Española Island
Today has been yet another marvelous day in paradise! Fabulous day has followed upon fabulous day this week, and though the guests have asked me several times if we could keep up the pace, we certainly did! These enchanted islands are infinitely varied and variable and we have seen it all this week. From warm sun and blue skies to a cool garua drizzle that soaked through our T-shirts, the weather has been all over the place. Navigating around southern Isabela two nights ago we rocked and rolled and vibrated, but tonight as we head for the airport island of Baltra, the sea is flat, calm and peaceful.
The room where I am trying hard to write this Daily Expedition Report is far from peaceful however: there is a very loud and enthusiastic harmonica (played by Frederick) and guitar (played by Yvon) jam session going on which is accompanied by shouts and songs belted out by the many very happy guests who are greatly enjoying their last few hours together. This has been a congenial group, families spanning three generations, and we have all had a really great time!
This morning we snorkeled in crystal clear water around Tortuga among sharks, rays and fish that ranged from flounders to razorfish. We then spent a couple of unforgettable hours relaxing among the sea lions on the most beautiful white sand beach imaginable. Yvon strummed his guitar, and our gang of Islander kids built an elaborate and high-walled castle. Their fort was taken over for awhile by a brazen teenage sea lion. The kids shrieked in protest, but I stood by the sea lion as he is, after all, the rightful owner of the beach!
On our afternoon walk we observed yet more sea lions, reddish marine iguanas, endemic mockingbirds and lava lizards. The blow hole roared and sprayed sea water high into the sky, as waves were forced through a crack in a tide level cave. Waved albatross courted and danced. One female apparently had her choice of males and bill fenced with two potential mates. We cooed over two fluffy gray albatross chicks and were impressed by the large size of an abandoned egg. Further along the rocky trail, we watched an amorous pair of chocolate brown Galápagos hawks. Low clouds blew in and our sunny blue day became misty and cool.
But apparently nothing can cool the enthusiasm of this group! I wonder what time they will all go to bed tonight?
Today has been yet another marvelous day in paradise! Fabulous day has followed upon fabulous day this week, and though the guests have asked me several times if we could keep up the pace, we certainly did! These enchanted islands are infinitely varied and variable and we have seen it all this week. From warm sun and blue skies to a cool garua drizzle that soaked through our T-shirts, the weather has been all over the place. Navigating around southern Isabela two nights ago we rocked and rolled and vibrated, but tonight as we head for the airport island of Baltra, the sea is flat, calm and peaceful.
The room where I am trying hard to write this Daily Expedition Report is far from peaceful however: there is a very loud and enthusiastic harmonica (played by Frederick) and guitar (played by Yvon) jam session going on which is accompanied by shouts and songs belted out by the many very happy guests who are greatly enjoying their last few hours together. This has been a congenial group, families spanning three generations, and we have all had a really great time!
This morning we snorkeled in crystal clear water around Tortuga among sharks, rays and fish that ranged from flounders to razorfish. We then spent a couple of unforgettable hours relaxing among the sea lions on the most beautiful white sand beach imaginable. Yvon strummed his guitar, and our gang of Islander kids built an elaborate and high-walled castle. Their fort was taken over for awhile by a brazen teenage sea lion. The kids shrieked in protest, but I stood by the sea lion as he is, after all, the rightful owner of the beach!
On our afternoon walk we observed yet more sea lions, reddish marine iguanas, endemic mockingbirds and lava lizards. The blow hole roared and sprayed sea water high into the sky, as waves were forced through a crack in a tide level cave. Waved albatross courted and danced. One female apparently had her choice of males and bill fenced with two potential mates. We cooed over two fluffy gray albatross chicks and were impressed by the large size of an abandoned egg. Further along the rocky trail, we watched an amorous pair of chocolate brown Galápagos hawks. Low clouds blew in and our sunny blue day became misty and cool.
But apparently nothing can cool the enthusiasm of this group! I wonder what time they will all go to bed tonight?
