The Magic and Mystery of The Gray Whale with Christine Amala and Panterra

Join us on this Magical Expedition to the Gray Whale Sanctuary at San Ignacio, BCS, Mexico.

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San Ignacio Lagoon is one of three lagoons, in the Baja, to which the gray whales make their annual migration to breed and give birth. At San Ignacio in the shallowest parts of the lagoon, the calves are born, take their first breaths, eat their first meals and learn to use their awkward tails. In the deepest parts of the lagoon, males and females congregate to mate and new mothers swim with their calves, preparing them for the long journey north to the summer feeding grounds in the arctic. San Ignacio Lagoon is world renowned for gray whale interactions with humans. It is the last and only undeveloped nursery and breeding ground in the world of the Pacific Gray Whales.

Saying Thank You Sabina & Jesus

Our Hosts

at the lagoon have been members of the community for many generations and referred to as “the guardians of the whales and the lagoon". They will take us on the mysterious journey into the life of the gray whales, giving us an up close and personal view. It is an experience like no other.

Christine celebrating arriving!

CHRISTINE AMALA YOUR SPIRITUAL GUIDE

Christine Amala loves to work spontaneously and in the moment and is often known to just stop and channel a message for you right there and then. The focus of our visit to the "Pools of Creation", San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico, will be connecting deeply with the water spirits and the Whales, working with the principles of Dr. Emoto that what we offer to the water here will be a blessing for all water on Earth. The week will be full of moments and memories, you will certainly not go home the same. All of those who have journeyed with Christine on other adventures comment on how they has been changed forever by the experiences that they have had. Watch what others have said video-feedback-of-trip

2011 Group Arrival @ Loretto 2 from Hong Kong 3 from UK and 4 from Canada

TRIP INFORMATION

Day 1: - Once you have landed in Loreto you will be greeted by the Panterra staff and escorted to the Oasis Hotel in the quaint, beautiful town of Loreto where we will spend the first evening. Dinner & Breakfast are at own expense at the hotel

Our homes for the trip

The long & winding road to

San Ignacio

Day 2: - After an early breakfast, we will depart for the lagoon, arriving just in time for a beautiful fresh seafood lunch.

- Once settled into our rustic, charming eco-accommodations, we will head out into the lagoon for our first encounter with the gray whales.

- A “Whale Toning Ceremony” will be held.

- Enjoy late afternoon drinks followed by dinner.

- Then, imagine your first night, the sounds of breathing whales and yipping coyotes, the feel of the ocean breeze, all set into a clear starry night.

- This ends your first full day in Mexico

Imagine touching a Whale!

Each day has it’s many blessings!

Day 3 - 5: - For the next three days you will be lost in the

spiritual energy of the lagoon; the mangroves, the beaches and, of course, the amazing life in the sanctuary to include the whales, dolphins, birds, coyotes and humans.

- With all of this in place, it sets the stage for

Christine to guide and advise as the group shares

their experiences with each other.

Debra in the bow - sun and all

The Sun did come out!

Last year's trip was 2 weeks earlier and although the wind was cold there were moments of calm and sunshine where the sea was flat as a pond and all you could hear was the Whales breathing in every direction. There were times when we just didn't know which way to look there was so much activity. Mummy Whales brought their babies to see us, males were chasing females and there was never a moment when something wasn't happening. The overall agreement by all was that this trip was just amazing and we would never be the same because of it. To see  more photo's of 2011's trip

Last night party

Leaving is hard!

Day 6 - After breakfast we will head out into the lagoon for the last encounter with the whales.

- Upon return we will pack our gear, have another scrumptious lunch and depart for Loreto.

- The next 2 nights will be spent at the Oasis Hotel (Once again all meals are @ your own expense)

Pinky & Suzie Shopping

Rest & shopping in Loretto

Day 7: - The day is yours to stroll, shop & explore the town of Loreto. You may even want to take in a side tour.

Day 8: - Around midday we will depart for the Loreto International Airport where we sadly say goodbye thus ending another amazing journey with the gray whales.

Chatting about the day

The Eco-Camp

Accommodation is rustic, charming and simple in design. The camp accommodates 10 guests in 5 Cabanas with double occupancy of 2 single beds. Bedding, linens and blankets are supplied. The camp has been designed with minimal impact on the environment but keeps in mind the need for creature comforts. There is a main tent/building that the group will meet for meals, drinks, and get togethers. At night, if it is not too windy, you can hear the yipping coyotes and the blows of the whales. The Stars are amazingly bright as we are so far away from any other light pollution!

