Bahia Magdalena
It has been over two years since I have had the pleasure of traveling in Baja. Wow, is it ever good to be back! Today we began our week of adventure in Magdalena Bay with an exploration of the mangroves that line the Hull Canal via both Zodiacs and kayaks. We lowered our entire fleet of brightly colored kayaks, and with an enthusiastic group of paddlers, headed off to follow a shallow and windy canal way up into the extensive mangrove flats. We heard mangrove warblers (but only a couple of us actually glimpsed these bright yellow, elusive little birds) and scrub jays. Several species of waders and herons flitted ahead of our boats. We thoroughly enjoyed the quiet and tranquility of our visit to this unusual area. The mangrove habitat is one that does not perhaps readily attract us, yet it is essential as a nursery for many of our most important fish and crustacean species.
The guests who toured the winding canals into the mangroves by Zodiacs also spotted numerous birds (several species of herons, ibis, whimbrels, willets etc. etc.) and learned from the naturalists who accompanied them about the richness and importance of this habitat. We all worked up a good appetite and when we returned to the ship at noon we did justice to the tacos and crab salad that was awaiting us.
Soon after lunch we disembarked on the fine white sands of Sand Dollar Beach. I came straight from Ecuador to join the Sea Lion for this week, and one of the things that I am especially noticing and greatly appreciating is the fantastic weather. Sunny and breezy and neither too warm nor too cool – just exactly the right temperature. We chose between long and short hike options and had a delightful outing. Once back on board Captain Kalbach hauled up our anchor and we headed out into the Pacific Ocean en route to Cabo San Lucas and the Sea Of Cortez.
It has been over two years since I have had the pleasure of traveling in Baja. Wow, is it ever good to be back! Today we began our week of adventure in Magdalena Bay with an exploration of the mangroves that line the Hull Canal via both Zodiacs and kayaks. We lowered our entire fleet of brightly colored kayaks, and with an enthusiastic group of paddlers, headed off to follow a shallow and windy canal way up into the extensive mangrove flats. We heard mangrove warblers (but only a couple of us actually glimpsed these bright yellow, elusive little birds) and scrub jays. Several species of waders and herons flitted ahead of our boats. We thoroughly enjoyed the quiet and tranquility of our visit to this unusual area. The mangrove habitat is one that does not perhaps readily attract us, yet it is essential as a nursery for many of our most important fish and crustacean species.
The guests who toured the winding canals into the mangroves by Zodiacs also spotted numerous birds (several species of herons, ibis, whimbrels, willets etc. etc.) and learned from the naturalists who accompanied them about the richness and importance of this habitat. We all worked up a good appetite and when we returned to the ship at noon we did justice to the tacos and crab salad that was awaiting us.
Soon after lunch we disembarked on the fine white sands of Sand Dollar Beach. I came straight from Ecuador to join the Sea Lion for this week, and one of the things that I am especially noticing and greatly appreciating is the fantastic weather. Sunny and breezy and neither too warm nor too cool – just exactly the right temperature. We chose between long and short hike options and had a delightful outing. Once back on board Captain Kalbach hauled up our anchor and we headed out into the Pacific Ocean en route to Cabo San Lucas and the Sea Of Cortez.
