The National Geographic Sea Bird spent the night at anchor on the calm waters of Bahia Magdalena. The morning was calm, and many whales could be seen and heard as the sun broke the horizon. The sky over the sand dunes was gradually gaining a hue of pinks and purples before our first outing to spend time in close proximity of California gray whales. Many of us experienced extremely close encounters, where whales were touched and even kissed! Everyone had an outstanding day of whale watching.