I took a scenic flight from La Paz to Magdalena Bay today with hopes of taking some photos of the grey whales. Unfortunately, it's too early in the
year and I didn't spot any. On the flip side, I got pictures of the rarely seen side of la Isla Santa Margarita and decided to share them here.
Enjoy!
-Eric
Waves crashing on the southern rocks of Isla Santa Margarita.
Abandoned lighthouse on southern tip of Isla Santa Margarita.
Sea lions and pelecans on Pacific side of Isla Santa Margarita.
Cliffs on Pacific side of Isla Santa Margarita.
Mangroves is Magdalena Bay.
Thin southern sliver of Magdalena Bay and Pacific Ocean.
[Edited on 11-5-2007 by HaciendasPaloVerde]Natalie Ann - 11-4-2007 at 09:53 PM
I very much enjoyed these photos, Haciendas... especially that one of the cliffs. The drop of the rock wall combined with the curve of the shoreline,
perfect waves, and fog. A real good Pacific side shot.
Isn't it amazing to fly low over Baja?! Takes the incredible landscape you've seen all along but presents it in a different way. I really found
looking down on Baja to be a heavenly adventure - and I was astounded anew by her beauty. Your photos show us some of that. Thanks for posting.amir - 11-4-2007 at 10:31 PM
Thank you Eric for sharing these rare images of Baja.
Welcome here and hope to see more of your images and words. capt. mike - 11-5-2007 at 05:47 AM
why did you think the greys would be in yet? not being critical, just curious - was it a come on by the tour operator?David K - 11-5-2007 at 08:29 AM
Thank you for sharing those great photos! It is a huge island and we rarely (if ever) get to see it, except on maps!
Welcome to Nomad!!
Thanks
HaciendasPaloVerde - 11-5-2007 at 07:36 PM
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. It's nice to find a forum with so many positive members.
Natelie Ann; I really enjoyed the flight. Seeing the islands and the miles of a beach from above made me want to board a panga or drive pre-runner,
and see it all from ground/water too.
Capt. Mike; I/We had heard reports of whale sightings in the La Paz Bay (type unidentified), and since the plane was available (owned by a friend, no
tour operator needed), we flew out. The whales are around in January/February, right?
- Eric
[Edited on 11-6-2007 by HaciendasPaloVerde]Natalie Ann - 11-5-2007 at 08:02 PM
Haciendas - I believe (but am not sure) that there are whales in the Sea of Cortes during much of the year. The whales in the Pacific side are
generally there January and February and even early March. Our favorite time for Bahia Magdalena and Laguna San Ignacio is the last part of February
- we've always had an excellent adventure.
If you fly to see them, it's important to remember not to buzz the water. Best to land, hire a nice panguero who will take you right out to float
amongst those beautiful creatures. And then they will come to say hello to you.gringorio - 11-5-2007 at 09:27 PM
Awesome shots Eric - thanks! wiltonh - 11-5-2007 at 09:38 PM
There are whales in the Lapaz area during the winter. Here is a post I made on new years day 2007. La Ventana is about 30 miles South of Lapaz.
-----------------------------------------
Originally posted January 1 2007 in another group from La Ventana Baja.
Today was an interesting day for me. It was blowing about 20mph and I
was several miles off shore playing in the big rollers on a
windsurfer. I was sailing in the trough between two big waves when
something came up in front of me about 25 feet from my board. It
stretched from the top of one wave to the top of the other. It was a
gray whale.
I sheeted out and dropped off a plane. As I came close, the whale went
down, but a baby was swimming along side and its tail came within 4
inches of the tip of my board.
This is the largest animal that I have ever been close to. It was
probably 40 feet long and it filled up the trough of the wave about 9
feet.
I have seen whales before but never this close and going fast.
If it had come up any closer to me, I would have run into it on a full
plane. I am sure I would have sustained more damage than it would have.
Wilton
[Edited on 11-6-2007 by wiltonh]Sallysouth - 11-6-2007 at 09:58 PM
OK, I should know this but I don't.Where is Isla Santa Margarita? I would think in the Pacific and somewhere around Mag Bay? Dang, don't have a map!!
Magnificent pictures HPV!capt. mike - 11-7-2007 at 06:17 AM
"and since the plane was available (owned by a friend, no tour operator needed), we flew out. The whales are around in January/February, right?" --
yeah - that's the best way to get there, on wings man! good job.
you can pet whales late jan thru mid april actually. march is best.
jan they are skittish, feb birthing, march relaxed, april bored.Mexitron - 11-7-2007 at 07:54 AM
Nice to see photos of a rarely seen place--thanks!David K - 11-7-2007 at 06:36 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Sallysouth
OK, I should know this but I don't.Where is Isla Santa Margarita? I would think in the Pacific and somewhere around Mag Bay? Dang, don't have a map!!
Magnificent pictures HPV!
Here you go Sally... and by the way, it is almost a 'law' that Baja nuts have a Baja wall map in their house and folding maps nearby!
Sallysouth - 11-7-2007 at 07:04 PM
Thank you David and I am so ashamed! Of course I should have one(map)! Now where did I put the darn thing?? I have never been to Mag Bay or I would
have had a clue.Guess it is time to plan a trip!Always wanted to go, Mija has told me that the shell collecting(sshhh) is awesome, and there is no
where else like it.Yep, next on the list....
