Isla Gorgona

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In March 2006 I took a 5-day trip to the island of Isla Gorgona. It is now a national park and its coral reefs and tropical treasures are protected from fishing interests and other exploitation. The snorkeling was excellent and I saw sea turtles, sharks, sting rays and many colorful tropical fish. I will never forget this isolated and unique place.

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Photos

Buenaventura Building Art
I love any kind of art.

Boarding the Boat in Buenaventura
I took a freight boat out to the island. It was an 8-hour excursion at night.

Isla Gorgona Prison
Isla Gorgona was a former penal colony of Colombia in the beginning of "La Violencia". The prison was commissioned in the 1950's and had a reputation that puts Alcatraz to shame. The inmates slept on these

Isla Gorgona Prison
Bats escape the daylight and heat

Monkeys (Micos)
These playful guys visited twice daily and were always causing mischief

Monkeys (Micos)
Posing for a photo

Monkeys (Micos)
Hey, got any food?

Monkeys (Micos)
Showing their teeth to try and scare me. I showed mine to them and that intimidated them. They are so human-like sometimes.

Monkeys (Micos)
Making th afternoon rounds in front of the sleeping quarters.

Cemetary
Many were brutalized and tortured and their lives are buried in the past in this beautiful island paradise

The Gorgon (medusa)
When the Spanish came here to seek haven from storms and pirates, some men lost to their lives to snake bites. The island is infested with venemous vipers. Thus the name Gorgon(a)

Whale Skeleton
While snorkeling one day. In the distance I saw a school of killer whales. Very Cool! Rather see them alive than in bones.

Whale Statue
Humpback Whale statue. These whales usually migrate past Isla Gorgona from June through August

Pre-Colombian Carvings
This is neat. Ancient cultures had their own form of art. I also found a very old fishing line sinker while scavanging on the beach. History is all around us. Those who ignore it, do not understand where we are going in this world of mystery.

Island Paradise
I couldnt get enough of the beach and snorkeling in this wonderful ocean hideaway. I saw a sea turlte everyday when snorkeling. By the last day the turlte was circling me where I could have grabbed on to go for a ride. Just admired the beautiful creature that is in danger of extinction from fishing nets.

So Long Isla Gorgeous (ona)
Majestic goodbye. I'll never forget this place.

Comments

[Angelique Dodaro-Capalbo]

How Exciting!
Hi Jack.... these photos are awesome! So happy you are enjoying your life out there! Keep in touch! And we promise to keep you in our prayers for safety and good health and spirit. Hugs. Angelique