Magdalena Bay
This morning was our last day out amongst the gray whales in Magdalena Bay, and we took advantage of calmer seas to observe them up close and personal. We once again set out in our fleet of Zodiacs, and were rewarded with numerous cow-calf pairs of gray whales. Many were hanging out in the strong current and we were able to approach closely for excellent views. Some of the calves repeatedly lifted their heads out of the water, showing their eyes as they possibly were doing a bit of human watching. A few spy hops were observed, where the whale rises straight out of the water, sticking its rostrum high into the air before slowly sinking back below the surface. It certainly was a treat to be amongst these gentle giants for so long, allowing us a taste of what their life is like.
During a barbecue deck lunch, we transited back south through the Hull Canal, with excellent views of more gray whales, and the abundant bird life. Hundreds of pelicans were plunging into the water, surrounded by cormorants and gulls. As we approached the narrowest portion, a large flock of Brant were feeding on eel grass, and many herons and egrets were feeding in the shallows. Ice cream sundaes on deck with the stunning sand dunes were a fantastic way to spend the early afternoon.
To finish our day, we went ashore on Magdalena Island, and crossed the sand dunes to Sand Dollar Beach. This is certainly one of the most stunning and pristine beaches in North America, and we enjoyed it fully. Many of us scoured the shore for treasures while some of us plunged in for a bit of body surfing. Sitting on the sand with no sign of humanity in sight, surrounded by shells, sand dollars, and soaring frigatebirds, is a fitting end for this voyage.
This morning was our last day out amongst the gray whales in Magdalena Bay, and we took advantage of calmer seas to observe them up close and personal. We once again set out in our fleet of Zodiacs, and were rewarded with numerous cow-calf pairs of gray whales. Many were hanging out in the strong current and we were able to approach closely for excellent views. Some of the calves repeatedly lifted their heads out of the water, showing their eyes as they possibly were doing a bit of human watching. A few spy hops were observed, where the whale rises straight out of the water, sticking its rostrum high into the air before slowly sinking back below the surface. It certainly was a treat to be amongst these gentle giants for so long, allowing us a taste of what their life is like.
During a barbecue deck lunch, we transited back south through the Hull Canal, with excellent views of more gray whales, and the abundant bird life. Hundreds of pelicans were plunging into the water, surrounded by cormorants and gulls. As we approached the narrowest portion, a large flock of Brant were feeding on eel grass, and many herons and egrets were feeding in the shallows. Ice cream sundaes on deck with the stunning sand dunes were a fantastic way to spend the early afternoon.
To finish our day, we went ashore on Magdalena Island, and crossed the sand dunes to Sand Dollar Beach. This is certainly one of the most stunning and pristine beaches in North America, and we enjoyed it fully. Many of us scoured the shore for treasures while some of us plunged in for a bit of body surfing. Sitting on the sand with no sign of humanity in sight, surrounded by shells, sand dollars, and soaring frigatebirds, is a fitting end for this voyage.
