After breakfast, Richard joined us and went ashore to San Cristobal island, one of 3 populated islands in the Galapagos. Maggi stayed aboard to relax and have some quiet time. The zodiac ride was fast – and fun. Sea lions were spotted lounging on many a “tender” boat – the little boats attached to the bigger sailing vessels in the harbor. When we approached the dock, you could see sea lions sunning on the steps up to the pier. We unloaded at a ramp that the sea lions must not have liked for the sun.
Hopped on a little bus to take us for a “2 minute” ride to the interpretation center. Open windows, breeze flowing through, it was very nice and comfortable. The bus took us through the town – and in 2 minutes we were on the outskirts of the town by the beach and the lighthouse at the center. A nice little diversion, the center has a self guided pictorial history of the Galapagos, from the plate shifts that began the development to the volcanic eruptions that created the island chain, all the way through the Spaniards, Darwin and up to today. There is an absolutely fantastic map at the entrance which is a caricature rendition of the entire island chain, complete with little penguins at Bartolome island and blue footed boobies in their habitats. No gift shop – the only time Cathy had ever wanted one!!! - to buy a paper copy of the map. Photos will have to suffice.
After 10 minutes, we were all done, and were going to head back into town to explore. But we stumbled on a nature walk, and after some debate, within which we (read: Cathy) saw on the sign it was an estimated 15 minute walk – we decided to strike out through the wilderness. It was a very fun walk, but these people need to get their estimations right. The 3 of us, walking fast, took 45 minutes and we didn’t even finish the darn thing!! Richard was in the lead with his stick – acting as the “web slayer” – and keeping Cathy safe from Spiders. There were many iguanas, a finch and a mockingbird along the route. The trail finally came to the coast, with a nice view of the lighthouse. Pictures, quick rest, water, then back down to the center. The original plan was to be back on the bus and in town within 15 minutes, now almost an hour later, we headed back with a bus full of other Xpedition passengers.
Disgorged into town, we all went our separate ways: us to the Internet café ($1.25 for 30 minutes) and Richard in search of a post office. The little town is picturesque sitting on the quiet harbor at the foot of the island. Completely focused on the tourist trade, there were many shops and a few restaurants to keep the shoppers and hungry happy. We shopped for a bit, found some t-shirts for Ed and some Tagua gifts for others, and ran into Richard in the process. We had originally thought of having a beer at one of the marina side restaurants, but then thought that would be silly, since we could go have one on the ship at no charge and be out in the water. So, off we went to the pier.
Arrived and got our gear, then jumped on the 2nd zodiac back to the ship. A sea lion jumped up on another zodiac that was docked right next to us. They are wild little creatures.
Back on board, we sat in the Discovery bar, had a beer/wine (this wine, Viu Manent is better than the San Carlos we had last night) and wrote a little in the journal. Checked out the Beagle Grill for lunch, salads, tuna salad sandwich, grilled hamburger, hot dog and jack fish (don’t know, little fillets, white, but fishy smelling). Decided to hit the buffet instead where we both had cerviche (really good – today with octopus and white fish, no shrimp), Ed had red snapper in a sauce with nuts, vegetables and salad. Afterwards, headed to the room for a bit then met up with Richard and Maggi to go get our snorkeling gear.
If only we would have had our cameras! Oh my gosh, all these people in a rather confined space trying to wiggle into neoprene suits over top their “street” clothes in 100 degree heat. Too funny. And then, trying on the masks. It was a sight to see, one that we wish we had captured on digital.
Later we listened to Jorge explain about the snorkeling excursions and the differences between High Activity and Low intensity (low being basically “sissy snorkeling”). Of course, we are all sissy snorkeling, but that’s ok. We will have an opportunity every day to get in the water according to Jorge and that will be a nice respite from the heat.
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