Isla San Jose and the Baja California Peninsula, San Evaristo
Details along the periphery, life in the margins, diversity along the edge, life abounds and we came to discover. We focused our investigative attentions towards the mangroves of Amortajada on the south end of Isla San Jose. Standing tall on their tangled maze of stilt roots were red mangroves, defining the edge of diversity and a nursery as well. Small fish, perfect little prey items swam in relative safety amongst the root fortress. Waiting for the tide to drop were patient birds perched in the branches. Gleaming-white ibis, elegant reddish egret, and pristine snowy egrets all flitted about, waiting for a lowering tide and easier access to sand bars, shallows and a morning foraging opportunity.
San Evaristo contrasted our island morning with a peninsular afternoon. Schools of fish entertained snorkelers along the namesake cliff-face of Punta San Evaristo. Kayakers admired pelicans perched at the water’s edge. Hikers had an amazing show of plunge diving pelicans at the landing site, and to finish off our afternoon: a tiger-striped dog belonging to one of the residents of this small fishing village was patient enough to play fetch with some of our guests and staff.
Our days here in Baja California are leaving different impressions on each of us. We gather memories as treasures to gently sift through later with leisure. Here are a few poems shared that express the diversity of our memory gleanings.
Haiku on the Sea of Cortez
by Leya Aronoff, age 16
Cruising on the Sea
Snorkeling, hiking, eating
Felis Navidad!
Reflections on the Sea of Cortez
by Catherine French
Sunrise, moonset
Soft light, changes the view
Birds awaken, insects buzz
The day begins anew
Kayaking, snorkeling
Lots else to do
Breathing in the view
That’s something too
Moonrise, sunset
Birds and bees, time to rest
End of a glorious day
On which to reflect.
Mangrove
by Suzanne Burack
Many pathways
Adventure
Nest of wasp
Green leaves
Red, black and white
Overturned tentacles
Vines
Eco-friendly.
An Impression by Robert Thompson
William
True Mexican
Shares love for his country
Captivates us with his stories
Teacher.
Impressions by Robert Thompson
Linda
Caring, sharing
gives herself freely
makes the trip more enjoyable
Teacher
Sea Bird by Megan Bullard, age 12
The sound of the waves
Crash against the Sea Bird while
Dolphins jump around.
