Cruise Day 7

Today we went to Floreana Island. We walked through a lava tube in the morning. It was a very steep climb into the tube and a part that was hard to stand up, but when we got to the bottom there was no problem. It was completely dark and we needed flashlights. Once we were down there someone wanted to turn off the flash lights and enjoy the silence. I was affraid that I would start laughing, but warned the group. But I was not the first one to start laughing. people started making noises, which then made it appropriate for me to laugh.

Once that was over, we climber out of the tube and went to a little place called Post Office bay. This is a little mailebox created a long time ago by whales and explorers. People would put letters in a box and when new people arrived they would search through the mail and if any of it was going to their home, they would take it and hand deliver the letter. it would take up to 5 years sometimes. This is still active for tourists today. I placed a post card in the box and we will see if it ever makes it where it was going. We were allowed to snorkel off the beach, but I was a little tired. Instead I sat and watched. i was also invited to play soccer with all of the cabin boys.

Later we went snorkeling at a place called Devils crown. It was the best snorkeling of the trip. we were snorkeling from the pangas again, wich always makes me nervous but I feel more comfortable when Antonio snorkels with us, despite the fact that he provokes the sharks. When we got into the water it was so clear and deep you could see nothing but blue. it was rather creepy. Once we swam closer to the rocks we began seeing all sorts of sea life. once I looked down I had a minor freak out. I was swimming over 6 or 7 sharks. They were circling right below me! It was so hard to keep my legs still and not freak out. it was by far the scariest thing ever! I moved away slowly after observing the sharks. Then i saw a school of rays. they are so graceful in the water. We saw many schools of fish and even fish we had yet to see snorkeling. it was so clear and blue. it was so quietyou could hear the fish. Snorkeling was amazing. perfect conditions and many different animals. Again, another great day.

In the afternoon we walked to Punta Cormorant and saw iguanas and flamingos. We also saw the usual sea lions and SEA TURTLES! Absolutely amazing. The sea turtles were coming on shore getting ready to lay eggs. An absolutely spectacular event. We were so close, we backed off to give them space. it has to be hard to be a sea turlte. i could have watched them all day long. i got some pictures, but I tried to keep my distance so I wouldn´t put these animals in any more distress. then we went back to the flamingos and Antonio told us about the history of the island and the animals.

We went back to the boat and had a farewell cocktail (very strong, good bartender) then we had some bottles of wine and chatted until the morning. We had to finally go to bed and make sure our belongings were packed. This was such a fun group of people, it was again hard to say goodbye.

01/31/08