Galapagos, 4 - 15 November 2016

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Trump wins!  Well, that news certainly created a stir on our cruise!  The way we found out was that someone received a text since we had no Internet or cell service.  So, on with our day.  First stop - Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island. As we were waiting for the our excursions, a sea lion hopped onto the zodiac, looked around as if to check things out, and then slipped back into the water. We loaded onto our zodiac for Option 1:  Dry landing onto a lava ledge, then long hot hike, about 1.5 miles over black rocks, footing often uneven.We hiked over this blackened lava landscape that was nothing less than a geologic wonderland. At every step we saw the hardened twists and turns of lava that flowed during a volcanic eruption in the 1900's. It was an overcast day which made it perfect to hike on the black igneous rock.  We did have to be careful of every step because the lava cracked easily and broke off.  We saw a tiny lava monster, one lonely cactus and many "pioneer plants" - weeds growing in the rocks.

After lunch, Rob napped and I went to the gym, embroidered on the veranda, and even took a short nap before our afternoon excursion.  We visited Bartolome Island, one of the most spectacular settings in the Galapagos.  As a relatively young island, it's volcanic origins are easy to see.  The view from the top of the island is perhaps the most famous in all the Galapagos.  We took an amazing zodiac ride along the coast where we saw sea lions, penguins, pelicans, frigates, and plenty of Blue Footed Boobies!

After dinner, the very talented Naturalists on our cruise performed several Ecuadorian songs. They are simply too adorable!