Isla Rasa, Gulf of California
Today was our first full day on the ship after boarding yesterday afternoon in Puerto Escondido—the “Hidden Port.” So far, we have traversed over 200 miles, at times with a nice current pushing us and other times bucking a 25 knot wind. The Gulf of California showed us quickly what a changeable place it can be!
While underway, we took care of many of the things necessary to get ready for a week of exploring—learning procedures for this special kayak voyage, trying on snorkel gear and becoming familiar with the vessel. We really had our appetite for adventure stirred up during an early morning presentation by Kira Salak, a National Geographic Expert who has joined us this week to share her experiences and knowledge. An author, athlete and outdoorswoman extraordinaire, she kept us enthralled with her story of paddling 600 miles solo down the Niger River to Timbuktu.
After a hearty lunch of delicious Mexican fare, we headed out to Isla Rasa—the “Flat Island”—to get a closer look on foot and by Zodiac at the half a million birds currently inhabiting the island. Most well known for the Elegant terns and Heermann’s Gulls, some 80 other species have been sighted around the island, including the Craveri’s Murrlet pictured above. After Zodiac tours and walks, most of us took to the water in kayaks and either got better acquainted with Isla Rasa, or took a longer paddle to Isla Rasita to see a small sea lion colony.
During our nightly recap, the researchers in residence at Isla Rasa shared information about the birds, their lives on the island and the important conservation work they are doing. In addition to studying certain aspects of bird biology, other long-term studies are being conducted on the food resources they are utilizing. With thirty years of such data, this work has proven invaluable in assessing the health of local fish stocks and for setting appropriate and sustainable quotas to assure the continued viability of the fisheries.
As night decends slowly in shades of umber and citrus, the terns and gulls are noisily calling in the background. What a great way to begin our voyage.
Today was our first full day on the ship after boarding yesterday afternoon in Puerto Escondido—the “Hidden Port.” So far, we have traversed over 200 miles, at times with a nice current pushing us and other times bucking a 25 knot wind. The Gulf of California showed us quickly what a changeable place it can be!
While underway, we took care of many of the things necessary to get ready for a week of exploring—learning procedures for this special kayak voyage, trying on snorkel gear and becoming familiar with the vessel. We really had our appetite for adventure stirred up during an early morning presentation by Kira Salak, a National Geographic Expert who has joined us this week to share her experiences and knowledge. An author, athlete and outdoorswoman extraordinaire, she kept us enthralled with her story of paddling 600 miles solo down the Niger River to Timbuktu.
After a hearty lunch of delicious Mexican fare, we headed out to Isla Rasa—the “Flat Island”—to get a closer look on foot and by Zodiac at the half a million birds currently inhabiting the island. Most well known for the Elegant terns and Heermann’s Gulls, some 80 other species have been sighted around the island, including the Craveri’s Murrlet pictured above. After Zodiac tours and walks, most of us took to the water in kayaks and either got better acquainted with Isla Rasa, or took a longer paddle to Isla Rasita to see a small sea lion colony.
During our nightly recap, the researchers in residence at Isla Rasa shared information about the birds, their lives on the island and the important conservation work they are doing. In addition to studying certain aspects of bird biology, other long-term studies are being conducted on the food resources they are utilizing. With thirty years of such data, this work has proven invaluable in assessing the health of local fish stocks and for setting appropriate and sustainable quotas to assure the continued viability of the fisheries.
As night decends slowly in shades of umber and citrus, the terns and gulls are noisily calling in the background. What a great way to begin our voyage.
