Whale watching the end of March

Just got back from a trip of which one stop was at San Ignacio Lagoon. We had a Momma bring her baby to the boat, and it was amazing. What a joyous soul. If it could have climbed into the boat, sat in your lap and wiggled his tail he/she would have. Came to the boat, worked both sides up and down, around and around, wanting its baleen rubbed and just to be touched. Great experience 805, you really should try it.

And they made a GREAT poster child for the battle against putting the terrible salt works in that area! Talking with one of the ejido members at Kuyima this year, he talked about how proud they were of having stopped the salt works--- both the people and the whales!

And while there might be a case made against the practice of "petting" a whale, I agree that it is what has kept them living in peace. All of this has created work for the locals, and an awareness of protecting the environment. The facilities around the lagoon are eco friendly and the people are very proud of all of it!

We try to go at least once or twice a year to San Ignacio and it is always different, and always a very special experience. It is an honor to be accepted by whales. They are in charge out there and if they did not want to be friendly, well it would not be fun for the humans in those little boats.

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by generubin ...whales become the whales greatest defenders of the whale's right to exist in peace. Spending time with the whales in Baja is a life changing event. Don't miss it, and don't feel selfish, you'll see the young whales appreciate you being there as much as you do. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by generubin] And they made a GREAT poster child for the battle against putting the terrible salt works in that area! Talking with one of the ejido members at Kuyima this year, he talked about how proud they were of having stopped the salt works--- both the people and the whales! And while there might be a case made against the practice of "petting" a whale, I agree that it is what has kept them living in peace. All of this has created work for the locals, and an awareness of protecting the environment. The facilities around the lagoon are eco friendly and the people are very proud of all of it! We try to go at least once or twice a year to San Ignacio and it is always different, and always a very special experience. It is an honor to be accepted by whales. They are in charge out there and if they did not want to be friendly, well it would not be fun for the humans in those little boats.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by generubin ...whales become the whales greatest defenders of the whale's right to exist in peace. Spending time with the whales in Baja is a life changing event. Don't miss it, and don't feel selfish, you'll see the young whales appreciate you being there as much as you do. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by generubin] And they made a GREAT poster child for the battle against putting the terrible salt works in that area! Talking with one of the ejido members at Kuyima this year, he talked about how proud they were of having stopped the salt works--- both the people and the whales! And while there might be a case made against the practice of "petting" a whale, I agree that it is what has kept them living in peace. All of this has created work for the locals, and an awareness of protecting the environment. The facilities around the lagoon are eco friendly and the people are very proud of all of it! We try to go at least once or twice a year to San Ignacio and it is always different, and always a very special experience. It is an honor to be accepted by whales. They are in charge out there and if they did not want to be friendly, well it would not be fun for the humans in those little boats. Just wondering why they are "terrible salt works" if at San Ignacio Lagoon... but the salt works at Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's) Lagoon is no problem at all for the whales?

