Galapagos Islands – day 7

Bartolome Island

Breakfast anchored in Puerto Egas – also known as James Bay.

In the early days – this island or should I say this Bay was the site of a Salt mining industry. We did not see the mine – but some of the building that are empty and starting to erode. The foundation piles of the houses can still be seen on the flat area above the bay.

During our walk – spotted a Galapagos snake and some Oystercatchers – again lots of lava lizards, fur seals, marina Iguanas.

After Lunch it is a climb  up Bartolome Island – now what makes this island different to most we have been on – it is not a volcano – so is is not formed by lava – it is ash that has become hard like rock. To get to the top – the National Parks people have build a walkway – steps and sloping sections. This has two purposes – one to make it easier for us and second to protect the island. Many people walking up a sandy type rock helps to turn it into dust and the wind blows it off the island.

Great views from the top – and on the way up.

I should mention Alyce at this stage – the day after we finish our cruise – she is booked to run a half marathon on Santa Cruz island. So the last part of this climb is about 50 + steps pretty much straight up. We set her the task of running up these. Now George one of our other passengers – also took up the challenge and off they both when up the hill – flat out. I tried it after them and got about 75% of the way up before running out of puff.

Now I have to report that Alyce was the first women to finish the half – good on you Alyce – great result.

Back to the Beluga to start packing – yes only one more part day left. Tomorrow is a very early start – hence the reason for main packing today.

Before Dinner was the Farewell cocktail drink – crew all dressed up again – they looked great – all in white.

After Dinner – time to pay our bar bills – and tip time. I know this is not something we do in NZ but it is hard not to give to those who have worked so hard to make our cruise one of the best trips you can take anywhere in the world.

These Islands are as near to untouched as you can get in this polluted world and the wildlife are unafraid of us humans – I do not know anywhere in the world where this also happens.

I am packed and ready for bed.

Very early breakfast in the morning and we will be at North Seymour Island.

 

chau