Isla Espiritu Santo and Los Islotes
We stood on deck with our eyes straining towards the eastern horizon. As always, that great big star we call the sun erupted from the sea without a flash of any kind. The brisk wind pushed at our stern as if to hurry us along to our next destination.
The Sea Bird nosed her bow into the protected bay of Ensenada Grande, located on the west side of Isla Partida. We had a full morning planned and we were anxious to get started if the wind permitted. So off we went, in typical Lindblad style, ready to take on anything that nature might throw our way. Like true explorers, we set out across the choppy bay and to our delight found out that the wind was on our side after all, even on the way back. We relaxed and observed the green-lined shore crabs scurrying to and fro over the uneven surfaces of the jagged rock while a variety of seabirds winged above us.
After our paddle, we headed up the arroyo past the white mangrove trees that stood watch at the mouth of the arroyo. Mangrove is the name given to any plant or shrub that has adapted to living in salt water conditions. These salt tolerant plants have found ways to cope with this harsh environment. The thick cuticle of the leaves prevents water loss and they are able to store excess salt in their leaves and then excise them from the tree. There was so much to see without having to travel very far! Everywhere we looked, flowers were blooming in a rainbow of colors. Our group expressed “oohs and ahs” as we clambered up and over the jumble of rocks. The wind had become our friend and kept us cool as we clambered up our path.
By afternoon, we had anchored one more time in the calm waters off the northern end of Isla Partida, know as Isla Los Islotes. This is one of the most attractive locations in the Sea of Cortez, an isolated rocky islet on which California sea lions have established a rookery along with some seabirds. The water around this island is rich with fish and exotic fauna all supported by the life that exists above. We dropped our Zodiac anchor and after a briefing that covered proper sea lion etiquette and safety issues for the protection of the sea lions and us, we entered the water, some more cautiously than others. “The sea lion pup just kissed me!” exclaimed one of our ecstatic guests. Then the water churned as a group of about seven sea lion youngsters charged around our swimmers with boundless energy.
And these are the memories that we take with us from the Sea of Cortez. Tomorrow we rise to greet another day so different than the one we experienced today as we fly to our next destination – the Copper Canyon.
We stood on deck with our eyes straining towards the eastern horizon. As always, that great big star we call the sun erupted from the sea without a flash of any kind. The brisk wind pushed at our stern as if to hurry us along to our next destination.
The Sea Bird nosed her bow into the protected bay of Ensenada Grande, located on the west side of Isla Partida. We had a full morning planned and we were anxious to get started if the wind permitted. So off we went, in typical Lindblad style, ready to take on anything that nature might throw our way. Like true explorers, we set out across the choppy bay and to our delight found out that the wind was on our side after all, even on the way back. We relaxed and observed the green-lined shore crabs scurrying to and fro over the uneven surfaces of the jagged rock while a variety of seabirds winged above us.
After our paddle, we headed up the arroyo past the white mangrove trees that stood watch at the mouth of the arroyo. Mangrove is the name given to any plant or shrub that has adapted to living in salt water conditions. These salt tolerant plants have found ways to cope with this harsh environment. The thick cuticle of the leaves prevents water loss and they are able to store excess salt in their leaves and then excise them from the tree. There was so much to see without having to travel very far! Everywhere we looked, flowers were blooming in a rainbow of colors. Our group expressed “oohs and ahs” as we clambered up and over the jumble of rocks. The wind had become our friend and kept us cool as we clambered up our path.
By afternoon, we had anchored one more time in the calm waters off the northern end of Isla Partida, know as Isla Los Islotes. This is one of the most attractive locations in the Sea of Cortez, an isolated rocky islet on which California sea lions have established a rookery along with some seabirds. The water around this island is rich with fish and exotic fauna all supported by the life that exists above. We dropped our Zodiac anchor and after a briefing that covered proper sea lion etiquette and safety issues for the protection of the sea lions and us, we entered the water, some more cautiously than others. “The sea lion pup just kissed me!” exclaimed one of our ecstatic guests. Then the water churned as a group of about seven sea lion youngsters charged around our swimmers with boundless energy.
And these are the memories that we take with us from the Sea of Cortez. Tomorrow we rise to greet another day so different than the one we experienced today as we fly to our next destination – the Copper Canyon.