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by generubin ...whales become the whales greatest defenders of the whale's right to exist in peace. Spending time with the whales in Baja is a life changing event. Don't miss it, and don't feel selfish, you'll see the young whales appreciate you being there as much as you do. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by generubin] And they made a GREAT poster child for the battle against putting the terrible salt works in that area! Talking with one of the ejido members at Kuyima this year, he talked about how proud they were of having stopped the salt works--- both the people and the whales! And while there might be a case made against the practice of "petting" a whale, I agree that it is what has kept them living in peace. All of this has created work for the locals, and an awareness of protecting the environment. The facilities around the lagoon are eco friendly and the people are very proud of all of it! We try to go at least once or twice a year to San Ignacio and it is always different, and always a very special experience. It is an honor to be accepted by whales. They are in charge out there and if they did not want to be friendly, well it would not be fun for the humans in those little boats. Just wondering why they are "terrible salt works" if at San Ignacio Lagoon... but the salt works at Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's) Lagoon is no problem at all for the whales? As I said, the whales were the Poster Children. And please remember, it was the LOCALS, the fishing co-ops who in the end prevailed and stopped the destruction of the environment and wanted to protect their way of life and income levels. It is about THEM and not what outsiders want or think. They are just really proud that big money did not win that battle and the poster children helped. Also, I doubt you have ever driven the back way into Ojo de Liebre---the road from the Vizcaino road that is restricted. We took a friend to work that way---he had permission to pass. It is a shortcut to GN, but only passable with permission. The devastation there is horrible---it is really ugly. The new company even flooded an old cemetery and they were surprised when a body floated to the top of one of the ponds. And the Mexican environmentalists do have concerns about what could happen to the whale lagoon as the ponds evaporate. But it is there and is a part of Guerrero Negro. But the LOCALS in the San Ignacio area are proud that they prevailed over the big money interests and their poster children helped them in their battle. On edit. Just some food for thought. A friend told us that he would love to write a book addressed to all gringos---one that is about Baja California Sur and the people so that MAYBE the gringos who visit and or live there would begin to understand who they are and quit trying to tell them what how to do things and what is "best" for them. They do grow weary of attempted gringo education. (He uses the term gringo when talking to us because we have told him that it is not offensive to us) [Edited on 3-3-2012 by DianaT]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by generubin ...whales become the whales greatest defenders of the whale's right to exist in peace. Spending time with the whales in Baja is a life changing event. Don't miss it, and don't feel selfish, you'll see the young whales appreciate you being there as much as you do. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by generubin] And they made a GREAT poster child for the battle against putting the terrible salt works in that area! Talking with one of the ejido members at Kuyima this year, he talked about how proud they were of having stopped the salt works--- both the people and the whales! And while there might be a case made against the practice of "petting" a whale, I agree that it is what has kept them living in peace. All of this has created work for the locals, and an awareness of protecting the environment. The facilities around the lagoon are eco friendly and the people are very proud of all of it! We try to go at least once or twice a year to San Ignacio and it is always different, and always a very special experience. It is an honor to be accepted by whales. They are in charge out there and if they did not want to be friendly, well it would not be fun for the humans in those little boats. Just wondering why they are "terrible salt works" if at San Ignacio Lagoon... but the salt works at Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's) Lagoon is no problem at all for the whales? As I said, the whales were the Poster Children. And please remember, it was the LOCALS, the fishing co-ops who in the end prevailed and stopped the destruction of the environment and wanted to protect their way of life and income levels. It is about THEM and not what outsiders want or think. They are just really proud that big money did not win that battle and the poster children helped. Also, I doubt you have ever driven the back way into Ojo de Liebre---the road from the Vizcaino road that is restricted. We took a friend to work that way---he had permission to pass. It is a shortcut to GN, but only passable with permission. The devastation there is horrible---it is really ugly. The new company even flooded an old cemetery and they were surprised when a body floated to the top of one of the ponds. And the Mexican environmentalists do have concerns about what could happen to the whale lagoon as the ponds evaporate. But it is there and is a part of Guerrero Negro. But the LOCALS in the San Ignacio area are proud that they prevailed over the big money interests and their poster children helped them in their battle. On edit. Just some food for thought. A friend told us that he would love to write a book addressed to all gringos---one that is about Baja California Sur and the people so that MAYBE the gringos who visit and or live there would begin to understand who they are and quit trying to tell them what how to do things and what is "best" for them. They do grow weary of attempted gringo education. (He uses the term gringo when talking to us because we have told him that it is not offensive to us) [Edited on 3-3-2012 by DianaT] I always find it odd when a person thinks he can speak for everyone else. That would be like me saying I can speak for the people of Southern California. Now that's not to say that your friend doesn't have an interesting perspective. Speaking to our many friends in BCS, I can say that each has a unique perspective.

No, this particular person would never think he could speak for EVERYONE---but I know it sounded that way out of context of the conversation. Yes, there are many unique perspectives, and their culture is different with each individual. On the other hand, the thing we hear the most from many friends is the dislike of "gringo" education. While they differ in their ideas as to what should be done, it is their country and they are very proud of their country and they want to do things their way---which ever way they argue about and end up choosing. They resent gringos thinking they should lead the way to change; assisting and joining with Mexicans leading the way seems to be far more appreciated. Just our observations.

Then again, we have one local friend who is proud to be a Mexican, but he worships everything gringo--- He thinks EVERYTHING American is better including the food and the beer. We tell him American beer is AWFUL.

Bottom line, I believe, it is their country and we all are visitors and only there out of choice and because they allow us to be there. So while we are happy the salt works did not happen, and other gringos think it should have happened, it was up to them to decide and they did.



