Floreana Island
The change of season is really happening in front of our eyes! Yesterday’s strong winds were the prelude. Today’s dense mist (rather fog really) that we experienced during most of the morning, is an indicator of the “re-connection” of the inversion layer, marking the beginning of the dry season. The disembarkation at Post Office Bay and our purpose for being there were enhanced with this mystery–like background, product of the phenomena. We recreated once and again the whole thing, in the most histrionic style, continuing the tradition established in the 1790’s, with the benefit of an overcast sky.
While riding along the shores of Champion Islet (a satellite island off Floreana) on our expedition to find the elusive Charles mockingbirds, we were rewarded by the presence of one of these rare birds which came so close to the Zodiac that we were able to take a picture filling the whole camera frame with just a snapshot camera.
Later in the morning, having by now an open sky, we participated in a terrific snorkeling session. Sharks were passing back and forth, and an outstanding number of fish were all eating along the plankton column.
The afternoon began rather early with the first of three sessions of kayaking starting at two o’clock. We dealt with a strong wind and some choppiness, but the dexterity of the paddlers was satisfactorily demonstrated time after time during the expedition.
Punta Cormorant, our walking place for the afternoon, exposed some of the hidden life of the lava lizards. The Charles lava lizard is endemic to this island and we enjoyed the beautiful display of colors especially of the females that were sunning themselves on the rocks. A few flamingos were seen in the distance in the ever present hyper saline lagoon. We were also delighted watching the turtles mating along the white sand of the flour beach, and while admiring these turtles we saw no less than 100 rays of both species, golden and spotted eagle ones, apparently mating.
Another day has come to an end and being worn down, we all returned to our boat home. We are tired but fresh with all the new things we have learn from nature. Will we be ready for tomorrow’s set of surprises?
The change of season is really happening in front of our eyes! Yesterday’s strong winds were the prelude. Today’s dense mist (rather fog really) that we experienced during most of the morning, is an indicator of the “re-connection” of the inversion layer, marking the beginning of the dry season. The disembarkation at Post Office Bay and our purpose for being there were enhanced with this mystery–like background, product of the phenomena. We recreated once and again the whole thing, in the most histrionic style, continuing the tradition established in the 1790’s, with the benefit of an overcast sky.
While riding along the shores of Champion Islet (a satellite island off Floreana) on our expedition to find the elusive Charles mockingbirds, we were rewarded by the presence of one of these rare birds which came so close to the Zodiac that we were able to take a picture filling the whole camera frame with just a snapshot camera.
Later in the morning, having by now an open sky, we participated in a terrific snorkeling session. Sharks were passing back and forth, and an outstanding number of fish were all eating along the plankton column.
The afternoon began rather early with the first of three sessions of kayaking starting at two o’clock. We dealt with a strong wind and some choppiness, but the dexterity of the paddlers was satisfactorily demonstrated time after time during the expedition.
Punta Cormorant, our walking place for the afternoon, exposed some of the hidden life of the lava lizards. The Charles lava lizard is endemic to this island and we enjoyed the beautiful display of colors especially of the females that were sunning themselves on the rocks. A few flamingos were seen in the distance in the ever present hyper saline lagoon. We were also delighted watching the turtles mating along the white sand of the flour beach, and while admiring these turtles we saw no less than 100 rays of both species, golden and spotted eagle ones, apparently mating.
Another day has come to an end and being worn down, we all returned to our boat home. We are tired but fresh with all the new things we have learn from nature. Will we be ready for tomorrow’s set of surprises?
