Morning found us sailing full speed (11 knots) south toward the end of the Gulf of California. We forced our eyes in the dawn light to see a blow, just one blow, to indicate to us the presence of a whale. Here we could find any species, but we were looking especially for humpback whales. This is the site where we expect to find humpback whales, down from the western coast of British Columbia and Washington State for their yearly migration to pup and to mate. Here is the male fighting site, they compete for the favors of a female and really fight to obtain it. Even blood is expected to flow. AND, they completely ignore us. So we can be as near as they determine.
At one time we saw up to three whales going fast in changing directions, coming up to breathe, huff and puff. Maybe males competing for a female, following her?
Eventually we had to proceed on our way to the south, towards our afternoon destination, San Jose del Cabo. We were going to visit the town and a small, rare river with interesting vegetation. The town offered us the chance to visit to a glass-blowing factory and the 1730’s mission, one of the 19 missions built by the Jesuits in Baja California. A series of interesting art galleries were visited by some, and others visited some of the many silver jewelry shops (Mexico is the #1 world’s producer of silver).
Thirty-one species of birds were seen at the estero along the river, from an easy vantage point parallel to the rivulet of fresh water.
Eventually we were all taken to the marina in San Jose, and sailed on to Friar’s Rocks or the “End of the World,” in Cabo San Lucas. Finisterra was the name applied to the place by the missionaries. We had a good look through the arch, and then entered the Pacific Ocean, to sail towards tomorrow’s destination: Bahia Magdalena.
