Magical Baja Whale Adventure

 ...  they should say "Big things come in even Bigger packages!!"

I have just returned from my annual trip south of the border... this year my friend, Clova and I ventured out of our "senior comfort zone" and traveled about 600 miles further south into Baja California, Mexico to the picturesque village of San Ignacio in hopes of petting a Baby Whale... yes, you heard correctly! Every fall, Gray Whales leave the icy waters of Alaska and travel thousands of miles south to give birth to their babies in the much warmer lagoons along the Baja Coast. Here they stay until spring, giving time for their babies to get strong enough for the long journey back to Alaska. 

Sounds easy enough? Well, for two little aged chubbettes it was a bit more challenging and adventurous... Up at 5:30 am, a light breakfast (too excited to eat but needed something before taking my Dramamine)... traveled another 2hrs. on a very rugged sandy & potholed back road through the desert to reach the Eco-camp at San Ignacio Lagoon...hiked down the rocks to the waters edge to board our boat... (panic sets in, how in the heck am I going to get into that boat!?!)... just when I was sure that I had no hope, I was literally swept off my feet by some wonderfully strong and determined young men... they lifted and tossed me on board as if I were as light as a feather... my heroes (it's been a while since this old gal had such attention)!! Off we go, our captain opened her up and we quickly sped through the water to an area that he said should make our "whale dreams" come true... in the distance we could see some whales frolicking and the numbers just kept increasing the closer we got, this sight was so much more awesome than any other whale watching that I've seen in the past (even in Alaska)... suddenly, the engine was cut and the Captain yells out, "splash the water, splash the water" ... the fun begins, Our First Contact... 
  

Looking for me? I am taking the video, only my hand can be seen 😎  

This is but a small sampling of our truly amazing and awesome experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this adventure to everyone... it is definitely "Bucket List" worthy!!  

As an artist, I couldn't help but take some time out and soak in a little local color! Below, are some creative discoveries that I came across along the way...

Baja Desert - Saguaro Cactus

 Baja Desert - locals say that they haven't seen it this green in nearly 20 years

 Fresh Catch - Grilled Lobster - yummm, so sweet & rich

Metal "Giraffe" Garden Sculpture in San Ignacio

"Zebra & Cart" in a San Ignacio courtyard

Metal Art at Catavina Hotel

Cactus Garden Art at Catavina Hotel

Restaurant Mural at La Fonda

San Ignacio Mission entrance - built in 17th Century

Roadside Shrine in Valle De Guadalupe

Sand Sculpture at Mama Espinoza's

Hope you enjoyed the little recap of my Baja Adventure...

Until, next time... Blessings to all!!