On Again Off Again

A before-breakfast hike on Bartolome, a forbidding volcanic islet off the coast of Santiago Island. The challenge was a climb to the top to see a fabulous view including an underwater cinder cone remnant. We threw caution to the wind and went with the fast hikers, saving the naturalist's commentary for the summit. The climb was from sea level (of course) to 360 feet but we were helped considerably by wooden steps constructed by the Galapagos National Park Service. It was early and not too hot although humid after the heavy rain we had yesterday in the late afternoon and evening.

Back for breakfast and then on to the beach for some deep water snorkeling where there was quite a current and some waves to deal with. It was a wonderful beach with a very dramatic rocks and spires. As we landed, we made a bit of a detour to see our first Galapagos penguin hanging out on a rock. He was quite small and dark with a bit of white on his front. Wow! The snorkeling was demanding but it's always great to get into the water and we got good exercise.

After lunch, there was another deep water snorkel scheduled but it was overcast and there was still that chop to deal with. Ron, Jackie and Larry opted out and I didn't really want to find another dive buddy, so I exited my wet suit and got dressed to stay on the ship. I was about to leave the cabin when my friend Riva knocked on the door to say, "Come on, Jane!" You guessed it - I suited up again in less than a minute and off we went.

We ended up in a secluded area and, although it was overcast, the animals in the water were incredible. We swam in the middle of large schools of fish, saw many wonderful species, and were floating around in perfect serenity. Then the most incredible thing - one of the panga drivers shouted to our underwater camera guy and began pointing wildly. I looked over to see 4 or 5 penguins in the water and off I went to join the parade. I was swimming right behind them and could see their little feet and bellies under the water right in front of me. When I raised my head out of the water, there were their heads and backs floating along. I could not believe my luck. That went on for at least a minute. Awesome.

We finally got back into the panga when another naturalist shouted that there was a shark in an underwater cave near us. We all bailed out of the boat again only this time I didn't bother with my fins. We swam over and dove under water to view the shark in the cave. I was thrilled! Hung out there for 10 minutes or so and then finally back to the panga. We came back to the ship in pouring down rain with not a care in the world, congratulating ourselves for not missing such a great time.

We were to have a panga ride around these small islands in hopes of seeing more animals, but this was canceled because of rain. So now a little time to catch up before our daily briefing which will be followed by a barbecue dinner outside on the pool deck. I predict a diet in my immediate future. Thank God we've been so active!