Snorkling

Today we go half an hour south of Loreto, and launch the kayaks for an hour's paddle over to Isla Danzante, where we'll set up camp and do some snorkling. We stay 2 nights and return on Monday, when I'll post updates.


Fish photo by sandshodges (Flickr Creative Commons)

Museum visit

Finally a day in town! We went to visit the museum, which has exhibits in chronological order from the times of indigenous peoples (3 groups) to the Europeans.
I've added a link to photos of the trip to the San Javier mission and the canyon hike. They were taken by a fellow from Seattle - they start off with photos around Loreto, then whales (we weren't with them then), but when you see the big fig tree, that's the start of the trip to San Javier. When you see my yellow ballcap, that's the Tabor canyon hike. Nathan has a great telephoto lens on his camera!
We've signed on for another kayak trip, leaving tomorrow morning and returning Monday. It's to Danzante island south of Loreto, and with the improved weather forecast and shorter crossing it should be good! There will be 6 of us, including our 2 guides.
Tonight we go to the sea turtle conference to catch the videos.

Photo by ecbacelis (Flickr Creative Commons)

Hike up Tabor canyon

Today we went on a day hike with 4 others, up Tabor Canyon, about a half hour drive south of Loreto. It started out as a trail, but soon we were climbing over big boulders in a dry creekbed.
At one point we had to wade through a 3 foot deep pool, then climb up under a huge rock, and clamber up a dark chimney to the top. We passed some really deep pools, fig trees, palms, cactus, flowering bushes, tiny frogs, then stopped beside a small waterfall to have lunch on a flat rock.
We could look down the canyon and see the ocean in the distance. It was nice and warm out of the wind.
Tonight we met 2 Australians who are cycling from Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina! See their website (link at the bottom of this page) for more detail. Other interesting things happening: an organization called World Vets has a team of 12 here for a free spay and neuter clinic. Also, our Inn is full of people attending the annual Sea Turtle conference!

Photo by loretobay (Flickr Creative Commons)

Our Lady of Loreto and San Javier churches

This morning we met at this church in town; we were a group of 8 going inland to see the mission church in San Javier - there was us, 4 from the Seattle area, our guide Oscar, and his 3 year old daughter April, who actually was born in September.
The first part of the road was newly paved, but soon we were on gravel - a rough and twisty road that crossed shallow rivers several times, and climbed into the mountains. We stopped to see a huge old fig tree growing out of a rocky cliff, to see rock paintings beside a river, and at Oscar's friend's ranch to fix a flat tire. While that was going on we talked to the ranch owners - they raise cattle, have 6 horses, and goats (they make goat cheese).
We drove through San Javier to his in-law's farm, where we had lunch; while it was being prepared, we were shown around to see the large vegetable garden beside the river, then we saw the goats and pigs - they raise their goats for meat.
Next stop was the mission church, completed in 1758. We walked behind the church to see the 300 year old olive tree, and met a local who invited us to tour his farm, where he grows vegetables and as well has orange, lemon and olive trees. On the way back to the van we saw a huge tarantula - a very photogenic one!

Church photo by kenjiku (Flickr Creative Commons)

Kayaking in the wind and waves

Woke up to strong winds and whitecaps on the water of our bay. Our guide, Ryan, listened to the marine forecast on his VHF radio and heard that in the afternoon there was going to be a small craft warning; plus the El Norte winds were expected to last until Friday. So not wanting to be stuck there, we had a quick breakfast (tequila omelet and tortillas) and hightailed it... first we had to pack up - carry all our gear further down the beach, then carry the kayaks down there too. It was the narrowest and lowest spot on the spit, and we wanted to launch on the leeward side, opposite from where we landed.
Got underway (it was a sprayskirt day, unlike yesterday) and once away from the island,
were really in the waves, which ranged from 3 to 4 foot swells. We were heading towards the peninsula, which meant the waves were coming at us from the side. It was exciting to say the least! Finally closer to shore the waves were smaller and we were able to turn and paddle parallel to the shore, which meant the waves were coming behind us. It was certainly a faster return trip with the wind pushing us along! We didn't stop for a break. Finally we were approaching Loreto, and about 500 yards from shore the wind picked up, the waves got bigger, and Ryan told us he would go in first, then help us - we would go in one by one. For some reason Trevor decided to go in by himself, right behind Ryan, and we watched in horror as Trevor's kayak turned and flipped over in the surf, but Ryan was right there to help him; he was fine. I went next, and had to work hard to stay straight and not get turned sideways. With both Ryan and Trevor to catch me I was fine - just glad to have made it!
We were soaked to the skin except where we wore our snug life jackets - those spray skirts don't really keep the water out - not when you have waves breaking over you!

Heading to Coronado Island

We launched right from the beach in Loreto and paddled north close to shore; the water was calm and while we were paddling into the wind, it was really only a light breeze, so none of us had sprayskirts on. After a couple of hours we stopped at a beach for a break, then headed directly over to the island. Two people at the front saw a sea turtle but it had dived down by the time we caught up. Rounding a point we turned and went into a shallow sandy bay and pulled the kayaks onto a white sand beach. Pitched our tents among the dunes and our guide made ceviche, guacamole and taco chips for lunch. Spent the afternoon snorkling; the water was cool so we were happy to have the loaner shortie wetsuits; we were also glad the sun had come out.

Photo of Coronado Island by Terriem (Flickr Creative Commons)

Flying to Loreto, Mexico today

Loreto is about two thirds of the way down the Baja Peninsula, on the Sea of Cortez side; we're looking forward to sunshine and warm days.
Had a clear sunny day for flying and made it here by 4:30 (they're on Mountain Standard Time so an hour ahead). Checked into the Inn, had dinner and met our kayak guide and the other 2 paddlers. We're hoping the weather cooperates for our 3 day trip.

Photo by Kyle Fring (Flickr Creative Commons)