Puerto Gato
We awoke to another florescent pink blessing and a rapid breeze. We were on our way to our anchorage near Puerto Gato. Baja California is known for magnificent sunsets and unpredictable weather. The Sea of Cortez is also known for having the most diverse cetacean life. However, no one on board the National Geographic Sea Bird predicted our morning marine mammal sighting or a day packed with paramount adventure.
The sun came out and the morning’s solitude blossomed into action…
"What is that thing?!" "Oh look over there!" "I think I see something!" Binoculars in hand, naturalists and crew all scrambled to figure out what had surfaced near us. Soon it became clear that we had a pod of False Killer Whales. Vibrating booms could be heard on every deck as people ran to the bow to witness our exceptional surprise. Soon, tall erect dorsal and falcate fins were just feet from our bow. It had been years since most of our naturalists had seen this species. As their screams and joy became contagious, enthusiasm grew, and soon we could all hear the respiration and squeaky communicative voices from these whales.
We learned that these whales travel in pods of 10 or 20 members, and usually belong to larger schools consisting of hundreds of individuals. They have been known to weigh 3000 lbs and have dark, sleek, gorgeous color. They were so playful and have an aggressive nature. In all honesty, it was like magic. Their vocals dominated our ears while their acrobatic breaching led us to believe they were putting on a show, just for us!
We spent all morning admiring their beauty and dynamic nature. They continued to surprise us with their unique behavior and intelligence. The naturalists gave us endless information that gave us a deeper knowing. However, realizing the mystery of these marine mammals reminds us that there is so much that is not known about them. Gratitude filled the vessel as we appreciated the rarity of this intimate contact we experienced.
Later we arrived at Puerto Gato. This bay is known for its beautiful red sandstone and remarkable desert landscapes. Some guests were found delightfully lazing on the sand beaches and others went snorkeling. Those snorkeling saw many diverse species including Balloon, King Angel, and Reef Cornet Fish.
The afternoon was spent hiking and exploring the interior of Puerto Gato. Many went hunting for plants while others scaled large jagged sandstone rocks near the shore. One group of hikers were seen running, full speed, screaming like children down steep sand dunes. Unused treasures were around every corner. It was evident that our surroundings were precious and inaccessible. We were challenged by the prickly and diverse cactus. As medals of honor, some ended up with scratched shins and sand burs on their ankles. Some basked in triumph as they accomplished hiking steep inclines of these desert peaks.
We spent the evening on the beach enjoying a fire and a beach barbecue. Sitting around the bonfire many were reminded of a nice summer’s eve. We easily forget that it’s the middle of December out here. We laughed about Christmas shopping, snow, and mainstream holiday madness. Many returned to the ship with cheerful expressions, happily exhausted.
Writing this, I realize how words can obstruct the real event we had today. It was epic, for reasons I cannot describe. The reality exists: If you devote your time to exploring the Sea of Cortez, it is sure to be amazing. However, you never know the ambiguity that awaits the rich sea around you. Even after you take it all in, it's difficult to relate the feeling this place leaves you with. The contrast of the desert and ocean are remarkable. But also important are the humble details which leave huge impacts in the essence of our memories.
As our sleepy eyes and joyful heads hit our pillows…we heard "secure your cabins and get ready for another great day tomorrow."
We awoke to another florescent pink blessing and a rapid breeze. We were on our way to our anchorage near Puerto Gato. Baja California is known for magnificent sunsets and unpredictable weather. The Sea of Cortez is also known for having the most diverse cetacean life. However, no one on board the National Geographic Sea Bird predicted our morning marine mammal sighting or a day packed with paramount adventure.
The sun came out and the morning’s solitude blossomed into action…
"What is that thing?!" "Oh look over there!" "I think I see something!" Binoculars in hand, naturalists and crew all scrambled to figure out what had surfaced near us. Soon it became clear that we had a pod of False Killer Whales. Vibrating booms could be heard on every deck as people ran to the bow to witness our exceptional surprise. Soon, tall erect dorsal and falcate fins were just feet from our bow. It had been years since most of our naturalists had seen this species. As their screams and joy became contagious, enthusiasm grew, and soon we could all hear the respiration and squeaky communicative voices from these whales.
We learned that these whales travel in pods of 10 or 20 members, and usually belong to larger schools consisting of hundreds of individuals. They have been known to weigh 3000 lbs and have dark, sleek, gorgeous color. They were so playful and have an aggressive nature. In all honesty, it was like magic. Their vocals dominated our ears while their acrobatic breaching led us to believe they were putting on a show, just for us!
We spent all morning admiring their beauty and dynamic nature. They continued to surprise us with their unique behavior and intelligence. The naturalists gave us endless information that gave us a deeper knowing. However, realizing the mystery of these marine mammals reminds us that there is so much that is not known about them. Gratitude filled the vessel as we appreciated the rarity of this intimate contact we experienced.
Later we arrived at Puerto Gato. This bay is known for its beautiful red sandstone and remarkable desert landscapes. Some guests were found delightfully lazing on the sand beaches and others went snorkeling. Those snorkeling saw many diverse species including Balloon, King Angel, and Reef Cornet Fish.
The afternoon was spent hiking and exploring the interior of Puerto Gato. Many went hunting for plants while others scaled large jagged sandstone rocks near the shore. One group of hikers were seen running, full speed, screaming like children down steep sand dunes. Unused treasures were around every corner. It was evident that our surroundings were precious and inaccessible. We were challenged by the prickly and diverse cactus. As medals of honor, some ended up with scratched shins and sand burs on their ankles. Some basked in triumph as they accomplished hiking steep inclines of these desert peaks.
We spent the evening on the beach enjoying a fire and a beach barbecue. Sitting around the bonfire many were reminded of a nice summer’s eve. We easily forget that it’s the middle of December out here. We laughed about Christmas shopping, snow, and mainstream holiday madness. Many returned to the ship with cheerful expressions, happily exhausted.
Writing this, I realize how words can obstruct the real event we had today. It was epic, for reasons I cannot describe. The reality exists: If you devote your time to exploring the Sea of Cortez, it is sure to be amazing. However, you never know the ambiguity that awaits the rich sea around you. Even after you take it all in, it's difficult to relate the feeling this place leaves you with. The contrast of the desert and ocean are remarkable. But also important are the humble details which leave huge impacts in the essence of our memories.
As our sleepy eyes and joyful heads hit our pillows…we heard "secure your cabins and get ready for another great day tomorrow."
