Our afternoon excursion is to Bartolome island – a high intensity walk up a Volcanic cone (374 feet high, 358 wooden steps) to view 28 islands in the Galapagos chain. Before arriving at Bartolome, we sailed through fairly calm waters, spotting rays and other fish off our decks. We noticed something jumping out in the distance – a big silver flash almost - and were told it was a giant ray. They breach like that to try to get the parasites off of them. Had no idea they did that! Wow! A school of dolphin caught the Captain’s attention, and he turned the ship and circled them so we could all get a better look. How fun is that?
At disembarkation for Bartolome, Team Zodiac split up with Maggi and Richard on 1 zodiac and Ellen, Michelle, Cathy and Ed on the next one with Geovanna. A quick ride and we were unloaded on a rocky point to begin our ascent to the op of the cone. Bartolome’s landscape looks like the moon – all ah and volcanic cones (it has had recent volcanic activity). As we climbed (in the heat – but at least with a good breeze), we learned about the lava, lava tubes, flora and fauna of the island and the 3 different types of craters.
The view at the top was spectacular – overlooking the other islands and Pinnacle rock where we would be snorkeling later. After a few photos, we sort of pushed the group along, wanting to get to the beach ASAP to have maximum snorkeling time. This is the island with eh Penguin population, so Cathy was of course particularly excited to get to the beach and see if she could swim with them! But before landing on the beach, Johnny (one of the better zodiac drivers) took us around to the other side of Pinnacle rock to see a penguin swimming. He was adorable – standing on a rock just posing away fro us. Johnny pulled the zodiac right up to the rock so Michelle and Cathy could get pictures. The penguin didn’t even move!!!
Back around the corner we went for a wet landing on a beautiful sandy beach. There was still over an hour left for snorkeling and swimming. Ed and Cathy chose to snorkel, Ellen and Michelle stayed closer to shore, cooling off in the water. The snorkeling was great – at least for sissy snorkelers who didn’t know any better. The waters were cloudy, but you could still hundreds of fish – all different colors, shapes and sizes (identification will have to wait until later when we can get our hands on a guidebook). There was a huge school of brightly colored blue striped fish with yellow tails; a wild looking dark gray fat fish with blue squares; small, electric blue and black fish, just an astonishing array! IT was the first time ever swimming with the fishes for Ed and Cathy (and they were alive to talk about it!!!!)
About mid-way through the swim, Cathy realized she still had on her watch. She’d been being very paranoid about getting her new waterproof watch wet – just in case it really wasn’t all that waterproof. But it worked like a charm, and the light came in quite handy underwater!
Richard and Maggi did well snorkeling too. The breathing finally clicked for Maggi and she took off like a little fishie herself. She saw the yellow tail fish and a small dark gray fish with electric blue stripes plus lots of others. And, just like Cathy, it wasn’t just the fish but the fact that she was snorkeling that made the whole experience so awesome!!! Richard, of course, took off and actually made it around the corner of Pinnacle rock. He saw tons of fish too – and came face to face with a sea lion! Brave boy!
After about an hour, they all dried off and headed back to the ship. Straight into the shower and cleaned up for tonight’s briefing and dinner, the sat at the bar for the briefing (someone else had commandeered their traditional front row seats!). Didn’t matter much – and Carlos took care of everyone as usual – Viu Manent for wine, peanuts for snacks (all you have to do is ask!)
Dinner was excellent as usual – mixed seafood with Langostino, huge shrimp – more like prawns – tuna and something else; Steak and Red Snapper with tomato concasse like sauce. Ed and Cathy had the mixed seafood, and shared the snapper; Richard had steak and Snapper Maggi had mixed seafood. And wine, and beer, and Black Pearl dessert (chocolate dome with a dense vanilla center). Too much! But oh so good!!
At 10 there was the special Equator crossing ceremony, so back to the Discovery lounge. The show was already in progress and the special guest – King Neptune – was being led in by his minions. The gang settled at the bar and watched as Maggie #2 was crowned Queen. Then, the King’s helpers came looking for “supplicants”! Needless to say, Jorge (in painted warrior garb) came straight to Maggi and Cathy – and completely under protest (Cathy is a shellback after all!) led them up to the stage, along with Michelle – forever partners in crime!
The ceremony was cute – and had them kneeling in supplication to the queen. Then of course everyone had to do something to please the King and Queen. Maggi had to become a Blue Footed Boobie – and do the dance. Cathy was a flamingo – and was made to stand and then fly. Michelle was an adorable penguin. Then we all toasted the queen with shots of cranberry juice and were released back to the safety of our bar stools! Later in the cabin, we all got Equator crossing certificates! Very fun.
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