I met Earl and his wife, Suzanne, several years ago over lunch in Phoenix, discussing fundraising strategies for an NGO they set up in Guatemala, “Seeds for a Future,” which provides training to impoverished rural women on the South Coast. I soon learned that we shared a love and appreciation of Guatemala and the Desert Southwest and that Earl was also a writer and, in his case, a poet.

Stories from this book take place in 1962 when de Berg and three other rebellious students set out for a three-month trek looking for adventure. Earl provides stories and photos of young men putting themselves to the test on the longest peninsula in the world. I visited the area between La Paz and San Lucas thirty years after the author. I will never forget the stunning contrast of giant Saguaros of the Sonoran Desert looking off into the Sea of Cortez.

Earl is an accomplished poet, which complements his powerful writing style. In his 80s, he used notes from an adventure in his 20s. His book is more than a memoir or biography; it is a series of travel adventures at their best and worthy to appear on the big screen someday.

Arizona native Earl de Berge is a writer, photographer, and poet. His education includes Antioch College (BA) and U of Arizona (MA). A political scientist, he founded the Behavior Research Center, created the respected Rocky Mountain Poll, and was Editor for 35 years.