[Edited on 3-3-2012 by DianaT]

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by generubin ...whales become the whales greatest defenders of the whale's right to exist in peace. Spending time with the whales in Baja is a life changing event. Don't miss it, and don't feel selfish, you'll see the young whales appreciate you being there as much as you do. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by generubin] And they made a GREAT poster child for the battle against putting the terrible salt works in that area! Talking with one of the ejido members at Kuyima this year, he talked about how proud they were of having stopped the salt works--- both the people and the whales! And while there might be a case made against the practice of "petting" a whale, I agree that it is what has kept them living in peace. All of this has created work for the locals, and an awareness of protecting the environment. The facilities around the lagoon are eco friendly and the people are very proud of all of it! We try to go at least once or twice a year to San Ignacio and it is always different, and always a very special experience. It is an honor to be accepted by whales. They are in charge out there and if they did not want to be friendly, well it would not be fun for the humans in those little boats. Just wondering why they are "terrible salt works" if at San Ignacio Lagoon... but the salt works at Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's) Lagoon is no problem at all for the whales? As I said, the whales were the Poster Children. And please remember, it was the LOCALS, the fishing co-ops who in the end prevailed and stopped the destruction of the environment and wanted to protect their way of life and income levels. It is about THEM and not what outsiders want or think. They are just really proud that big money did not win that battle and the poster children helped. Also, I doubt you have ever driven the back way into Ojo de Liebre---the road from the Vizcaino road that is restricted. We took a friend to work that way---he had permission to pass. It is a shortcut to GN, but only passable with permission. The devastation there is horrible---it is really ugly. The new company even flooded an old cemetery and they were surprised when a body floated to the top of one of the ponds. And the Mexican environmentalists do have concerns about what could happen to the whale lagoon as the ponds evaporate. But it is there and is a part of Guerrero Negro. But the LOCALS in the San Ignacio area are proud that they prevailed over the big money interests and their poster children helped them in their battle. On edit. Just some food for thought. A friend told us that he would love to write a book addressed to all gringos---one that is about Baja California Sur and the people so that MAYBE the gringos who visit and or live there would begin to understand who they are and quit trying to tell them what how to do things and what is "best" for them. They do grow weary of attempted gringo education. (He uses the term gringo when talking to us because we have told him that it is not offensive to us) [Edited on 3-3-2012 by DianaT] I always find it odd when a person thinks he can speak for everyone else. That would be like me saying I can speak for the people of Southern California. Now that's not to say that your friend doesn't have an interesting perspective. Speaking to our many friends in BCS, I can say that each has a unique perspective. No, this particular person would never think he could speak for EVERYONE---but I know it sounded that way out of context of the conversation. Yes, there are many unique perspectives, and their culture is different with each individual. On the other hand, the thing we hear the most from many friends is the dislike of "gringo" education. While they differ in their ideas as to what should be done, it is their country and they are very proud of their country and they want to do things their way---which ever way they argue about and end up choosing. They resent gringos thinking they should lead the way to change; assisting and joining with Mexicans leading the way seems to be far more appreciated. Just our observations. Then again, we have one local friend who is proud to be a Mexican, but he worships everything gringo--- He thinks EVERYTHING American is better including the food and the beer. We tell him American beer is AWFUL. Bottom line, I believe, it is their country and we all are visitors and only there out of choice and because they allow us to be there. So while we are happy the salt works did not happen, and other gringos think it should have happened, it was up to them to decide and they did. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by DianaT]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by DianaT Quote: Originally posted by generubin ...whales become the whales greatest defenders of the whale's right to exist in peace. Spending time with the whales in Baja is a life changing event. Don't miss it, and don't feel selfish, you'll see the young whales appreciate you being there as much as you do. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by generubin] And they made a GREAT poster child for the battle against putting the terrible salt works in that area! Talking with one of the ejido members at Kuyima this year, he talked about how proud they were of having stopped the salt works--- both the people and the whales! And while there might be a case made against the practice of "petting" a whale, I agree that it is what has kept them living in peace. All of this has created work for the locals, and an awareness of protecting the environment. The facilities around the lagoon are eco friendly and the people are very proud of all of it! We try to go at least once or twice a year to San Ignacio and it is always different, and always a very special experience. It is an honor to be accepted by whales. They are in charge out there and if they did not want to be friendly, well it would not be fun for the humans in those little boats. Just wondering why they are "terrible salt works" if at San Ignacio Lagoon... but the salt works at Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's) Lagoon is no problem at all for the whales? As I said, the whales were the Poster Children. And please remember, it was the LOCALS, the fishing co-ops who in the end prevailed and stopped the destruction of the environment and wanted to protect their way of life and income levels. It is about THEM and not what outsiders want or think. They are just really proud that big money did not win that battle and the poster children helped. Also, I doubt you have ever driven the back way into Ojo de Liebre---the road from the Vizcaino road that is restricted. We took a friend to work that way---he had permission to pass. It is a shortcut to GN, but only passable with permission. The devastation there is horrible---it is really ugly. The new company even flooded an old cemetery and they were surprised when a body floated to the top of one of the ponds. And the Mexican environmentalists do have concerns about what could happen to the whale lagoon as the ponds evaporate. But it is there and is a part of Guerrero Negro. But the LOCALS in the San Ignacio area are proud that they prevailed over the big money interests and their poster children helped them in their battle. On edit. Just some food for thought. A friend told us that he would love to write a book addressed to all gringos---one that is about Baja California Sur and the people so that MAYBE the gringos who visit and or live there would begin to understand who they are and quit trying to tell them what how to do things and what is "best" for them. They do grow weary of attempted gringo education. (He uses the term gringo when talking to us because we have told him that it is not offensive to us) [Edited on 3-3-2012 by DianaT] I always find it odd when a person thinks he can speak for everyone else. That would be like me saying I can speak for the people of Southern California. Now that's not to say that your friend doesn't have an interesting perspective. Speaking to our many friends in BCS, I can say that each has a unique perspective. No, this particular person would never think he could speak for EVERYONE---but I know it sounded that way out of context of the conversation. Yes, there are many unique perspectives, and their culture is different with each individual. On the other hand, the thing we hear the most from many friends is the dislike of "gringo" education. While they differ in their ideas as to what should be done, it is their country and they are very proud of their country and they want to do things their way---which ever way they argue about and end up choosing. They resent gringos thinking they should lead the way to change; assisting and joining with Mexicans leading the way seems to be far more appreciated. Just our observations. Then again, we have one local friend who is proud to be a Mexican, but he worships everything gringo--- He thinks EVERYTHING American is better including the food and the beer. We tell him American beer is AWFUL. Bottom line, I believe, it is their country and we all are visitors and only there out of choice and because they allow us to be there. So while we are happy the salt works did not happen, and other gringos think it should have happened, it was up to them to decide and they did. [Edited on 3-3-2012 by DianaT] I agree with your observations. We all come to the table with different experiences, education, bias', etc. I think many are too quick to explain a problem or situation without fully trying to understand it first. I am sure this is what your friend might be referring to. I think it might be an American characteristic as I've heard it many times throughout my travels in Baja and Europe. I'd better be careful saying this as I don't want to be accused of apologizing for the US by the Faux News fans. No there are multiple perspectives to most issues and we need to be cognizant of this.

