Low season in Sayulita— often when we think of low season, we tend to think of the excruciating humidity, the rainy, sloppy streets that so quickly turn to muck, the businesses that close, the quiet streets, and the idea that this may be the time to get out of town. However, like me, many residents of Sayulita find excitement in the peacefulness that is low season. In fact, I personally think it is the best time of year to be here; with less tourists and calmer streets, low season allows you to experience a different Sayulita, maybe one you haven’t yet seen. Yes, it rains. Yes, some businesses do close. And yes, it is hot, at times unbearably so; in the summer in Sayulita, simply breathing equates non-stop sweating. Nonetheless, because of this, my personal mantra has always been that here in Sayulita, to sweat means to be alive—and how beautiful it is to have a daily reminder of the splendor of being alive in Sayulita.

Today I am interviewing Alejandra Aguirre, the biologist responsible for Sayulita’s Turtle Protection Camp. It’s early in the morning, and we are sitting at a table at the site listening to the crashing waves and watching early risers walk by. We won’t be releasing any turtles today, but will be talking about something equally important, the need to gather volunteers to protect the turtle eggs from poachers and predatory animals. As we sit and chat, a family of tourists stop by to inquire about turtle release. Their interest is great, but what Alejandra really needs are volunteers.