Goodmorning National Geografic Vessel!

Waking up this morning to a large vessel lowering their anchor and zodiacs. Google tells me “this vessel belongs to the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet. And “this fully stabilized, nimble vessel was designed to meet the precise needs of our expeditions and features the latest satellite and navigation technology, reinforced Zodiacs, a mudroom, and a superior viewing experience on decks and in common areas. The ship comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 spacious outside cabins.”

Further, “National Geographic Venture traces the coast of North America, bringing Guests to Alaska and British Columbia in the summer, before heading south in the winter to navigate Baja California and the Gulf of California, as well as Costa Rica and Panama. The ship is designed to navigate narrow inlets and wildlife-rich passageways inaccessible to larger ships.”

“Nat Geo Venture”

My guess is that they’re are here for the Blue Footed Boobies that nest here on the island and that can be seen on the walls of the mountain by the mountains. Today I will venture out to find these beauties.

Why do they have blue feet?

The blue pigment indicates that they are healthy. It is apparently from the nutrients that they consume. The bluer the feet the healthier the bird. The carotenoid pigments that they receive from their diet which appears blue on their feet. Also, the blue-footed booby name originates from the Spanish word “bobo,” which means silly or foolish. These birds “tend to have a lack of regard for possible danger, making them vulnerable at times.”

Now, I will need to go and find them! Coffee first!

Happy New Years Everyone!

I keep pinching myself! No plans, nowhere to go, no timeframe… just a bottle of champagne 🍾🥂🍾🥂🍾

Still here…
Anchor that hardly moves… puffer fish plays with the chain when it moves…
In the yellow hulled sailing vessel is a couple from Duncan, BC, who are contemplating heading to French Poloneysia….

Perfect morning….

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Playa Candelero

Stunning…

Pulling in to Playa Candelero, there were a few boats (two Island Packets; Julie and Kevin from Tacoma and a boat flying Mexico flag) already anchored, however it is a large bay with a reef in the middle. First we anchored slightly outside, but soon I decided to move the boat as it seemed rolley. i moved it to inside the island and the reef. The reef was a concern, however with the use of Navionics I could keep an eye on Sarantium’s distance to the reef at all times. I also decided to dive down (only 3.5 meters) to make sure the anchor was securely set and dragging was out of the question…..it seemed fine and anchor had dug into the soft sand and was mostly buried. I also swam over to the little island to get a solid idea of how far Sarantium actually was situated from the reef.

Navionics is a comfort…

On the above pic, the yellow underneath Sarantium is the tracking (and constantly measuring) proximity) of movement of the boat throughout the night.