Not quite live Explorer Mazlatan to Vancouver.

[Stumblefoot]

 

Cacti on top of a rock!

 

 

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[drron29]

The zebra lizard also exists here.There was a pretty green lizard but it wouldn't stay still!

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There was also snorkelling but the reports weren't glowing.

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Time to go back to the zodiacs.

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Showing the rocks that make up the beach.

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Once again with the sharp drop off and the slippery rocks it was a little difficult getting back in the zodiac.The fellow who wouldn't follow instructions of getting off and on the zodiacs with the legs facing the water not the beach found out why.As he was in the process of putting his first leg up he was hit by an unexpected wave.

[drron29]

Cacti on top of a rock!

 

 

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Yes a cactus rock.

[drron29]

Leaving we were taken on a short zodiac tour.first to see why elephant rock got it's name.

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Then to see rocks.

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[drron29]

More beautiful rocks.

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And Santa Catalina recedes into the distance.

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[Stumblefoot]

Love that elephant rock. Thx for sharing it. Makes me think of Thailand.

 

 

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[turtlemichael]

Enjoying reading your report drron29. It's good to have the time to read yours!

[drron29]

Dinner that night a vegetable ragout followed by a rack of lamb the way I like it.

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Rojaan doesn't like it like that so seafood for her.

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Desserts.

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[drron29]

The next morning it is Isla San Jose and an early morning zodiac cruise.

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[drron29]

The ship was anchored in sight of the Baja peninsula for the first time.

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But we were headed for this lagoon but by a totally different route and scenery than any previous zodiac cruise.

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Different birds.

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The lagoon is just behind that sandbar but we are going the long way.

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[drron29]

And the big difference-mangroves.Unusual in this neck of the woods.

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So lots of fish species as well as a few species of rays.And birds.

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Then into the lagoon.

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[drron29]

It was quite stunning especially with the early morning light.We were on the first group.The next group thought the glare detracted from the experience.

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[drron29]

Back to the Explorer with Baja in the background.

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We moved close to a group of rocks where there was deep water snorkelling with sea lions.We were told a very strong current so as I had experienced this in the Galapagos I passed.Right decision.Those that had never snorkelled with sea lions thought it was wonderful but those who also had done it in the Galapagos thought it much inferior with the experience also ruined by aggressive other passengers.

[drron29]

After lunch it was off to Isla San Francisco.

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.The scout boat is off.

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We are not alone.

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[drron29]

After the initial sand dune there is a large salt pan to cover before hitting the rocky part of the island.

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I am off by myself looking for little things on the ground.

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A lot of things look dead.

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[drron29]

Even things obviously alive are rather gaunt.

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But occasionally some beauty.

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[drron29]

When there are flowers there are birds.This bird decided to stay and pose.

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But I was looking for smaller things.

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This is what they looked like from eye level.

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More cacti.

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[drron29]

Not to forget the rocks.

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There was a lizard in the last photo but he off.

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[Stumblefoot]

YES ! :D I need a good supply of Almond M&Ms - we cant get them in Australia !!

LOL! Amy says she’ll bring you as many bags as you like in February.

 

Keep having a great time! We’re heading to LAX tomorrow evening.

 

 

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[drron29]

I'm sure Ann will be in touch!

Another small thing noticed on the dunes as we wind our way back to the zodiacs.

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A new arrival.Not all Mexicans are poor.

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Sunset from the restaurant.

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[drron29]

The first courses that night.

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To busy with the sunset and conversation to remember to take further courses.

Early next morning we are in Topolobambo ready for an 0530 departure for the copper canyon trip.Looking forward to this.

We are at the El Fuerte station well before the due time of 0800 for El chepe.

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We were given a ham and cheese burrito on arrival.One bite was enough.The undernourished dogs roaming the station probably had their best meal in years.

0840 and El Chepe approaches.

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[drron29]

It had been a 2 hour bus trip and just over an hour waiting at the station and now a 6 hour train trip.However most of us were anticipating a great experience so we were undaunted.there were just over 120 in the Silverseas group so we had the first 2 carriages to ourselves.

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The station is well outside the city of El Fuerte and the surrounds are not salubrious.

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The first part of the trip is through flat lands with a few cacti.

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[drron29]

Turkey vultures used the taller cacti as viewing platforms.

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There needs to be a Clean Up Mexico campaign.

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Then into the foothills of the Sierra Madre.

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There is a small viewing area at the front of each carriage.A good view of the loco.

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[drron29]

The line is starting to rise.

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I keep a close eye on the track.

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[drron29]

We reach the El fuerte river.Six rivers drain into this river and each forms a canyon.The Copper Canyon is just one of these.

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The little town and a stop at their station.The train is a local train as well as a tourist train.

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The river is dammed here.

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