Mitlan

29°04'26.2"N, 113°30’31.3”W

Thursday October 6, 2022

podcast here

Mitlan: A Serene Retreat

As our anchor settled into the crystalline waters between Isla Smith and Islas Coronados, I felt an undeniable sense of joy wash over me. Mitlan, perhaps more than any other anchorage we've visited so far, wrapped me in a cocoon of tranquility and beauty. Despite being just a short sail from the bustling Bay of La Paz, Mitlan felt worlds away—remote, peaceful, and untouched by the hurried pace of life. We arrived here on September 28 and ended up spending an entire week in this stunning paradise, and every moment was worth it.

Behind us, Volcán Coronado stood majestically, its ancient silhouette a powerful reminder of the geological forces that shaped this magnificent archipelago. The beauty of the landscape was mesmerizing; the distant silhouette of the volcano framed against the vibrant blue sky promised adventure and exploration.

On October 5, I joined my friends Sam and Jess from S/V Hiraya for an exhilarating hike up to the volcano. George, ever the steadfast supporter, opted to relax aboard Thaalia, where he could kick back with a book. His knee surgery years ago may have slowed him down, but his encouragement for my explorations never wavered. As Sam, Jess, and I set out on the trail, I felt an electric buzz of excitement mingled with a touch of apprehension. After two months at sea level, this hike posed a real challenge.

As we began our ascent, the trail quickly transformed, fading into almost nothing beneath our feet. In places where the path was clearly defined, loose rocks and twisting roots made focusing on our footing essential. We found ourselves picking our way up one of the ridges leading to the summit, using markers of nature as our guides. Despite the shifting terrain, we pushed onward, the thrill of exploration fueling our determination.

The elevation gradually increased, and with each step, the breathtaking views unfolded before us. The rugged landscape distracted me from the burn in my legs, as the panorama of the Sea of Cortez spread out below us, shimmering in the sunlight. After a grueling three hours of climbing, we finally reached an elevation of 440 meters (1,444 feet). The sight before us was nothing short of spectacular—an expansive vista that felt like standing on top of the world.

The descent would prove to be a different story—more of an exhilarating slide than a composed hike. My legs felt the challenge, but the laughter and camaraderie shared with Sam and Jess made every step worth it. We celebrated our adventure with joy, enjoying the breathtaking landscape that had gifted us such a rewarding experience.

Back down on the beach, talk of our hike was quickly eclipsed by something stirring beneath the surface of the water. A sudden flurry caught our attention, and we quickly realized we were witnessing nature at its most dynamic: a swarm of little fish was being chased by a pod of yellowtail. The sight was mesmerizing—a bait ball in action, creating ripples and hidden sounds as the fish darted frantically to evade their predators. Pelicans, sensing the frenzy, swooped in to take advantage of the chaos, diving beautifully into the water after the yellowtail. Nature unfolded all around us, and we were lucky enough to be spectators in this beautiful aquatic drama.

As if the water gods were listening to our adventures, we were lashed by unexpected rain one afternoon. In just 15 minutes, our water tanks filled up, providing us with a much-appreciated supply for the days ahead. The rain’s gentle patter on Thaalia's deck was soothing, creating a sense of cozy comfort as I watched droplets dance across the surface of the water.

During our time at Mitlan, I dove into cherished memories made while snorkeling. George seemed perfectly content reading on the boat, but I couldn't resist joining the vivid underwater world. As I glided through the warm waters, vibrant fish darted around me like living jewels, their colors illuminating the underwater landscape. Each dive led to new wonders, from intricate coral formations to swaying sea fans that danced in the gentle currents.

On my way back after one of my swims, I took a stroll along the beach, camera in hand. I reveled in the quiet beauty of the scene, keen to capture the pelicans perched elegantly on the rocky outcroppings. My camera clicked away, hoping to encapsulate the magic of our secluded paradise.

Mitlan has given us more than just beautiful views and underwater adventures; it has wrapped us in a sense of peace and connection to nature that invigorates the spirit. The simplicity of our life here, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean and the calls of wildlife, continues to reaffirm why we chose this path. As we prep for further explorations, I find myself reflecting on the memories we've woven here, each moment in this breathtaking anchorage a thread in the larger tapestry of our cruising adventure. I hold onto each vibrant image of laughter, thrill, and tranquility as we venture forward—knowing that the Sea of Cortez has many more beautiful chapters waiting to be discovered.