This site started as an inspiration to get away from the office, literally to get away from a desk and an office.

I thought about the incredible effort we all go to get to work, through traffic, to meet the boss and get our assignments, report back, and be effective workers. I began to think there must be a more efficient way to work and play. And I began to realize there is more to life than focusing on getting to the office and going home. That was the inspiration for Ooto and the beginning of the oddesy to be Ooto. For me, Ooto begins with being efficient in your work environment by making your office less intrusive and encumbered. I believe computers were invented for good but have changed many of our lives for the worse by being effective at occupying our time and energy. I began to put an egg timer next to the computer to keep track of my time and efficiency. I removed any things not considered tools to effectiveness, I canceled subscriptions to computer based entertainment and deleted games. And I planned time away from the office. I scheduled bike rides, walks, beach time and reduced scheduled office time.

I focused on going outdoors. I made a list of places I wanted to go and I went. I tried to become a vacationing tourist in my own city first. I bought a small cooler, portable bbq, various sunglasses and suncreens. I purchased a sleeping bag and camping chairs. That's it! That's how it began.

Now 6 years later, I spend 6 months traveling primarily in Mexico and 6 months in San Francisco California. My passion has been photography, video and writing about the people and things I encounter through the Californias North and South. I am especially intrigued by the historical context of the Californias, both long and short term. Obviously boating is a big part of my passion here at Ooto but that's not the all encompassing context. I hope you enjoy the stories, photos and videos. If you have questions, write us.

Ooto is an adventure site focusing on people, places and events on the west coast primarily in Baja and California. Honestly we are not sure where this is going or morphing to, though, you will find a great deal of related info here. At present, its the beauty of these people and places that is the focus. Along the way, we report on many regattas and the competitors. Those who visit often will see that our focus through the Winters are Southern regions and in the Summer, Northern regions of Las Californias.

What does all this mean, what have we learned? We started out believing there was a better beach chair, a better portable BBQ and cooking utensil set. Having spent so many years doing this, literally every day, I have come to realize that ultimately there is no best way, only one which suits you, the adventurer, for the circumstances you choose. Surprisingly we have effectively developed techniques for parties with no paper or plastic, or even chairs. We have had very enjoyable times sitting on the ground around a fire and eating right off the fire. There's a few tricks, hopefully you learn them here and share some of your tricks as well. Email Ooto your letters with questions to the editor. If you have specific questions about our photos or stories not answered here please email Ooto.

You may write a message with your email and your specific questions. We will try to reply to all email though we can not always call back due to long distance charges while we are traveling on remote adventures.

See you at the beach.

Paul Buelow
Editor