Bartholomew and Santiago Island
As everyone (or almost everyone) climbed the wooden stairs of Bartholomew Island, the sky remained somewhat clouded over with a light breeze to cool those sweating brows. Only a few decided to maximize their workout by going non-stop to the top, while others took a more rational approach and gradually made the summit while stopping periodically to absorb the view unfolding around them.
Sharks galore on the southern beach! Frigates flying overhead just reconfirmed our suspicions that we have started the season when marine turtle hatchlings emerge at night into the dangerous world of survival of the fittest. Snorkelers saw plenty as well: rays and colorful tropical fish of all sorts.
The afternoon was a delight which started with the second snorkeling opportunity of the day, and sea lions came out to join in the fun, thrilling everyone in the water. However, the walk along the coastline of James Bay was also a highlight not to be forgotten. Rust-colored marine iguanas lay in piles on shore snorting salt from their nostrils; American oystercatchers crouched quietly on the lava, while down the beach a Galápagos hawk stood on the tuff stone bluff with one foot curled, resting and awaiting an opportunity to have a meal. A female sea lions allowed her pup to nurse, while a big bull beach master barked his claim. A fur seal slept peacefully on the arch over the lava grotto. The sun set quickly behind Isabela Island, so we hurried home to ceviche on the top deck and enjoyed the dwindling light in the west. The Southern Cross shone brilliantly in the sky after dinner, while the big dipper arched slowly across the sky.
As everyone (or almost everyone) climbed the wooden stairs of Bartholomew Island, the sky remained somewhat clouded over with a light breeze to cool those sweating brows. Only a few decided to maximize their workout by going non-stop to the top, while others took a more rational approach and gradually made the summit while stopping periodically to absorb the view unfolding around them.
Sharks galore on the southern beach! Frigates flying overhead just reconfirmed our suspicions that we have started the season when marine turtle hatchlings emerge at night into the dangerous world of survival of the fittest. Snorkelers saw plenty as well: rays and colorful tropical fish of all sorts.
The afternoon was a delight which started with the second snorkeling opportunity of the day, and sea lions came out to join in the fun, thrilling everyone in the water. However, the walk along the coastline of James Bay was also a highlight not to be forgotten. Rust-colored marine iguanas lay in piles on shore snorting salt from their nostrils; American oystercatchers crouched quietly on the lava, while down the beach a Galápagos hawk stood on the tuff stone bluff with one foot curled, resting and awaiting an opportunity to have a meal. A female sea lions allowed her pup to nurse, while a big bull beach master barked his claim. A fur seal slept peacefully on the arch over the lava grotto. The sun set quickly behind Isabela Island, so we hurried home to ceviche on the top deck and enjoyed the dwindling light in the west. The Southern Cross shone brilliantly in the sky after dinner, while the big dipper arched slowly across the sky.
