Today we took a trip to Isla de la Plata, an uninhabited island with critters that aren’t afraid of people. The island doesn’t have the numbers of different species that the Galapagos Islands have, but for a day trip, it was great! The boat had 15 passengers, 2 crew members, and 2 guides for the 1-1/2 hour boat ride. Here’s the boat as we go off at the island.
Note: no marina or pier, we waded thru the water. We walked to the top of the island to see the birds and sea lions. It had rained earlier in the day, so we were basically walking with weights on our feet from the mud clinging to our shoes as we climbed to the top of the island. I made it, but was very glad to see the summit.
This is a blue-footed booby. I said in the subject that Phillip saw boobies, and he did. They weren’t afraid of us but they did squawk when we had to pass close to them. Several times we had to go off the path because of boobies in the road.
The boobies with babies (the white one is a baby) were very vigilant as we passed, but none ran or flew away.
We also saw frigate birds. This one has a baby tucked under her. We saw a lot with babies.
At the top of the island, looking out to sea. That’s a bathing suit top I’m wearing, not a shirt from Robin’s closet.
We were also fortunate to see sea lions. One of the guides said that the tours don’t always see them. This guy raised up to look at us.
We actually saw two sea lions, this was the lazier one. It didn’t look up at us, but just waved its tail a few times.
As we were walking back along the trail to the shore, we saw some more boobies that were either going for their fish dinner or had just eaten.
Sea turtles came up near the boat. They didn’t surface much, swimming just below the top, so this is the best picture of them I could get. We saw four at one time.
After the walk on the island, we had an opportunity to snorkel. I tried, but not for long. I’ve only been snorkeling once before, in the barrier reef at Grand Cayman. This was way different, as the swells were coming in and raising me up and down, like a really wet rollercoaster. And I am not fond of rollercoasters. So, I climbed back in the boat and gave Phillip my camera. He got some great shots and video of the fish, like the picture above.
Not a lot of narrative tonight, as we are quite tired from the day’s trek.
Well those were some really great pictures,I think as far as I can remember those are the first photos I've seen of a Blue Footed- Booby. Thats really a neat looking bird. By the way, its raining here as well, so you wouldn't be missing it anyway.
ReplyDeleteSee Ya, Your Cuz.
Pat! You are such a fantastic blogger! I feel almost like I got to go along with you. WHAT an incredible place.... the birds are beautiful, the sea turtles make me squeal with excitement. I thought we were lucky to see one in the huge aquarium at EPCOT, but right there in their natural waters?? That's truly special. Thank you for sharing the experience!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, your subject line cracks me up. I love the way your sense of humor shines through in your writing. :-D
I love reading your blogs very interesting, your pictures are awesome and loved the ones of the fish. Can't wait to read more next time.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Jamie
Just wanted to let you know that I just caught Tirzah up on your blog and she is VERY impressed. She loves the blue of the bird feet and beaks, and the fish, and says she can't BELIEVE you went to a place with the OCEAN ALL AROUND! Just like that. :-) I'm still not telling her you're skipping on the rainforest. ;-)
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