Last night we left the Sea of Cortez and round the tip of the Baja Peninsula to sail the waters of the Pacific Ocean. We are headed to San Ignasio Lagoon, one of the nursery areas for the Gray Whale.

It is a sea day. Water, wind, waves and weather direct our movements. On the bow the diehard whale spotters are at their posts watching the waves for any indication of a lingering mist that might indicate a blow of a whale.

Marylou Blakeslee gave a presentation on Marine Invasives and the history of the transport of creatures on the hulls and in the ballast of ships over the centuries. It offers a different perspective on the intertidal species we have been seeing.

Later in the morning Annie, our expedition leader helped us keep track of our adventure with the maps which we each have received in our staterooms. Now the route and all of the wonderful sights are recorded in relation to the map of the peninsula.

The sky offered clouds of ever changing shapes throughout the day. The sun was in and out with slightly more cloud cover than blue sky. The mix of both sky and clouds made the decks cool and comfortable temperature.

The waves rocked us to sleep as some of us took naps in between presentations. Others enjoyed the variety of a Bloody Mary Bar offered by the Hotel Staff.

Recap, tomorrow’s briefing and dinner allowed more time to enjoy the company of our new friends on board.

Soon the sun slipped into the cool waters of the Pacific.

Our anticipation for our gray whale adventure tomorrow will fuel our dreams.