No sooner did producer Todd Bruce discover a distant relation to naturalist Edward Alphonso Goldman than he employed the services of daughter Bri (associate producer) and son J.T. (director) to create a modern day, two month variation on the expedition his great grandfather and partner Edward William Nelson made through Baja at the conclusion of their 14 year trek across Mexico. Starting in San Diego, the men took the scenic route — loose rocks forced them to zig-zag a path all the way to Cabo. As one ecologist points out, “That’s longer than the length of Italy.” The turn-of-the-century exploration coincided with the dawn of the portable camera and their visual documentation (and species collection) remains unparalleled. As are the views the Bruces expose us to, leaving one to ponder what the pioneering duo would have done with a drone camera. Through historical trails and Spanish missions we watch as our trio are aided and abetted by friends and even more family members, all backed by an infectious score. This riveting ride through the Baja countryside is part science documentary, part historical adventure, and as good a home movie as any you're likely to see. Screen as part of this year's Oceanside Film Festival which runs August 15 and 16. For more information visit www.osidefilm.org. (2019) — Scott Marks
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