The wind gods blessed us with calm waters, smooth and shiny as a mirror. Early in the morning we spotted a Brydes whale between Isla Carmen and Monserrat. After an hour or so with this whale, we headed to Arroyo Rojo in Isla Carmen to experience a fantastic hike through the ironwood and palo blanco-dominated wash. On the base of a cardon cactus, this sidewinder rattlesnake remained practically static for a long time, permitting everyone to appreciate its magnificence. After hiking, we all gathered at a beach west of Arroyo Rojo to enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner. Under a starry sky, we relaxed around the bonfire, and listened to the sound of folk music sung by our naturalists.