EJ Latitudes 1/08.qxd - Frontiers Elegant Journeys

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Baja Escape
Exploring the Sea of Cortez
YOU WON’T FIND CASINOS, ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
BUFFETS, OR VEGAS-STYLE SHOWS ON BOARD A
LINDBLAD EXPEDITION CRUISE. But I CAN GUAR-
ANTEE you will set foot on some of the remotest destinations
known to man and join other intrepid,
like-minded travelers who’ve returned home from
their adventure only to begin planning their next
journey with Lindblad.
My goal as a Lindblad LEXLeader was to personally experience a
Lindblad cruise. When the opportunity presented itself in early
December, I packed my family’s bags and we were off to La Paz,
Mexico, to board the 62-passenger Sea Bird for a 4-night cruise
through the Sea of Cortez. We’d been on other expedition cruises
so had some expectations. But based on rave reviews from
Frontiers’ returning Lindblad clients, we knew that this was going
to be a life-changing holiday.
We were most impressed with the naturalist guides, who for this
particular departure had collectively 100-plus years of guiding
experience between them. This team of experts — scientists, naturalists
and historians — was handpicked by Lindblad to share their
insights, knowledge and (very contagious!) enthusiasm with on
board guests. Throughout the journey we were shadowed by a
Video Chronicler who captured our memories of the trip with his
behind-the-scenes video footage — truly a priceless keepsake.
And what about the dining experience you ask Well, this was certainly
the first cruise where weight gain was not an issue. To eliminate
waste, you were asked to choose your entrée ahead of time
as either half or full portions. In addition, we were fortunate to
have Jesse Cool, owner of two California restaurants — Flea St.
Café and Cool Café — lead a discussion on sustainable cooking followed
by a hands-on culinary lesson. This Chefs-at-Sea opportunity
was in conjunction with Lindblad’s experimental partnership with
Chefs Collaborative, a U.S. network of more than 1,500 chefs and
culinary professionals who source and cook with sustainable, local
and organic ingredients.
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, is truly where the “desert
meets the sea.” We saw nothing for miles except water, uninhabited
islands dotted with cactus, and marine wildlife that never ceased to
amaze us with their unexpected visits and antics. Having the luxury
of no set itinerary, the Captain was able to navigate the Sea Bird into
areas unfrequented by mega liners. Once the anchor was dropped,
further exploration was done by zodiacs, kayaks and on foot.
Highlights of the expedition included the glimmer of awe and
wonder in my 8-year-old son’s eyes as he watched a pod of bottlenosed
dolphins hitch a ride on the bow, snorkeling with the
California sea lions at Los Islotes, and the evening beach barbecue
followed by stargazing instruction and regales of the Aztec gods.
Since 1979, Lindblad Expeditions has pioneered the model for
sustainable tourism by leaving only the slightest imprint on the
natural world. Its relationship with National Geographic further
enhances their joint motto of “inspiring people to explore and care
about the planet.” Lindblad’s destinations include the Galapagos
Islands, Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic North, and Costa Rica to name
just a few. No matter where one travels with Lindblad, environmental
preservation and local community give-back are at the
forefront of their philosophy.
As you refocus your attention on discretionary spending, look no
further than Lindblad Expeditions for a family cruise that will not
only capture a child’s imagination but also will inspire, rejuvenate
and enrich your life, plus provide great value.
Susie Gavlik
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