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Published: August 22nd 2007
Galapagos - Santa Fe
Se lions on the beachWe sailed overnight to Santa Fe, going ashore to walk the trail up on to the ridge in search of the Santa Fe iguanas, which are a lighter colour here than elsewhere. This landing beach was home to a number of fairly aggressive male sea lions, which we tried to give a wide berth. On the second part of the trail there were a number of male sealions who had lost the fight for territory or females and who had retired out of the fray to rest up.
Afterwards we snorkelled from the panga along the edge of an offshore islet - lots of fishes again, and some very playful sealions. Once again I failed to see the shark which the others noticed just after entering the water. The water was as cold as ever, but I stayed in quite a long time, as this wa to be the last snorkel.
After this, we headed to San Cristobel, where we visited the Interpretation Centre, and waqndered back via various shops, then sat down with some of the others for a welcome beer by a seafront bar.
Before dinner, back on board, we were treated to a farewell cocktail
- this being the last night - then dinner, with a special cake for dessert. A jolly occasion, tinged with sadness, that it was ending, but relief at the thought of being on dry land again. It can always be a worry to think that you'll be cooped up in a small space with a number of unknown people, but it had all gelled surprisingly well, and everyone was still talking to each other by the end, and even new friendships forged. The crew were excellent, and really had looked after us well, so overall, a very good trip, with amazing and unforgettable memories.
Overnight we sailed to Baltra, where we visited a mangrove fringed lagoon early in the morning on the panga, hoping to see sharks and rays. I was on the wrong side of the boat to spot much - briefly saw a shark, and the passing shadow of a ray, but that was it.
Back on board, we had breakfast, then headed back to the landing stage at Baltra for the airport transfer, where unfortunately we had more than 4 hours to wait for the flight back to Quito.
Once back, we booked to
go to the paella restaurant which Bill had selected from his guidbook - before he lost it. This time we took a taxi to make sure of getting there - and well worth the trip it was, too, as the food was exdcellent, and helpings huge - even for Bill.
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