Feb 22nd 2010
Day 2
Only getting to work makes waking up early so hard
We were getting picked up at 5:30 am. So we had to wake up at 4:45 and get packed. Sunscreen (SPF 45 at least ), trail mixes, camera kit, water and spare clothes. A bus arrived on the dot. "Santa Fe II" it read. Haciento Greeted us "Buenos Diaz" and then i slept for a whole hour till we reached Baltra again to embark on our boat.
It was the slowest boat ever. we were easily 20 people in it and i don't think it went over 3 knots! It was another 3 hours to Batrolome. But we had plenty to keep us entertained as we sailed.
Frigate Birds flying along:
Frigate birds are quite spectacular and are endemic only to the Galapagos ( as was with most other species we encountered during this trip)
They are at their best during the mating season - this is when the males inflate their brilliant red chests. We needed to be here in April to see that. But they were beautiful to watch as is.
They are at their best during the mating season - this is when the males inflate their brilliant red chests. We needed to be here in April to see that. But they were beautiful to watch as is.
Frigate Bird Inflated Sample: Courtesy http://www.spallek.com/photo/galapagos/thursday.html
Nazca Boobies flying along:
We saw quite a few Nazca boobies and they were all in pairs. They look like they are wearing masks - like surgical masks. You'd think they are ducks when in water , but find them incredibly beautiful and graceful when they start to fly. Their wingspan is quite large.
I don't know what it is with birds and boats. They followed us all the time. one group would follow us for a while and drop off , only to be taken over by another flock very soon. ( It may have been the same bird/s continuing after a break - there was no way for me to find out)
Breakfast:
Sometime in the middle - perhaps at 8:30, we were served breakfast. I didn't expect to get much, but it turned out to be a treat! they had a make-shift table and laid out quite a spread! The bread was simple delectable - nice crunchy crust and a soft-moist interior. there were slices of freshly-made mozzarella and boiled eggs too. I would rate it "exceeds expectations"
Daphne Major:
We sailed past Daphne Major - Barren and alone with it's Tuff Crater. Apparently, 2 biologists - Peter and Rosemary Grant occasionally live there to study Darwin Finches and they have been on this project for the last 20 years!
Rain! Rain!
At about 10:00 am - it started to pour. While most scrambled indoors, myself and a friend stayed on the top deck getting completely drenched! I also have an important learning to share - even if it is overcast and raining, do not forget to soak in sunscreen. I am still recovering from the burns.
It was still pouring when we landed. So All cameras were abandoned on the boat.My Nikon point&shoot with a $10 waterproof cover came to the rescue.
Bartolome Landscape:
Bartolome is one of the younger islands and it showed. It was completely barren! There was NO vegetation except a few sprigs of Lava Cactus. There was no wildlife - except for Lava Lizards. We hiked up in the rain on a comfortable boardwalk.
The Panorama!
It seemed futile until we got to a vista point with an incredible panorama! Even on a rainy & cloudy day, it looked spectacular. i can only imagine what some sunshine and blue skies would have rendered.
"Pinnacle Rock" was one of the most recognizable features of the island. It stuck out like a sore thumb.
Crabs!
Once back down we took the boat via a jetty full of crabs, back to one of the beaches there and en route, met the Bartolome Celebrities - the Galapagos Penguins!
Once back down we took the boat via a jetty full of crabs, back to one of the beaches there and en route, met the Bartolome Celebrities - the Galapagos Penguins!
The Galapagos Penguins:
They're the ONLY penguins that live on the equator! Tiny little things - just a little over a foot in height. They like a close-knit family. They stood like they were at the morning assembly in school. In a row and looking the same way in the same direction. It was a treat to watch them interact. After soaking up some sun, some of them splashed into the water and frolicked a bit. they looked like they were snorkeling! - with their heads inside, looking for fish. The sheer memory makes me smile. It was a very special moment.
We then headed to a bay with a beach. We disembarked and could snorkel off the beach. The highlight was snorkeling with these penguins and seeing some white tipped reef sharks right under pinnacle rock.
On the beach, there were tracks left by green sea turtles. This is the season during which they lay their eggs. there were between 20-30 tracks on the little beach - all leading to some spot behind the bushes. i was tempted to go behind and investigate, but Haciento was policing all of us :(. The most un-trusted species in the Galapagos, is Man.
Grabbed a quick lunch on the boat ( rice, omlette and veggies). we wanted to check if the rice was made with chicken/beef broth. Communication was a huge problem. This Canadian guy quickly jumped to our rescue and asked " sin jugo de pollo" - " without the juice of chicken". Simple and clear! We would later learn from Javier that the best way was " Sin Consume de pollo/ carne".
Back in Puerto Ayora:
Javier was in our room minutes after we checked back in to discuss how the day went and to confirm the itinerary for the day after.
Dinner Time: One of Javiers recommendations - "Menestra at KF Williams" - a local favorite and very non-touristy. We Loved it ! It was like Rajma Chawal! - 3 plates of that + 4 drinks - all for $15 !
It was a long and tiring day. we had been there for just 2 days and it seemed like a life time. The highlight of the day was the Penguin Colony. It was only going to get better tomorrow. We went to bed with a contented smile on our faces!
2 comments:
Day 2: Its getting better and better. Can't wait to hear the rest!
I'm loving reading your blog! I was in the Galápagos in February and absolutely loved it. Looking forward to hearing more.
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