Los Islotes & Isla Partida
The volcanic tuff making up the tiny islet of Los Islotes was eroding away a little quicker today as wave after dramatic wave broke along its northern shoreline. We viewed this drama of splash, spume and foam while bobbing around in our Zodiac’s on the southern, calm, lee side.
Along with the crash and splash of waves, we heard the boisterous barking of California sea lions as they vocalized their morning greetings, gossip and general conversation. Some individuals took advantage of natural caves in the rocks to amplify their messages to the other sea lions. Blue-footed boobies whistled and honked courtship murmurings to each other, as now is the time for them to consider egg laying. A great blue heron had a magnificent nest perched in the sparse vegetation half-way up the cliff side. We watched as it re-arranged a few sticks here and there and then slowly and carefully lowered itself, deflating like a large blue-gray balloon onto its delicate incubating eggs.
For some, joining the sea lions was the next activity of the morning. Donning masks, fins, snorkels and wetsuits we jumped into the refreshing water. The sea lions were an entertaining bunch as they careened around us, effortlessly swimming, diving and playing chicken. We were the clumsy bobbing buoys, they were the sleek and agile athletes, but it was all great fun to have the opportunity for a glimpse into their fish filled world.
For the afternoon the turquoise bay of El Cardonal along the west side of Isla Partida became our playground. Colorful kayaks lined the shore, waiting for plucky paddlers to come and take an independent and leisurely tour of the shoreline.
Others chose to walk along the edge of the mangroves to a lofty vantage point on the other side of the island. Light wisps of clouds held a parsimonious attitude towards sharing their water with the parched landscape below. Fortunately, the plant community in this desert is a tenacious bunch, as was exhibited by a hedgehog cactus we found comfortably nestled in the crevice of a large boulder. The plants will continue to wait patiently for a brief rain shower, or perhaps a torrential downpour, in the coming months.
A highlight for many was the sighting of the endemic black jackrabbit of Isla Partida. An animal came down to the beach to munch greens just behind the mangroves, this allowed us an amazing view and we were able to capture more than a few images of what is usually considered to be quite an elusive critter.
With sunset came our departure from the island. Baja California is a special place that has once again slipped into the hearts and minds of a small boatload of intrepid explorers.
