Isla San Martin
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Isla San Martin
Overnight we sailed almost 100 miles south along the coast of Baja California, arriving early this morning at Isla San Martin, a tiny volcanic island with one sandy beach about 4 miles off the coast.
We were offered a number of activities, and could choose one early and one later. My group had the hiking first, and there were four options: one, a climb to the top of the mountain (called rigorous), then a moderate hike, a mild hike, and no hike at all, but a Zodiac ride around the island. I chose the moderate hike. After that, for the second activity, I chose sea kayaking.
We set off on our hike, and after crossing a ridge arrived
at a small lagoon at low tide:
The lagoon was filled with harbor seals:
Our naturalist described many things, among them boa kelp:
This was preparation for an entire lecture on kelp in the afternoon. The cholla cactus were problematic. Small, very easy to step on, and full of barbs which stuck to you and were difficult to remove. Some people had their lower legs bloodied by the cactus:
Here's my left foot during the hike:
As we returned to the landing beach, we could see the hikers who took the difficult trek on top of the mountain:
After the hike, I went sea kayaking offshore, where the variety of life was amazing. There were huge kelp beds, and it was suggested that we kayak over to them, which was very worthwhile. There were abundant fish and especially seals, who were as interested in me as I was in them. I didn’t bring the camera or my phone on the kayak as it was very wet going.
We went back to the ship for a late lunch, and as we
sailed south, we had two lectures in the afternoon: the first was on the evolution
of birds, with special attention to shore birds and marine birds, and the
second was on kelp which is remarkable stuff!!
It can grow up to two feet a day, and harbors all kinds of sea life as
well as sustaining birds and fish as it forms large floating islands in remote
areas. It also is important to the seashore,
providing sustenance to many creatures as it washes ashore. They speak of kelp forests in the near shore
sea (it only grows in water up to 100 feet deep).
It looks like great fun. Cholla cactus really a challenge. When the grandkids were young we took them to the Cholla Cactus Garden and were glad to see that the entire area was fenced to keep little ones out. Adults could enter, but with may warnings - naturally not all were heeded. Seals are more curious than we are if that is possible.
ReplyDeleteI iove seeing the diversity in this world. Interesting places abound.
ReplyDeleteAmazing the ability of plants to adapt to their surroundings: kelp growing so fast, succulents managing to survive on stony ground, cactuses learning how to not get stepped on....! I love that you interacted with the seals. What must they think....?! I'm envious of you for having all those naturalists, etc., to answer your questions and to tell you things you might not even have thought to ask about.....
ReplyDelete