Brilliant Venus along with Jupiter and Saturn lingered in the pre-dawn darkness as National Geographic Sea Bird motored steadily north in the peaceful Pacific towards Magdalena Bay. Frigatebirds, gulls, and pelicans caught the updrafts from the ship and escorted us past a number of humpback whales. Bottlenose dolphins tagged along for a short while, catching the bow wave that offered them a free ride. We entered the calm bay and continued north through a narrow channel flanked by mangroves and sand dunes. Then we received a fabulous Valentine’s Day gift—our first looks at gray whales! Two presentations on whales enhanced our knowledge of these fascinating creatures. Later in the afternoon we explored exquisite sand dunes etched by the wind as the setting sun cast long shadows across the landscape.