LOVE THE ISLANDS!

During January and early February we're staying close to La Paz to deal with a small medical issue (no need to worry!).  But we haven't been staying in La Paz at the docks all the time.  We've enjoyed a few days in the gorgeous islands near La Paz and are happy to share a few photos.  This is winter at its best!

La Paz is at the bottom of this shot. Espiritu Santo and Isla San Fransicsco
are shown north of town heading up the Sea of Cortez.

A close up of  tiny Isla San Fransisco with its crescent shaped bay where we anchored.

The view from our hike at Ensenada Grande on Espiritu Santo.

We followed the old riverbed for well over and hour.  Though the distance
was short on paper, the trail went on and  on and up and up to higher elevations.  We
had limited time and, for the first time ever, turned around before
reaching the summit for a view of the island. 

With the exception of seasonal summer storms or hurricanes there is
little water for plants and trees to survive...yet they do!

This little lizard was about 10" long and well camouflaged below the shrubs.

That's Isla San Fransisco's crescent shaped beach behind us.

The view east from the top of the ridge we walked.
This was one of the easiest hikes in the last year.  We'll
definitely return for another few days soon.

Jim near the summit with the morning sun shining behind him.

This was a spectacular anchorage on a calm day but we understand
it can get quite nasty when the northerlies blow.

Debra (Avant) and me, hiking back down the ridge to the other end.

Cruising friends Rob and Debra from Avant standing next to a cliff
leading to the other beach at Isla San Fransisco.

The other side of the island had a different feel to it.  We searched
and searched for raw agates and interesting shells with some success!

This colourful crab was enjoying a snack near snore.

The rocks and boulders shared their space with seashells,
some that remained like this beautiful spiral.

This locust was about 3" long.  We only saw a few but can imagine
the damage a mass of them would do to island vegetation.

We hope you've enjoyed your peek at the amazing islands in the Sea of Cortez.  We'll be exploring more of them starting late February when we return from our quick 10 day trip home to Victoria and Vancouver.

Tricia and Jim

Falcon VII

email: tandjbowen13@gmail.com