Cabo San Lucas, Baja California
The passage and sea state from Magdalena Bay to Lands End at Cabo San Lucas were about as calm as one could ever hope for. Many of us saw dawn arrive as the ship rounded Cabo Falso and later Friar Rocks. The endless line of fishing boats passed as we made our way into the harbor. Cabo offered us a choice of activities that included shopping, birding, and snorkeling. Birders found a great trail to hike that had numerous bright red coral vine flowers along the way. Scott's orioles tolerated close looks, tiny verdins flitted busily, and a cactus wren peeked out from the top of a shrub. A flock of lesser goldfinches lit amidst us. Several antelope ground squirrels stood upright like bowling pins atop nearby rocks.
There was a gentle surf that allowed easy access to the marine world. King angelfish, yellow tail surgeon fish, and sergeant majors formed a moving background for the more exciting denizens. Elongate reef coronet fish kept a sinister eye on all movement while bloated spotted puffers fluttered in the background. The most exciting find was octopuses. At least ten of our guests were able to watch these fascinating creatures perform their slithery gallop across the rocky bottom. The beach was so inviting that many would have loved to have had their lunch and then dinner delivered.
Soon after leaving the harbor we cruised around Friar Rocks, where this picture was taken. The photo shows another arch being made. Erosion will someday break through to the other side. These granitic rocks form most of the landscape south of La Paz in a region known as the Cape. The beautiful beige sand has eroded from rocks farther north and been transported here by south flowing ocean currents. Doesn't the scene make you want to jump right in?
We didn't get far when we encountered two humpback whales. One was first seen breaching, then slamming its long pectoral fin into the water. These are members of a group of about 1,000 that feed near Southern California and winter from the tip of Baja along Mexico to Costa Rica.
Night descended and a gentle rocking motion started as we turned north into the Gulf. Of all the Baja cities, Cabo San Lucas is the easiest to leave. It's good to know that wildness is what lies ahead.
The passage and sea state from Magdalena Bay to Lands End at Cabo San Lucas were about as calm as one could ever hope for. Many of us saw dawn arrive as the ship rounded Cabo Falso and later Friar Rocks. The endless line of fishing boats passed as we made our way into the harbor. Cabo offered us a choice of activities that included shopping, birding, and snorkeling. Birders found a great trail to hike that had numerous bright red coral vine flowers along the way. Scott's orioles tolerated close looks, tiny verdins flitted busily, and a cactus wren peeked out from the top of a shrub. A flock of lesser goldfinches lit amidst us. Several antelope ground squirrels stood upright like bowling pins atop nearby rocks.
There was a gentle surf that allowed easy access to the marine world. King angelfish, yellow tail surgeon fish, and sergeant majors formed a moving background for the more exciting denizens. Elongate reef coronet fish kept a sinister eye on all movement while bloated spotted puffers fluttered in the background. The most exciting find was octopuses. At least ten of our guests were able to watch these fascinating creatures perform their slithery gallop across the rocky bottom. The beach was so inviting that many would have loved to have had their lunch and then dinner delivered.
Soon after leaving the harbor we cruised around Friar Rocks, where this picture was taken. The photo shows another arch being made. Erosion will someday break through to the other side. These granitic rocks form most of the landscape south of La Paz in a region known as the Cape. The beautiful beige sand has eroded from rocks farther north and been transported here by south flowing ocean currents. Doesn't the scene make you want to jump right in?
We didn't get far when we encountered two humpback whales. One was first seen breaching, then slamming its long pectoral fin into the water. These are members of a group of about 1,000 that feed near Southern California and winter from the tip of Baja along Mexico to Costa Rica.
Night descended and a gentle rocking motion started as we turned north into the Gulf. Of all the Baja cities, Cabo San Lucas is the easiest to leave. It's good to know that wildness is what lies ahead.
