Isla San Jose & Isla San Francisco
With visions of marshmallows dancing in our heads, we rested well at anchor off the end of Isla San Jose. After a leisurely Christmas morning, we took Zodiacs into the rich red mangroves off the southwest corner of the island, a lush vegetation for many bird species year round as well as migratory birds and marine animals.
Pelicans and Hermann gulls greeted us at our chosen entrance into this serene place, a marked contrast to the swells that carried us there. Before long, we spotted many “nursery” fish darting to and fro, as it also serves as a hatchery for many species to spawn here. Besides these and larger fish, we spotted oyster shells and upside down jelly fish. Moving into more open areas with sand bars reveled many of the birds that nest and feed here. Among those spotted were blue and red herons, snowy egrets, royal terns and a few adult wimbles. Falcons, vultures and gulls intermittently circled overhead, as we said farewell to this important part of the biosphere.
The afternoon was spent ashore on another island close by called San Francisco where we spent hours in a beautiful half moon cove. There was something for everyone including kayaking, hiking to scenic overlooks, snorkeling, walks on the long sandy beach, or simply soaking up some rays with a favorite read.
The evening began with cocktails on the bridge – toasting each other with the seasonal drink “Poinsetta” (champagne and cranberry juice), as the sun set and the piñata was launched! We were led in a traditional Mexican song for the occasion by Octavio and Sylviane as the kids took turns intently wacking the star piñata, finally freeing the treats and gathering them up in a piranha-like frenzy! A delicious dinner of turkey and the trimmings plus filet mignon and tres leches satisfied our appetites as we approach the end of our journey into the Sea of Cortez, and mark the completion of the last major holiday of 2006!
Merry Christmas, and to all, peace on Earth.
With visions of marshmallows dancing in our heads, we rested well at anchor off the end of Isla San Jose. After a leisurely Christmas morning, we took Zodiacs into the rich red mangroves off the southwest corner of the island, a lush vegetation for many bird species year round as well as migratory birds and marine animals.
Pelicans and Hermann gulls greeted us at our chosen entrance into this serene place, a marked contrast to the swells that carried us there. Before long, we spotted many “nursery” fish darting to and fro, as it also serves as a hatchery for many species to spawn here. Besides these and larger fish, we spotted oyster shells and upside down jelly fish. Moving into more open areas with sand bars reveled many of the birds that nest and feed here. Among those spotted were blue and red herons, snowy egrets, royal terns and a few adult wimbles. Falcons, vultures and gulls intermittently circled overhead, as we said farewell to this important part of the biosphere.
The afternoon was spent ashore on another island close by called San Francisco where we spent hours in a beautiful half moon cove. There was something for everyone including kayaking, hiking to scenic overlooks, snorkeling, walks on the long sandy beach, or simply soaking up some rays with a favorite read.
The evening began with cocktails on the bridge – toasting each other with the seasonal drink “Poinsetta” (champagne and cranberry juice), as the sun set and the piñata was launched! We were led in a traditional Mexican song for the occasion by Octavio and Sylviane as the kids took turns intently wacking the star piñata, finally freeing the treats and gathering them up in a piranha-like frenzy! A delicious dinner of turkey and the trimmings plus filet mignon and tres leches satisfied our appetites as we approach the end of our journey into the Sea of Cortez, and mark the completion of the last major holiday of 2006!
Merry Christmas, and to all, peace on Earth.
