“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” -Aristotle
We awoke this morning to beautiful clear skies. The sun rose hot as the Captain guided the National Geographic Sea Bird to our morning anchorage at Los Islotes. These small rocky “islets” are a great haven for various creatures, including sea-faring birds, schools of fish and California sea lions. For the first part of the morning, we put life jackets on, descended to the fantail and loaded into DIBs to take exploratory rides, and to get a closer look at the fauna. Naturalists pointed out the various bird species, including blue-footed boobies, brown boobies, ravens, yellow-footed gulls and magnificent frigate birds. We also got our first looks at the California sea lions. Some were draped over the rocks, some were lumbering up from the water’s edge, and some were sliding down into the water, their whole bodies arched up and around gracefully in some acrobatic water show. They seemed to be playing with each other, and heads popped out of the water nearby to check out the big black float toys – perhaps hoping for more playmates?
For those of us wanting to get a closer look, after the DIB rides was the opportunity to don wet suits and snorkel gear and slip into the water. From this vantage point, the sea lions were graceful acrobats, twirling, zipping, spinning, hanging upside-down, moving over and around their new human playmates. As always was the peaceful undulation of the sea current, and many schools of fishes. Once back onboard, we gathered in the lounge for a further discussion on sea birds.
After lunch, the National Geographic Sea Bird anchored in the beautiful crescent-shaped Bahia Bonanza at the south end of Espiritu Santo. Wow! Eager feet met white sandy beach. A few yards above the shoreline, the sand turned into tide-softened pebbles and shells. Several yards further the land opened up into cactus-strewn scrub desert, with hills and mountains yet further back. Explorations of land and sea ensued. Naturalists led walks through the desert, with the longer hike going up along a ridge line. People donned snorkel gear again and floated along rocky outcropping. The crew brought kayaks ashore and people paddled against the wind around a point to another cove area, and then got a bit of a ride back with wind and incoming tide. Late in the afternoon, the crew brought over chairs and tables and all manner of food and drink for a barbeque feast ashore. The air cooled as the sun dipped behind the mountain, and clear skies promised a good star show. At this writing, many are still ashore gazing at stars, trying their hand at night photography, and sitting around the fire sipping a brew and munching on s’mores and mudslide cookies.
Another beautiful day in Baja California.
