Isla San José
Rolling waves lulled us from sleep our first morning in the Sea of Cortez. Getting under way after last evening’s dinner took us north of La Paz and Isla San José, known to be a good region for sighting whales. Our sleepy Sunday was soon interrupted and turned into an active tracking, trying to predict the next eruption of blows on the surface as two adult blue whales—the largest mammal in the world, came into our sight as they cruised up the channel. All eyes and cameras were glued to the glistening sea, both on the bow and in the lounge, a great start to the week ahead!
The afternoon took us exploring on the island of San José, to a landing called Playa Encantada—which definitely lived up to its name. Long hikers were rewarded with panoramic vistas of the bay and a dramatic cardon forest from the mesa. Less distance with more interpretation, short distance hikers discovered the native wild lavender in bloom as well as petunia or skunk bush, and the velcro plant attracting the local hummingbirds. Serious birders were impressed with a number of sightings including the striking Xantus’ hummingbird as well as pairs of blue-gray and California gnat catchers and an endemic species of lizard, the whiptail.
Our walk up the arroyo was shared by some local goat herders with a colorful group of baby and adult goats. A few of us witnessed the milking of one of the females, quickly filling a gallon jug, later to be made into cheese, the goatherder said.
Contented by our finds on the land and sea, we reminisced at re-cap, sharing vivid images of today—blue whales, desert flowers, native birds, and the wild azure sea!
Rolling waves lulled us from sleep our first morning in the Sea of Cortez. Getting under way after last evening’s dinner took us north of La Paz and Isla San José, known to be a good region for sighting whales. Our sleepy Sunday was soon interrupted and turned into an active tracking, trying to predict the next eruption of blows on the surface as two adult blue whales—the largest mammal in the world, came into our sight as they cruised up the channel. All eyes and cameras were glued to the glistening sea, both on the bow and in the lounge, a great start to the week ahead!
The afternoon took us exploring on the island of San José, to a landing called Playa Encantada—which definitely lived up to its name. Long hikers were rewarded with panoramic vistas of the bay and a dramatic cardon forest from the mesa. Less distance with more interpretation, short distance hikers discovered the native wild lavender in bloom as well as petunia or skunk bush, and the velcro plant attracting the local hummingbirds. Serious birders were impressed with a number of sightings including the striking Xantus’ hummingbird as well as pairs of blue-gray and California gnat catchers and an endemic species of lizard, the whiptail.
Our walk up the arroyo was shared by some local goat herders with a colorful group of baby and adult goats. A few of us witnessed the milking of one of the females, quickly filling a gallon jug, later to be made into cheese, the goatherder said.
Contented by our finds on the land and sea, we reminisced at re-cap, sharing vivid images of today—blue whales, desert flowers, native birds, and the wild azure sea!
