Whale Watching in the Baja and What I Left at Home
Our weather hasn’t been balmy during this trip to Loreto Bay. It’s been sunny and bright but windy and cool so I’m glad I packed lots of pants and long sleeved shirts. Almost all are hot weather friendly linen, but they still give more warmth than cotton skirts and short sleeved Tee’s. It turns out I packed the strangest collection of items and left many obvious pieces at home.
- All those fun tassel earrings which brighten an outfit…at home.
- Colorful scarves and straw bags…at home.
- Bright lipstick to wear with earrings and huge sunnies on a bad hair day…at home.
I know accessories are the easiest way to switch up your look so the fact that I left mine at home was a big fail.
I did bring three subdued colored scarves but lost one in a wind storm the first day here so the other two are seeing more than their fair share of wear. Friday, one rescued me from the worst hat hair of my life. I’m not one of those women who look chic wearing a scarf as a turban but I was desperate. 
My brother drove us to the other side of the Baja to go whale watching. Fair warning – this was not a fashionable day for me :D. I dressed for strong breezes, strong sun, and a bouncy boat ride. I wore sneakers, black pants, a long sleeve black tee shirt and a linen shirt which I topped with a denim jacket, then a borrowed windbreaker.
I lashed my hat firmly under my chin and slipped the tie through my life jacket closure so it wouldn’t blow away. Goofy I know, but it worked. They take you out in little motor boats that have the hardest bench seats you can imagine. There’s nowhere to hold on except the edge of the bench and trust me, you grip for dear life because these boats fly, crashing down over each swell.
Our last trip here, people were able to lean over the side of the small boats and pet the whales…they were that close! This year they weren’t as many so we had to go further out into the ocean and that’s where they all were! We saw tons of mothers and babies which is the most amazing sight. I’m a land lover so the 6-8 foot swells were scary. I swear they were 10-12 feet but my husband assures me they weren’t. Each time we crashed down off one I wished we could turn around. This entire experience was white knuckle material for me, but seeing the Gray females with their calves made it all worthwhile.
After a rough two hours smashing around in the chop, we headed to shore. I was semi seasick, had a sore backside and terminal hat hair. I couldn’t keep my hat on for one more minute, so I did the only damage control possible before we went to lunch. My husband jokes that I look like Rhoda from the Mary Tyler Moore show with a headscarf. That’s OK, it was better than my hair.
The long ride back to Loreto Bay took us through a literal forest of Saguaro and Cardon cactus. Mile after mile of winding roads, dry desert, and huge cactus change dramatically once you finally reach the Sea of Cortez.
We stopped for pictures at several lookouts. I prefer the water when viewed from any spot on land.
I layered my linen shirt and denim jacket back on to watch the sunset from the viewing tower atop my brothers’ winter home here in Loreto Bay. The colorful houses and lush landscaping make this little community a favorite place to visit. I’m so lucky my brother will put up with us year after year.
We’re off to dinner in town and the local Art Walk tonight. Maybe I’ll find some earrings.
Post script- I found a very pretty pair of sterling silver and purple crystal earrings at the art walk. The tassel earrings all looked familiar so I opted for unique.
Have you been whale watching?
Have you tried covering your hair with an oblong scarf? How did it work out for you?
Thanks for reading and have a great day.
I think you look great in the turban!
I’m liking the turban, too, but am really admiring that bag your husband bought. Just my style and a great color pop with a single color column. It looks so versatile because it includes many colors. Good choice, Mr. AWSL!
You look very extra ordinary with this hair scarf. Totally different as we know you but it suits you very well and is a good
solution for bad hair days. I use it nearly every day congenial to my dress as my hair is difficult to mange and I feel always comfortable
Whale watching was one of my most excited adventure I did it in Australia and we were very close to these
creature.
That scarf as turban is really cute! As others have said, I’d love to know how to tie that!
I feel your pain re: not having some things on vacation I should have packed. We’re in No. AZ and it’s been much cooler than I expected with wind! I’ve learned from this, though, for future trips! 🙂
On a trip to Hawaii many years ago we were met at the airport by friends who arrived a day earlier. They had a convertible rental car which was fun but the entire week of my vacation I was in the back seat with my hair blown to bits. I wish I had thought I’d the turban scarf. It would have been a lifesaver. You look great Jennifer, hope you are having fun!
I always admire women looking chic in a great turban, but I’ve never been able to master the art.
While you may not have felt totally chic in your whale watching ensemble, I think dressing appropriately for the occasion shows your intelligence!
You are so kind Stormy…thank you xox
Whale watching in the St. Lawrence in Quebec with my hubby and daughters was a highlight of 2011. Saw about 50 different marine animals, many of which were whales. When I saw you in that turban, it reminded me of my chic momma who wore one in the 50’s and pulled it off. You did too. While I am a 4 season hat girl, a turban is not my style. But I love the denim jacket and linen shirt you wore. If I forget accessories especially earrings it gives me the opportunity to visit jewellery stores on my travels! Have a great week! Spring is in the air, even in Canada!
I like how you think. I did buy some earrings as a matter of fact and am really happy with them.
I agree with the others, you certainly have style, regardless of the blowy sea weather! Whale watching, yes…did that about 20 years ago on the St Lawrence River on a dinghy with a 20 something driver who had a need for speed! As for dress, it wouldn’t have mattered what I wore. We were all given a wet suit of sorts….rubber jacket (you know, the yellow ones) over same overalls, and rubber boots! You did well 🙂
I do know those yellow suits. Not the comfiest things to wear>)
Jennifer, thank you for showing how to look great even if you didn’t pack for the weather you find yourself in. With family in Texas and Florida, I frequently find myself with the wrong clothes. I will remember your solution of layering.
You look quite chic in your turban. Reminds me of how a French woman would cover up a bad hair day. How chic Madame!
We went on that whale-watching trip last year. We both petted/touched the whales – I’m sure we bonded with them and had a lovely time. I just gave up on the hair & outfit business – I clipped it all back out of my face and totally enjoyed the sun, wind & waves. I announced to all my friends that I was sure that touching the whale was a religious experience!!!! ;^) We are boat & ocean people so we drank in every minute of it. We spent 3 months in La Paz and plan to return. Glad you survived the adventure!!
My husband petted them last year so I was really hoping I could. Maybe next year.
I’m with you on the ocean and boats – not a water baby at all. I do like lakes but the ocean terrifies me, hence I’ve never been whale watching! We haven’t been to Baja in years, we used to go to San Felipe every year and we’ve been talking about going again soon. I’m echoing others’ comments – we need a turban tying tutorial!
LOL, who knew? I will make a video for you
I think you look very stylish in all of these pics, Jennifer, and I absolutely love the “turban” you fashioned with the scarf. I would love to know how you wrapped and tied the scarf to create this look!
PLEASE, Jennifer, show us how to tie the turban! Sooo cute!
I will make a little video soon for you
If it were me, I’d feel the same way about the turban scarf, but honestly, it looks cute on you. Maybe I’ll give it a try. I completely understand about NOT ONE MORE MINUTE with the hat on. I’ll be interested to hear about your next trip and your organizational plan not to leave things at home.
I have another trip coming up so I share my process with you. I was just too crazy busy to do it this time before we left
I also think you look great in the turban. I’d love a tutorial on how to fold and wrap it!
It’s coming soon, stay tuned