We were in our kayaks by 11:00 am. Paddle-talk included insight from our guides, Charo & Nolberto, on the ecological make-up of mangroves, the local fishing industry, as well as an animated conversation about our overnight coyote visit. Our tents provided the perfect place for dew to gather, and a few thirsty four-legged friends provided the most unique wake-up call I've ever encountered. After breakfast, four curious coyotes reappeared at the campsite to further checkout their new neighbors. (Note to self: Bring sandals, or other possible chew toys, into the tent at night.)
We easily paddled through the mangrove channels. The water was warm, calm and clear. About an hour into our journey we decided to get out and stretch our legs. Countless tiny crabs lined the top of the bank. They waved their large claws slowly back and forth. Naturally, I waved back. Charo explained this is how the males flirt with the females. I'd never had a crab get fresh with me before; I was flattered. But the crabs all quickly scurried back into their tiny dens as we made our way onto the bank. Turns out, I'm not their type. I tried not to take it personally.
We got muddy. Noberto showed the kids how to dig for clams along the mangroves and we captured a few of the flirtatious crabs to get a better look. Our new travel-mate, Matt, decided to take on some of the more serious muddy shorelines, which quickly swallowed him up to his knees. We helped by laughing as he struggled to get out and proceeded to loose both of his shoes. Aaron took lots of pictures.
That evening Chef Hubert did his best to accommodate a Smores request. He lit a fire and found a few chocolate bars and a bag of bombón -- pink and white marshmallows. The kids got their sugar-fill and taught Noberto and Charo the "I hate rabbits" trick to keep the smoke away.
The stars were is rare form: bright and animated. The sky was clear and the moon hid beneath the horizon. On our isolated Baja beach, we were completely void of light pollution and couldn't help but be in awe at our ceiling of stars. We did our best to pick out a few familiar constellations: Orion's Belt, The Big Dipper and its "Little" sidekick. I dug out my 5-dollar constellation map which I had purchased at a gas station a few weeks prior to our trip. I felt pretty smart pointing out various astrology signs, until I realized my map was upside down. Oh well, no one seemed to mind. Our feet were in the sand and our heads tilted towards the heavens.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.