Sweathog and Mountain Woman: May 25, 2016 - Floriana Island, Galapagos

Breakfast was at 7:00 this morning but Liz and I were both up and out on deck just after 6:00 and caught the sunrise. After breakfast we boarded the Zodiac for the short ride to Brown Beach where we saw a mating pair of Blue Footed Boobys, some Booby nesting sites, a brackish lagoon and a white sand beach where we saw a few small Stingrays in the very shallow water.

We were back on the boat at 10:00 to prepare for a snorkeling trip to Devil's Crown. Ivan, our trip leader, warned of strong currents and said only those with snorkeling experience should go. So I told him that I would stay on board ship with the best other six, including Liz, that were not going. Ivan said that I should give it a try and if I didn't like it I could get back in the Zodiac which would always be nearby. Peg was certainly with me on this one and I had a great time. I have never been snorkeling in water over my head hurts and this was WAY over my head. One of the passengers, Betina, took me under her wing and was very helpful. I was actually able to be "fairly" relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed it. We saw many times colorful fish, a Galapagos Shark (about 5' away) and a juvenile Sea Lion that swam with the group for several minutes. Swimming into the current was tough and as I had already swum further than I have in my life I signaled for a pickup before I got exhausted. For me this entire event was remarkable. After another ten minutes or so we were all back on the Zodiac and headed back to the ship for lunch.

During lunch we pulled up anchor and headed toward Post Office Bay. After lunch it was back in the Zodiac and a landing on the sandy beach in Post Office Bay. During World War II the Dutch occupied this portion of the Island and had a Post Officeat this location. Of course that is all gone now but there is still a box there for people to drop postcards into. There is no mail pickup so people visiting are supposed to go through the cards and if there is one located near where you live you are supposed to take it and hand deliver it. There was one to a person in Boise so I took it and will deliver it.

Near the "Post Office" is a lava tube that extends for 200 meters and goes below sea level. It was very rough going and Liz had to call it quits after a short bit. We went in a little over 100 meters and were turned back by water. A rather unique experience it was. Then it was back to the beach for some more snorkeling. The water was very cloudy but I got a little more experience.

We are now back on the ship, showered and awaiting dinner.

ILYB

Blue Footed Booby