Puerto Refugio

Angel de La Garda is the largest island in Mexico. This morning we sailed into the sheltered cove of Puerto Refugio— and it did feel like a refuge from the continued high winds out in the gulf. The harbor is surrounded by high hills with bright colors from iron-rich minerals. We took a four mile hike to the other side of the island, marveling at the cactus and other flora. While there was no real trail, the walking was easy as we followed the paths of runoff from the periodic rains. 

The cardon cactus (which resemble saguaro but larger) are everywhere here… beautiful in their columnar or multi-branches forms, and up to 500 years old. Somewhat unexpectedly, their structure is underpinned by a wooden skeleton, exposed when a cactus dies and its fleshy surfaces degrade.

This afternoon we chose to go on a zodiac cruise around the cove, exploring the barrier islands that provide its protection. In transit we were amused by the groups of eared grebes, small slender necked diving ducks that float on the surface until they sense your presence. Then the whole group dives at once. The temptation to say “bloop bloop bloop” as they disappear is pretty strong. 

There were large colonies of sea lions, sleeping in the sun in a rocky beach, including one large male per group. When he awoke, he started barking to enforce his ownership of the beach, 

and all the others rushed into the water.  There were also flocks of both kinds of boobies, pelicans, cormorants and both types of gulls. On our way back to the shop we were treated with both flying and perching views of peregrine falcons. While we have in theory seen peregrines in other places, we’ve never gotten such a close look as today.

Pictured: our hike with a lovely Cardon cactus, the woody skeleton of a Cardon cactus, female peregrine falcon examining us, two young male sea lions neck wrestling