Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon: April 2014

March-April Final Guide Report 2014
by Noly Lira

We Belong to the Desert, We Belong to the Lagoons!

Another year has come and gone, and another season of the whales has ended at Campo Cortez. Once again, it’s time to reminisce, to share and to cherish the extraordinary experiences we had at the laguna.


Cow/Calf Spy Hop

We traveled together along the dusty, bumpy roads and shared stories of trips past and places still to visit. We began as strangers and ended as friends. Friends that will have shared in a truly unique experience. One that will last not just through our photographs, but also through the stories that we will continue to share with those we love.

Eat-Sleep-Splash!

There are far too many camp moments to share them all. The incredible food. The starry nights, the smell of the ocean, the spray of the water on your face as the whales break through the water and sound off with an echoing blow as they take a breath.

Fluking

The look in the whales’ eyes when they see you and hear your unadulterated joy as you scream with delight over a spy hop, fluke or breach.

Breaching Baby

The moments also include the thrilling privilege of observing a mother whale teaching her calf in preparation for the very long migration north.

As rare and delightful an experience as one will ever encounter anywhere in the world. We live our lives filled with days of appointments and events that can be all consuming. As you live through your busy lives, my hope is that the relaxing and calming atmosphere of Campo Cortez will remain with you throughout the year.

We owe it to the whales to lead their cause; to protect them and to also protect the rugged beauty of the incredible desert and arid vegetation that make up “Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno.”

This magnificent corner of the world is filled with many opportunities to experience magical moments that will resonate within our souls for the rest of our lives.

It is worth noting that the local citizens in and around Campo Cortez are no different then we are. They love the whales, and want to protect the lagoons and all the creatures that inhabit the reserve.

These warm and friendly locals are as much a part of the Baja experience as the flora and fauna that we encounter.

Thank you to all who shared the camp this season, and to the fantastic staff as well. From the owners and administrative support in San Diego, to the cooks in the kitchen, the Pangeros (boat drivers), the guides, and of course the biggest THANKS of all to the whales for their forgiving, joyful spirit. As many of us can attest, once you’ve kissed a whale, you will be forever changed.

It is such an incredible privilege to be your naturalist/guide through the journey, and to be a small part of something that is so much bigger.

Until next year....

Noly

Keep the smiles, laughter, and joy…