Boca de Soledad
The day started with a feast to our senses; rays of early morning light illuminated both the mangrove stands as well as the sand dunes, whereas dark clouds and light sparkling added an ominous touch to the ambiance.
Even before breakfast several distant whale blows were seen off the sand bars. Everyone onboard the National Geographic Sea Bird was ready to go out and explore the northern reaches of Magdalena Bay for whales. Formed by the gap between Magdalena and Santo Domingo islands, Boca de Soledad (“Mouth of Solitude” in Spanish) is a favorite calving area for the gray whales; surrounded by majestic Barchan sand dunes, mangroves and mudflats, the mouth is a complex and ever-changing environment and a good place to give birth to and raise half-ton babies. In fact, shortly after leaving the ship we came across one such cute calf swimming right next to its large mother. As we followed them at a respectful distance were able to enjoy their quality time together: mother and baby slowly cruising together, sometimes slowing down for what we thought must be nursing bouts. And as if following the popular Mexican saying of “full belly, happy heart,” the young whale practiced that favorite activity of mammal youngsters of all species: climbing on top of their moms. Even mom got into the mood and spy hopped once!
During the afternoon numerous other whales were seen around the deep channel at the Boca, sometimes showing their flukes above the surface before a terminal dive or spy hopping. Getting the chance to observe those beautiful creatures in their own realm is a privilege that we all enjoyed.
Tomorrow will be another day full of surprises but I’m sure that many among us will dream about half-ton babies tonight. I know I will.
