Gulf of California
What a way to start our journey! We had smooth seas on our way north from La Paz and awoke to a blue/green flash at sunrise, and whales! – three in all, traveling together. After close scrutiny it was determined that they were Brydes (tropical) whales, a relatively small baleen whale that is renowned for its erratic behavior. We were especially lucky to have a mother with a small calf swimming close together. A third whale of undetermined gender followed them throughout the course of the morning. The calf still nurses on its mother’s rich, thick milk, while the others look for food in the nutrient-laden waters of the Gulf of California. It was exciting to see them so close to our ship!
We finally had to continue north toward our destination for the afternoon, taking care of the business of safety drills, briefings, and snorkel equipment fittings. Along the way we encountered a small group of bottlenose dolphins that came over to ride the bow of our vessel. Looking over the railing of the Sea Bird, we watched these graceful, social animals respond to the pressure wave created as we plowed through the water, rising occasionally to take a quick breath of air through the single blowhole. The life in the sea we saw this morning attests to the productivity of this area.
Following lunch we launched the first snorkeling expedition along a limestone wall on the east side of Isla Carmen. Numerous fish and invertebrates were found in the colorful underwater realm.
Later in the afternoon there was an opportunity to hike in Arroyo Rojo (Red Canyon), also on the east side of Isla Carmen. Recent rains have produced lush green growth, which contrasts with the red volcanic rocks. From afar, this land may appear barren and dry, but upon close inspection, life is evident everywhere. The plants and animals that survive here are well adapted to do so. They have evolved various means of procuring and retaining water – the primary limiting factor. Even in a desert, water, rare as it may be, is the main erosive force and we sensed its power as we wound our way up through the dry arroyo. Occasional torrents can transport particles of rock great distances and revitalize the earth, transforming the appearance of this sere land in a short period of time.
Unusual smells waft from the compounds produced by desert vegetation, a mechanism for protection. The sounds of bird song reach our ears, causing us to pause and listen. A juicy cactus fruit stimulates and delights our palate. The unwary may be annoyed by the pain and irritation of cactus spines. Our eyes feast on the variety of colors and patterns that surround us. When out in nature, using all of our senses enriches our experience and puts us in touch with our environment, removing us from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Our souls are refreshed after this powerfully emotional day.
What a way to start our journey! We had smooth seas on our way north from La Paz and awoke to a blue/green flash at sunrise, and whales! – three in all, traveling together. After close scrutiny it was determined that they were Brydes (tropical) whales, a relatively small baleen whale that is renowned for its erratic behavior. We were especially lucky to have a mother with a small calf swimming close together. A third whale of undetermined gender followed them throughout the course of the morning. The calf still nurses on its mother’s rich, thick milk, while the others look for food in the nutrient-laden waters of the Gulf of California. It was exciting to see them so close to our ship!
We finally had to continue north toward our destination for the afternoon, taking care of the business of safety drills, briefings, and snorkel equipment fittings. Along the way we encountered a small group of bottlenose dolphins that came over to ride the bow of our vessel. Looking over the railing of the Sea Bird, we watched these graceful, social animals respond to the pressure wave created as we plowed through the water, rising occasionally to take a quick breath of air through the single blowhole. The life in the sea we saw this morning attests to the productivity of this area.
Following lunch we launched the first snorkeling expedition along a limestone wall on the east side of Isla Carmen. Numerous fish and invertebrates were found in the colorful underwater realm.
Later in the afternoon there was an opportunity to hike in Arroyo Rojo (Red Canyon), also on the east side of Isla Carmen. Recent rains have produced lush green growth, which contrasts with the red volcanic rocks. From afar, this land may appear barren and dry, but upon close inspection, life is evident everywhere. The plants and animals that survive here are well adapted to do so. They have evolved various means of procuring and retaining water – the primary limiting factor. Even in a desert, water, rare as it may be, is the main erosive force and we sensed its power as we wound our way up through the dry arroyo. Occasional torrents can transport particles of rock great distances and revitalize the earth, transforming the appearance of this sere land in a short period of time.
Unusual smells waft from the compounds produced by desert vegetation, a mechanism for protection. The sounds of bird song reach our ears, causing us to pause and listen. A juicy cactus fruit stimulates and delights our palate. The unwary may be annoyed by the pain and irritation of cactus spines. Our eyes feast on the variety of colors and patterns that surround us. When out in nature, using all of our senses enriches our experience and puts us in touch with our environment, removing us from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Our souls are refreshed after this powerfully emotional day.
