In March of 2005 Josie Merck and Wendy Wilder Larsen traveled to Baja California, to the San Ignacio Lagoon, to see firsthand where gray whales are born, and where mothers present their calves to the pangas (small boats) filled with visiting humans. This pristine birthing lagoon was saved from being developed into a huge salt plant planned by the Mexican and Japanese governments, thanks to the efforts of many individuals, companies, school children and non-profit groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council. Moved by the adventure each recorded her joy and astonishment: Merck with paintings, charcoal drawings and collages, and Larsen with poems. The result, The Gray Whales of Baja, is a collaboration.