Bartolome & Santiago Islands
The beginning of a new week came with a pleasant morning sufficiently illuminated but not hot at all. The island of Bartolome was an expected visit for our group, and we were very content with what we found. After the spectacular scenery from the summit of this little island, we enjoyed a snorkeling session in slightly murky water, a product of a northern swell. The swell is an indicator of the change of weather. Apparently soon we’ll be experiencing another rainy season.
The murky water was enhanced by the presence of myriads of fish of many colors and species which made our minds stray; we saw so much that we actually forget about the murkiness! The morning was over, too soon, but as we were departing a pod of bottle nose dolphins came and passed under the ship, delighting us with their presence.
In the afternoon, at James Bay, we were able to see turtles grazing under water, curious sea lions and several species of fish. Along the shore the presence of many migratory shore birds was enchanting. Also, we enjoyed several fur seals as well as sea lions swimming together in the ever magical grottos. Mockingbirds and finches were flying by as we hiked the trail, while some yellow warblers entertained us with their comical but accurate jumps developed to catch insects along the coast line.
The light at the end of the afternoon was of poetic beauty, giving the vegetation a magical fairy tale appearance. We left the island of Santiago looking ahead and wondering what tomorrow will be like, for now it is impossible for us to take the Galápagos out of our minds.
The beginning of a new week came with a pleasant morning sufficiently illuminated but not hot at all. The island of Bartolome was an expected visit for our group, and we were very content with what we found. After the spectacular scenery from the summit of this little island, we enjoyed a snorkeling session in slightly murky water, a product of a northern swell. The swell is an indicator of the change of weather. Apparently soon we’ll be experiencing another rainy season.
The murky water was enhanced by the presence of myriads of fish of many colors and species which made our minds stray; we saw so much that we actually forget about the murkiness! The morning was over, too soon, but as we were departing a pod of bottle nose dolphins came and passed under the ship, delighting us with their presence.
In the afternoon, at James Bay, we were able to see turtles grazing under water, curious sea lions and several species of fish. Along the shore the presence of many migratory shore birds was enchanting. Also, we enjoyed several fur seals as well as sea lions swimming together in the ever magical grottos. Mockingbirds and finches were flying by as we hiked the trail, while some yellow warblers entertained us with their comical but accurate jumps developed to catch insects along the coast line.
The light at the end of the afternoon was of poetic beauty, giving the vegetation a magical fairy tale appearance. We left the island of Santiago looking ahead and wondering what tomorrow will be like, for now it is impossible for us to take the Galápagos out of our minds.
