Cerro Dragon and Sombrero Chino

Thursday, March 27, featured an excursion to "Dragon Hill," on the northwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This area gets its name because it is has historically been the home of the dragon-like Galápagos land iguanas (endemic, of course). The walk was over rocky and rugged terrain in places, but there was a lot to see, especially the iguanas. The rest of the morning was spent snorkeling at the Guy Fawkes Islets off shore. In the afternoon we anchored close to the Sombrero Chino and Bainbridge islets, both one-time small parasitic volcanoes off of the larger Santiago Island. Evening closed with a sumptuous barbecue dinner out on the teak deck. We all got to compare snorkeling stories and get ready for the big last day tomorrow----more snorkeling. I have a deep blister-turned-cut on the top of my big toe, caused by my swim fins. But nothing will stop me from our last adventure. Get out the medical wrapping tape!

Bartolomé

Friday, March 28. 6:30 AM and we are off in zodiacs to Bartolomé Island. This is a wondrous volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island. It is a dramatic setting

A fuzzy cactus

The needles protect a young cactus from predators which might. climb up

with a moonscape of rust-colored "spatter cones," large pale tuff cones, and sooty lava flows. There is a long wooden staircase (372 steps!) taking energetic walkers to the top of this island. And what a view! Everyone made it, and it was so worth it. We were ready for breakfast.

After breakfast we all were taken by zodiac boats to Bartolomé beach, a beautiful white curve of sand. From there we trekked across sand dunes to the other side where we had fun poking around in tidal areas. We saw Sally lightfoot crabs, ghost crabs, gooseneck barnacles, penguins, lizards and sea birds. After the walk we grabbed our snorkeling gear and went in off of the beach. This was easily the highlight of the day. I think we got most of our underwater shots that morning. When we returned to the ship, we managed to round up most of the AoP people for a group picture. It came out great! Of course we are holding the local newspaper Press Telegram so that (hopefully) our picture will be printed.

The end of this day was snorkeling at [b[Puerto Egas on the western end of Santiago Island. We landed at

Our walk takes us by a pond

The small pond had three flamingos in it.

the beach and went in from there. The beach itself was pretty stark and full of big flies. We hurried to get in the water and away from those suckers. Not even time to take a picture of the beach! It was surprising that the water was quite shallow. But there were rocky protrusions underwater where there were hundreds of fish schooling about. Even sea lions came in to play. Many of our best underwater pictures come from this last outing. When we had to come in, we were sad----knowing this magical adventure in the Galápagos was over. But the memories are plentiful.

The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands, and scores of minor islets and skerries, creating a total land area of 3,125 sq. mi. spread over 53,300 sq. mi. of ocean.

Ten days of heaven. It took me forever to tell about it because I wanted to include as many pictures as possible. I know a lot of Aquarium of the Pacific folks will enjoy the diving pictures. I hope more AoP'ers will take advantage of wonderful trips in the future. Don't forget to look at the myriads