Monday 9 May

BARONESS
Jim & Christine Lister
Mon 9 May 2011 18:41
Thursday we didn't see Pablo and wanted to take laundry in so we left the boat and along with Pat and Glen went ashore and bumped into Pablo there. He gave us our National Park passes so we still don't know why we needed to go, he never asked Pat and Glen but their passes were with Camilla. Arranged trip with Pablo for tomorrow at 8.00am.

Had a wander around the small town, our laundry was going to cost $4.50 and could have been ready the next day. Propane is also available by fill not exchange but don't know the costs.

Friday we went on our tour. Our "guide" was a taxi driver who spoke little to no English. Another guy was also on the trip he was French but went in another taxi on his own. Our taxi was then costing us $200 for the 4 of us and the trip ended at 12.30pm so only half a day. We did not think it was good value and did not see caves, or coffee plantation. The meal was basic to say the least but was OK being soup with a lump of chicken in it, then a small piece of fish and small amount of salad and big load of rice. A fruit drink was also provided. The cafe was local and this was the menu for everyone. It looked a bit like the equivalent of a transport cafe back home. We later heard from others who hired a taxi for the day for $50 between 6 of them and they saw all the island and had a good time in fact when they went swimming the taxi driver went too. However we did see the giant tortoise and we went swimming at the seal sanctuary unfortunately no one seems to have told the seals as we only saw 1 but we did see iguanas and swam with really big turtles.

Sunday was a day of baking for me and sorting of photos for Jim with one or two other little jobs completed. Today we have decanted decile and filled the main tank. Pablo has been aboard re water, which we don't need and fuel for which we need a piece of paper and then just go to the petrol station. Fuel is $5.20 per gal or $5.70 if you have it brought to the boat. Locals pay $1.02. Petrol is $6.00 per gal. You need to get a taxi to the petrol station but return trip will be $3.00.

Just got to source meat and veg now. Its Glen's birthday tomorrow and we have invited him over for a meal, pay back for our invite the day we arrived and Jim has promised Shepherds Pie so I need some mince as I have no meat left having made the decision to not use the freezer.

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