At Sea & Isla Santa Catalina
As the first light of dawn crept over the flat-calm sea, early risers caught sight of the tall spout of a blue whale just ahead. It is extremely lucky to see such a magnificent creature, the largest animal of all the species on the planet. No wind ruffled the surface of the water, so the misty blow hung in the still air. Another exciting start to the day was a green flash at sunrise. Even those not yet initiated watched with binoculars to see the lime-green rim of the sun as it crested the horizon. Later in the morning, the National Geographic Sea Bird motored south along the shore of Isla del Carmen. One of the best tactics for spotting marine mammals is to start a presentation on geology. Only a few minutes after we became immersed in the talk, it was interrupted by pilot whales. These dark-colored relatives of killer whales are characterized by bulbous foreheads and in the male, a broad-based dorsal fin with a rounded tip. At one point twenty to thirty animals surrounded the National Geographic Sea Bird, seemingly oblivious to our presence.
When it seemed as if we could finally relax and continue with the day, bottlenose dolphins swam to the bow to ride the pressure wave. Their spindle-shaped bodies veered back and forth, steering almost effortlessly beneath the ship. Parallel scars from tooth marks patterned their backs, evidence of previous conflicts with other males of their species.
Isla Santa Catalina, our afternoon destination, is a special jewel among the islands of the Gulf of California. Snorkeling was the first activity. Cortez and king angelfish swam along rock faces studded by delicate urchins. Sea fans swayed in the gentle current. It was a fairyland of colorful and fascinating underwater creatures.
Hiking was another option for our stay here. The vegetation was lush green for a desert. Hefty cardons towered over the smaller desert plants. Several cactus species were just starting to bloom, including this giant barrel cactus. Exceptionally beautiful mistletoe plants decorated the Bursera trees with scarlet hummingbird flowers. In response to earlier rainfall, tiny lupine seedlings dotted the bottom of the sandy arroyo lined with hillsides of granitic rocks. Although the rattleless rattlesnake occurs here, there was no sign of one on this cool, clear day. When we returned to the landing, a distant sea lion swam near the ship, just a glimpse of what we hope tomorrow may bring.
As the first light of dawn crept over the flat-calm sea, early risers caught sight of the tall spout of a blue whale just ahead. It is extremely lucky to see such a magnificent creature, the largest animal of all the species on the planet. No wind ruffled the surface of the water, so the misty blow hung in the still air. Another exciting start to the day was a green flash at sunrise. Even those not yet initiated watched with binoculars to see the lime-green rim of the sun as it crested the horizon. Later in the morning, the National Geographic Sea Bird motored south along the shore of Isla del Carmen. One of the best tactics for spotting marine mammals is to start a presentation on geology. Only a few minutes after we became immersed in the talk, it was interrupted by pilot whales. These dark-colored relatives of killer whales are characterized by bulbous foreheads and in the male, a broad-based dorsal fin with a rounded tip. At one point twenty to thirty animals surrounded the National Geographic Sea Bird, seemingly oblivious to our presence.
When it seemed as if we could finally relax and continue with the day, bottlenose dolphins swam to the bow to ride the pressure wave. Their spindle-shaped bodies veered back and forth, steering almost effortlessly beneath the ship. Parallel scars from tooth marks patterned their backs, evidence of previous conflicts with other males of their species.
Isla Santa Catalina, our afternoon destination, is a special jewel among the islands of the Gulf of California. Snorkeling was the first activity. Cortez and king angelfish swam along rock faces studded by delicate urchins. Sea fans swayed in the gentle current. It was a fairyland of colorful and fascinating underwater creatures.
Hiking was another option for our stay here. The vegetation was lush green for a desert. Hefty cardons towered over the smaller desert plants. Several cactus species were just starting to bloom, including this giant barrel cactus. Exceptionally beautiful mistletoe plants decorated the Bursera trees with scarlet hummingbird flowers. In response to earlier rainfall, tiny lupine seedlings dotted the bottom of the sandy arroyo lined with hillsides of granitic rocks. Although the rattleless rattlesnake occurs here, there was no sign of one on this cool, clear day. When we returned to the landing, a distant sea lion swam near the ship, just a glimpse of what we hope tomorrow may bring.
