Galapagos Adventure (Bartolome & Sombrero Chino Islands) Thursday, Nov. 24-Day 6

Happy Thanksgiving!  As much as I am loving this trip I am missing our traditional turkey dinner with family today.  44 years ago Andy and I were married on Thanksgiving Day and as we were leaving the church for our honeymoon at the Christopher Inn in Columbus, it was snowing! Much has changed over the years but now I have so much more to be thankful for!

This morning we anchored near the volcanic islet, Bartolome just off the east coast of Santiago Island. This tiny islet lies in the rain shadow of Santiago and Santa Cruz islands and few plant species can withstand the drought conditions that occur on Bartolome. The landscape looks like a moonscaped of rust colored "spatter cones" that contrast with the large pale tuff cones and sooty lava flows. The National Park system installed wooden steps and a boardwalk to minimize erosion as people hike to the 359 ft. summit.  I didn't count them, I was too busy breathing, but I was told there are 376 steps to the top.  Luke and Evan were the first to summit Bartolome Island. At 0615 we disembarked the Endeavor and headed for our dry landing on Bartolome Island.

Landing with the Endeavor in the background

This part wasn't so bad, the steps are my nemesis. 

Our goal is in sight

Our naturalist, Pato gave the boys the green light and off they went.

Luke and Evan, 1st to the top!

Evan, Luke & Ari
Young Explorer Buddies!

Heading back for breakfast. Luke is the 1st on the zodiac.

A late breakfast was served 0745-0845. Our morning schedule includes a 0900 Glass Bottom boat outing followed by 1015 Deep Water snorkel. Sharon inquired about the deep water snorkel so I will explain the concept.  Two snorkel options were available. Some guests preferred to go to the beach and enter the water to snorkel that way or they didn't have to snorkel at all.  Deep water snorkel meant that we would enter the water from the zodiac.  We all put on our masks and flippers and on the count of 3 we all slid into the water at the same time from the side of the zodiac. The snorkeling was the same with the exception of how we entered and we were usually off shore in waters that were 20-50+ ft. deep..  We floated on top, except for a few more experienced divers who would free dive to the bottom for photographs, and Luke even had a small additional bouyancy ring. The water was much deeper and we were often swimming or floating next to cliffs that held a multitude of marine life such as sea urchins, sea stars and eels.  Today was one of our most productive snorkel outings.

A small ray buried in the sand

Jason, our underwater specialist

The bottom was littered with sea stars

Luke and Jason

more schools of fish

A guinea fowl puffer fish is hidden in here

More sea stars and Luke's favorite, the chocolate chip sea star

Our afternoon snorkel included the Galapagos Penguin

Lunch was served in the dining room and they also had chicken and beef skewers out on the pool deck.  We ate at both places.  The beef skewers were the best. After lunch the Young Explores took a tour of the bridge to see how the ship was piloted.  The Endeavor had an open bridge policy so Luke and I had been there before but I'm sure it was a lot more fun today without grandma.  At 1400 there was a presentation "Darwin in the Galapagos".  At 1515 Luke and I put on our slightly damp wet suits for our 2nd snorkel of the day at Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat).  Another great snorkel experience. After the afternoon snorkel we took a zodiac ride back to Chinese Hat to view the penguins up close and were treated with a spectacular sunset on the way back to the Endeavor.

Galapagos Penguins were much smaller than I expected.

hard to see but there were 2 penguins in the background

This bull sea lion had his girls on this lovely beach

The sun was just beginning to sink into the Pacific Ocean

First we spotted the Frigate Birds and soon saw what had attracted them, a small fishing boat. The National Park allows fishing but all fish must be caught on single lines (like a fishing pole). Our naturalist spoke with them and they were going to spend the night on their boat and resume fishing in the morning.

This was one of my favorite afternoons. How thankful I am to have had this opportunity to share this special place with Luke! 

Thanksgiving Dinner was served in the dining room after our briefing for tomorrow's activities and we were also treated to a preview of our DVD that will chronicle our trip. After dinner we met in the lounge for the Endeavor Talent Show.  Most of the talent came from the younger generation.  Luke along with Bodhi and Evan did a Looney Tunes skit, and there were piano and vocal solos and a very talented group of teens made a movie trailer called the "Attack of the Tevas" that left everyone in stitches.  Tomorrow will be our last full day on the Endeavor and there is a palpable sadness among the staff and naturalists that have called this ship home for the last 6-12 years. This will be the last voyage of the Endeavor that was built as a fishing vessel in 1966 and then purchased by Sven Lindblad in 1997 and converted to a passenger ship. The Endeavor has traveled to most of the National Geographic destinations with the exception of the Antarctic. (don't quote me on that) She has already been purchased and will be replaced by a new ship, the Endeavor II.  I am so happy that we had the opportunity to be a part of this historic voyage.  It will remain one of my fondest memories made even more special to have shared it with Luke.