Following the century-old expedition route of two of Baja's most prolific and obscure naturalists, a group of adventurers set out on a 5,000-mile journey on motorcycles to document over one hundred years of change in Baja California.
PRELIMINARY EXPEDITION - ISLAND EPISODES
Isla Raza is a tiny island in the Gulf of California that serves as the sole breeding ground for several important bird species. Despite being protected by the Mexican government as a migratory bird refuge in 1964, this unique island is currently threatened by climate change and human activity.
Episode 2 from the island expedition brings the Broken Wagon Films crew to Isla San Martín off the Pacific coast of Baja California. Elephant seals, breeding sea birds, scientists tagging snakes, rugged lavascapes, and strange endemic plants are just a few of the wonders found on this small volcanic island.
In the third episode from the Broken Wagon Films island expedition, we visit the shores of Isla Cerralvo, whose sandy washes are inhabited by iguanas and giant barrel cacti. Help us make our feature documentary where we retrace the 110 year old route of Nelson and Goldman, two of the first modern scientists to explore the peninsula and study the bizarre flora and fauna of the beautiful Baja California.
Turquoise water, the ruins of a pearl oyster farm, a frigate bird breeding colony, dolphins, fiddler crabs, and more can be found on Isla Espiritu Santo in the Gulf of California.
The final episode from the island expedition brings us to Isla Magdalena, where we talk to Julio Solis about important conservation issues that face Magdalena Bay and Baja at large.
FILM SHORTS
The unique nest of the Verdin, a small passerine bird that can be found on Isla Cerralvo in Baja California.
A midden is an archaeological feature created by the dumping of human refuse. Here, thousands of mollusk shells were discarded by Native Americans on Isla Cerralvo in Baja California, creating a mound that still exists today.
Broken Wagon Films associate producer Bri Bruce shares a defining Baja moment from her past.
19th century naturalists E.W. Nelson and E.A. Goldman investigated the cloth and dye manufacturing industry in Magdalena Bay that was driven by the harvest of the unique Orchilla Lichen. The industry crashed when manufacturers moved over to artificial dyes.
Easily the most charming arthropods on the island. We saw lots of cool stuff on Espiritu Santo, see the full episode here: https://youtu.be/-ow9SxWf0to
Todd Bruce, the producer of The Devil's Road, explains the meaning behind the word "adventure" and the film's title.
Carolina Shepard-Espinoza, Director of the Bahia de los Angeles Natural History and Cultural Museum, talks about some of the economic changes she's witnessed over the past 44 years.
CAMPAIGN VIDEOS
In 1905, two American naturalists set out on horseback across the remote deserts of Baja California, Mexico. Their expedition was the first of its kind to span the entire peninsula and complete a comprehensive survey of Baja's flora and fauna.
Support our documentary and help us bring our story to the big screen. You'll be part of this incredible adventure, bringing back the legacy of Nelson and Goldman and playing a role in Baja's future.