Magdalena Bay
Our first day of the expedition was a great one to get to know the Sea Lion and the environment we will spend the first half of our trip exploring. After a good nights rest at anchor, we awoke to a great dawn light show as the disc of the sun made its way up from the haze in the east. After breakfast we learned about the natural history staff and the strength of having Zodiacs for landings. We proceeded to make a landing at Sand Dollar Beach and wandered the dunes, some in search of photographic opportunities (like the rabbit pictured above), others just searching for a nice dune to jump from or slide down the face. Either way, the walk to the Pacific side was a welcome change from the long journey to the ship we made yesterday.
Once back on board, the Sea Lion traveled north along Hull Canal as we made our way to the Boca de Soledad where we will spend the next day or so searching for experiences with the Pacific gray whale. There were several whales seen as we plied the calm waters. Mangroves and sand dunes slipped silently by the ship as we watched not only whales but many birds and dolphins as well.
The sunset was spectacular while we spent the last few minutes of light watching gray whales make their way against the flooding tide. What will tomorrow bring as we get even closer?
Our first day of the expedition was a great one to get to know the Sea Lion and the environment we will spend the first half of our trip exploring. After a good nights rest at anchor, we awoke to a great dawn light show as the disc of the sun made its way up from the haze in the east. After breakfast we learned about the natural history staff and the strength of having Zodiacs for landings. We proceeded to make a landing at Sand Dollar Beach and wandered the dunes, some in search of photographic opportunities (like the rabbit pictured above), others just searching for a nice dune to jump from or slide down the face. Either way, the walk to the Pacific side was a welcome change from the long journey to the ship we made yesterday.
Once back on board, the Sea Lion traveled north along Hull Canal as we made our way to the Boca de Soledad where we will spend the next day or so searching for experiences with the Pacific gray whale. There were several whales seen as we plied the calm waters. Mangroves and sand dunes slipped silently by the ship as we watched not only whales but many birds and dolphins as well.
The sunset was spectacular while we spent the last few minutes of light watching gray whales make their way against the flooding tide. What will tomorrow bring as we get even closer?
