As the week winds down in Todos Santos, we’ve been settling into our usual summer rhythm — warm days, cooler nights, and the town humming along at its own pace. The weather has been comfortably warm, perfect for a dip at Punta Lobos or a trek to La Poza. Overall, it’s been a pretty standard week in our Todos Santos retreat, but that’s not to say it’s been uneventful.
There’s been a bit of buzz around the local botanists recently. Word around town is they’ve been working with the staff of CONANP (The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) on some project to do with land ownership and conservation. It’s interesting to see how the local community rallies behind its natural resources. The botanists are a quiet lot, but their work is critical in preserving the unique biodiversity of Baja California Sur.
Along with the botanists, our sea turtles have been quite the talk of the town. The nesting season seems to be in full swing, with the females storing the sperm of their multiple mates in separate oviducts from their eggs. It’s a fascinating process, resulting in what scientists call ‘multiple paternity’. And while it’s not exactly the stuff of soap operas, it’s still a remarkable display of nature’s ingenuity.
Speaking of remarkable displays, the locals have been following the journey of Estrella Navarro Holm, a competitive free diver. It’s been inspiring to hear about her experiences diving deep into the ocean, nothing but the air in her lungs and the wet suit to protect her. Her stories about the free fall, the spiritual experience of merging with the ocean, it’s almost poetic. And it’s a good reminder of the incredible natural beauty we have here, not just on land, but underwater too.
In the cultural center, there’s a new art exhibit that’s drawing quite a crowd. And over on Calle Benito Juárez, there’s been a series of small concerts. Local musicians, a bit of wine, and good company — it’s a simple, yet beautiful way to spend an evening. And further afield, in nearby Pescadero and Cerritos, there’s been a slew of events and get-togethers, all adding to the vibrant tapestry of our little corner of the world.
So, yes, it’s been a pretty standard week in Todos Santos. But when you take a moment to look around, to really see what’s happening in the community, you realize that even a ‘standard’ week is pretty special. Whether it’s the botanists working to preserve our natural heritage, the sea turtles going about their unique reproductive process, or the local culture and music scene bringing people together, there’s always something happening in Todos Santos.