Apr 16 – Galapagos Day 2

Apr 16 – Galapagos Day 2

7am start this time…………….no lazy lie ins on this holiday !! We’ll need a holiday afterwards….

The ship had moved on about 4am and then anchored again at 7am, so our first visit today is to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Not for wildlife this time but for geology.

The Galapagos islands are all volcanic, and there have been several eruptions, one just 2 years ago.

In the early 1900’s a volcanic eruption here covered this part of the island in molten lava which quickly hardened into all sorts of amazing patterns and shapes as it tried to find a route through.

Lava Field

We wandered around finding ever more exotic patterns in the lava field.

We also saw some pioneer plants which over the next 100 years will turn this lava field into a green covered area again. No stepping on those little chaps, it’s taken them long enough to get here and get established ! 

We also saw lots of lava lizards who treat the lava field as an ideal home.

Although it was still early, by now about 10am, it was cooking hot, so we were all glad they did this trip early in the day !  For those who wanted there were snorkelling trips in the early afternoon before our next outing in the late afternoon to Bartolome Island (the one they filmed for Master and Commander – although Russell Crowe never came to the islands….)

Steve and I sunbathed on the top deck (or shade bathed it was so hot !) while Paul and Mandy went snorkelling and in the afternoon we headed out for our afternoon walk on Bartolome Island. Slight problem to begin with as there was a sea lion having an afternoon kip in our panga ! 

Move ?.....Who Me ?

Okay, thats as far as I go...

Bartolome Island from Sullivan Bay

As the eco system on Bartolome Island is very fragile, plus there are lots of snakes and the pioneer plants just becoming established, 

it is the one place in the islands where they have built a wooden stairway to the top, so we climbed the 375 steps to the light beacon at the top for a wonderful view of the island. No problem  (in 30 degrees with 70% humidity - just a stroll !)

The route up

Made It !

The View....

Back down and into the pangas for a return trip as the sun was setting and back in time for sundowners on the open deck.

After dinner it was up onto the top deck lying on loungers star gazing and planet spotting as the ship moved through the water. The skies were clear and the view of the Milky Way was wonderful. Another lovely day…