least). For anyone that feels inclined to make a
contribution to Olaf's medical fund, you
can send a check made out to : Margaret Nold or Olaf Podehl
to my address at 4217 Encore Dr.
Santa Barbara, Ca.
93110
The Avon Sailhouse
or to : Margaret Nold or Olaf Podehl
39235 Kinnakeet Dr. N
P.O. Box 433
Avon, N.C.
27915
I will keep everyone posted as to Olaf's progress as I get e-mails
from Margaret.
They are planning on visiting here in Cali on there return over the
border, hopefully near the end of March if everything goes well.
Good sailing to everyone that can partake in the Winter winds
and to everyone else, Spring is getting closer by the day!!!
MOONDAWGZ WINDSURFING
http://www.moondawgz.com