Pictures of the Week 2008-7
Hello All,
Departing Topolobampo which is on the mainland of Mexico, we cruised across the Sea of Cortez to Baja California. The Sea of Cortez is 865 miles long and 130 miles wide at the widest point. The shallow northern section is highly saline, and in the southern region, submarine faults are continuously expanding the sea. Our next port of call was the sleepy little town of Loreto.
The historic town of Loreto is the oldest European settlement in Baja California. Established in 1697 by Jesuits, the desert oasis, framed by the majestic Sierra de la Giganta Mountain Range, was capital of Baja California until 1830 when the administrative seat was moved to La Paz.
Loreto is still rustic and traditional. Many visitors prefer its rustic atmosphere to the glass-and steel that typify some of Mexico’s other resorts. Charming seaside grills invite beach lovers in search of a snack. Marine sporting operations, including whale watching, scuba outings, and fishing expeditions, depart from the small marina. Anglers are rarely disappointed. Sierra, bonita, tuna, wahoo, and dorado, as well as marlin and sailfish are often among the local catch of the day.
This was the first port of call where our ship had to anchor out. We were transported to a dock in the marina by the ship’s tenders. Each orange and white tender held 60 passengers, and as soon as one was loaded another would move in to be loaded. It was a smooth operation with little waiting time. And, there was quite a greeting committee waiting to meet us--the marina was full of pelicans!!
Departing Topolobampo which is on the mainland of Mexico, we cruised across the Sea of Cortez to Baja California. The Sea of Cortez is 865 miles long and 130 miles wide at the widest point. The shallow northern section is highly saline, and in the southern region, submarine faults are continuously expanding the sea. Our next port of call was the sleepy little town of Loreto.
The historic town of Loreto is the oldest European settlement in Baja California. Established in 1697 by Jesuits, the desert oasis, framed by the majestic Sierra de la Giganta Mountain Range, was capital of Baja California until 1830 when the administrative seat was moved to La Paz.
Loreto is still rustic and traditional. Many visitors prefer its rustic atmosphere to the glass-and steel that typify some of Mexico’s other resorts. Charming seaside grills invite beach lovers in search of a snack. Marine sporting operations, including whale watching, scuba outings, and fishing expeditions, depart from the small marina. Anglers are rarely disappointed. Sierra, bonita, tuna, wahoo, and dorado, as well as marlin and sailfish are often among the local catch of the day.
This was the first port of call where our ship had to anchor out. We were transported to a dock in the marina by the ship’s tenders. Each orange and white tender held 60 passengers, and as soon as one was loaded another would move in to be loaded. It was a smooth operation with little waiting time. And, there was quite a greeting committee waiting to meet us--the marina was full of pelicans!!
We have seen a lot of Brown
Pelicans in our travels but this was the first time seeing them with bright red
on their necks. The water must have been
full of fish, as the birds were really working it.
In addition to Pelicans there
were Gulls, Egrets, Heron, and Cormorants to name a few. We had a ball snapping photo after photo! It
doesn’t take much to excite us!!
We then walked into town from the marina. The cobblestone street had unique trees growing together from both sides of the street. The trees were trimmed into arches over the street.
We then walked into town from the marina. The cobblestone street had unique trees growing together from both sides of the street. The trees were trimmed into arches over the street.
As with other towns the
merchants had their wares displayed for sale. However, there was no pressure
placed on you to buy anything--that was refreshing!! Dave found a hat that he
liked and he had to search for someone to pay for it. Trust us, that wasn’t the
case in some of the other ports of call.
It was a very relaxing day. We
stopped and had lunch at a lovely sideway café, visited the cathedral, and sat
in the town square and listened to live music. After leisurely strolling around
town for a few hours we worked our way back to the marina and caught a tender
back to the ship. If someone wanted a place to kick back for a week this would
be a great destination. You can scuba dive with sea lions, suntan on the beach,
wind surf, watch whales, and generally do nothing if you want to recharge your
batteries from a hectic life. And, if you like to fish, well this is an
outstanding destination. You can also rent a small panga boat (skiff) and
explore the waters and islands on your own. But, hurry up before the rest of
the world discovers Loreto!!
That evening there was a
lovely sunset as we set sail toward our next port of call.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns