Friday, July 11, 2014

Baja revisited

Easter 2013 provided an opportunity to achieve an ambition of 30 years standing, a sea kayaking trip to Baja, Mexico.  This year 7 of us from Jersey Canoe Club, headed towards Baja and so after a wait of 30 years I ended up visiting Baja twice in 12 months.
We wanted to spend more time exploring some of the offshore islands as opposed to heading straight down the coast to La Paz, 150 nautical miles away.  We were not disappointed with the weather, the scenery, the wildlife etc.  It is just too easy to run out of superlatives when talking about Baja. 
The marina at Puerto Escondido.  Located at the back of a superb natural harbour the marina was a convenient place to launch, although there was a charge.
Passing to the north of Isla Danzante.  Some great scenery and interesting geology for such a small island.
Crossing the channel to Isla Carmen.  Our campsite was on the low land to the right of the mountains, it was barely visible from on the water.
 Renewing an old friendship. We had camped here 12 months earlier and had great memories of a very special location.  That's why we selected it for our first night this year
Breakfast at dawn with the moon still clearly visible over the mountains of Baja
The Sea of Cortez just seems with wildlife, below, on and above the surface of the water.  Pelicans are a constant companion.
Nicky heading north along the west coast of Isla Carmen.  We saw several other groups of sea kayakers in this area, clearly a popular destination.
The end of another memorable day in Baja.  We came ashore at Playa la Cholla because of an increasing headwind, which we were reluctant to battle against.  An early finish allowed us time to relax in this stunning environment.

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