”Golden Trinagle”
We awoke this morning inside the magnificent “Golden Triangle,” consisting of Isla Carmen, Isla Danzante and Isla Monserrat. These islands are part of a national park, “Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto,” renowned for the beautiful colors and contrasts of its ancient sandstones.
Following a classic “wet landing” on the southeast coast of privately owned Isla Carmen, we began a moderate hike through the spectacular Arroya Rojo or Red Valley. The island is home to endemic dwarf barrel cacti and pencil cacti and the owners are committed conservationists. However, our intrepid group was on the lookout for something a little more unique to this part of the world – big horned sheep – the largest mammal in the Gulf of California.
Big horned sheep are not native to the Gulf. Originally introduced for hunting, they have adapted well to the harsh hot climate. Soon after leaving on our hike, naturalist Carlos Navarro, who lived here for a year as the park manager, spotted two of them toward the top of a nearby hill. They traversed the steep hillside for a few minutes before one of these imposing beasts suddenly stood atop the ridge, providing an awe-inspiring silhouette against the bright blue sky.
After hiking further through deep, red canyons, our hardy travelers returned to the boat for some “down time” on board as we traveled to Isla Santa Catalina. Our rest was disturbed however by the appearance of a huge pod of 25 pilot whales off the port bow. Expedition Leader Larry Prussin ordered the Zodiacs into the water and we were soon off on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For 45 minutes, we followed the pilot whales and dozens of accompanying dolphins as they gently dove and surfaced. One dolphin even provided an acrobatic show by jumping 10 feet into the air directly next to us. This was the kind of experience our travelers came for, and it’s one of the main reasons World Wildlife Fund and Lindblad Expeditions are working so hard to protect the Gulf of California.
The late afternoon offered a chance to hike, snorkel, dive and kayak from beautiful Bahia Elephante, on the southern side of Isla Santa Catalina. Everybody worked up an appetite for that evening’s beach barbecue as we watched the sun set over the distant hills. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
We awoke this morning inside the magnificent “Golden Triangle,” consisting of Isla Carmen, Isla Danzante and Isla Monserrat. These islands are part of a national park, “Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto,” renowned for the beautiful colors and contrasts of its ancient sandstones.
Following a classic “wet landing” on the southeast coast of privately owned Isla Carmen, we began a moderate hike through the spectacular Arroya Rojo or Red Valley. The island is home to endemic dwarf barrel cacti and pencil cacti and the owners are committed conservationists. However, our intrepid group was on the lookout for something a little more unique to this part of the world – big horned sheep – the largest mammal in the Gulf of California.
Big horned sheep are not native to the Gulf. Originally introduced for hunting, they have adapted well to the harsh hot climate. Soon after leaving on our hike, naturalist Carlos Navarro, who lived here for a year as the park manager, spotted two of them toward the top of a nearby hill. They traversed the steep hillside for a few minutes before one of these imposing beasts suddenly stood atop the ridge, providing an awe-inspiring silhouette against the bright blue sky.
After hiking further through deep, red canyons, our hardy travelers returned to the boat for some “down time” on board as we traveled to Isla Santa Catalina. Our rest was disturbed however by the appearance of a huge pod of 25 pilot whales off the port bow. Expedition Leader Larry Prussin ordered the Zodiacs into the water and we were soon off on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For 45 minutes, we followed the pilot whales and dozens of accompanying dolphins as they gently dove and surfaced. One dolphin even provided an acrobatic show by jumping 10 feet into the air directly next to us. This was the kind of experience our travelers came for, and it’s one of the main reasons World Wildlife Fund and Lindblad Expeditions are working so hard to protect the Gulf of California.
The late afternoon offered a chance to hike, snorkel, dive and kayak from beautiful Bahia Elephante, on the southern side of Isla Santa Catalina. Everybody worked up an appetite for that evening’s beach barbecue as we watched the sun set over the distant hills. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
