Boca La Soledad – Hull Canal – At Sea
A thin fog brought in the day as we prepared for Zodiac forays in search of gray whales. Our efforts were rewarded with many fine views and a few wonderfully close encounters with the curious creatures. Bottlenose dolphins and an array of seabirds added to the scene.
By late morning our local pilot, Alejandro Comacho, along with his son Ernesto were on board the National Geographic Sea Bird. For many years Alejandro has guided our vessel through the shallow, narrow, winding waters of Hull Canal, which separates Isla Magdalena and the Baja Peninsula. Previously, Alejandro had come on board to learn his trade from his father Modesto who had also piloted us for many years. Sand dunes and mangroves provided pleasing views, and we had ongoing sightings of avian and marine wildlife. During our transit, we took advantage of the fine weather to enjoy lunch on deck.
The rest of the day found us underway as we passed through La Entrada, the mouth of Magdalena Bay, and into the Pacific Ocean. We used the time to continue our series of presentations. John Fitzpatrick of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology shared the extraordinary range of important projects in which his organization is involved. “The Singing Planet” had Chris Carter telling us, in a compelling way, of his cutting-edge research with whale vocalizations. This research has led directly to laws being passed to protect whales. Expedition Leader Jim Kelley laid some groundwork for us with his presentation “Rocks in Action: The Geological History of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez.”
The colorful sunset over the calm Pacific ended a memorable day.
A thin fog brought in the day as we prepared for Zodiac forays in search of gray whales. Our efforts were rewarded with many fine views and a few wonderfully close encounters with the curious creatures. Bottlenose dolphins and an array of seabirds added to the scene.
By late morning our local pilot, Alejandro Comacho, along with his son Ernesto were on board the National Geographic Sea Bird. For many years Alejandro has guided our vessel through the shallow, narrow, winding waters of Hull Canal, which separates Isla Magdalena and the Baja Peninsula. Previously, Alejandro had come on board to learn his trade from his father Modesto who had also piloted us for many years. Sand dunes and mangroves provided pleasing views, and we had ongoing sightings of avian and marine wildlife. During our transit, we took advantage of the fine weather to enjoy lunch on deck.
The rest of the day found us underway as we passed through La Entrada, the mouth of Magdalena Bay, and into the Pacific Ocean. We used the time to continue our series of presentations. John Fitzpatrick of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology shared the extraordinary range of important projects in which his organization is involved. “The Singing Planet” had Chris Carter telling us, in a compelling way, of his cutting-edge research with whale vocalizations. This research has led directly to laws being passed to protect whales. Expedition Leader Jim Kelley laid some groundwork for us with his presentation “Rocks in Action: The Geological History of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez.”
The colorful sunset over the calm Pacific ended a memorable day.
