The windy night and morning turned into
a beautiful sunny day as we took refuge in a protected cove called Ensenada Grande.
The ELCs (expedition landing crafts) whisked us away to the white sand beach
where we loaded kayaks for an adventure out on the aquamarine waters. The other
option was to gather together in groups for medium hikes up the water wash-out
to see two tailed lizards, cactus flowers blooming, and other creatures of the
desert. The red or yellow (single or double) kayaks paddled around the calm and
clear waters viewing fish swimming by and the unique geological features of
dried mud hardened into rock along the craggy cliff shoreline. The mud/rock
layers eroded over time forming interesting circular shelves and crevices
throughout the curved surfaces. There was even a small cave that displayed nice
fossilized shells where the muddy rock met the water’s edge below.
After a fantastic Posole lunch hosted by
Erasmo and the hotel staff, we munched on our delicious chocolate chip cookies
and browsed the Global Market presented in the lounge. During the short transit
to Los Islotes, many relaxed with books on the sun deck chairs and others
socialized while anticipating the upcoming noisy show from the California sea
lions. The sea lion display proved to be a spectacle as the juveniles jumped,
belched, and dove and resurfaced among their rock castles. Their barking voices
commanding attention from us and others nearby enough to hear their calls over
the gusty winds.
Upon returning to the calm waters of
Ensenada Grande, snorkelers and kayakers were set loose for another round of
exploration of the crystal-clear ocean. The activities came to a finish just as
the beach BBQ was assembled and the steaming hot food was placed on picnic
tables decorated with white table cloths. The food, fire, and storytelling
brought the fantastic day to a close as we all enjoyed watching the sun
disappear behind the far off mountains and ocean. The highlight, however, had
to be the music and stunning voice of our naturalist, Bette Lu Krause, as her
songs echoed nicely off the natural rock canyon walls.
It was a wonderful, margarita filled, St. Patrick’s day in Baja California, Mexico!
