Underway

Monday March 11

Our first two days are concentrated on covering ground, proceeding down the Pacific coast of Baja. After one full day and night underway we stop at Isla San Benito for a nice long hike. On the map, we are just off the tip of the big thorn-shaped peninsula that juts out into the Pacific. When we make our landing, we are at a small community that is seasonally occupied by lobster and abalone fishermen. It is a rugged, utilitarian setting but there is a sweet little chapel with an inscription over the door asking for protection during their work at sea. A few men are bringing in a catch which they share as a community co-op, so unfortunately they cannot share with us. On the other side of the island, the elephant seal colony is quiet,with only pups and a few females remaining after the big males have left on migration. There are 24 people strung out along the trail as we climb to the top of the island and out to the abandoned lighthouse. The lighthouse is accessible and the climb up the spiral stairs leads to the top  where the old Fresnel  lens sits in disrepair. Armando had worked on a restoration of the Point Reyes lighthouse and he gives a breif lesson on the history and function of the old lighthouses. Wonderful bit of engineering. We walk back along the trail in silence  at Michael's suggestion, each to our own thoughts. Back on board now and looking forward to dinner pork roast with red onion marmalade and roasted red potatoes. You see, this is the first time I have had an appitate.