BACHAS BEACH, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND We opted for an early morning excursion to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. The beach is so-named because of a mispronunciation of the word "barges" by the locals during the 1950's when WWII barges broke their moorings and ran aground on the beach. The island is also known for one of the largest nesting areas of the Pacific Green Sea Turtle in the Galapagos! As our Zodiak traveled toward the island the on-board naturalist assigned to our group saw something in the water and grabbed his binoculars. Ever cautious, the Zodiak driver slowed down as a Tiger Shark circling in the water came into view just ahead. If you watch the video below, it will become clear to you that we weren't exactly a subtle group. Still our noise didn't seem to phase the shark or his task at hand. We silently (hard to believe, I know) watched the Tiger Shark for a while and then proceeded to Santa Cruz Island (Bachas Beach) for a wet landing on the shore. Basically a wet landing is just like it sounds. Prepare for your feet, possibly up to your knees, to get a little wet. To be on the safe side, we put our cameras and other gear into dry bags purchased at REI. Dry bags come in all kinds of sizes and colors to fit your particular needs. Immediately upon landing we saw Marine Iguanas and Sally Crabs moving about the large lava rocks on the beach. The remnants of a World War II barge operation poked up from the sand which was a strange sight. As we walked along the shore one of the folks in our group noticed three pink flamingos in flight and appearing to be making a landing at a brackish pond just over a hill. It appeared to be a family of three, mom, dad and baby. We took a little time to watch the flamingos as well as an iguana who was just on the side of the pond nearest us. After a while we meandered back to the beach and some people decided to snorkel while everyone else just enjoyed splashing about in the shallow warm water until it was time for us to go back to the ship to rest and relax before our second excursion of the day to North Seymour Island. NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND In the mid-afternoon we departed via Zodiak for the most touted excursion of the Galapagos trip to North Seymour Island. Host to one of the largest colonies of Magnificent Frigate Birds in the Galapagos, North Seymour Island truly is a place where "you see more!" Although the landing was a dry one it was tougher than some because the seas were choppy. We landed next to a wooden dock with steep about 30 uneven steps to the top. Celebrity stationed crew members on the dock to assist passengers who needed additional assistance off the boat and up the stairs. As we crested the top of the stairs, Magnificent Frigate Birds with their crimson-colored, puffed out throat sacs flew overhead and landed in nests and bushes. Mating rituals were fascinating as the enormous birds performed a spectacular courtship display. They clatter their bills and wave their heads to and fro, extending their wings and chasing away other birds. The female seemingly looks unimpressed but if he gets her attention, mating begins. Voila! Continuing along the designated path we came across a bright yellow Land Iguana. He seemed undisturbed by our presence and we were allowed to photograph him to our heart's content. (Check him out in the gallery of photos below.) Further along the sandy walk we came upon two Blue-Footed Boobys that had been previously courting evidenced by the egg she was keeping warm beneath her. This mating ritual was quite a show as well. The male booby squawked and hollered and she looked uninterested. After much ado, he mounted her gave a little squeak and did his business. About five seconds afterward, he dismounted, danced around a little while she sat back down and stared into space. One would think that any critter so-named would at least have a ten second mating ritual! ON THE BRIDGE In the evening we were invited by the Officers to attend a cocktail party on the Bridge at 6:30pm. My hubby is being silly here in this photo! (Notice the beer!)
0 Comments
SULLIVAN BAY, SANTIAGO ISLAND Our morning excursion was a beautiful hike over a blackened lavascape that was as a result of a volcanic eruption from the 1900's. Truly it was nothing less than a geologic wonderland. Twists and turns of the lava created strange shapes and odd patterns that made it appear as though it was a mesmerizing scene from another world. As we walked on the uneven rock, the hot sun reflected up from the dark black landscape and created even more heat as we walked along. By the time we got back onto the boat, everyone was ready for another mid-morning shower. As we were returning to the Zodiac we saw a pair of penguins who appeared to be deep in conversation. BARTOLOME ISLAND After lunch Michael took a short Zodiak tour and a snorkeling trip. I chose a long Zodiak tour around the island. I saw sea lions, penguins, crabs, and blue footed boobies from afar. The water was quite choppy but the Zodiak driver was excellent in trying to pull us up close to the rock in order to get better shots. On each boat there is a Zodiak driver and an Expedition Naturalist/Leader. Both make certain that no one does anything bone-headed that will cause a problem for everyone else, i.e., stand up unexpectedly. Everyone is wearing a life jacket but with all kinds of creatures in the water, we don't want to be one of them when we are so far away from the ship. Michael loved the snorkeling and said it was the best ever but wasn't so enchanted by the swarm of bees that greeted everyone as they dragged themselves from the ocean to the shore. Apparently everyone dressed as quickly as possible in order to get the heck out of there before being stung! On the bridge In the evening we were invited by the Officers to attend a cocktail party on the Bridge at 6:30pm. My hubby is being silly here in this photo! (Notice the beer!)
Thankfully we had a leisurely morning which began with breakfast in Darwin's Café. We were served eggs, bacon, pastry, juice and coffee buffet style. At 10:00 am we took a Zodiac ride to Isabela Island and through the forest of mangroves where we saw Sea Turtles leisurely swimming around and periodically coming up for air, Galapagos Penguins who were not in the least bothered by the sight of us, Blue-Footed Boobys in flight (Yes, they exist!), and a Pelican breeding area. Also in the water were two types of Eagle Rays and Zebra Rays. It was fascinating. On the way back to the ship the waves were crashing as we watched more penguins swimming in the far distance. In the afternoon we opted for a long Zodiac ride and short walk up 150 steps to Darwin's Lake. the walk wasn't too difficult but it had very little pay off once we reached the top. Foliage blocked the lake view so it was hard to get a clear look much less a good photo. Darn you nature! ;-) All in all it was really good to get a small amount of exercise. Once back into the Zodiak we saw beautiful blonde Sea Lions, more penguins, cormorants, brilliantly colored Sally Crabs feeding on iguana poo on the lava rock near the shore. Diego Paredes (Diego En Fuego...as you might recall) was our naturalist. We congratulated him on having his photo published in the Wall St. Journal. A fact that he was apparently unaware of until we mentioned it. He was duly humble. Generally speaking on Expedition ships there is briefing of the following day's activities in the evening before dinner. Monica Plaza, our Cruise Director, announced the crossing of the equator and informed all of us of the ritual hazing that takes place during the crossing in a boat or ship. It was basically a limbo dance under a streamer. I wasn't sure that Michael was going to do it and because of his hesitation, Mollye and I took the first limbo.
Our new friends, Robin and Adam, Glen and Mollye followed suit and I went back and crossed again with Michael. It was a lot of fun. We enjoyed each evening with these delightful people in the dining room as we talked about the day's event and all the wonderful experiences we had. Robin took some amazing photos which she was able to download to her ipad and show everyone in the evening. Not only is she a wonderful photographer but it was terrific to relive the experience in a more relaxed setting. After dinner we went back to the Expedition Lounge where we were given a personalized certificate commemorating our Equator crossing which was a nice souvenir of the experience and a delightful way to end the evening. |
paula verduMichael and I travel mostly because we like learning and experiencing new things, seeing new places and learning about different cultures and food that only comes from getting out and about in the world. Archives
October 2015
Categories
All
|