We then headed to the boarding area where there were more Lindblad personnel to help fill out our Mexican Immigration papers.There are two Lindblad ship departing the same day, the National Geographic Sea Bird and the National Geographic Sea Lion, so there are over a hundred and twenty four people heading for Mexico. You immediately started to notice what color luggage tags were since it indicated which ship they were going on.At 10:30 a.m. we boarded the Boeing 737 and we were off to Mexico. During the flight there was a very nice “light meal” during the flight. Chris suggested that I put the provided rapped candy in my pocket for later. What appeared a hard candy turned out to be chocolate so by the time we arrived in La Paz, I had melted chocolate in my pocket, on the papers in my pocket, on my shirt, and all over my left arm. The first stop at the airport was the men’s room for a major cleanup.
After going through customs and security, Lindblad staff loaded our luggage into the buses adoring to the tag color. Since we were looking forward (or not) to a 3-1/2 hour bus ride to San Carlos on the Pacific Coast, I was wondering just what type of bus would be provided.
These were the nicest buses we saw in Mexico
The road to San Carlos was narrow but in good condition and the scenery was dessert.
The only major town that we went through was Villa Constitucion that had a newly paved main street. They were installing traffic lights at every intersection so it looked like they were going from no traffic lights to maybe 8 to 10, and this is progress?
As we were driving through the town, the was a classic scene of about 8 workman standing on a wooden platform on the top of the truck trying install a large metal arm for the traffic lights. OSHA would not approve. A block further there was a modern High Lift truck trimming trees.
Once at the port in San Carlos we started to look for our ship.
The good news was these were not it.
We left the bus and were greeted by the staff that checked our paperwork and took our passport hostage. They would be returned after we cleared our onboard charges at the end of the trip.
We where then greeted by Captain Mark Grave and the Expedition Leader Michelle Graves. Bored the National Geographic Seal Lion and went to our cabin where a steward showed up the futures of our cabin. The cabin was nicely appointed with twin beds and a typical shipboard shower toilet combination. We dropped off our jackets and proceeded to the lounge.
In the lounge we were offered margaritas and appetizers and were introduced to the ship’s officers and Expedition Staff.
At 7 p.m. we were served dinner. All meals are open seating so you get a change to set with sit and meet different passengers at each meal.
Starter: Caprese Salad (heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, Basel, balsamic syrup.
Entrees, as choice of: Organic Chicken Breast with pipian verde sauce OR Local Tigerfish with fresh fruit salsa OR Quinoa Salad with guacamole, greens and red wine vinaigrette.
Dessert: White chocolate Bread Pudding with whiskey sauce OR Fruit Plate and Ice Cream and Cappuccino AND Café Latte, Espresso, Hot Chocolate, Mightly Leaf Teas.
After dinner we were briefed on the next day’s activities and then off to bed.
Baja California > Day One > Day Two – El Barríl, Hull Canal & Boca de Soledad