Before sunrise the Sea Bird made her way into Bah¡a Refugio, a well-known refuge from the Gulf of California, which at times can churn into a violent sea. On this morning, the seas were like a pane of glass. Our plans for the morning were set for kayaking and Zodiac tours. Long before sunrise the natural history staff was on the beach setting the stage for kayaking. A preview to breakfast was being set in the dining room, for those intrepid souls who would venture out into this beautiful morning light and needed nourishment before their journey.

Much to everyone's surprise, there were three Zodiacs full of guests who went shore to enjoy a peaceful cruise along the shoreline of this protected bay by kayak. A small group of us enjoyed the early light by Zodiac cruise. Both modes of transportation moved slowly throughout the waters of Bah¡a Refugio looking at bright orange sponges and algae on the rocks at shoreline. There were eared grebes in huge rafts hiding in the shade of the rocky walls protected from the early morning sun. And as always, there was the sound of California sea lions drawing everyone to the outer reaches of the protection of Bah¡a Refugio. A small rock outcropping was the site of pelicans, guano, sea lions, and for the most observant the wonderful reflections of color and shape from land to sea and back again.