Thursday October 6th ... Blog Entry Rabida Island and Santiago Egas Port

This morning we woke up to a morning mist that is called Garua.  This is an early morning mist when the warm patches of air mix with the cooler air.  The locals often refer to the Islands as Las Encantadas which means Enchanted Islands.  The fog moves though like a fine rain.

We boarded our zodiacs and before landing this morning we took a zodiac ride along the rocky lava coast.  There are so many things to see and photograph as you slowly sail along the coastline.  Many sea birds, sea lions and other water dwelling creatures could be seen as we explored the rocky shores.  Quite a few of the first images were shot from the zodiacs.  Just as we were about to head into shore we spotted Dolphins and headed out to see what they were up too.

As we got closer the Dolphins decided to play along the zodiac and soon were swimming around us.  We spent some time following them before heading into the shore for our first landing of the morning.

It is approaching the rainy season and soon the hills will be turning green, again one of the images below shows the barren trees waiting for the rain.  We visited another salt water lagoon and again one solitary Flamingo feeding.  It still made for some interesting shots.  We took a short hike to the more rocky and cliff side of the island and then completed the morning with snorkeling on the beach.  The curious Sea Lions came out into the bay to play.  Some of the group also saw a white tipped shark swimming in the bay.  

We returned to the ship for lunch and a short navigation to Port Egas on Santiago Island.  This volcanic region offered up many photo opportunities starting on the black lava beach and as we followed the trails into the hills.  We circled back and followed the black lava rock coast line passing deep water grattos and beautiful views along the shore.  The sea breeze felt great as took time to do some photography by the sea.

On this Island we found lava formations called Pahoehoe, which is an Hawaiian word.  The lava flow continues to move under the hardening surface to make for some interesting rippled patterns.

We finished the afternoon visit with another snorkeling opportunity.  This afternoon had an interesting twist, as some of the group were exploring the waters along the shore, a curious Galapagos Penguin decided to check them out.  He swam around them and then headed to the shore.  Another great day of experiences in the Galapagos.

Tonight will be one of our longest navigations as we head to the other side of the largest Island Isabella.  We will make two landings one the island of Fernandina then then sail in the afternoon to the back side of Isabella to Targus Cove.  We will cross the equator twice tonight but it will be through the night.  We will have opportunity to cross during evening hours the day after tomorrow.  Enjoy the images from today.

The map shows todays navigation.  Overnight we sailed to the small island of Rabida that’s the arrow.  Then in the afternoon sailed to Egas Point on the island of Santiago.

Source: http://www.freeworldmaps.net/southamerica/galapagos/map.html

Ron, Paul, Maria and Lorna with life jackets on and ready to start the morning landing.

The group heading out to explore the coastline.  That is an island wall of trees you see in the background.

We slowly drifted towards the lava rock shoreline cameras ready.

The group exploring the coastline.  This image was shot by Michelle Rondeau, thanks for sending it to me.

Some great close-up opportunities including a very cooperative Blue Footed Booby.

You looking at me???

A close up of those beautiful blue feet.

These guys are everywhere in the islands.

A Mocking bird keeping an eye on us as we pass.

A Pelican fishing close to the water.  He did not seem to care how close we came to him.

Ever get that feeling you are being watched???

A Heron looking for food.

The Iguana’s are coming the Iguana’s are coming.  This image was shot by Sandi Spaulding, thanks for sharing.

Dolphins off the coast.

As we got closer the Dolphins got closer and played around the zodiac.

This is a series of thee images of a Heron fishing along the waters edge.  This shot shows him eating his catch.

Keeping a watchful eye ...

After going out to see the dolphins, he was still standing along the rocks as we passed by again.

I can’t get enough close-ups of the Sea Lions, if you have not noticed.

A Star Fish on the beach, notice the red lava base on this beach.

Another shot of the trees waiting for the rainy season.

Reflections ... Pink Flamingo in the salt water lagoon.

Ok what has everyone’s attention?  Marilyn, Linda, Bonnie and Karen are in this image.

That’s what they are shooting, this curious lava lizard poising for the group.

Diane, Maria and Dave.  Beautiful smile Diane!

Another Lava lizard.

Flowering cactus as the rainy season approaches.

More cactus.

Red coast of Rabida

More of the red coast, this is another image by Sandi Spaulding.

Great view from up here!!

The sea is full of snorkelers ..

Again the Sea Lions on this island don’t follow the same distance rules.  This guy decided to watch our gear while we were on our hike.

Diane swimming with a curious friend.

Now there are two, what great fun.

Notice the interesting layers, clouds, mountains, water and land.

View of the volcano as we hiked along the trail.

Great lighting to show off the colour of the Sally Lightfoot Crab.

The lava coastline.

The ocean has eroded the lava rock to make interesting formations.

Lorna, Erika, Maria exploring the coast, Frank and Kate in the background.

A panoramic shot of the coastline, 12 vertical images stiched together.

Marine Iguana returning from feeding at sea.

A close-up, they love to pose.

A Yellow Finch at the sea shore.

Terry standing in front of some Pahoehoe lava.

Nancy and Kate taking a break to enjoy the view.

Brenda, Nancy and Jim snorkeling.  See their curious visitor, that’s a Galapagos Penguin swimming right in front of Nancy.

The penguin then swam to the shore and took a break.

Another shot of the penguin.  We only saw one today, but we will see plenty where we are visiting tomorrow.

The lava rock / sand beach made for an interesting and photogenic landing.

Getting ready to head back to our ship after another busy day of exploring and photography.

The map shows tonights navigation.  We cill cross the equator twice tonight, but it will be during the night and we will be asleep.  The adventure continues ..