Southern tip of Isla San Jose
Sunrise found the Sea Bird heading north towards the San Jose channel in search of marine mammals. Just off the west side of Isla Espiritu Santos a Blue whale was spotted from the bow. A call was made through out the ship, and in record time nearly everyone found their way to the bow helping in the search for the world’s largest mammal. This particular Blue whale was spending approximately ten minutes under the surface and then returning to breath, followed by a slow and absolutely gorgeous dive showing off a fluke more than seventeen feet across, all dazzling in the early morning light. We remained with this animal for several surfaces and dives and then slowly pulled away heading for our morning anchorage at the Southern tip of Isla San Jose. Just around the western tip of this island at a place called Amortajada a large mangrove forest has established itself, providing excellent Zodiac tours and hiking near by.
Once the anchor was dropped, Zodiacs were launched and hikers were brought ashore. As this hardy group of walkers headed into a dense cactus forest, the remainder of our group began the first of two Zodiac tours of the mangrove system at Bahia Amortajada. The tide had just filled the many channels in and around the mangroves giving us ample water to explore. We saw Great blue herons, Green herons, Wimbrels, White ibis, a Reddish egret dancing, and most exciting a hand delivered example of the Cassiopeia or upside-down jelly fish. All these species were great examples of inhabitants that make a good living or find safety within the protection of mangroves. Half way through the morning our groups switched, but not before a stop on the beach including ice-cold water and Mexican paletas much to our enjoyment on this warm day in Baja!
The Sea Bird remained at anchor all morning in the building north winds. Once the morning activities were completed and everyone was back aboard, we began a slow cruise heading for another beach on Isla San Jose for our afternoon destination. A nice sandy beach discovered eleven years ago by our Expedition leader Jim Kelly, and affectionately named Kelley’s beach. Kayaks were brought ashore, and Kelly’s beach provided a long expanse for a relaxed paddle. There was snorkeling for those wanting another chance to view the undersea world, while a hike up a lovely arroyo for looks at the interior of the island was also offered.
As the sun made its way towards sunset, the galley and dining room staff arrived by Zodiac and began preparations for a barbecue dinner ashore. Chairs, long tables, table clothes, dishes, silverware, beautifully prepared food, a portable bar and dinner was served! After dinner an evening fire was lit by the ship’s Boson, while our Mexican staff member began a traditional ritual of the lighting of Copal incense, in preparation for the telling of an Aztec creation myth. The central fire blazed, the air was filled with the scent of Copal, the Gods had been thanked and their origins were described, explained and verified in the same story form that has been passed down for generations, as is the tradition amongst descendants of the original peoples of Mexico.
Sunrise found the Sea Bird heading north towards the San Jose channel in search of marine mammals. Just off the west side of Isla Espiritu Santos a Blue whale was spotted from the bow. A call was made through out the ship, and in record time nearly everyone found their way to the bow helping in the search for the world’s largest mammal. This particular Blue whale was spending approximately ten minutes under the surface and then returning to breath, followed by a slow and absolutely gorgeous dive showing off a fluke more than seventeen feet across, all dazzling in the early morning light. We remained with this animal for several surfaces and dives and then slowly pulled away heading for our morning anchorage at the Southern tip of Isla San Jose. Just around the western tip of this island at a place called Amortajada a large mangrove forest has established itself, providing excellent Zodiac tours and hiking near by.
Once the anchor was dropped, Zodiacs were launched and hikers were brought ashore. As this hardy group of walkers headed into a dense cactus forest, the remainder of our group began the first of two Zodiac tours of the mangrove system at Bahia Amortajada. The tide had just filled the many channels in and around the mangroves giving us ample water to explore. We saw Great blue herons, Green herons, Wimbrels, White ibis, a Reddish egret dancing, and most exciting a hand delivered example of the Cassiopeia or upside-down jelly fish. All these species were great examples of inhabitants that make a good living or find safety within the protection of mangroves. Half way through the morning our groups switched, but not before a stop on the beach including ice-cold water and Mexican paletas much to our enjoyment on this warm day in Baja!
The Sea Bird remained at anchor all morning in the building north winds. Once the morning activities were completed and everyone was back aboard, we began a slow cruise heading for another beach on Isla San Jose for our afternoon destination. A nice sandy beach discovered eleven years ago by our Expedition leader Jim Kelly, and affectionately named Kelley’s beach. Kayaks were brought ashore, and Kelly’s beach provided a long expanse for a relaxed paddle. There was snorkeling for those wanting another chance to view the undersea world, while a hike up a lovely arroyo for looks at the interior of the island was also offered.
As the sun made its way towards sunset, the galley and dining room staff arrived by Zodiac and began preparations for a barbecue dinner ashore. Chairs, long tables, table clothes, dishes, silverware, beautifully prepared food, a portable bar and dinner was served! After dinner an evening fire was lit by the ship’s Boson, while our Mexican staff member began a traditional ritual of the lighting of Copal incense, in preparation for the telling of an Aztec creation myth. The central fire blazed, the air was filled with the scent of Copal, the Gods had been thanked and their origins were described, explained and verified in the same story form that has been passed down for generations, as is the tradition amongst descendants of the original peoples of Mexico.
