As I watched the kayak in front of me climb up the face of a steep 6-8 foot swell and disappear down the other side, I couldn’t help but think of the movie, The Perfect Storm.
Remember that fateful scene with the ship trying to make it over the crest of a monster wave? Unlike that ship, we made it!
That was the first 2-3 days of my recent sea kayaking trip around Espiritu Santo Island in the Sea of Cortez, between Baja Sur and the mainland of Mexico. I don’t have any photos of the waves since I didn’t want to release my tight grip on the paddle, even for a few moments, as we battled the waves and high winds — not the usual weather for this time of year in the Sea of Cortez. When we got to our destination — typically a protected, idyllic beach with views of a turquoise bay in front of us and a craggy desert landscape behind — we celebrated with ice cold beer from the cooler on the escort boat carrying our gear and supplies.
The beaches, views, sunsets and especially the tequila and cold beer made it all worthwhile. Not to mention the excitement and sense of accomplishment from surviving the adventure. Our escort boat stayed pretty close while we were battling the elements, so we were pretty safe. Besides, the water was warm so the worst we faced was a refreshing dunk and a few minutes of adrenaline-fueled intensity as we tried to get back in our kayaks or the boat in the rolling water. In any case, our kayaks stayed upright, as did we in our respective cockpits, and the worst we suffered were cramped fingers and sore arms and shoulders.
The rest of the trip was as idyllic as the settings for our nightly encampments. Besides paddling, napping and drinking lots of beer and tequila, we also snorkeled, including a snorkel with sea lions, who wizzed by with a foot or so, and went on easy hikes. And we had fresh fish, clams, squid and octopus almost every day, caught by the two person crew on our boat (the woman in the hat watching, is our guide, Patti).It was a great trip — excitement and serenity, activity and relaxation, and great scenery, company and food. And except for battling those waves and wind — that get bigger and stronger each time I tell the story — we didn’t have to lug the cold beer and tequila. We just had to drink it. And, like the paddling, I think we did pretty well.
(trip was operated by Baja Outdoor Activities)
Hey Don
Great article and amazing pictures. You captured the essence of the experience. I’m so glad I was a part of this group and this journey
Don, had a great time with the group and it was a fun trip with adventure! You did a great job photographing it and your blog. Cheers and here’s to another trip in the future. Jan (in the white hat)
Great pictures and story of your adventure. Looks like a trip of a lifetime,