Isabela Island
Yet another wonderful day that began early in the morning when some of us strolled out onto the outer decks to feel a soft breeze and a soothing warm sun bathing the senses, while our ship dropped anchor and the crew prepared to deploy our “pangas” to begin exploring Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island.
After a hearty breakfast, we had a variety of choices for our later activities that catered to all our whims. For the more physically active amongst us, we had a couple of hikes leading up to the rim of a mighty volcano, about 3000 feet in height: Sierra Negra. This was the last volcano to erupt in the islands, starting on October 22nd of this year and stopping just a couple of weeks ago. The longer of the hikes got us closer to this last erupted vent, but we all observed the vast caldera floor and recent flows, mesmerized by the powerful might of nature, our imaginations running wild imagining the workings of the earth and wondering where this new rock, just two weeks old, had been before reaching the surface.
Next to disembark: a more leisurely choice - a close-up encounter with the world famous Galápagos giant tortoises at the research station followed by a short walk through the wetlands of the island, where this picture took place. We were all very happy here, but this was set to get better by the minute.
We all gathered back to the ship for lunch and to share our exciting experiences of the morning.
After a well deserved siesta, some of our guests took bike rides or walks in the town of Puerto Villamil, others a guided panga ride followed by a tour to enjoy birds and sharks, but also “the choiceless choice” which is a swim suit and towel for an afternoon on the long white sandy beach and the last ingredient, the Pacific Ocean!
Reunited at a local bar for cerveza and tales of joy, aware of what a wonderful place the Galápagos Islands are. Our expedition continues on as tomorrow awaits us for yet another adventure.
Yet another wonderful day that began early in the morning when some of us strolled out onto the outer decks to feel a soft breeze and a soothing warm sun bathing the senses, while our ship dropped anchor and the crew prepared to deploy our “pangas” to begin exploring Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island.
After a hearty breakfast, we had a variety of choices for our later activities that catered to all our whims. For the more physically active amongst us, we had a couple of hikes leading up to the rim of a mighty volcano, about 3000 feet in height: Sierra Negra. This was the last volcano to erupt in the islands, starting on October 22nd of this year and stopping just a couple of weeks ago. The longer of the hikes got us closer to this last erupted vent, but we all observed the vast caldera floor and recent flows, mesmerized by the powerful might of nature, our imaginations running wild imagining the workings of the earth and wondering where this new rock, just two weeks old, had been before reaching the surface.
Next to disembark: a more leisurely choice - a close-up encounter with the world famous Galápagos giant tortoises at the research station followed by a short walk through the wetlands of the island, where this picture took place. We were all very happy here, but this was set to get better by the minute.
We all gathered back to the ship for lunch and to share our exciting experiences of the morning.
After a well deserved siesta, some of our guests took bike rides or walks in the town of Puerto Villamil, others a guided panga ride followed by a tour to enjoy birds and sharks, but also “the choiceless choice” which is a swim suit and towel for an afternoon on the long white sandy beach and the last ingredient, the Pacific Ocean!
Reunited at a local bar for cerveza and tales of joy, aware of what a wonderful place the Galápagos Islands are. Our expedition continues on as tomorrow awaits us for yet another adventure.
