13^th March

Took a coach to the other side of the island where caught a boat that took us to a small island that we walked cross.  We had a guide with us who said that we could not smoke on board the tourist boat or land.  We got around the boat one by asking a crewman who said of course we could smoke on board.  The guide was not happy though. 

Skipper & Co-Skipper

It was extremely hot and walking through the centre of the island was sweltering.  That aside we saw blue footed boobies doing their funny two step, nesting frigate birds, marine iguanas and land iguana’s and sea lions – well one in the surf. 

After about hour’s walk back on the tourist boat where we had a great lunch – tuna stew and rice it may sounds horrible but was delicious.  Next stop some beach somewhere where we could go for a swim.  What they don’t tell you about is the horseflies and we were bitten badly on this beach.  I wondered why the guide had long trousers, long sleeved shirt boot etc. on.  The only spot he had exposed was his face!

Norwegians do not like to follow rules.  We were told not to mess with the wildlife, one of the party captured a red crab and brought it over for Oscar to look at.  Unfortunately, Gunnar was caught by the guide holding it and got a telly off – I told you not to touch the wildlife.  We were also told off because we were told not go on the rocks but ended up on them as there were less horseflies there.  Patrick and I got told off for smoking –despite me collecting the ash and butts in my environmentally friend fag butt holder – but don’t really mind about that telling off.  Previously Gunnar promptly walked – followed by Oscar – onto a load of rock near sea lion and got told off.  We all wandered off the footpath a step or two and got told off.  All in all we were pretty hacked off with telling offs at the end of the day.

14^th – 17^th March.

Somewhere during this period did more washing – took it to laundry service this time.  Also walked to the famous Darwin Centre – what a waste of space.  If anyone wants to see how not to display nature then go here.  They presumably have a lot of people working there but there is a one falling down barn with a bit of bumph about tortoise and some tortoise enclosures and that’s it.  Not sure if we saw George, he has probably been dead for years, you would never know as it was difficult to suss out which was his enclosure.  Annie thought she saw his rear end though.  Good job you did not have to pay to enter. Although in one way we did have to pay – all visitors have to pay a $100 contribution to the park.