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Daily Expedition
Reports
28 Dec 2022
Cruising & Isla San Marcos, 12/28/2022, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Baja California
The sunrise was spectacular as stretch class was in full swing on the sundeck of National Geographic Venture. Quite a few people also spent time on the bow watching the colors blossoming and looking for wildlife.
Snorkeling equipment was distributed in the morning after the safety briefings about Zodiac, snorkeling, and hiking in Baja briefings. Brian, our NG Certified Photo Instructor, also gave a cell phone photography presentation in the lounge.
After lunch, we enjoyed a Zodiac tour of the volcanic coastline of Isla San Marcos. The stunning geology, interesting flora, and a variety of birds were investigated.
I like to remind people that there are very few big surprises left in life, but if you are out in nature, with an open mind and a lot of time, you never know what you will find.
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Sunrises in Baja deserve their legendary status. The light paints the hillsides as it peeks over the horizon before erupting in a shower of oranges, yellows, and reds. In the morning light, seabirds swirled about the ship, silhouettes dancing in the breeze. Leaving a sizzling wake to our north, we greeted the day with anticipation and excitement. A delightful breakfast prepared us for a morning spent exploring Bahia Concepcion. This area was exactly what we needed, offering protection from howling winds and swells. We set out in expedition landing craft to spend time with the flora and fauna of the bay and the islets around it. Endemic yellow-footed gulls nested near the tideline with ospreys conspicuously perched on bluffs. Brown pelicans were a delight to watch as they plunged down into the inviting, blue-green waters. Locals in brightly painted cabanas rimmed the shoreline. It’s no surprise this is a destination for many. In the afternoon, we sheltered on National Geographic Venture . The north winds continued howling, so we enjoyed presentations on the cultural history of Mexican foods. Our crew performed delightful music in the afternoon, which set a great mood for the Mexican fiesta dinner that followed. It was a joyful day that also allowed for some well-deserved resting on the ship. With an idyllic sunset matched with a brilliant moon rise to wrap up the day, we were surrounded with reminders of how this corner of the world is teeming with vibrant beauty.
Sometimes, the best made plans are dashed on the rocks (or in this case, in the sea) as conditions turn despite modern technology’s predictions. Such was the case this morning when National Geographic Venture aborted her attempt to reach the predicted calm waters in the northern part of the Gulf of California. Predictions were eclipsed by reality, and the incoming tide pushed against the NW winds, making conditions untenable. We turned and ran for cover in the relatively calm waters of Bahia de Los Angeles. In the afternoon, we explored deep into the southern reaches of Bahia de Los Angeles in a small bay known as las Monas. It was the first time anyone on board had hiked this area, and much to our delight, the hiking turned out to be superlative! The arroyo was rich in Sonoran Desert plant life and even afforded us a view of a healthy coyote! The best was saved for last as we climbed to a rocky overlook, only to see National Geographic Venture anchored serenely in the bay!
Excitement was palpable when pulling up to anchor off Isla San Pedro Martir, the most remote island within the Gulf of California. This designated Biosphere Reserve is teeming with breeding birds and sea lion colonies. Rats were eradicated in 2004, and the island has rebounded with life. It hosts two endemic lizards and nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, brown-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, brown pelicans, and California sea lions. As National Geographic Venture maneuvered into anchorage, birds swirled above and gave fleeting glances of what was to come as we approached the island. At the time, we didn’t know that we were beginning the Zodiac ride of a lifetime. Once set at anchor, the cruising began. Zodiacs were able to get really close to the island for amazing views of boobies, pelicans, and red-billed tropicbirds. As the five Zodiacs cruised along and rounded the corner of the island, a large pod of bottlenose dolphins began interactive play, including bow-riding, jumping, and zigzagging from boat to boat. Curious juvenile California sea lions chased one another in the wake of the Zodiacs, periodically popping up to get a look at the strange creatures encroaching on their environment. Zodiacs made multiple passes back and forth, and the acrobatics of the dolphins and sea lions never wavered. All guests were able to take part in this very rare experience. With SD cards full of videos and pictures and smiles spread from ear to ear, it was a once in a lifetime day around Isla San Pedro Martir in the Gulf of California, Baja.