HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRITZ

One of the bestest things about this job, besides the 3am alarm clock, is that I've met some of the nicest guys ever, and that may include yourself! One of the nicest is my friend Fritz.(As usual the name that I use is not his given name, but he knows who he is.) Fritz is a great guy. I met him years ago when one of my regular customers, who was a friend of a friend, included Hans in his regular yearly group. Over the years people moved, passed, or just got old enough to no longer come down, but Fritz remained. He comes down 2-3 times a year, and once spent a month down here, wandering around, cleaning his tackle and equipment until each piece actually began to look smaller, and enjoying his time in La Paz. Fritz is a man of the world, he was born and lived the first part of his life in Europe, wandering and working. The military, the middle east with the oil business, he ended up, as I understand it, following a woman to the United States. In the states he made his living working on cars, a master mechanic, specializing in some of the exotics. Racing cars, Dr. Porsches' babies, and other teutonic creations, Fritz fixed 'em, swore at them, and drove them. Converting from swinging bachelor rake to married man, Fritz participated in the making of both a son and daughter, both very nice humana. Like so many folks that have lived this sort of adventurous life Fritz has learned a very savvy combination of making and letting things happen. Add to this a devious and slightly twisted sense of humor, and you have a Fritz, and a friend. He is all that you would want in a friend ie. loyal, talented, and twisted.
Over the years Fritz has become a pretty talented fisherman as well. I only say this trusting that you will not mention to him that I said it. Over the years he has used this combination of letting/making things happen to great advantage on the water. He has equipped himself with every fishing tool known to man, and has learned how to use them pretty well. On top of this he always enjoys his time on the water. He knows that if he bears the disappointment of a bad day of fishing with grace, the fish Gods will smile on him another day, and the ladies and gentleman, is a fisherman. Over the years he has caught some very nice fish. One large tuna comes to mind. I was lucky enough to be out with him that day, and after hours spent on a large tuna on light line, Hans was pretty beat, maybe getting a little pissed, but wasn't going to give up. The sight of him punching this fish repeatedly after he finally got it in the boat will remain with me always. After years of being skunked on wahoo from La Paz, he went to Mag Bay and broke the curse. He smiles more than he frowns, he doesn't blame bad days on anyone, including himself, and he is up bright and early, perennially adorned in what could only be described as his fishing togs.
Fritz has been counselor, foil, and cohort over the years, and my kids think of him as "uncle Fritz". Children seem to always be good judges of character, sometimes even after they are grown. They got this one right, Fritz is the man.Happy Birthday my friend, and truly, I wish you many happy returns of the day, and not without a certain amount of selfishness, because you make this place a better one for me.
Have Fun,
David