Sometimes an unexpected strategic retreat leads to real growth.

We had barely returned from Europe to our lovely home in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, when we found ourselves watching the path of Hurricane Polo, a Category 5 storm with winds exceeding 160 mph.

Sometimes you have to embrace what doesn’t work before you finally accept what does.

I’m Irish, social, and I like a drink, or two.

Were we functional alcoholics, or heavy drinkers with a good work ethic?

The hardest part of my 48-hour water fast wasn't hunger. 

It was cutting up fruit for my two-year-old.

We hiked for three days.
Roughly 100,000 steps.
Burned somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000 calories.
And somehow… we all gained weight.

I became a new dad at 50.

No onboarding. No manual. Just straight into the deep end with a steep learning curve and no complaints.

There’s no pause button. No days off. And Finnegan’s needs are immediate.

The first thing to take a hit wasn’t my patience, sanity, or hairline.

It was sleep.

Last Friday, I heard about the 3rd annual Ruta de Cardon, a 38km mountain bike ride happening the very next day in Todos Santos.

Naturally, instead of training, hydrating, or preparing like a sensible adult, I opted for a triple espresso and a chocolate brownie less than 10 minutes before the start.

Performance enhancement, Baja style.