After the phenomenal high of the past two days, today was a welcome chance to reflect on our experiences and absorb every last bit of the solitude afforded by the lagoons of Baja’s Pacific coast. We returned to the curvaceous dunes of Bahia Magdalena this morning for one last photo op, and found ourselves participating in the time-honored sport of dune jumping. Also beckoning were the mangroves lining the shore, so Zodiac cruisers idled in to find ospreys taking flight and green herons skulking among the prop roots of the red mangroves. A few caught glimpses of the elusive mangrove warbler, and photographers discussed the “rule of thirds” and photo composition between lens changes. The energetic among us ventured out in the kayaks for a breezy paddle along the edge of the dunes and around a small mangrove island. It was a good morning, full of sun, salt, and sand.
We spent our afternoon in more leisurely pursuits as the Sea Lion motored south toward Cabo San Lucas. Richard Maack taught us how to tell our stories with photographs, and shared many of his photos and stories as well. Late in the afternoon, David Stephens gave us the “less is more” version of Baja California geology with a wonderful slide presentation. Occasional visits by Pacific white-sided and common dolphins added excitement both for those on deck and those watching the “bowcam” in the lounge. The sunset provided our second green flash of the trip, and turned the sky scarlet for many long minutes, bringing another beautiful day in Baja California to a close.
