Isla Carmen, Bahia Arroyo Blanco Del Norte
Out of the south came the wind and that is why Lindblad Expeditions wanders with intent. Our intentions were to visit a bahia with a southern exposure on the southern point of Isla Carmen. A quick consultation with the captain and staff found us at a beautiful, protected bahia on the north end of the island called Arroyo Blanco Del Notre. We had a fine presentation on "Fishes of the Gulf of California" by Carlos, one of our naturalists. It was a good orientation to what the snorkelers and divers were about the see.
The decision to change location was a good one because we had the options of snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and Zodiac rides. The snorkelers were impressed by both the clarity of the water and the diversity of fish and invertebrates. Over 20 species of fish were seen as well as Guitarfish, an octopus and large schools of Panamic Sergeant Majors. A group of Scuba divers had a fine time at a slightly deeper level in the Sea of Cortez. In order to Scuba dive, everyone had to be certified before they came.
A small group of hikers went up the dunes, found the plateau and at least 10 types of flowers in what seemed like a absolute dessert. Individual agave plants are producing fruit now and are in the process of dying. Agave have a one time shot at reproduction and then they are done. The remainder of us just hung out on the beach and lounged onboard the ship.
And all this was before lunch. We headed back to the Sea Voyager for a scrupulous lunch and pastry dessert with chocolate dazzled on top. We never lack for food on this ship.
Afternoon saw us back on the beach doing the activities we had missed in the morning. Except this time there was kayaking, Zodiacs and a longer hike was added to the mix. The remainder of the guests took a Zodiac ride along the cliffs of the island. Our pre-dinner recap consisted of a preview from Josh, our video chronicler, showing highlights of the first 3 days of our trip – quite a production and all done on board as we travel, with delivery to our door by the end of the trip.
The sheer beauty and remoteness of the region adds to the feeling that there is lots and lots of space for all of us. No city sounds, lights and distractions is most enjoyable to say the least. This is something we can forget as we fly though the days, weeks and months of our busy lives. Baja is just the “tonic” needed to recharge our batteries.
Out of the south came the wind and that is why Lindblad Expeditions wanders with intent. Our intentions were to visit a bahia with a southern exposure on the southern point of Isla Carmen. A quick consultation with the captain and staff found us at a beautiful, protected bahia on the north end of the island called Arroyo Blanco Del Notre. We had a fine presentation on "Fishes of the Gulf of California" by Carlos, one of our naturalists. It was a good orientation to what the snorkelers and divers were about the see.
The decision to change location was a good one because we had the options of snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and Zodiac rides. The snorkelers were impressed by both the clarity of the water and the diversity of fish and invertebrates. Over 20 species of fish were seen as well as Guitarfish, an octopus and large schools of Panamic Sergeant Majors. A group of Scuba divers had a fine time at a slightly deeper level in the Sea of Cortez. In order to Scuba dive, everyone had to be certified before they came.
A small group of hikers went up the dunes, found the plateau and at least 10 types of flowers in what seemed like a absolute dessert. Individual agave plants are producing fruit now and are in the process of dying. Agave have a one time shot at reproduction and then they are done. The remainder of us just hung out on the beach and lounged onboard the ship.
And all this was before lunch. We headed back to the Sea Voyager for a scrupulous lunch and pastry dessert with chocolate dazzled on top. We never lack for food on this ship.
Afternoon saw us back on the beach doing the activities we had missed in the morning. Except this time there was kayaking, Zodiacs and a longer hike was added to the mix. The remainder of the guests took a Zodiac ride along the cliffs of the island. Our pre-dinner recap consisted of a preview from Josh, our video chronicler, showing highlights of the first 3 days of our trip – quite a production and all done on board as we travel, with delivery to our door by the end of the trip.
The sheer beauty and remoteness of the region adds to the feeling that there is lots and lots of space for all of us. No city sounds, lights and distractions is most enjoyable to say the least. This is something we can forget as we fly though the days, weeks and months of our busy lives. Baja is just the “tonic” needed to recharge our batteries.
