Canal de San Jose
This morning was a calm one compared to the previous. Early in the morning we took up the anchor. Heading north was the plan. The Sea Bird made its way up to the northern end of Canal de San Jose. Intelligent creatures of the mammalian variety were the quarry for the morning. A gift shop was enjoyed. After our shopping opportunity a disturbance in the clear dappled water told of animals in great number. Morning light showed the presence of common dolphins. A few hundred were making their way east. Infected with their playfulness we came to the deck to watch as they swam with great joy and strength. Reflections of their shape and our own could be seen in the waters’ surface as we cruised with them. Actually, the movements of their bodies were captivating for a different reason. We became aware of the limits we have physically in water. Being an animal designed to run long distances on land, the best among us barely break 5 m.p.h. when swimming. With the energy of teenagers, and less responsibility, these animals cavorted as though they were at a birthday celebration. Capable of bursts of speed well over 30 m.p.h. It is even more impressive given that their length and weight are similar to humans.
The afternoon was also full of humbling lessons as we made our way to Los Islotes to swim with California sea lions and the many tropical fish at these lonely rocky pinnacles. They lie at the north end of Isla Partida. The seas and weather maintained themselves as we enjoyed the experience of watching as these graceful animals darted around us as we ambled slowly at the surface. A Zodiac cruise was offered and there were nice photographic opportunities to be had of the sea lions above water as well as the sea birds of Los Islotes.
This morning was a calm one compared to the previous. Early in the morning we took up the anchor. Heading north was the plan. The Sea Bird made its way up to the northern end of Canal de San Jose. Intelligent creatures of the mammalian variety were the quarry for the morning. A gift shop was enjoyed. After our shopping opportunity a disturbance in the clear dappled water told of animals in great number. Morning light showed the presence of common dolphins. A few hundred were making their way east. Infected with their playfulness we came to the deck to watch as they swam with great joy and strength. Reflections of their shape and our own could be seen in the waters’ surface as we cruised with them. Actually, the movements of their bodies were captivating for a different reason. We became aware of the limits we have physically in water. Being an animal designed to run long distances on land, the best among us barely break 5 m.p.h. when swimming. With the energy of teenagers, and less responsibility, these animals cavorted as though they were at a birthday celebration. Capable of bursts of speed well over 30 m.p.h. It is even more impressive given that their length and weight are similar to humans.
The afternoon was also full of humbling lessons as we made our way to Los Islotes to swim with California sea lions and the many tropical fish at these lonely rocky pinnacles. They lie at the north end of Isla Partida. The seas and weather maintained themselves as we enjoyed the experience of watching as these graceful animals darted around us as we ambled slowly at the surface. A Zodiac cruise was offered and there were nice photographic opportunities to be had of the sea lions above water as well as the sea birds of Los Islotes.
