Isla del Carmen & Danzante
Today we had the opportunity to explore two more islands in the Gulf of California. Morning found us at anchor in Ballandra Bay. Once ashore we discovered a wonderfully wide and flat arroyo that offered many routes to explore. As we walked up the now dry riverbed, we occasionally found deep trenches that had been carved by once abundant rushing water that today was hard to imagine in this dry landscape. The purple flowers of the rama parda plant and the white trunks of the palo blanco decorated the arroyo. Old man cactus, organ pipe cactus and leather plant were the most visible features on the hillsides.
This afternoon was a fun exploration of Isla Danzante, the smallest island and the most scenic we have visited so far. Honeymoon cove with its reddish cliffs and outcroppings provided beautiful scenery in all directions. A short hike from the white sand beach gave us a view of the other side of the island and a guess at perhaps why the island is called “the dancer.” The wind danced over our heads, and we danced as we stood against the wind enjoying the views. The turkey vultures had their own type of dance with the air currents as they soared in place high above our heads. Once we left this little paradise, our presence was known only by the giant sand castle we left on the beach. And that will be gone with the next high tide.
Today we had the opportunity to explore two more islands in the Gulf of California. Morning found us at anchor in Ballandra Bay. Once ashore we discovered a wonderfully wide and flat arroyo that offered many routes to explore. As we walked up the now dry riverbed, we occasionally found deep trenches that had been carved by once abundant rushing water that today was hard to imagine in this dry landscape. The purple flowers of the rama parda plant and the white trunks of the palo blanco decorated the arroyo. Old man cactus, organ pipe cactus and leather plant were the most visible features on the hillsides.
This afternoon was a fun exploration of Isla Danzante, the smallest island and the most scenic we have visited so far. Honeymoon cove with its reddish cliffs and outcroppings provided beautiful scenery in all directions. A short hike from the white sand beach gave us a view of the other side of the island and a guess at perhaps why the island is called “the dancer.” The wind danced over our heads, and we danced as we stood against the wind enjoying the views. The turkey vultures had their own type of dance with the air currents as they soared in place high above our heads. Once we left this little paradise, our presence was known only by the giant sand castle we left on the beach. And that will be gone with the next high tide.