but that's what us voyers go to watch
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8e5ZOB5FTY

End of March can be good. The wife and I had an incredible experience a few years back on the 25th of March when we blasted out to Kuyima one morning. We had a mother bring her baby over for a pet after she had checked us out for a bit then she disappeared into the green water and then floated up from below the panga and stuck a flipper up on either side of the boat and lifted us up slightly. Remembering that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Everyone should go to the lagoons at least once.

as I live and work with many people involved in the salt works, one must be ummmm....tactful and prudent about commenting. I can tell you that the lagoon was a lovely peaceful place before the big deisel pumps were installed. One can now hear much more industrial noise there now...nobody actually lives there so it doesnt bother humans except the 3 months people camp there.

The whales tolerate the noise because they have to. Ojo de Liebre is the main calving lagoon and the salt works doesnt seem to affect their health. One big concern is that whales can be hit by the tugs pulling barges of salt out of the lagoon. Gray whales are often hit by boats all up and down the migration route.

If you really want to protect whales, I personally would love to see a patrol boat in all lagoons to monitor the behavior of the lancheros and make sure they are not harrassing the animals. Yes some whales approach the boats but I have witnessed some pretty awful panga etiquette and lots and lots of pangas flagrantly disobeying the regulations in both lagoons.

This mother and calf chased US around and just wanted to hang out with us...the baby loved pushing the panga around like in this photo...his mom took the opportunity to take a nap while we were babysitting her calf.



I am happy for the locals of san ignacio that they still have their lagoon in tact...for the moment...unfortunately these megaprojects much depend on the political climate.

[Edited on 3-5-2012 by shari]

Thinking about all of the whales heading for San Ignacio brings up images in the mind of whales stacked on each other!

Very nice photo of the baby playing let's push a boat around.