There are lots of things to love about the cruising life. There are new people to meet afloat and ashore, different cultures to be tasted, history to be looked at close up and occasionally the adrenaline rush of adventure. And then there are those places that are so beautiful you just want to stay forever. We’ve felt this way about some of the lagoons in the South Pacific and the high Marquesan Island of Fatu Hiva. There are anchorages in Alaska and British Columbia that will take your breath away. And then there is Ensenada Grande in the Sea of Cortez.

Ensenada Grande on the north end of Isla Partida is one of those magical places we could stay for a long time. It is so beautiful it is almost overwhelming.

A large white sand beach and turquoise water fronts the anchorage.

And there’s an inviting, if rugged trail through the canyon which forms the anchorage.

The flora looks much like what we have in the backyard in Tucson, Arizona. These "jumping cholla" for example, are sequestered amongst the many saguaro cacti.

There is even our favorite Sonora desert plant, the ocotillo.

Being early spring, the flowers are beginning to bloom.

And we take a small bouquet back to Wind Horse.

Linda is trying these beach shoes from Land’s End for rock hopping. We should have on our hiking boots for this terrain.

The sign at the head of the trail warns this is a hike of "alto" (high) difficulty. It also mentions we will see lizards, rabbits, and rattle snakes. After this guy gives us the eye we decide we’d better head back to the boat.

Each day this dolphin family drops by to say "hello" while perusing what Ensenada Grande is offering for dinner.

They are within touching distance as they slowly circle the boat.

We are surrounded by these amazing sandstone sculptures.

You will see this type of work by Mother Nature in other Baja anchorages, but nowhere in such abundance and variety.

Here is one of our favorites pieces of art, a carefully balanced rock.

Any bets on how long this balance point will hold out?

There are lots of birds to watch. This handsome guy had his favorite perch a short distance away

The colors of the anchorage water would reflect under his wings as he cruised by.

And a true raptor! We watched this hawk take off,

climb 300 feet (90m) and then enter a vertical dive to pick a snack off the surface of the water.

Our favorite thing to do in Bahia Grande is get close to the scenery in the rowing dinghy.

The shapes are awe-inspiring.

This has to be the best way to exercise there is.

We’ll leave you with this sculpture seen close by where we are anchored. We think the artist has done a nice job of blending the texture and color of the rock with just a hint of softness introduced by the small tree.