LOCATION: Galapagos
Front and centre for the 6.30 am walk on Pitt Point. Yep, everyonr dressed and ready and no excuses or late coners. The group has been phenomenal.
A sandy beach for a wet landing followed by a scramble up through a ravine to reach the walking track on the edge of the island. An early start for the first activity of the last full day on board. All with timing designed to beat the worst of the heat.
Stunning sweeping views and blue footed boobies nesting in pairs on the ground, mocking birds singing, frigate birds overhead, red footed boobies nesting in trees, a big fat lazy marine iguana high on the ridge and the cutest white ball of cotton wool fluff fledgling baby in a nest were part of the treat of finding something at every step along the way.
Plenty to see on the two hour trek and the early start was essential because we were all dripping with perspiration on the ascent.Anorher walk that @Mac got to enjoy because @Justin was the one pulling ne along.
Back on board for breakfast and a change of clothes (nothing is drying overnight in the humidity) and lined up ready with snorkelling gear and instructions for kayaking
Buoyed by the information that it was near to impossible to capsize the kayak @Mac and I loaded up. My lack of height was a definite advantage here as I seemed to fit perfectly into the leg and seatroom. @Mac was calling all the strokes from the cramped position in the rear seat and made it all happen. We had loads of encouragement from our experienced fellow passengers and took up the mid position in the string of three kayaks.
Made our way along the cliffs and caves to chase rays and sea lions for our allotted one hour - a little arm weary, but upright and dry. I have to reiterate - the crew is so good - everyone is always set up for success - you are encouraged to try things you wouldn't normally do - because they are on hand, close by and smiling and applauding your efforts.
Part two was a jump in the water in the snorkelling gear to swim with the sea lions. This was mind blowing. They were so playful and inquisitive swimming at speed at your face mask then stopping and pirouetting to show their tummy and flippers. So agile in the water and such show offs! There were dozens of them all keen to take turns diving, blowing bubbles, folding in half to scratch themselves and playfully interacting with everyone in the water. What an experience and hard to drag yourself away.
@Lloyd’s comment sums it up best “That ranks as the best hour of my life.”
This is all before lunch!
The Treasure moved on to the last stop and delivered us to Witch Point (hmmm, or is it Wizard Point ... need to check). Another wet landing for our first walk on absolutely white sand.
This was a relaxing end to our onshore island adventure and offered the opportunity for a beach walk to discover lazy sun baking sea lions and to spot the big, fat, jet black, marine iguana. @Mac and I used every minute of our free time to explore the length of the bay and rounded it out with a group swim.
Our first afternoon of cloud cover but it was welcomed as it provided some respite from the sun.
And the sad news before joining the group for the evening, was that we had to pack! An early get away tomorrow morning. Our bags are a little tumbled with wet, sweaty and salty gear- need to sort that out but bundled it up in plastic and headed to the upper deck to enjoy that last sunset. Bad news, phone spat the dummy with moisture warning AGAIN as I was filming the frigates that were riding the thermalsin farewell, just above the ship. Back to the hairdryer and fingers crossed.
A long, leisurely Ecuadorian themed dinner and crew farewells rounded out the evening and after our 6.30 am start, it was only the hilarious stories of “Naughty Ron” (my goodness, that fancy undie story ... making a purchase by taking in an old pair from home ... poor @Tracey mortified but it was so funny)and Jim that got us over the 10 pm mark.
I am serious when I say that I am asleep in a standing up position as the cabin door opens - every ounce of energy does seem to be drained each day.
Straight from the itinerary:
The wind-sculpted cliffs of Pitt Point were the first sight of land when Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos aboard the HMS Beagle on September 15, 1835. This morning you will disembark to that very same small green sand beach, where you will first be greeted by a group of barking sea lions. Behind this dreamy beach, crossing some thorny bushes, begins a trail that will take you to the top of the cliff through a ravine. While you ascend, marvel at the landscapes of this geological wonder, where its possible to find three species of boobies breeding and playing: blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca. Two species of frigate birds can be found as well (Great and Magnificent) Do not miss the chance to snorkel or kayak around these far-away, dreamlike shores.
Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo in Spanish) is the remains of a tuff cone, and its primary attraction is a coral sand beach that opens
into a tranquil bay. Snorkelling here leads to a rich habitat for marine iguanas, stingrays, white-tipped sharks, eagle rays,
turtles, morays, garden eels, and many kinds of reef fishes. Behind the sand dunes of the beach, there is a dry dark lava flow
with salty ponds, which serve as a refreshment spot for iguanas, as well as a strategic place to observe coastal and migratory
birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.
Can you believe this?
Here are some of the weirdest facts about the Galapagos Mockingbird - from Co-Pilot
* Vampire Tendencies: During dry seasons on Española Island, the Hook-billed Mockingbird (Mimus macdonaldi) drinks the blood of seabirds, such as blue-footed booby chicks, and sea lions, using their long, sharp, hooked beaks.
* "Carjackers" of the Animal Kingdom: They often "carjack" or hitchhike on the backs of land and marine iguanas, pecking at them to eat parasites and ticks.
* Insanely Curious & Fearless: These birds are incredibly inquisitive and will often swarm visitors, jumping into laps, stealing food from picnic tables, or inspecting cameras.
* They Directly Inspired Evolution Theory: Charles Darwin noticed that mockingbirds differed slightly between islands in their size, beak shape, and markings, which led him to think about the evolution of species.
Survival Barometer
Steps 16 449 plus snorkelling and Kayaking. Wracking up those numbers
Weather 32 - but humidity leaves you drenched just standing
Health - all on an adrenalin high- nothing that a bit of panodol osteo won't cure
For Jesse - lots of pairs of blue footed boobies today - they have blue feet, beaks and legs! Makea me smile everything I see them.
Lots of pairs of blue footed boobies today
"Nice day for the beach."
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