Los Islotes
Our day began with the noise of California sea lions. We were anchored for most of the night on the Sea Bird. After breakfast we reanchored along the south face of the “islets,” then we were able to enjoy wonderful views of the sea lions as they ventured from rock to rock sea to strata and back again. Their swimming ability impressed us almost as much as their noisiness. After everyone had taken a turn on the Zodiacs, it was now time to get wet with these playful creatures. At first they would mimic our awkward actions as we clumsily plowed the water surrounding the rocks. A few, growing tired of this muscle-cramping turpitude, began flying through the water, at least in comparison to our slow crawl. The fish were equally impressive as we swam and enjoyed the environs of Los Islotes.
Our afternoon was spent cruising the western waters of Espiritu Santo. The geologic exposures reminding us of some crazed gigantic pink cake created by an angry baker of an Aztec god. Our afternoon landing, only briefly delayed by a playful humpback in the shallow waters of San Lorenzo channel, would be at Punta Dispensa. This wide flat beach is one of the better spots for “hunting wabbits,” in the words of Elmer Fudd. The elusive, rare, and endemic black jackrabbit of Espiritu Santo was our quarry for the afternoon. Our naturalist, Lee Moll, did not disappoint. After some searching, a flash appeared ahead of us as the creature was stirred to sprint forth in flee of danger. The long ears, large eyes, and twitching nose were sure signs of the diagnostic attributes of this unique denizen of the island of Espiritu Santo.
Our day began with the noise of California sea lions. We were anchored for most of the night on the Sea Bird. After breakfast we reanchored along the south face of the “islets,” then we were able to enjoy wonderful views of the sea lions as they ventured from rock to rock sea to strata and back again. Their swimming ability impressed us almost as much as their noisiness. After everyone had taken a turn on the Zodiacs, it was now time to get wet with these playful creatures. At first they would mimic our awkward actions as we clumsily plowed the water surrounding the rocks. A few, growing tired of this muscle-cramping turpitude, began flying through the water, at least in comparison to our slow crawl. The fish were equally impressive as we swam and enjoyed the environs of Los Islotes.
Our afternoon was spent cruising the western waters of Espiritu Santo. The geologic exposures reminding us of some crazed gigantic pink cake created by an angry baker of an Aztec god. Our afternoon landing, only briefly delayed by a playful humpback in the shallow waters of San Lorenzo channel, would be at Punta Dispensa. This wide flat beach is one of the better spots for “hunting wabbits,” in the words of Elmer Fudd. The elusive, rare, and endemic black jackrabbit of Espiritu Santo was our quarry for the afternoon. Our naturalist, Lee Moll, did not disappoint. After some searching, a flash appeared ahead of us as the creature was stirred to sprint forth in flee of danger. The long ears, large eyes, and twitching nose were sure signs of the diagnostic attributes of this unique denizen of the island of Espiritu Santo.
