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Galapagos Islands Tour Nov 6th, 2016
November 07, 2016 at 3:56 AM
November 6th, 2016 - The volcanic isle of Bartolome
We left the ship at 6:30 a.m. and climbed the 374 steps to the top of the volcano at Bartolome to catch the sunrise. As you start the climb the landscape looks a totally different planet. There is very little vegetation and volcanic rock has a rust colouring. Once you reach the top the view is well worth the climb and very quickly you can see a panoramic view of how the islands were formed. We returned to our ship for breakfast then had time for snorkeling and a zodiac ride along the coastline were we were able to photograph a couple of Galapagos Penguins warming themselves with the morning sun.
Around 3:30 p.m. we left the ship again headed for a section of the island to walk on the lava formations that are relatively new from eruptions only 100 years ago. It was interesting to walk along the formations and see how a developing island can be set back 100’s of years when an eruption occurs. The afternoon setting sun highlighted the formations and made for some interesting photos.
Tomorrow we sail for the red sand island of Rabida and in the afternoon Dragon Hill, rightly named as it’s inhabitants are the giant land iguanas. Enjoy todays photos.
This is a Map showing our overnight sailing from Genovesa.
A view of the coastline as we approached the steps to climb to the top of the volcano.
Very interesting landscape as the island continues to evolve.
A B&W shot as we climbed up the steps. Pinnacle rock can be seen in the background.
The steps were mixed with boardwalks along the trail to the top.
Several platforms on the way to the top make for great view points.
Very interesting landscape.
Early morning is cool and made for an easy walk.
The group stops for a photo at the top.
A view of pinnacle rock and the lava flows to the top left we will visit this afternoon.
Fran and Ken stop to pose for a photo.
Mona and Dave, great to travel with you both.
Kathy and Lorne, fun time with you too.
Violet stopping for a shot too, great to travel with you.
Reflections in Omar’s glasses as we head back to the ship for breakfast.
Another view of the bay and pinnacle rock, great colour in the water.
Later in the morning we found a pair of penguins sunning themselves along the coast.
We were able to spend some time observing and photographing them.
Another shot as we sailed around the lava rocks.
The colour of the islands made for an interesting backdrop.
A sea lion enjoying the morning sun too.
Later in the afternoon we visited the lava formations, pinnacle rock in the background.
The formations made for great photography.
So many interesting shapes were created as the lava cooled.
Even time for some fun, look out Brian!
OK time to get out.
Kathy getting in on the fun too. As the lava settled cracks and holes appeared.
Very interesting landscape to walk on. The conservancy has set trails even here.
Some amazing formations with the setting sun to help with the highlights.
As the sun started to set we headed back to the ship and found three more penguins.
This guy allowed us to get in fairly close.
Another close up.
The are very animated.
Another shot of the penguin, they are great to observe.
We came upon these tow just as they were mating.
Heading back to our ship as the sun sets.
One last view of pinnacle rock as the sun sets behind the rocks.
One final map showing our route as we set last around 3:00 a.m. for our next location, Sullivan Bay.
That’s it for todays blog and photos. Good night from all the trekkers here in the Galapagos Islands.