Isla Ildefonso & San Basilio
The lumpy forms of dark foreboding clouds covered much of the sky at dawn. Their undersides had a faint golden hue that became more intense as the horizon brightened. What at first appeared to be possible rain changed to a clearing sky as we turned into the lee of Isla Ildefonso and anchored. Coarse, ragged rocks make up this reddish volcanic island. Its shape looks like someone has thrown a wet mud ball onto the sidewalk.
After breakfast we boarded Zodiacs and explored these steep jumbled walls that rise from the sea. Blue-footed boobies passed overhead, and few were seen atop the flatter areas of guano-covered rock. Brown boobies stood within small hollows or on tiny ledges on the rock faces. Their intent stares were occasionally broken by a quick squirt of whitewash. Some of the avian highlights were American oystercatchers watching us watching them. Their bills are flattened from the sides to allow them to force these bright red tools into clams, mussels and oysters. Once they’ve made the insertion they twist their bill like you would turn a screwdriver to pry an entrance to their meal. Bright red-and-yellow Sally Lightfoot crabs might have been the most popular creature out there for some.
A peregrine falcon flew past us at high speed. These raptors are the jet fighters of the avian world, smashing into hapless birds with their tightly squeezed talons. Their prey is knocked senseless by the force and is soon reduced to floating feathers.
We headed for San Basilio, pushed along with a 3-foot following sea. This area has several superb stretches of sand that can be seen in today’s photo. Hikers either explored the extensive shoreline or went inland from the wash and beach in the center of the photo. Snorkelers had a great time from a hidden cove. Today was also a good time to enjoy the ship, spa and catch up on reading. Later in the day the chairs for the barbeque dinner were set out. They can be seen at the bottom of the photo. Soon afterward the fire was lit, the aroma from the barbeque filled the air and our guests arrived at the party.
The lumpy forms of dark foreboding clouds covered much of the sky at dawn. Their undersides had a faint golden hue that became more intense as the horizon brightened. What at first appeared to be possible rain changed to a clearing sky as we turned into the lee of Isla Ildefonso and anchored. Coarse, ragged rocks make up this reddish volcanic island. Its shape looks like someone has thrown a wet mud ball onto the sidewalk.
After breakfast we boarded Zodiacs and explored these steep jumbled walls that rise from the sea. Blue-footed boobies passed overhead, and few were seen atop the flatter areas of guano-covered rock. Brown boobies stood within small hollows or on tiny ledges on the rock faces. Their intent stares were occasionally broken by a quick squirt of whitewash. Some of the avian highlights were American oystercatchers watching us watching them. Their bills are flattened from the sides to allow them to force these bright red tools into clams, mussels and oysters. Once they’ve made the insertion they twist their bill like you would turn a screwdriver to pry an entrance to their meal. Bright red-and-yellow Sally Lightfoot crabs might have been the most popular creature out there for some.
A peregrine falcon flew past us at high speed. These raptors are the jet fighters of the avian world, smashing into hapless birds with their tightly squeezed talons. Their prey is knocked senseless by the force and is soon reduced to floating feathers.
We headed for San Basilio, pushed along with a 3-foot following sea. This area has several superb stretches of sand that can be seen in today’s photo. Hikers either explored the extensive shoreline or went inland from the wash and beach in the center of the photo. Snorkelers had a great time from a hidden cove. Today was also a good time to enjoy the ship, spa and catch up on reading. Later in the day the chairs for the barbeque dinner were set out. They can be seen at the bottom of the photo. Soon afterward the fire was lit, the aroma from the barbeque filled the air and our guests arrived at the party.
