John Terenzi and I recently returned to Pedregal, and we both enjoyed the chance to climb Mount Cineza, walk in the desert, and enjoy the bay once again. It was a great time to be there, with spring flowers tentatively blooming and the bay's birds slowly departing. It was also a nice chance to share in Marnie's Mexico again: obligatory trips to Poblano's for tacos, greeting her many friends in town, and the simple enjoyment of Baja's sights and sounds. We had been told that the soon-to-be-completed animal shelter would be named in Marnie's memory, and we spent part of an afternoon at the site on the outskirts of town. I think that Marnie would be flattered that such a great facility were named in her honor, and I'm sure the town's wayward dogs will appreciate it as well. We were especially thankful to revisit Marnie's lovely memorial site on the slopes of Mount Cineza. We visited towards sunset on our last evening, and were amazed by the beautiful transformation of the site. Marnie's close friend Joaquin has spent hours and hours of time creating a lovely, peaceful spot. Surrounded by the arms of the bay, a gently curving path of fresh volcanic cinders leads to a lovely shrine surrounded by sculpted sea stones, desert succulents, and a low stone bench. Joaquin mentioned to us that he would never feel as if the site were 'finished', as it was a true labor of love that entailed no real completion. I can appreciate this feeling of wanting more for Marnie, and the memorial site is a stunning testimony to the love and happiness that Marnie created. I hope that others might have the opportunity to visit the memorial in the future; it is beautiful. Thank you, Joaquin. (Posted by Dan Ruthrauff).
