Today was one of those days that we were able to do just about anything and everything we wanted. Beautiful colors before sunrise reflected on the glassy waters that had given us a smooth ride from La Paz to the vicinity of Isla del Carmen to the north. A brilliant green flash at the moment the sun grazed the horizon welcomed us to this warm, calm day. Pretty soon we found ourselves amidst common dolphins that were feeding in the area. Next we watched mother and calf fin whales - the second largest of all the whale species. To top off the morning, a lone blue whale - the very largest creature to have ever existed on this planet - came to the surface approximately every ten minutes to replenish its oxygen before diving back into the underwater realm.
We landed on the southern end of Isla del Carmen for our afternoon activities. These included hiking, snorkeling and kayaking, with a backdrop of the eroded volcanic plateaus of the Sierra de la Giganta (Mountains of the Giantess). Many people had new experiences today, and saw things they had never seen before, and may never see again. The Sea of Cortez is a magical area that evokes emotions and memories, and contributes to one's life experiences and personal growth. This can happen on a daily basis in a place as special as this. These places are worth preserving.
