January 30th, 2006

ESPANOLA
Up bright and early to be on shore as the sun rose. It turned out to be a great idea, because we beat the heat and the other tourists, and caught all the animals in their morning routines. The sea lions were lounging about across the paths and on the beaches. Just the babies were awake, sometimes nudging moms to roll over so they could nurse (apparently sea lions nurse for 1 year and the mothers can become pregnant again a few weeks after giving birth), sometimes playing in the waves with each other. SO cute. There were also sluggish iguanas before the sun came up. And tons of birds. Nasca Boobies were nesting and feeding their young and some juveniles (who were rather ugly) were causing trouble. Blue-Footed Boobies who whistled and quacked and danced. There were also doves and gulls and frigate birds. And of course, beautiful (if rocky) views. Then back on the boat as loads of somewhat older groups from fancier boats got to the island for their tour.

SAN CRISTOBAL
After about 4 hours of boating we arrived at the port where the Poseidon “makes berth.” We were quickly ushered off the boat and onto the island. There was a museum of sorts – “the Interpretation Center” – that had lots of information on the human history and current conservation of the islands. There was also some information on evolution and the formation of the islands. From there, Erica and I walked into town to find a post office and ice cream (nice and cold!). The directions we got to the post office were a bit confusing, so we asked a second time when we realized we were probably on the wrong street. Found the post office and some ice cream, but everything else was closed. Then we tried to find a snorkel spot that John (our guide) had pointed out to us on the map. However, we wound up at a beach. We stuck our feet in the water and declared it far too cold to swim or snorkel. Instead, we watched the sea lions and turtles in the water for a bit, then made another attempt at finding the snorkel spot. After starting at the beginning again, we succeeded. It was a beautiful spot to sit in for a little while, even without the snorkeling. Then another walk back over the rocky trails to meet the panga at 6:00. After dinner, several of us hung out around the dining table, discussing travel, TV, politics, and pets.