It was still dark when we climbed into our dingy to motor over to Isla Partida del Norte, the first light rising as we beached. Most of the group went uphill to hike; a small group (Rick among them) waited for enough light on the water to justify snorkeling. Amazing that on this totally deserted island there were small piles of litter. As we waited for the sun to rise, Rick and I pushed up our ReNew The New sleeves and collected the bean cans, plastic plates and coke bottles. While the snorkelers did their fin waddle into the glassy pink water, I waited for a bit more sun. Two red-billed oyster catchers pecked along the shoreline (& I hope Rick got of photo of them).
I thought of Darrell who bathes in the river before every time I drive him for groceries and the popsicle headaches he says his January baths give him. But he never gets into my car without a river plunge. So I gathered up my Darrell courage and dove into the sea. I found the water wonderful. Icy, yes but electric exciting and silky the way I’ve never know seawater to be. I didn’t want to get out. And shouldn’t have. The very early morning breeze chilled to the bone. Rick & I huddled together for the dingy ride back and dashed to take turns in the hot shower.
Today was all about The Search for the Chuckwalla, a lizard known only to the Sea of Cortez. The ship took off for Isla San Esteban in the early afternoon and we hopped off our dingy round about 5:30 and made our way round gorgeous nesting gulls. Lots of cactus and, yes, the Chuckwalla.
Another day without whales, but flying fish, dolphins, a gorgeous sunset booking our brave sunrise.
ReNew The New on Espiritu Santo beach