Today we started early and landed on Bartholomew Island while it was overcast and cloudy, perfect for climbing a mountain. The walk offered the opportunity to identify four endemic settler plants and to explain their importance in the succession of life on newly formed islands. These are the pioneers that establish life and start the slow process of soil formation. As we walked up the mountain on a wooden walkway we identified spatter cones and lava tubes that form spectacular scenery. From the top of the mountain we observed the islands around this region.
After the walk and breakfast we went snorkeling where we saw penguins, rays, sea stars and tropical fish. By then the day had opened up and the sun was shining.
After snorkeling we went back on board and had lunch as we navigated towards Rabida Island. This is a red island due to the rust of the iron found in the basaltic lava. Some of us kayaked while others went snorkeling again. Here we saw an octopus, sea lions, pacific green turtles and lots of different fish. The water was warm and clear making the experience ideal.
Once we showered and changed we went to walk Rabida’s beach where there is a brackish lagoon and just as we landed a Greater Flamingo landed in the lagoon. Sometimes we get lucky! This flamingo landed close to the shoreline and stayed with us for the longest time allowing us to take as many pictures as we wanted, with the best sunlight of the day. It was another perfect day in paradise.
