Bartholomew and James Islands
This was last day of the week for our expedition and we enjoyed it to the fullest. After having an early morning wake up call there was a dawn time trek to the top of Bartholomew. It was almost spiritual being up there with the sun right above the horizon casting a golden glow over all those spectacular volcanic formations. I was glad that most of us got up early to do this. There were several reasons to go on this trail. We were able to observe different types of pioneer organisms and see an island in its primitive state. By doing this, we in a way were able to travel back in time to see how many of the islands here must have looked like when the first plants and animals were establishing themselves on them. The Island of Bartholomew is a great place to talk about geology, more specifically volcanism. When having spatter cones, cinder cones, lava tubes and tuff stone all around, it helps one really understand how this little islet, the surrounding islands and the Galápagos in general could have occurred. The one reason though why we went to the peak was the view. This is the image that is in all the guidebooks, postcards and brochures. It’s the one representing the landscape of the Galápagos; the vista from the top, of the beach, the ship’s anchorage spot, Pinnacle Rock and all the other nearby islands. We all had the opportunity to take that same picture. The scenery at peak of Bartholomew is a perfect way to end a stay in the Galápagos because it gives one perspective of time and distance traveled. Several of the islands the Polaris navigated to were visible from up there.
We made our way down the volcano and all this exercise worked up an appetite in all of us. To our delight, a scrumptious breakfast was ready for us as we arrived back on board. After that, there was some digestive down time before the water excursions began.
Now the beach at Bartholomew is personally one of my favorites. The sand is oh so fine and its almost golden colored due to the particular mix of organic and inorganic material. Majestic Pinnacle Rock looms right off the beach, which is also encompassed by various mini volcanoes. There is a gradual slope into very calm water teaming with all types of marine life. Fishes and invertebrates exist in the little nooks and crannies of a fascinating lava seascape. Due to erosion and collapse, underwater passageways and corridors have been formed in the water just off the beach where many of these creatures live.
As the photo shows, our guests are having fun in the sun while for a blue-footed booby it is business as usual as it is about to dive and catch a fish.
This was last day of the week for our expedition and we enjoyed it to the fullest. After having an early morning wake up call there was a dawn time trek to the top of Bartholomew. It was almost spiritual being up there with the sun right above the horizon casting a golden glow over all those spectacular volcanic formations. I was glad that most of us got up early to do this. There were several reasons to go on this trail. We were able to observe different types of pioneer organisms and see an island in its primitive state. By doing this, we in a way were able to travel back in time to see how many of the islands here must have looked like when the first plants and animals were establishing themselves on them. The Island of Bartholomew is a great place to talk about geology, more specifically volcanism. When having spatter cones, cinder cones, lava tubes and tuff stone all around, it helps one really understand how this little islet, the surrounding islands and the Galápagos in general could have occurred. The one reason though why we went to the peak was the view. This is the image that is in all the guidebooks, postcards and brochures. It’s the one representing the landscape of the Galápagos; the vista from the top, of the beach, the ship’s anchorage spot, Pinnacle Rock and all the other nearby islands. We all had the opportunity to take that same picture. The scenery at peak of Bartholomew is a perfect way to end a stay in the Galápagos because it gives one perspective of time and distance traveled. Several of the islands the Polaris navigated to were visible from up there.
We made our way down the volcano and all this exercise worked up an appetite in all of us. To our delight, a scrumptious breakfast was ready for us as we arrived back on board. After that, there was some digestive down time before the water excursions began.
Now the beach at Bartholomew is personally one of my favorites. The sand is oh so fine and its almost golden colored due to the particular mix of organic and inorganic material. Majestic Pinnacle Rock looms right off the beach, which is also encompassed by various mini volcanoes. There is a gradual slope into very calm water teaming with all types of marine life. Fishes and invertebrates exist in the little nooks and crannies of a fascinating lava seascape. Due to erosion and collapse, underwater passageways and corridors have been formed in the water just off the beach where many of these creatures live.
As the photo shows, our guests are having fun in the sun while for a blue-footed booby it is business as usual as it is about to dive and catch a fish.
