Bahia Magdalena
Morning began with clear skies, calm waters, whales in the distance and another beautiful day here in Magdalena Bay. We had one last opportunity for Zodiac cruises among these delightful and mysterious creatures, and were once again treated to a variety of behaviors, sights and sounds. Although the close encounters are often the ones we remember the most, there are many other equally poignant moments. The peacefulness of the sound of their breaths, the mist hanging in the air backlit from the morning sun, and the grace of the whales' movements through the water will long remind us of our time with these gentle beings. It is a privilege to be allowed into a corner of their world and get a glimpse into their lives. Even though we now have more questions than answers, we also have a connection to an animal that has touched our lives in a way we did not know was possible.
This afternoon we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny, barbecue on deck, and a southward transit through Hull Canal. Although tired, many of us did not dare nap when there was still the opportunity to watch birds and look for more whales. As we anticipated, the rewards were many. At the north end of the canal, as we cruised south, we saw several mothers and calves in the protected waters that are closed to whale watching and used, we think, for birthing. Bottlenose dolphins seemed happy to see us so they could effortlessly ride the pressure wave in front of the ship. Frigate birds impressed us with their aerial maneuvers, and shorebirds, herons, egrets, cormorants and more decorated the mangroves that lined the waterway. This afternoon, Lee Moll gave a talk on the birds of Baja, and put stories and names with all the birds we have seen and hope to see in the next few days.
Sunset found us with Isla Magdalena to our north, Isla Margarita to our south and bidding farewell to Magdalena Bay. The gentle swells of the Pacific rocked us to sleep as we headed south.
Morning began with clear skies, calm waters, whales in the distance and another beautiful day here in Magdalena Bay. We had one last opportunity for Zodiac cruises among these delightful and mysterious creatures, and were once again treated to a variety of behaviors, sights and sounds. Although the close encounters are often the ones we remember the most, there are many other equally poignant moments. The peacefulness of the sound of their breaths, the mist hanging in the air backlit from the morning sun, and the grace of the whales' movements through the water will long remind us of our time with these gentle beings. It is a privilege to be allowed into a corner of their world and get a glimpse into their lives. Even though we now have more questions than answers, we also have a connection to an animal that has touched our lives in a way we did not know was possible.
This afternoon we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny, barbecue on deck, and a southward transit through Hull Canal. Although tired, many of us did not dare nap when there was still the opportunity to watch birds and look for more whales. As we anticipated, the rewards were many. At the north end of the canal, as we cruised south, we saw several mothers and calves in the protected waters that are closed to whale watching and used, we think, for birthing. Bottlenose dolphins seemed happy to see us so they could effortlessly ride the pressure wave in front of the ship. Frigate birds impressed us with their aerial maneuvers, and shorebirds, herons, egrets, cormorants and more decorated the mangroves that lined the waterway. This afternoon, Lee Moll gave a talk on the birds of Baja, and put stories and names with all the birds we have seen and hope to see in the next few days.
Sunset found us with Isla Magdalena to our north, Isla Margarita to our south and bidding farewell to Magdalena Bay. The gentle swells of the Pacific rocked us to sleep as we headed south.
