Of Whales and Sun

2/17/2009, 1100



Hola y beunos dias de Baja California! I am sitting in the lounge of the Sea Bird (our ship) as I write this, not entirely sure as to when I will be able to get onto the internet next. I will readily admit that I am in absolutely no rush to do so, the trip has been absolutely phenomenal and internet would serve only to detract from the whole time. I will admit that having the computer here is extremely nice in order to both download the pictures and to chronicle what we see.
Regardless, we are having an amazing time here in Baja California! We have spent the majority of our time here in Magdalena Bay, in the area between Baja California and Isla Magdalena. This area is a Gray Whale breeding and birthing ground, and we have seen a large number of sola ballena (single, adult whales) as well as cow/calf pairs in which the calves have been between 1.5 and 3 weeks of age. The pairs have been phenomenal to observe, rising together and spending much more time near the surface of the water than the sola ballena, as evidenced below:



With a calf diving back underwater in the foreground, and a cow (mother) just behind it showing off the trademark heart shaped blow.
Beyond the frequent whale watching we do (three trips out in the last two days), we have gone ashore twice, the first time of which we landed at the aptly named Sand-Dollar Beach and got in some excellent swimming, boogie boarding and body surfing on the outside of Isla Magdalena in the Pacific Ocean in breakers up to 5 feet above the roll of the ocean.



This area provided us with some lovely photographs as well as a good time seeing recently and long deceased fauna and some very interesting desert flora. Speaking of flora, we have been very blessed by a large contingent of naturalists, who have been complimented by a set of further, guest specialists. One of whom, John Rebman, is a PhD and the curator of Botany at the San Diego Natural History Museum who has an astounding knowledge of the local flora. In fact, he is in the process of re-writing the pre-eminent guide to local plant life and is about to give a talk on the Flora of Baja California with an emphasis on the succulents and cacti of the area.
So I will say goodbye now, adios!



*Yes, I realize this post is nigh on 2 months late. Time has gotten away from me. I hope to have a final post up soon, and perhaps more pictures. Cheers!*

A Bright Side to a Dish of Disappointment, with a Possible Dessert!

Yes, I did just eat, so do not you mind the title.
Anyway, life has been busy as always, with quite a bit happening. To begin with, I had my interview with the College of Veterinary Medicine here at the U of Minnesota this past Friday. I must say that I am rather disappointed in myself, the whole process went rather poorly and the score the I was given was less than spectacular. Suffice it to say, I will very likely not be attending vet school here at the UMN CVM this coming year. A severe disappointment as, with those who know me, this is my goal. I spent the better part of the day moping, although a meal with M. D-S and family (Bev, Gma(M) and Richard included, good times!) certainly picked the spirits up a bit... although I may pass on Old Country Buffet next time. In Lora's words... "the O.C.B., ooohh" . Well put.
Such as it is, this disappointment is not an end, but rather an opportunity to improve and move into a better position for next year. Loking at the brighter side of this, I now have a year to improve my application and C.V., plus make some money, get some experience, have some fun and maybe even travel a bit. All in all, despite the disappointment, there is goodness in this situation. I was reminded of that last night when I sat down with the M. D-S to chat about his future plans. Good convo that, helped him, and helped to remind me of all the possibilities that were/are out there for me to investigate. I must admit that the world was looking pretty shiny all things considered.
Of course, then my dear old mum had to call me rather late in the evening and nearly give me a heart attack. Start out by introducing your offer as a serious and negative sounding change to my near future? Thanks, but I'll pass. Of course, that is until she tells me it was an idea that my dear father came up with. Then I knew it was safe, after all, he likes me (and I work for him, so that helps ). Turns out that due to certain issues, a couple of spots have opened up on a trip my grandparents(M) are taking some cousins on. Due to some futher complications, they need a young, able adult to join them. On an eco-tourism trip. On a ship. In the Sea of Cortez. Baja. Mexico. Protected wilderness. And they decide to look for someone they know and trust who is somewhat available. And, in their infinite wisdom (and graciousness) both me da and gpa(M) decide that perhaps my joining them would be the best for everyone involved. Yes please! So, there is a distinct chance that I may be going on a Linblad trip (same people I went to the Galapagos with) with my grandparents(M) and two of my cousins. Someone is looking out for me. Thank you!
So, here's hoping. There is certainly goodness here.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!
I cannot say whether or not anything will come of this space. I may use it wax philosophic, to comment on political activities, to chronicle exciting events in my life, to ramble with no coherent reason or it may simply sit dormant, waiting and gathering dust.
In all honesty, my signing up for this blog spot is instigated by the creation of my brother's blog as he chronicles his travels in Scotland. I want to be able to write back to him, and thought that I would try my hand at this shade of life while I was at it.
I leave now with a quote I remember from the first time I read James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small" and will likely have little bearing on this blog, but does describe a bit about me...

"If you decide to become a veterinary surgeon you will never grow rich, but you will have a life of endless interest and variety."