Puerto baquerizo moreno This was a dry landing at the municipal pier at the little town of Puerto Baquierzo Moreno. It was a stifling day with the temperature feeling like it was at least 90 degrees F. Lazy sea lions dotted the pier area as we disembarked. Like giant stuffed sausages they seemed unaffected as we gingerly walked around them while they napped on the walkways or on the wooden benches. A bus was waiting to take us to the Interpretation Center where we learned that San Cristobal Island is home to the oldest permanent settlement of the islands and most interesting is the island where Darwin first went ashore in 1835. El Junco, also known as Darwin's Lake. We walked around the Interpretation Center for a bit and to be quite honest, Michael was the only person who seemed to actually enjoy the museum portion of the facility. It seemed to be more of a vehicle for fundraising which in and of itself is no problem as long as everyone understands that is what is happening. After the Interpretation Center we boarded the bus once again to go to the hiking trail leading up to Darwin's Lake. The hike was a tad strenuous because of the heat and uneven quality of the trail, over rocks, narrow paths, etc. You would be well-advised to wear good hiking shoes and take insect repellent. Once we arrived at the top, unfortunately there was little payoff because the view to the lake was blocked by trees and large bushes. We did, however, have the opportunity to finally see a Darwin's Finch which was a bonus. I just wasn't quick enough to snap his photo! Here's a yellow warbler instead. :-) Back in town and across from the pier we had some time to shop in the colorful little stores that sold T-shirts, animal figurines and various other items made in the Galapagos. We purchased a hand-carved wooden iguana and a small stone turtle with a removable shell where you could store coins or other small things. I also purchased a T-shirt mimicking the Abbey Road Beatles Album crossing. However, there was an iguana, penguin and a turtle in the crosswalk. Hilarious! The heat and humidity was getting to most of us by this point so we trekked back through the sea lions and went back to the ship to cool off having spent an interesting day on land. Cerro Brujo & Kicker Rock The afternoon excursion was a zodiac ride, beach walk and/or swim. We enjoyed a leisurely ride along the volcanic tuff cones just offshore San Cristobal and then a lovely walk on Cerro Brujo Beach and/or swim in the turquoise waters. This was definitely the most beautiful beach we had seen. The water was idyllic, warm and inviting and the sand was like a fine face powder, clean and white. It was a magical place filled with Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Sea Lions, Egrets and amazing fish swimming around in the turquoise colored waters. After we returned to the ship, Captain Montalvo steered our small expedition ship toward another beautiful geologic wonder. As the sun was setting we circumnavigated Kicker Rock, best known for it's exquisite diving and snorkeling but in and of itself a sight to behold as the striking remains of a volcanic tuff cone just offshore San Cristobal Island.
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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
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