Bob and Ann in Peru and Equador in 2008

Marine iguana

October 20 - The Galapagos - By 8AM we were ready to take pangas to the other side of Isla Santiago. After landing we threaded our way past many sea lions on the beach. Passing by birds, many sunning iguanas and pelicans standing on the crab-covered black lava stacks, we stopped to watch a new born sea lion pup trying to squirm to his mother's side. The umbilical cord was still attached to the baby and the bloody placenta testified to the age of the 2-hour-old pup.

Fur seal


Galapagos Penquin

Further along the trail we investigated blow wholes and lava tubes where fur seals live. They cling to cliffs and outcroppings and seem lethargic.

After lunch we snorkeled and walked and then took pangas to Isla Rabida for more snorkeling. Today Ann wore a short wet suit allowing a much warmer, longer swim. Again we shared the beach and water with lounging sea lions, and we watched blue-footed boobies diving for fish among snorkelers.

Back on Athala again and under way to Isla San Cristobal we had very rough seas. Outside it seemed OK but in our stateroom on the 2nd deck we were tossed around a bit by the big waves. Finally after sitting around and chatting for an hour Harry gave us his pep talk about tomorrow. He had arranged for us to take a bus to see the giant tortoises at the mid-island preserve before we catch our flight tomorrow.

Another cocktail, crème-de-cocoa this time and we made toasts before our delicious dinner of Kabobs, rice with corn and nice flan. We tried to pack but decided to wait for calmer seas. (We were clinging to our beds to keep from being tossed out until we set anchor around 2AM.