Isla del Carmen & Isla Danzante
We woke up early to calm seas and red-colored clouds. The National Geographic Sea Bird was cruising north, along the eastern shore of Isla del Carmen. We soon found a group of bottlenose dolphins who were plying the waters off of the island. Although they were undoubtedly aware of our presence, they paid us no mind. We stayed with them for awhile, admiring the ease with which they moved slowly through the surface of the water.
We continued on our journey, next encountering a male California sea lion who was thrashing a fish at the surface. Unable to chew the fish, as their teeth are adapted for grasping and tearing, the sea lion was forced to break it apart by tossing it about at the surface. The fish itself was a dorado, a mahi mahi, a dolphinfish and what was left of it shone brilliant green in the sun. This was followed by one brief sighting of a pygmy sperm whale and then we continued our journey south. We next encountered a humpback whale which was breathing and diving with regularity. We kept our distance, watching and waiting, and were treated to some beautiful views of its tail flukes. Our morning was complete with a program on Tequila by William Lopez-Forment and a brief tasting, which followed.
We arrived at Isla Danzante in the early part of the afternoon and went ashore to explore. We had a few intrepid hikers head out into the desert to examine the wide variety of plants to be found, and others who dove into the waters to enjoy the snorkeling. It was also a perfect day for a kayak and we paddled our way soundlessly through the bay watching snowy egrets, turkey vultures, and Sally Lightfoot crabs on all sides.
Our day culminated with a beach barbecue ashore, as the planet Jupiter set and the full moon rose. William shared stories and we enjoyed a fire, s’mores, sangria, and good conversation. The Sierra de la Giganta were silhouetted in the distance as another day concluded in spectacular Baja California.
We woke up early to calm seas and red-colored clouds. The National Geographic Sea Bird was cruising north, along the eastern shore of Isla del Carmen. We soon found a group of bottlenose dolphins who were plying the waters off of the island. Although they were undoubtedly aware of our presence, they paid us no mind. We stayed with them for awhile, admiring the ease with which they moved slowly through the surface of the water.
We continued on our journey, next encountering a male California sea lion who was thrashing a fish at the surface. Unable to chew the fish, as their teeth are adapted for grasping and tearing, the sea lion was forced to break it apart by tossing it about at the surface. The fish itself was a dorado, a mahi mahi, a dolphinfish and what was left of it shone brilliant green in the sun. This was followed by one brief sighting of a pygmy sperm whale and then we continued our journey south. We next encountered a humpback whale which was breathing and diving with regularity. We kept our distance, watching and waiting, and were treated to some beautiful views of its tail flukes. Our morning was complete with a program on Tequila by William Lopez-Forment and a brief tasting, which followed.
We arrived at Isla Danzante in the early part of the afternoon and went ashore to explore. We had a few intrepid hikers head out into the desert to examine the wide variety of plants to be found, and others who dove into the waters to enjoy the snorkeling. It was also a perfect day for a kayak and we paddled our way soundlessly through the bay watching snowy egrets, turkey vultures, and Sally Lightfoot crabs on all sides.
Our day culminated with a beach barbecue ashore, as the planet Jupiter set and the full moon rose. William shared stories and we enjoyed a fire, s’mores, sangria, and good conversation. The Sierra de la Giganta were silhouetted in the distance as another day concluded in spectacular Baja California.
