Isla Angel de la Guarda
Another perfect morning found the Sea Bird cruising in the deep Canal de Ballenas (Spanish for "Canal of Whales") between Angel de la Guarda and the Baja peninsula looking for marine mammals, and we were not disappointed. Even before breakfast was announced, a sperm whale was spotted. Although quite some distance away, this species' characteristic angled blow made it readily identifiable. The ship turned toward it, but before we could get close, the whale fluked and submerged.
After breakfast, the spouts of dolphins were seen. Upon our closer approach, these proved to belong to Risso's dolphins, a fairly large dolphin with a tall dorsal fin and streaks of white scar tissue contrasting on its grey body. The exact cause of the scarring is debated - perhaps from fights between dolphins and/or encounters with large squids, their favorite food.
Carolyn, our sixth grade lover of marine mammals, joyfully remarked, "Is everybody happy?" The clicking of camera shutters and oohs and aahs from the other guests answered the question.
About lunch time, the Sea Bird sailed into the Puerto Refugio area at the north end of Angel de la Guarda. We anchored off a granitic island harboring California sea lions, brown pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, brown and blue-footed boobies, and a pair of oystercatchers. The animal sounds alone held our attention.
A hardy contingent of folks braved the cold 60° F water for snorkeling with the sea lions. Others set out in kayaks for a mellow paddle around the island and close up views of its inhabitants. Cruises in a Zodiac were also provided. We all gathered back onboard as the bright golden sun slowly sank behind the peninsula's rugged mountains and the sea and desert went serenely to rest.
At the end of dinner, our expedition leader Ralph Hopkins mused, "Isn't it wonderful when a day is perfect?" We all tended to agree.
Another perfect morning found the Sea Bird cruising in the deep Canal de Ballenas (Spanish for "Canal of Whales") between Angel de la Guarda and the Baja peninsula looking for marine mammals, and we were not disappointed. Even before breakfast was announced, a sperm whale was spotted. Although quite some distance away, this species' characteristic angled blow made it readily identifiable. The ship turned toward it, but before we could get close, the whale fluked and submerged.
After breakfast, the spouts of dolphins were seen. Upon our closer approach, these proved to belong to Risso's dolphins, a fairly large dolphin with a tall dorsal fin and streaks of white scar tissue contrasting on its grey body. The exact cause of the scarring is debated - perhaps from fights between dolphins and/or encounters with large squids, their favorite food.
Carolyn, our sixth grade lover of marine mammals, joyfully remarked, "Is everybody happy?" The clicking of camera shutters and oohs and aahs from the other guests answered the question.
About lunch time, the Sea Bird sailed into the Puerto Refugio area at the north end of Angel de la Guarda. We anchored off a granitic island harboring California sea lions, brown pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, brown and blue-footed boobies, and a pair of oystercatchers. The animal sounds alone held our attention.
A hardy contingent of folks braved the cold 60° F water for snorkeling with the sea lions. Others set out in kayaks for a mellow paddle around the island and close up views of its inhabitants. Cruises in a Zodiac were also provided. We all gathered back onboard as the bright golden sun slowly sank behind the peninsula's rugged mountains and the sea and desert went serenely to rest.
At the end of dinner, our expedition leader Ralph Hopkins mused, "Isn't it wonderful when a day is perfect?" We all tended to agree.
