We tried to stop at a roadstead anchorage (a spot with just a little protection) about 40 miles south of Mazatlan yesterday afternoon but it was just way too rough so we continued on and made it an overnight to the island of Isla Maria Isabella about 90 miles south of Mazatlan. It has some of the same critters as the Galapagos and has also evolved without predators so you can walk right up to everything. Frigate birds with their big red pouch are everywhere. (Males inflate this pouch to attract females for breeding.) Had to climb to the top of a very steep hill to find the famous blue footed boobies. Lots of brown boobies as well, who have yellow feet, and are common throughout this area. All the boobies nest in the grass on the ground very close to each other. We even filmed a mating ritual involving stomping of the big blue feet! Hordes of iguanas as well. Saw lots of whales (humpbacks we believe) both sailing here and around the island itself. First picture was sunrise this morning.
