At Sea & Isla San Jose
After a calm night tied up at Puerto Escondido, the National Geographic Sea Bird motored south, pushed by the gentle swells of following seas. Throughout the morning we paralleled the escarpment of the Sierra de la Giganta. Now and then a yellow-footed gull or a frigatebird passed overhead. People raced to the front of the ship at an announcement of bottlenose dolphins riding the pressure wave at the bow. Human bodies draped over the rails to see the sleek, streamlined forms of the animals that took advantage of the vessel’s motion to catch a free ride. In an instant they disappeared.
The anchor dropped just off the west side of Isla San Jose, the destination for the afternoon. A low tide exposed the rocky hiding places of marine invertebrates and tide pool fish. We studied brittle stars, slate pencil urchins and tiny crabs that the naturalists had gathered for a quick perusal before returning them to the sea.
Over time flash floods have carved a rugged canyon through the rocky terrain of this part of the island. Hikers wandered along this interesting route, pausing to investigate a multitude of desert treasures. Deep-rooted mesquites, palo verdes and ironwood trees intermingled with giant cactuses and a variety of shrubs lush with growth. Hot pink flowers of coral vine decorated the woody shrubs like ornaments on a Christmas tree. A cactus longhorn beetle clung to a cardon, and other beetles trundled across the sand. Queen butterflies flocked to the pink flowers of a malva rosa bush, their rusty orange wings fluttering in the breeze. We were lucky to spot several lizards, although they seemed rather slow due to the cool air temperature. The desert was alive with animals and plants, all rushing to make the most of the favorable weather before drought conditions set in again. After a delightful walk we returned to the landing, where the bartender was waiting with some delicious concoctions. What a great way to enjoy the sunset! As the Zodiacs ushered us back to the ship the brilliant full moon hung just above the skyline of Isla San Jose.
After a calm night tied up at Puerto Escondido, the National Geographic Sea Bird motored south, pushed by the gentle swells of following seas. Throughout the morning we paralleled the escarpment of the Sierra de la Giganta. Now and then a yellow-footed gull or a frigatebird passed overhead. People raced to the front of the ship at an announcement of bottlenose dolphins riding the pressure wave at the bow. Human bodies draped over the rails to see the sleek, streamlined forms of the animals that took advantage of the vessel’s motion to catch a free ride. In an instant they disappeared.
The anchor dropped just off the west side of Isla San Jose, the destination for the afternoon. A low tide exposed the rocky hiding places of marine invertebrates and tide pool fish. We studied brittle stars, slate pencil urchins and tiny crabs that the naturalists had gathered for a quick perusal before returning them to the sea.
Over time flash floods have carved a rugged canyon through the rocky terrain of this part of the island. Hikers wandered along this interesting route, pausing to investigate a multitude of desert treasures. Deep-rooted mesquites, palo verdes and ironwood trees intermingled with giant cactuses and a variety of shrubs lush with growth. Hot pink flowers of coral vine decorated the woody shrubs like ornaments on a Christmas tree. A cactus longhorn beetle clung to a cardon, and other beetles trundled across the sand. Queen butterflies flocked to the pink flowers of a malva rosa bush, their rusty orange wings fluttering in the breeze. We were lucky to spot several lizards, although they seemed rather slow due to the cool air temperature. The desert was alive with animals and plants, all rushing to make the most of the favorable weather before drought conditions set in again. After a delightful walk we returned to the landing, where the bartender was waiting with some delicious concoctions. What a great way to enjoy the sunset! As the Zodiacs ushered us back to the ship the brilliant full moon hung just above the skyline of Isla San Jose.
