Last night we left La Paz and started our voyage by heading north for the “Golden Triangle.” Although not an official name on any map, the triangle made by connecting Isla Monserrat, Isla del Carmen, and Isla Santa Catalina is historically known for being the stomping grounds of blue whales. The triangle was truly golden today as we not only found a blue whale; we found two blue whales swimming together. This was exciting on so many levels. These are the first blue whales we have found this season, there were two of them, and when diving, one individual would lift its tail flukes skyward as it took its terminal dive. We had the privilege of seeing more blue whale body than would normally be presented to the average whale watcher. We could only speculate as to it being a cow and calf pair, as babies in blue whales can be quite large even though not yet weaned.
For the afternoon we navigated to Isla Santa Catalina. Wetsuits were donned and many of us jumped into the water for our first snorkel opportunity. Colorful fish stared back as we found yellowtail surgeonfish, Moorish idol, and giant damselfish, to name a few. This island is approximately 28 miles from the peninsula and subsequently has a rather unique flora and fauna. We walked in a true forest of cardon cacti, plump from a recent hurricane season and the subsequent rainfall. The succulent plants of this desert region so well known for being drought deciduous were in full leaf, not a sign of stress or yellowing of foliage. Brilliant red flowers of the desert mistletoe, designed to draw in hummingbirds as a pollinator, did a great job of drawing in photographers for a quick snapshot.
With the sun at a low angle in the sky and shadows growing long, the giant barrel cacti spines glowed as topaz tiaras atop their bloated pleated bodies. A thin band of clouds lit into pink and mango highlights as the sun finally set behind the ragged skyline of the Baja California peninsula.
The “golden triangle” lived up to its legend this morning, and we hope to find many more treasures in the Gulf of California and ultimately Magdalena Bay as well.