The cooks create fresh local dishes including seafood from the lagoon, and fresh chicken, fruits and vegetables from the local farmers.

Composting toilets and hand showers ensure that you'll feel appropriately Baja without harm to the environment. The pangas (boats) used for whale encounters are 22+’ with a max. capacity of 8 passengers, however, 6 passengers are preferred to maximize comfort for the passengers and ease of accessing the whales. Pangas are equipped with all the required safety equipment.

All wrapped up for the whales

Climate

The weather in the Baja is unpredictable. However, one can

expect bright sun, wind and cool temperatures. Because we are on the Pacific side, a little wilder and colder than the Sea of Cortez, it is highly recommended that participants bring warm clothing to include a waterproof/windproof shell to put over a sweater and turtleneck or warm base layer (thermal recommended). Throughout the day you will find your-self putting on and peeling off clothing and even at night!

We will be visiting the whales by panga between 10:00 am and 2:30/3:00 pm. Air temperatures in February range from 85F during the day to 50F during the evening (great sleeping weather). You might want

To wear shorts and a sun hat, with high factor sun screen during the day, and a thick fleece or sweatshirt at night to ward off the chill, allowing you to enjoy the evenings. A layered wardrobe is highly recommended. Do not underestimate your clothing needs!

Lela & Stasia

The Panterra Staff

While this trip is under the leadership of Christine Amala Hayes the Panterra staff, Lela Sankeralli and Stasia Ferbey, bring to the expedition a science based educational component with 30 years of combined experience in teaching marine sciences, natural history and astronomy in the Baja. Working with Christine, as a team, will allow us the opportunity to offer the group an impressive realm of experiences and knowledge. Panterra’s involvement in the expedition is that of logistics overseeing the operational aspect of the trip allowing Christine to be free to work with the group. It works like a dream!

Lela & Christine

For Information or Assistance Contact:

Book early to avoid dissapointment - 12 places  available

50% of last years tour have pre-booked already!

email: Christine Hayes @ christineamala@truth-talk.com

Lela Sankeralli @ lela@panterra.com www.panterra.com

Call Lela 1-800-665-6639

We are happy to help!

Jeffs turn to touch & be touched by a Whale

 Payments:

 · 1^st Payment Deposit - In order to reserve a space on the expedition a $495.00 deposit asap!

· 2nd payment - of $1000.00 is due by Oct.1, 2011

· Final payment - of $1000.00 is due by Jan.1, 2012

By credit card through paypal or by money order and mailed to:

Pay Pal at www.panterra.com.

Panterra

306 - 40 Parkridge View SE

Calgary, Alberta , Canada T2J 7G6

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

If you must cancel your trip the refund policy is as follows:

· Prior to 30 days, if a replacement reservation is found a full refund less $150.00 administrative fee. If a replacement reservation is not found the full amount paid is retained.

· 30 days or less, the trip fee is non-refundable.

Please Note: Panterra is not responsible for any additional costs that may arise from a trip alteration or delay, caused by circumstances beyond our control.

Medical Forms and Liability Release:

Each participant is required to complete the "Participant Information Form" which covers medical information and release of liability. This form must be submitted with the initial deposit. The form can be obtained from the Panterra website www.panterra.com. Go to “Our Expeditions”, then click on ”Adult/Family Expeditions”, scroll down the page and click on “Participant Information Form”.

Participant Responsibilities:

Although no experience is required on our trips, as with any adventure there is always an element of risk. We ask that you welcome adventure with an open mind and be able to have fun and embrace the unexpected. We are dedicated to providing safe, environmentally sensitive and well-organized trips. While our trips are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding and we do not require a high level of fitness, good general physical condition is necessary. We do not require any previous experience, however it may be beneficial in some situations that may arise. If you have any physical limitations or concerns, please contact us. lela@panterra.com

Mangrove Swamps

A Few Helpful things you might need:

Small Torch

Water Shoes/Socks

Water Bottle

Sun Hat/Scarf

Sun Glasses/High factor Sunscreen

Wet wipes

Once we are in the camp we do not leave so think of what you cannot live without! (chocolate?)

Note: Solar/wind electricity - little power to spare 

Giving & Receiving:

Panterra are always involved in the local community whereever they travel Last year we donated Crayons/Pens, Toys and dental health equipment to the local schools. We would love to offer something again next year. We’ll keep you posted.