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DAY SEVEN ~ San Cristobal: Isla Lobos and the Interpretation Center

We had an early breakfast this morning, 6:30, and we made a dry landing on Isla Lobos at 7:00 AM.

It was a very rocky coast, and we had to really watch our footing.

These boulders seemed to be everywhere, and I felt like a kid again as I navigated them.

There was some sandy places though, affording the sea lions a place to bask in the sun.

The Blue Footed Booby was no stranger by now. They are like chickens, fearless of man.

It was very sad, because this pair of Boobies lost their chick. It had died, but they would not leave it.

I really felt sorry for this them. They wouldn't leave it, but kept nudging it, hoping it would come to life.
I must have stood there 15 minutes just watching them, seeing their frustration, and their incomprehension.

We have finished our hike on Isla Lobos and are now waiting for the Zodiacs to come fetch us for lunch.
The sea lions were always so curious of us. They never showed any fear. It was like we were one of them.

Since we got up so early, we had time for some snorkeling before lunch. I think this was the dive where we saw the marine iguanas under water, feeding on the emerald green seaweed that was growing on the rocks. We also dove near a sea lion pack, and lots of the young ones entered the water to play with us. They were very curious, and man are they FAST.

After we got back to the boat, our core temperatures were still down from the cold water. Even the wet suits
didn't help much. So we took a hot shower and had a cup of steaming hot coffee on our balcony, in our robes.

After lunch we took the Zodiacs to shore and payed a visit to the Interpretation Center & Galapaquera. It was a pretty interesting place. They crammed a lot of information into a rather small space. It was a self guided tour, so there was lots of stuff to read at every station, and some old historical photos as well.

Heading for shore, you can see that San Cristobal has quite a thriving little community.

San Cristobal or Chatham is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and also one the oldest. There is rich vegetation in the southern portion of the island. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the provincial capital of the Galapagos and the second largest settlement area in the islands. It originated as a penal colony more than a hundred years ago. It is now a sleepy town overlooking the harbor and is known for its relaxed attitude. The island is 558 square km in area, has a population of 5,500, and its highest peak is 730 meters (2,395 feet). It is the only island with fresh sweet water, which is derived from dew and resides in a volcanic crater, providing fresh water to the islanders and tour ships.

There really is much to see on this island. I was sorry that our visit there was so short.

A naval vessel was at anchor in the harbor at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
on San Cristobal. It must have been an Ecuadoran Coast Guard vessel.

Well, I don't know about the "Capital of Paradise" but San Cristobal certainly did have a lot to offer.

Well, I've reached 4.7 MB, so will close for now, and pick up in the next chapter.