Today began our first day aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. The morning sun painted the Sierra De La Giganta Range in horizontal stripes of pink sand oranges. The wind was warm. We stood on the bow enjoying the warmth of a Baja morning like a flower that slowly opens to the day. The conversation was quiet then it was over. A whale blow was spotted off of the starboard bow. Hundreds of pelicans were on the move. Shearwaters covered large sections of water all headed in the same direction. Gulls squealed, pelicans, doves, long beaked common dolphin sliced through them all. Apparently, a large school of fish had gathered and that began a chain of events that brought all fish eaters from far and wide. Two humpback whales worked the school, right next to our boat. We were surrounded by life. The sky was filled with wings and the surface of the water frothed with the activity. Cameras burned through memory cards with abandon. The ship moved, the light changed, the animals moved yet the feeding frenzy continued.
Finally, things quieted down and we reluctantly went in for breakfast. WOW what a morning!
After breakfast we had some safety briefings and located our snorkel masks, wet suits and fins. Then we listened to our photo instructors give a fantastic introduction to expedition photography. We were inspired, instructed and informed. Cameras in hand we split up into groups of varying experience levels and each group had sessions with a professional photographer.
Immediately after lunch we began our afternoon activities. Snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, zodiac tours, or strolling on the beach offered opportunities to eager enthusiasts.
The underwater world opened our eyes to another Baja. Hikes around rugged life forms sequestering water captivated us. He day was cooling and the sky was losing light. It was time for hot showers, cocktails, informative recaps and dinner. The naturalists had told us this was an amazing place and a favorite place for many of them. Now we all know why.
