There were many volcanos on this island.
This was actually very black but lightened up with the sun on it.
More realistic colour
The gang listening to a well described life of magma, lava, and of course volcanoes.
View from our landing on the lava stones. Leaning tower of Galápagos. The Samba is hiding in behind the bigger ship. We were very happy to be in our smaller boat.
Back to the Samba for breakfast. We digest while waiting to go on the hunt for penguins. An hour later we are dressed for snorkeling and are off.
Our drop off is near a cliff and we see a huge lobster, some groupers, parrot fish, snappers of all kinds, a white-tipped shark and a sea turtle whom we swam with for five minutes or so. There was a larger turtle further in as well as a ray. We return to the Samba, and not two minutes after arriving Darwin suggests we go back out as he has a hunch that we will see penguins on the opposite side of our first site. Some decide against it, but most of us forge ahead. As soon as we enter the water we are immersed in a school of hundreds of fish. It felt like we were in a snow globe but with fish surrounding us, not snow flakes. Unreal. We also see a white-tipped shark and for the first time hundreds and hundreds of starfish. They totally covered the bottom and some were glued to the side of rocks- these were different and were called chocolate chip star fish.
The larger ones were about 12 inch across.
We swam in amongst these beauties.
Another school of fish.
After being in the middle of these schools of fish, it got quiet when we saw another smaller shark and a sting ray. We had another great snorkel and we were pumped. Back on the pangas and someone says "is that a penguin"? Sure enough it was. The pangas drove to where a lone little penguin was hanging out.
This little guy is one of the smallest species of penguins besides a species from N-Z.
Back on board and it was shower time for me. After lunch our crazy guide was talking about snorkeling for the third time today. I didn't feel like putting that wetsuit on again and Ron, unfortunately hurt his inner ear after he and four others dove off the top of the Samba. (He wasn't able to dive under water for the rest of the trip.) he will need to see a doctor upon our return. Only seven snorkelers go out. They see white-tipped sharks, penguins, a moray eel, a sting ray, and of course many species of fish. The gang was pretty tired when they returned.
At 3:30 it was hike time. Of course it is very hot at this time of day. The hike is on Bartolome island.
There are 380 steps to the top. It is quite steep. We see lots of sunken volcanoes and beautiful views.
The well built stairs. Less erosion and destruction from hikers walking on the ground.
A water crater.
We return to the boat and we have a well deserved beer. A little later we realize that a fishing boat is attaching itself to us. They are making a deal. Fish for money and a few bottles of coke.
We also spend the 15-20 minutes watching the Rays jump and do cartwheels. Then it's whale time again. A few right whales are going past us.
The two fisherman. We end up towing them for a little while.
Dinner is served at 7:00. We have monster shrimps in a wonderful sauce. If I haven't said it before we are eating like kings and queens. There are no complaints from me. (We often eat fish for one meal of the day) every meal is different and varied. How does Anghel, our chef, do it? We anchor near Puerto Egas on Santiago island. We go on deck to see the stars and hit the sack at 8:45. Early rise tomorrow.
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