Isla Monserrat & at Sea
Our wakeup call was at 6:15; no rest for the driven. To wake people that early must always be a difficult decision for the expedition leader except when the sun has just broken over the horizon, the Sierra de la Giganta mountains are aglow, and there are fin whales all around the ship. Soon the bow filled with guests
Although fin whales rarely show their flukes, their massive size, tall column-shaped blow, and dark charcoal-colored body are stunningly beautiful. When their food is near the surface they appear frequently and cause quite the stir for photographers and whale watchers alike. Fin whales feed on fish and krill, sometimes diving to as deep as 600 feet. Whalers once called them finbacks, because their only view was of the thin tailstocks as these speedy cetaceans out ran the sailing ships or rowed whaleboats.
Only the lower jaw on the right side is white, as can be seen in today’s photograph. These animals have been observed feeding in circles in the Antarctic with their right side toward the center to frighten prey to the inside with their white jaw. Some believe that because they often feed by lunging at the surface with their right side down that their coloration would be more cryptic. The Gulf of California has about 550 to 600 fin whales that live here all year. These are from a group of 400 to 800 that has genetically been isolated long enough to have recognizable DNA.
During breakfast we anchored at Isla Monserrat for hiking and kayaking. Fossilized shells were imbedded in the cliffs at the landing, evidence of geologic uplift and stranded beaches. One of the arroyos wound through a narrow canyon of old man, organ pipe, galloping and cardon cacti interspersed with numerous other plants. Kayakers had very unstructured time to dawdle, paddle, or poke into shallow nooks and crannies. Perhaps the most exciting time was had by those on the Zodiac tour. They found a group of bottlenose dolphins that were as curious about them as they were about the dolphins. For 40 minutes they interacted by watching them swim around the Zodiac, ride the bow wave and play in the wake. After returning from the hike, other guests joined in the fun. Two spotted dolphins were also near. They could be recognized by their lighter bodies covered with conspicuous spots.
All afternoon we rode a following sea, sliding smoothly down the waves and rocking ever so gently. One large group of long beaked common dolphins swam along with us for a while. Photographers worked feverishly to complete their portfolios for the late afternoon show, as our last day drew to a close.
There has been a distinct change in many of our shipmates during this two-week long trip. This voyage is about as close as you get to the way summer camp used to be. We find new friends and begin to share a great adventure. We eagerly devour each day, the incredible sights and every new experience. We become transformed into kids again. Can we stay this way as we re-enter our adult world?
Our wakeup call was at 6:15; no rest for the driven. To wake people that early must always be a difficult decision for the expedition leader except when the sun has just broken over the horizon, the Sierra de la Giganta mountains are aglow, and there are fin whales all around the ship. Soon the bow filled with guests
Although fin whales rarely show their flukes, their massive size, tall column-shaped blow, and dark charcoal-colored body are stunningly beautiful. When their food is near the surface they appear frequently and cause quite the stir for photographers and whale watchers alike. Fin whales feed on fish and krill, sometimes diving to as deep as 600 feet. Whalers once called them finbacks, because their only view was of the thin tailstocks as these speedy cetaceans out ran the sailing ships or rowed whaleboats.
Only the lower jaw on the right side is white, as can be seen in today’s photograph. These animals have been observed feeding in circles in the Antarctic with their right side toward the center to frighten prey to the inside with their white jaw. Some believe that because they often feed by lunging at the surface with their right side down that their coloration would be more cryptic. The Gulf of California has about 550 to 600 fin whales that live here all year. These are from a group of 400 to 800 that has genetically been isolated long enough to have recognizable DNA.
During breakfast we anchored at Isla Monserrat for hiking and kayaking. Fossilized shells were imbedded in the cliffs at the landing, evidence of geologic uplift and stranded beaches. One of the arroyos wound through a narrow canyon of old man, organ pipe, galloping and cardon cacti interspersed with numerous other plants. Kayakers had very unstructured time to dawdle, paddle, or poke into shallow nooks and crannies. Perhaps the most exciting time was had by those on the Zodiac tour. They found a group of bottlenose dolphins that were as curious about them as they were about the dolphins. For 40 minutes they interacted by watching them swim around the Zodiac, ride the bow wave and play in the wake. After returning from the hike, other guests joined in the fun. Two spotted dolphins were also near. They could be recognized by their lighter bodies covered with conspicuous spots.
All afternoon we rode a following sea, sliding smoothly down the waves and rocking ever so gently. One large group of long beaked common dolphins swam along with us for a while. Photographers worked feverishly to complete their portfolios for the late afternoon show, as our last day drew to a close.
There has been a distinct change in many of our shipmates during this two-week long trip. This voyage is about as close as you get to the way summer camp used to be. We find new friends and begin to share a great adventure. We eagerly devour each day, the incredible sights and every new experience. We become transformed into kids again. Can we stay this way as we re-enter our adult world?
