SANTIAGO & BARTOLOME ISLANDS

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.

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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!)