Isla San Marcos And Santa Rosalia
Early morning's first rays found us cruising close to Isla San Marcos, an island that has been famous for important gypsum deposits. After breakfast we went ashore for long, medium and leisure hikes, in a beautiful wide arroyo. A new trail for all of us, including the Natural History Staff. For our pleasant surprise, the wash was lush, green and with many flowers in bloom. Most unusual of these, was the passionflower, in its full glory and splendor. Much to our delight, Pete found a red diamond rattlesnake, which we observed and photographed. As the morning heat rose we retraced our steps and fell into the cool refreshing waters of the Sea of Cortez were we had a wonderful time snorkeling and swimming. We found the underwater garden off of Isla San Marcos to be varied and abundant with algae, marine invertebrates and fishes. For sure one of the best snorkeling spots we have experienced. No one wanted to leave the water, it was just too much fun!
After lunch we visited the town of Santa Rosalia, which came into existence in the mid 1870s when copper deposits were discovered and several mines were opened. Once ashore we visited the Boleo Mining Company Museum and dropped by the church, which apparently was designed by A. G. Eiffel, back in 1898 when Paris was the host city for the World's Fair. After the fair it was dismantled and shipped abroad. Its original destination is not known, but somehow it ended up in Santa Rosalia. We spent the waning hours of the afternoon sipping Margaritas and cervezas while snacking on local guacamole and nacho chips. Watching the harbor from the veranda of the Hotel Francis. We returned to the Sea Lion for recap and dinner and made our departure from Santa Rosalia, continuing south into the Gulf of California for another memorable day.
Early morning's first rays found us cruising close to Isla San Marcos, an island that has been famous for important gypsum deposits. After breakfast we went ashore for long, medium and leisure hikes, in a beautiful wide arroyo. A new trail for all of us, including the Natural History Staff. For our pleasant surprise, the wash was lush, green and with many flowers in bloom. Most unusual of these, was the passionflower, in its full glory and splendor. Much to our delight, Pete found a red diamond rattlesnake, which we observed and photographed. As the morning heat rose we retraced our steps and fell into the cool refreshing waters of the Sea of Cortez were we had a wonderful time snorkeling and swimming. We found the underwater garden off of Isla San Marcos to be varied and abundant with algae, marine invertebrates and fishes. For sure one of the best snorkeling spots we have experienced. No one wanted to leave the water, it was just too much fun!
After lunch we visited the town of Santa Rosalia, which came into existence in the mid 1870s when copper deposits were discovered and several mines were opened. Once ashore we visited the Boleo Mining Company Museum and dropped by the church, which apparently was designed by A. G. Eiffel, back in 1898 when Paris was the host city for the World's Fair. After the fair it was dismantled and shipped abroad. Its original destination is not known, but somehow it ended up in Santa Rosalia. We spent the waning hours of the afternoon sipping Margaritas and cervezas while snacking on local guacamole and nacho chips. Watching the harbor from the veranda of the Hotel Francis. We returned to the Sea Lion for recap and dinner and made our departure from Santa Rosalia, continuing south into the Gulf of California for another memorable day.
