A bittersweet celebration

Warren Hellman, the founder and funder of the HSB festival, among many other accomplishments, passed away last December. His service was touching and awe inspiring, having various speakers ranging from political dignitaries to fellow ride and tie cowboys, and of course, singers and banjo players. Though moving, it was fitting that his life needed a celebratory concert that the entire public could be a part of. Just two months later, the impressive HSB production and ops team put together a seamless full day concert featuring favorite artists of Warrens just at the end of Golden Gate park by the beach. Tears were shed, as were laughs and memories of the amazing things Warren had done in his life. He will be sorely missed, but his spirit was alive and well that day on the beach.

Underwater south of the border

Determined to travel whenever given the opportunity, I saw an empty five day block of time in my schedule I couldn't pass up. I jumped on scubaboard to get some ideas for some easy to get to dive sites that would be both economical and not effected by seasonal rains. The island of Cozumel off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula was suggested enough for me to run a few flight and hotel searches. Soon enough, I was planning which bus and ferry I'd catch to get in as much island time as possible. Cozumel was everything I was hoping for, relaxed atmosphere without all the tourist traps and plenty of diving opportunities. I stayed further into town, well off the beaten path of tourists, and had the best time. My humble bnb was perfect, and the super friendly owner and his awesome overgrown lab were the best hosts. The local café and panadería were filled with friendly locals and delicious eats, and key to my trip, I found an awesome dive shop that was able to take me out on a number of dives. What a great time, looking forward to returning some day.