I have a special affection for Mexico, one that only grows over time as I discover more and more destinations that have that unique combination of soulfulness, joy and profound sense of place. This is especially true of Loreto, this little hidden gem of a town, really not much more than a village on the Sea of Cortez in Baja, California. We were there last February—and will be going again this next February—to help mighty whale warrior Michael Fishbach count blue whales. This is something Michael does every year and you too can join him on one of his week long, small group, working adventures. Click here for more on Michael and his mission.

But it surely will come as no surprise to hear that I just can never pass up a good chance for a look-see around a new town so one day I took a break from the sea to stay on shore and explore. To have it’s attractions enumerated click here for a '13 reasons why’ post on Loreto’s charms and activities.

I’ll just say that what I loved about Loreto was it’s sense of completeness, perched as it is on this watery edge of the world. The local economy is solidly based on fishing in the vast Sea of Cortez and this gives the town an air of self-sufficiency, of having enough of what it takes to make it a nice place to live for its 18,000 citizens. I loved it and I loved the Sea of Cortez. Truly one of the great places of magic in this world. As is so often thee case, the pictures can take it from here—and say it far better than I ever could…