Isla Monserrate and Puerto Gato
Yesterday we met some of Baja’s largest mammals – the gray whales – and this morning we would make the acquaintance of several of Baja’s smaller organisms. Cruising southward towards our morning destination, we were first introduced to the more rocky elements of Baja via Expedition Leader and geologist Jason Kelley. The mountains and rocky cliffs that were originally viewed only as spectacular scenic backdrops soon became worth a second glance.
Mid-morning we anchored off Isla Monserrate, boarded our Zodiacs and zipped ashore for exploring. A few groups set off immediately for higher ground, climbing amongst the pitaya cactus, cresting the hill, and continuing on to the rocky cliffs on the other side. Many of us, however, did not get very far, but distance was not a concern. If a stranger had happened upon us, they might have been quite perplexed at our behavior: walking with slow steps, stooped over, stopping every few feet to crouch down and peer closely into the cracks and crevices created by the shallow tide. Of course, to any seasoned explorer, these behaviors are easily identified as “tide pooling” – and if you’ve ever wondered what a crab’s eye view is, this was the way to find out!
Life in the inter-tidal zone is a busy thriving world, literally crawling with creatures hopping, sliding, scuttling and squirming about. Invertebrates were found under rocks, attached to shells, and along the bottoms of the shallows. American oystercatchers, whimbrels, and spotted sandpipers were busy searching and snacking amongst the rocky shoreline, while Sally lightfoot crabs, vivid in their red shells, defended their prime waterfront real estate from one another. Gulls perched high above on the rough outcroppings, watching and waiting for their next meal.
With the sun high in the sky, we returned to the Sea Bird, satisfied with our morning’s explorations. Lifting anchor, we made way for an afternoon of walks and kayaking at Puerto Gato. Afternoon slid into evening, and we gathered ashore for a delicious dinner highlighted by the ginger, lavender, and plum colored sunset.
Yesterday we met some of Baja’s largest mammals – the gray whales – and this morning we would make the acquaintance of several of Baja’s smaller organisms. Cruising southward towards our morning destination, we were first introduced to the more rocky elements of Baja via Expedition Leader and geologist Jason Kelley. The mountains and rocky cliffs that were originally viewed only as spectacular scenic backdrops soon became worth a second glance.
Mid-morning we anchored off Isla Monserrate, boarded our Zodiacs and zipped ashore for exploring. A few groups set off immediately for higher ground, climbing amongst the pitaya cactus, cresting the hill, and continuing on to the rocky cliffs on the other side. Many of us, however, did not get very far, but distance was not a concern. If a stranger had happened upon us, they might have been quite perplexed at our behavior: walking with slow steps, stooped over, stopping every few feet to crouch down and peer closely into the cracks and crevices created by the shallow tide. Of course, to any seasoned explorer, these behaviors are easily identified as “tide pooling” – and if you’ve ever wondered what a crab’s eye view is, this was the way to find out!
Life in the inter-tidal zone is a busy thriving world, literally crawling with creatures hopping, sliding, scuttling and squirming about. Invertebrates were found under rocks, attached to shells, and along the bottoms of the shallows. American oystercatchers, whimbrels, and spotted sandpipers were busy searching and snacking amongst the rocky shoreline, while Sally lightfoot crabs, vivid in their red shells, defended their prime waterfront real estate from one another. Gulls perched high above on the rough outcroppings, watching and waiting for their next meal.
With the sun high in the sky, we returned to the Sea Bird, satisfied with our morning’s explorations. Lifting anchor, we made way for an afternoon of walks and kayaking at Puerto Gato. Afternoon slid into evening, and we gathered ashore for a delicious dinner highlighted by the ginger, lavender, and plum colored sunset.
