Bartolomé
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Our first look at Pinnacle Rock
Ronaldo asked us to be ready after breakfast for the
walk up to the look out. Chino ferried us all ashore in the panga and we took
pictures of Galapagos Vision quietly
waiting at anchor.
We found a young Sally light-foot holding a piece of crab like a
lance, the remains of a seal lion and a well made boardwalk.
Bartolomé is a volcanic islet situated just off the east
coast of Santiago Island and is one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos
archipelago.
Despite being
fairly desolate and harbouring little plant life, it
is scenically unique making Bartolomé the most visited and most photographed
island in the archipelago.
The island and Sullivan bay (on Santiago Island) are named after the naturalist and life-long friend of Charles Darwin, Sir Bartholomew James Sullivan, who was a Lieutenant aboard the HMS Beagle.
The island is characterised by its fascinating geology and incredible volcanic formations
Historically, Pinnacle Rock (shaped by the wind) was used as a target for US airmen in WWII.
The island offers beautiful white sandy beaches, fringed by luscious green mangroves, home to green turtles and Galapagos Hawks (own blog). Also one of the few islands home to the Galapagos Penguin which is the only penguin to live on the equator.
Half way up we stopped for a group shot. Daniel and Lucas, who joined the catamaran the same time as us for a week. Tabeat and Eli, Tony, Max and Liliana who all leave tomorrow when we arrive in Santa Cruz.
We get our Master and Commander
picture.
Ronaldo behind me (our licensed English speaking guide,
leaves us on Wednesday) and Roberto (National Park
Guide, Spanish speaking but we get by in Spanglish with this extremely patient,
smashing chap). The boys
explained that the rocks opposite were in fact made
in some original volcanic activity and could have been islands, the red colour
indicates oxidation. The dark grey matter was later
activity. En route to the top. Our view
from the top shows we have been joined by the National Geographic
Explorer and a traditional looking
girl.
Big Bear was right to be impressed with this lovely shot complete with our shadows.
ALL IN ALL AN AMAZING VIEW |