Overnight, we cruised to Bartolome Island. In the morning, we boarded our trusty Zodiak and headed ashore for an exhausting climb up to the lighthouse, led by one of the naturalists. The views were spectacular. An interesting point: Everyone (and we do mean everyone) who works in the Galapagos is required by law to be Ecuadorian. That means the entire ship's crew and the guides. The guides and naturalists on our trip were all from the Galapagos and really knew their stuff.
Pinnacle Rock:
As for wildlife, there were more tired humans than anything else. We did see plenty of Lava Lizards, which are found all around the islands. As happens with several species, some of these lizards are endemic to a single island in particular.
Everybody back on the ship, we headed for Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer's Cove) on Isla Santiago, about 1 1/2 hour boat ride away.
After arriving at Buccaneer's Cove, we had some time off to wander the decks. We spotted porpoises and a number of sea birds playing near the ship.
While taking pictures, the wind popped Pati's hat right off and into the drink. Seeing us waving goodbye to the hat, Zodiak driver and local hero Jorge performed an at-sea hat rescue and saved the planet from environmental contamination. And Pati got her wet hat back.
An afternoon Zodiak tour of the cove challenged us to our first attempts at photographing wildlife other than Lava Lizards. We did get some shots, but the critters were moving and so was the Zodiak. Here, anyway, is the lovely rock they call "The Monk".
More wine, and dinner. We were treated to local specialties every morning at breakfast, even at the hotel in Quito. Tamales (called humitas) for breakfast! Dinners aboard ship also had an Ecuadorian flair.
