We were finishing breakfast after a lovely morning circumnavigating Roca Redonda (sea bird heaven), when the bridge called down to mention the presence of a school of dolphin up ahead. Common dolphins in sight! The first reaction of almost everyone was to crowd the front windows of the dining room, but since that view wasn't good enough, forsaking the remains of their breakfast, most dashed out to grab binoculars and cameras, and head outside. We had over two hundred common dolphins in the area around us. Mothers with calves, singles, groups, and the occasional high flyer. Spectacular views of sleek, hourglass-pattern figures racing through water and air. It is said that to estimate numbers of dolphins, you need to estimate the number you can count, the double it for the total in order to include those underwater at any one time. Two hundred was probably an underestimate. Here in Galapagos they don't bow-ride as they do in other parts of the world. Perhaps the world's fishing industry has something to do with that in the eastern Pacific Ocean. But what freedom is embodied in their movement!
The day continued to be a surprise. What at first looked to be a dreary overcast day evolved into a clear, sunny day. What looked like barren, open ocean filled with Mola molas, turtles and rays. Penguins and flightless cormorants joined great blue herons and lizards, as did crabs and oystercatchers promenade on rocks black with hazards (marine iguanas).
