Bartholomew Island
What a great day we had today. Early in the morning we awoke to take a walk on Bartolome Island. It was 365 steps to reach the top at 359 feet; the highest point on this island. All of us that started this walk made it to the top at different paces, and we were all smiles (see today’s photo) as we were rewarded with an outstanding view of many volcanic craters, and the ocean all around us. A cool breeze and the soaring seabirds made us feel we were much higher than we really were.
We returned to the ship for breakfast and a snorkeling safety briefing. The naturalists distributed snorkeling gear and off we went to the beach to begin our exploration of the underwater realm of Galápagos. Penguins, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, and colorful tropical and subtropical fishes were observed. This unique combination of species can only be found here in these magical islands.
Back on board after a well deserved lunch, Expedition Leader Lynn Fowler gave us an introductory talk and slide show about the Galápagos environment. And by then the Captain had anchored off Puerto Egas, our next stop at the island of James. The afternoon outings were varied, as snorkelers and fast walkers got a chance to “do it all.” Another group of guests took the beautiful coastal hike at a slower pace.
Since the tide was low this afternoon, everyone had the opportunity to see the famous intertidal zone of this visitor site. We observed several species of waders, sea lions, sally light foot crabs, marine iguanas and algae beds upon which the iguanas were feeding. To our surprise, the iguanas were sneezing, but the naturalists explained that they are ridding themselves of excess salt combined with water, which is excreted by a gland above the eye cavity. Marine iguanas must desalinate their system, as they take in much seawater while grazing on the algae.
This was just the beginning on our expedition; only a taste of what these incomparable islands have to offer and the best is yet to come!
What a great day we had today. Early in the morning we awoke to take a walk on Bartolome Island. It was 365 steps to reach the top at 359 feet; the highest point on this island. All of us that started this walk made it to the top at different paces, and we were all smiles (see today’s photo) as we were rewarded with an outstanding view of many volcanic craters, and the ocean all around us. A cool breeze and the soaring seabirds made us feel we were much higher than we really were.
We returned to the ship for breakfast and a snorkeling safety briefing. The naturalists distributed snorkeling gear and off we went to the beach to begin our exploration of the underwater realm of Galápagos. Penguins, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, and colorful tropical and subtropical fishes were observed. This unique combination of species can only be found here in these magical islands.
Back on board after a well deserved lunch, Expedition Leader Lynn Fowler gave us an introductory talk and slide show about the Galápagos environment. And by then the Captain had anchored off Puerto Egas, our next stop at the island of James. The afternoon outings were varied, as snorkelers and fast walkers got a chance to “do it all.” Another group of guests took the beautiful coastal hike at a slower pace.
Since the tide was low this afternoon, everyone had the opportunity to see the famous intertidal zone of this visitor site. We observed several species of waders, sea lions, sally light foot crabs, marine iguanas and algae beds upon which the iguanas were feeding. To our surprise, the iguanas were sneezing, but the naturalists explained that they are ridding themselves of excess salt combined with water, which is excreted by a gland above the eye cavity. Marine iguanas must desalinate their system, as they take in much seawater while grazing on the algae.
This was just the beginning on our expedition; only a taste of what these incomparable islands have to offer and the best is yet to come!
