Thursday, February 4 -- Ensenada, Mexico

This afternoon, the entertainers of the Zaandam had a variety show that we attended. It had Craig Diamond—comedian-magician—very funny, Den & Bobbie West—country singers—not to my taste, and Mike Robinson—comedian-ventriloquist—also funny. We really enjoyed the show.

Tonight at 8pm, we reached the port of Ensenada, Mexico. The Baja California Peninsula where it is located figured prominently in the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848. The American annexation of Texas ignited the conflict, but the entire California territory had also been Mexican land until the end of this war.

The Baja coast is known for extremely strong currents, huge waves, and a powerful undertow. It is also known for its Gray Whales. Each year between January and March, the Baja Peninsula is treated to a remarkable natural display as thousands of California Gray Whales pass the Pacific Coast during a three-month migration. The journey takes them more than 6,000 miles from Alaska’s icy Bering Seas to the warm breeding grounds in Mexico. Gray whales have TWO blowholes and females can reach 50 feet and weigh up to 37 tons! Gray whales like the warmer shallow waters for breeding whereas other whales species prefer deeper water. Baja’s lagoons are perfect places for them to give birth during the calving season--late November to late March—and the peak time is February! Oh, I hope we get to see some baby whales!

An adult Gray Whale has a white “beard” that is thick and elastic and spans up to 180 inches on each side of the upper jaw. The Gray Whale reaches sexual maturity between the ages of 5 and 11 years, and they apparently love each other for they mate for life. : )

Sadly, we didn’t see a single whale on our way to Mexico, and it was already dark by the time we docked, so no opportunities for whale-watching at all.