We’re underway today on the Sea of Cortez, on our first day of this weeklong exploration along the coast of Baja California Sur. We had activity briefings onboard in the morning, and our first landing with hikes and kayaking at Puerto Los Gatos in the afternoon. I had a creative day working on some alternative photographic techniques with my Canon R5 and my iPhone. The calm and warm conditions were perfect for a barbeque dinner on shore this evening. All in all a wonderful first day at sea.
1/22/2025
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National Geographic Venture
The Baja Peninsula
A gull flew by the rising sun to begin our day. We rounded the end of the Baja Peninsula and sailed into the Pacific. Soon after the dawn brightened into day, the first whale blows were seen. Bow decks filled with whale enthusiasts pointing at humpback whales diving and breaching all around our ship. We encountered a heat chase: about seven males thrashed through the water to gain the prime location next to a female for possible mating. Lisa Hornack, our National Geographic certified photo instructor, gave a presentation on “Photographic Storytelling” to help enhance the images of our day. James Hyde explained the “Dynamics of Oceanography” until he was interrupted by a pod of long-beaked common dolphins bow-riding our ship. Rich Kirchner presented his photographic journey, “Wild from Pole to Pole.” We went back on deck for sunset and the chance to see the fabled Green Flash. Our jam-packed day ended with sunset and photographic proof that the green flash does indeed exist.
