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100_1663 * 14 clients, 2 guides, 2 boat captain/cooks setting off on a 4-day kayak tour to Isla Espiritu Santo from La Paz, Baja, California. BOA is the tour company: KayakInBaja.com * 2080 x 1544 * (1.07MB)

100_1674 * The boat trip to the north end of the island was my least favourite leg. It can be noisy & choppy. Sit in the back for the most comfortable possible ride. * 1476 x 1106 * (619KB)

100_1670 * I was surprised to see that high cliffs surround most of the island. This face they call the Cathedral. * 1666 x 1248 * (843KB)

100_1929 * You could kayak 4.5mi from the mainland (in the distance) across the San Lorenzo channel to the island >> but it can be dangerous if the wind kicks up when you are half way across. Crosses like this one have been erected by fishermen in many of the bays. * 2080 x 1544 * (700KB)

100_1685 * We needed 2 boats to transport the 18 people, food & gear. One skiff we kept. The other headed back to the mainland. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.42MB)

manuel * Manuel grew up in the Baja, one of the top kayak guides in the region. He dreams of kayaking 800mi or more >> the length of the Sea of Cortes. * 720 x 528 * (153KB)

100_1688 * Ah! Los Islotes. These are tiny islands off the north tip. We started with the highlight of the entire tour >> snorkeling with sea lions! It was awesome. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.19MB)

sealion1 * Juveniles like to play with snorkelers. One even hugged some of our group & kissed them on the mask. Amazing! They are prone to nipping at the divers too, playfully in almost every case. Big bulls & older females can be aggressive. You cannot get too close to the islets. * 175 x 242 * (13KB)

100_1693 * Most snorkelers wear wet suits as the waters are still a bit chilly in winter. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.39MB)

100_1691 * The food on the BOA tour was super. Our chef Big Al had been with the company for over 10-years. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.25MB)

100_1733 * Cook stove. * 1544 x 2080 * (1.4MB)

100_1698 * First night we camped at Ensenada beach. I immediately took off down the Ensenada Grande hiking trail, 6km return to cross the island. VERY RUGGED. I ran out of daylight. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.6MB)

100_1699 * The harsh desert is beautiful & intimidating. * 2080 x 1544 * (710KB)

100_1710 * Wild fig trees were my favourite plant. They grow in cracks cold enough to generate some drops of moisture. * 1544 x 2080 * (1.53MB)

100_1713 * Every kayak tour paddles a mangrove swamp >> a fascinating, under-appreciated ecosystem. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.69MB)

100_1718 * White sand. Bright kayaks & tents. Beautiful. * 1414 x 1059 * (910KB)

100_1719 * The Park guards checked in with us twice. They looked to be doing a good job protecting the island. * 1364 x 1022 * (663KB)

100_1735 * Day 2 - setting out in typical, perfect weather. Mornings are calm. Afternoons usually bring north winds during the winter. * 1459 x 1093 * (841KB)

100_1742 * Permanent camp of Mar Y Aventuras (Sea and Adventures) - KayakBaja.com - the main competitor for BOA. Both companies seem to do an excellent job, offering similar itineraries. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.11MB)

100_1746 * Our BOA camp on the other side of the same beach. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.43MB)

100_1748 * This view gives you a good perspective on beach life. Foreground is a big tarp >> providing essential shade. * 1544 x 2080 * (1.23MB)

100_1768 * Happy Hour! We had Pina Colada or Margaritas every night. Non-stop beer & wine too. Whoo Hoo! * 1523 x 1141 * (675KB)

100_1744 * The biggest concern for many kayakers are the toilet facilities. This is the ladies pee tent. Men need scan for whales below the tide line. * 1144 x 857 * (631KB)

100_1824 * The second toilet is marked by the blue bag: toilet paper & disinfectant alcohol gel. If the bag is visible >> the toilet is vacant. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.71MB)

100_1882 * Here is the loo for #2. It worked quite well, actually. All human waste is carried off the island. It was declared a Nature Conservancy in 2003. * 1392 x 1043 * (866KB)

100_1760 * Off on the skiff for another session of snorkelling. Typically we took the boat to the nearest good coral. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.14MB)

100_1775 * At each beach I took a hike into the hills. There are few trails, however. And plenty of loose scree. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.5MB)

100_1778 * There are a couple of sources of fresh water on the islands including this well at Candelero beach. Do not count on it, however! Carry enough water to get you through. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.16MB)

100_1785 * Gorgeous desert colours late in the day. * 2080 x 1544 * (1.88MB)

100_1787 * Seems the bizarre rock formations are carved by wind, not water. * 2080 x 1544 * (730KB)

Album last updated on 2/5/06 3:47 PM

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