Southern Isabela Island
I think most of us like to believe we live dangerously, and our naturalist guides certainly indulged us today – they allowed us a hike up the side of recently-erupted Volcan Sierra Negra. After a typically wonderful meal aboard our MS Islander, we embarked to Isla Isabela and loaded into the backs of pick-up trucks. Although the seats really tested the bones of my backside, the long drive along the dusty roads was quite enjoyable. The weather as we began hiking into the world’s fifth largest caldera was perfect for the occasion: cool and cloudy (but not too much so). Some of us hiked only to the rim, and others strolled along the edge checking out the hardened lava and the plumes of sulfur still emanating from within the caldera. At the end of the 7-8 mile hike, we came back down to find some beers waiting for us (which I always appreciate), as well as some wet-naps to clean off all our dirt (greatly appreciated in this instance).
After lunch, there were a few options. I took a Zodiak into the town of Puerto Villamil with a few others. Then Lindblad Expedition had bikes waiting for us by the dock and I had a chance to explore around the fishing village. Puerto Villamil had beautiful beaches and friendly people, and we arrived just in time to see the town enjoying a community clown show. We all reconvened at the Tortoise Breeding Center. We saw tortoises in every stage of their lives at this preservation site (see the supermodel pose to the right). It was remarkable to see what they are doing to save the tortoise population. On our way back, we stopped along a boardwalk stretched out over some wetlands. We were able to observe four flamingos.
Back to the beach at Villamil for a little playtime. The beaches were gorgeous and sandy and a swim was fully refreshing. As we sat under the palm trees drinking coconut milk and eating local snacks, some of us ended up in a beach volleyball match with five of the local kids. By some of us, I should say twenty. Nonetheless, we lost horribly. Not that we were keeping score, but we were certainly at a disadvantage. It was still a great time and I’m sure our court-side paparazzi got some great shots.
Just before dinner, at our evening recap of the day, we were surprised with some guests aboard our ship. Three local kids from the Centro de Educacion Ambiental (environmental club) spoke to us about saving the Galápagos tortoises from extinction. The group not only speaks to the tourists that come in to Villamil, they focus on dealing with their community and advocating conservation of the Galápagos environment. It was also great to have them join us for dinner and sit down with some of our kids. At the end of this busy and exciting day, we were able to recline in the hammocks of the Teak Deck - legs weary, bellies full, and completely satisfied with an incredible day.
I think most of us like to believe we live dangerously, and our naturalist guides certainly indulged us today – they allowed us a hike up the side of recently-erupted Volcan Sierra Negra. After a typically wonderful meal aboard our MS Islander, we embarked to Isla Isabela and loaded into the backs of pick-up trucks. Although the seats really tested the bones of my backside, the long drive along the dusty roads was quite enjoyable. The weather as we began hiking into the world’s fifth largest caldera was perfect for the occasion: cool and cloudy (but not too much so). Some of us hiked only to the rim, and others strolled along the edge checking out the hardened lava and the plumes of sulfur still emanating from within the caldera. At the end of the 7-8 mile hike, we came back down to find some beers waiting for us (which I always appreciate), as well as some wet-naps to clean off all our dirt (greatly appreciated in this instance).
After lunch, there were a few options. I took a Zodiak into the town of Puerto Villamil with a few others. Then Lindblad Expedition had bikes waiting for us by the dock and I had a chance to explore around the fishing village. Puerto Villamil had beautiful beaches and friendly people, and we arrived just in time to see the town enjoying a community clown show. We all reconvened at the Tortoise Breeding Center. We saw tortoises in every stage of their lives at this preservation site (see the supermodel pose to the right). It was remarkable to see what they are doing to save the tortoise population. On our way back, we stopped along a boardwalk stretched out over some wetlands. We were able to observe four flamingos.
Back to the beach at Villamil for a little playtime. The beaches were gorgeous and sandy and a swim was fully refreshing. As we sat under the palm trees drinking coconut milk and eating local snacks, some of us ended up in a beach volleyball match with five of the local kids. By some of us, I should say twenty. Nonetheless, we lost horribly. Not that we were keeping score, but we were certainly at a disadvantage. It was still a great time and I’m sure our court-side paparazzi got some great shots.
Just before dinner, at our evening recap of the day, we were surprised with some guests aboard our ship. Three local kids from the Centro de Educacion Ambiental (environmental club) spoke to us about saving the Galápagos tortoises from extinction. The group not only speaks to the tourists that come in to Villamil, they focus on dealing with their community and advocating conservation of the Galápagos environment. It was also great to have them join us for dinner and sit down with some of our kids. At the end of this busy and exciting day, we were able to recline in the hammocks of the Teak Deck - legs weary, bellies full, and completely satisfied with an incredible day.
