Boca de Soledad, Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, México
This morning’s spectacular sunrise was a positive omen for the remainder of the day. Unexpected treasures kept coming our way. We had an experience of a lifetime with Lindblad Expeditions in an extraordinary part of the planet. Whether it was good Karma, good fortune, or a fortuitous alignment of the planets, we had it all.
Activities started after breakfast. Half of the group joined naturalists on shore to explore terra firma. Myriad calico shells dotted the beach like gemstones – spiny Venus, augers and angel wings were among them. Varied animal tracks told stories from the night before, sparking our imaginations to the unseen creatures – predators and prey alike - that live amid the dunes. There were glimpses of white ibises, a reddish egret, and semi-palmated plovers.
The remainder of the group explored the calm bay via Zodiacs. The objective was to observe gray whales. These charismatic marine mammals bestowed us with gifts beyond our greatest dreams. We saw them from many angles – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They persistently sought out our company, approached our Zodiacs, insisted on our attention and interaction, and allowed us into their lives for a few brief moments. We had no choice but to return their affection. They could not be ignored. We reached our hands out to touch them, and found instead that they touched us. We were surprised to learn that their skin feels soft and rubbery. But the feeling it gave us to be able to do this is what is so cherished and unforgettable. They moved us in more ways than one. A young calf turned on its side to look at us; we were eye to eye with another mammal. Its near-by mother condoned the behavior of her offspring. Our connection with this animal was augmented when we saw and felt the tiny hairs on its head that it uses to sense its own environment. Another whale made sure we knew it was a female; she spent a lot of time upside down alongside and under the Zodiacs, at times carrying or pushing our craft along with her. They seemed as enthusiastic as we were! It was hard to leave them, but we hope we left them with some of what we took away with us. They provided us with fresh issues to ponder and we have all acquired a new and different perspective on life. The best experiences are those that are least expected. Our lives have been changed. We will treasure the memories of all the precious moments of the day.
