Ensenada Grande, Isla Partida, Gulf of California, Mexico
The west side of Islas Partida and Espiritu Santo are incised with myriad picturesque bays and coves which are quite protected from the worst of the wind and waves of the Gulf of California. We chose one of our favorites, Ensenada Grande, to spend the day. A few bottlenose dolphins greeted us as we watched the day dawn on the fantastically eroded cliffs of consolidated volcanic ash. Brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies synchronously and repeatedly plunged into the shallow azure waters near the head of the bay in pursuit of small schooling fish. It was a peaceful scene and we eagerly awaited our chance to go ashore for hikes and exploration.
A number of features caught our attention today. We learned that most things in this desert environment stick, sting, or stink. These are all means of protection. Protection from being eaten or losing water, for instance. The spines of the cacti are modified leaves that prevent excess evapotranspiration, provide shade and deter would-be invaders. Scorpions can deliver a poisonous sting to defend themselves against predators and subdue prey. Many desert plants have chemicals that are toxic to their enemies but also impart some interesting smells to the desert.
After hiking, many people had an opportunity for a Zodiac tour along the spectacular overhanging rock formations. From a distance this light-colored ash looks smooth and soft, but upon closer inspection many larger rock fragments could be seen embedded in the fine ash matrix, giving it a rougher mien. A thin icing of more resistant case-hardened rock appeared to be melting and flowing over the more easily eroded formation below, giving it a “Daliesque” quality, as if it were still molten and moving.
Our first snorkeling expedition took place after we concluded lunch, emergency drills, and snorkel briefing and outfitting. It is such a thrill to be able to get a glimpse into the colorful and often bizarre world beneath the waves. Here, too, are creatures – vertebrates and invertebrates alike - that can stick and sting to defend and protect. It is awe-inspiring to contemplate the wonders and diversity that our planet provides us. It is in our best interest to conserve, preserve, and appreciate what we are fortunate to have here.
It was an enlightening, fun and satisfying day. Following dinner we lifted the anchor of the Sea Bird and headed for points north.
The west side of Islas Partida and Espiritu Santo are incised with myriad picturesque bays and coves which are quite protected from the worst of the wind and waves of the Gulf of California. We chose one of our favorites, Ensenada Grande, to spend the day. A few bottlenose dolphins greeted us as we watched the day dawn on the fantastically eroded cliffs of consolidated volcanic ash. Brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies synchronously and repeatedly plunged into the shallow azure waters near the head of the bay in pursuit of small schooling fish. It was a peaceful scene and we eagerly awaited our chance to go ashore for hikes and exploration.
A number of features caught our attention today. We learned that most things in this desert environment stick, sting, or stink. These are all means of protection. Protection from being eaten or losing water, for instance. The spines of the cacti are modified leaves that prevent excess evapotranspiration, provide shade and deter would-be invaders. Scorpions can deliver a poisonous sting to defend themselves against predators and subdue prey. Many desert plants have chemicals that are toxic to their enemies but also impart some interesting smells to the desert.
After hiking, many people had an opportunity for a Zodiac tour along the spectacular overhanging rock formations. From a distance this light-colored ash looks smooth and soft, but upon closer inspection many larger rock fragments could be seen embedded in the fine ash matrix, giving it a rougher mien. A thin icing of more resistant case-hardened rock appeared to be melting and flowing over the more easily eroded formation below, giving it a “Daliesque” quality, as if it were still molten and moving.
Our first snorkeling expedition took place after we concluded lunch, emergency drills, and snorkel briefing and outfitting. It is such a thrill to be able to get a glimpse into the colorful and often bizarre world beneath the waves. Here, too, are creatures – vertebrates and invertebrates alike - that can stick and sting to defend and protect. It is awe-inspiring to contemplate the wonders and diversity that our planet provides us. It is in our best interest to conserve, preserve, and appreciate what we are fortunate to have here.
It was an enlightening, fun and satisfying day. Following dinner we lifted the anchor of the Sea Bird and headed for points north.
