Panterra :: MySchool Journal

Daily Journal

Matthew Halton School
Cochrane High School

Day 7 and 8

Day 7

Landing on the beach to explore a mangrove lagoon.

It was amazingly peaceful, calm and crystal clear.

We stood at the shores and watch the life in a mangrove. It was prolific.

Dozens of Magnificent Frigates rested on the canopy of the mangrove trees.

Males (red pouches), juvenile (wings drying)
and females (lower branches) resting and taking it all in.

The invertebrate life was present everywhere.
Burrowing Anemone.

Mexican Dancer Nudibranch.

Alexanders Sea Urchin.

A picture of the lagoon from the top of the hill.
A note to participants: This lagoon, a few decades ago, was used as
a pearl oyster "farm". This is why the obvious wall along the entrance of
the lagoon was built. Somewhere along the way a disease was introduced
and the pearl oysters died thus ending the La Paz pearling industry.
Thanks Sharon for doing the research!

Landing on treasure beach.

Gearing up to hit the water.

Last snorkel of the trip.

Finally a picture of Geordi sitting in contemplation.
Geordi, Rhonda and Sharon were extremely photo elusive.

It is such a beautiful feeling to stroll down a long white sandy beach.

Even this dead puffer was amazed at the next picture.

There's a saying that best describes this picture
"You can lead the horse to the well but you can't make it drink."

The last jump of the trip.

We then hoisted the anchor and headed back to La Paz.

Day 8 - Saying goodbye

The group brought and presented the crew with gifts.
Very thoughtful, thank you!

To include one for Stasia and I. YAY!!!!!

Hugs goodbye.

Group ~~mug~~ I mean picture with crew,
Panterra staff, invited guest and both school participants.

It was truly a blessing having you all.

The last of the students board the vans.

Ms. Larter from Matthew Halton School.

Ms. Bennett from Cochrane High School.

It was truly sad to see the group leave!

Day 7 - This morning began with a hearty breakfast of eggs and beans followed by a trip to the beach to visit the mangrove lagoon. It was so beautiful in there, the water crystal clear and aqua blue. There were a hundred or more magnificent frigate birds sitting in the mangrove trees and some of them were soaring in the thermoclines above the lagoon.

Because we were able to access the lagoon by foot we were allowed to wade in the warm waters and look at the abundant invertebrate marine life at the shallow edge of the lagoon. Nudibranchs, spiny sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea stars and fan worms were among the animals that we observed.

After our visit to the mangroves we hoisted anchor and motored to Treasure Beach, a beautiful white sand beach, where we were allowed to snorkel, swim, kayak and suntan for the last few hours of our trip. We took full advantage of soaking up the sunshine and playing in the water. At 2:30 it was time to lift the anchor one last time and head back to the city, BUT not without one more jump from the boat. What a great way to end our time on the water.

We cruised back to La Paz and had lunch en route; delicious chicken enchiladas. We arrived in La Paz in time for a trip to the Malecon. Surprisingly, we were met with the Celebration of African Art and Culture, along with a Volkswagen sponsored auto show. The Mexican culture was evident everywhere, and we fully enjoyed ourselves. Our final supper was at Rancho Viejo. The major task of the day was having each student decipher what they owed for their share of the single bill we were given. Amazingly, we finished with a total of 6 extra pesos!

Our fabulous trip ended in the ship salon with sharing of stories, photos and our well earned and highly coveted Panterra T-shirts!

Stasia and Shelley

Day 1 and 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 and 8

Baja Gifts Program | Back To Main Page

(top of page)

Daily Journal

Matthew Halton School Cochrane High School

Day 7 and 8

Matthew Halton School
Cochrane High School