Gorda Banks & Cabo San Lucas
We were awakened early this morning here on board the National Geographic Sea Bird by the sound of Jim Kelley’s disembodied voice over the speaker system proclaiming that conditions were again perfect to see a green flash as the sun rose over a glass-flat sea. I say again, because Jim, our expedition leader, had roused us early yesterday morning as well. Yesterday’s early risers were greeted with a beautiful sunrise, but alas, NO green flash! Of course that simply confirmed for the nay-Sayers and doubters the very existence of this phenomenon.
This morning was quite different as not only did we get to see an amazing green flash, some were treated to a violet flash as well (even more rare than the green flash.) There were many among us who immediately saw the error of their beliefs and were converted to believers right then and there on the bow. For some who stayed in bed and did not bother to get up early enough to witness the event the doubt still lingers. Perhaps we may still make believers of them yet!
Late morning found us off the Gorda Banks in the eastern cape region of the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) looking for humpback whales. After sighting many single adults, we came across a mother humpback whale with her very young calf, probably only a few weeks old. The pair was joined by a second adult whale, most likely a male escort interested in possibly mating with the mother whale. After several surfacing events this calf surprised us all with an unannounced breach that caught most photographers unprepared to take any images. A couple photographers were quick enough on the draw to capture the breach, and guest Mary Lou Graham captured this amazing series to share with us all. Thanks Mary Lou!
After a busy afternoon snorkeling, birding, and shopping in Cabo San Lucas we were again treated to a magnificent sunset, but again without the hoped for green flash. Perhaps tomorrow we can convert the final non-believers as we will have yet another chance to witness this event…
We were awakened early this morning here on board the National Geographic Sea Bird by the sound of Jim Kelley’s disembodied voice over the speaker system proclaiming that conditions were again perfect to see a green flash as the sun rose over a glass-flat sea. I say again, because Jim, our expedition leader, had roused us early yesterday morning as well. Yesterday’s early risers were greeted with a beautiful sunrise, but alas, NO green flash! Of course that simply confirmed for the nay-Sayers and doubters the very existence of this phenomenon.
This morning was quite different as not only did we get to see an amazing green flash, some were treated to a violet flash as well (even more rare than the green flash.) There were many among us who immediately saw the error of their beliefs and were converted to believers right then and there on the bow. For some who stayed in bed and did not bother to get up early enough to witness the event the doubt still lingers. Perhaps we may still make believers of them yet!
Late morning found us off the Gorda Banks in the eastern cape region of the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) looking for humpback whales. After sighting many single adults, we came across a mother humpback whale with her very young calf, probably only a few weeks old. The pair was joined by a second adult whale, most likely a male escort interested in possibly mating with the mother whale. After several surfacing events this calf surprised us all with an unannounced breach that caught most photographers unprepared to take any images. A couple photographers were quick enough on the draw to capture the breach, and guest Mary Lou Graham captured this amazing series to share with us all. Thanks Mary Lou!
After a busy afternoon snorkeling, birding, and shopping in Cabo San Lucas we were again treated to a magnificent sunset, but again without the hoped for green flash. Perhaps tomorrow we can convert the final non-believers as we will have yet another chance to witness this event…
