Enough with the snow already!!!

This

or

This

Hmmmm....let us think.  We're outa here.  Thursday-Hawaii-can't wait!

Our Final Day

BARTOLOME

This small island is located just off Sullivan Bay east of Santiago. It is a desolate island with few plants and is the most visited and most photographed island in the Galapagos. The island consists of an extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations. The best known of the island's features is the tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock, a large black partially eroded lava formation that was created when magma expelled from the volcano reached the sea. When the seawaters cooled the hot lava it caused an explosion. The exploded particles eventually fasten together forming a rock composed of thin layers.

SUMMIT TRAIL

The walk continues through volcanic sand, which can be slow to cross. The spatter cones and lava tubes give the feeling that you are hiking on the moon rather than an island in the Pacific. In fact, that was just how Buzz Aldrin described it when he visited this site. 

Once through the sand, the steep ascent continues up a wooden stairway. From landing to top the walk takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes and consists of 372 steps. 

Tom was in heaven - if he hadn't been a chemist, he definitely would have been a geologist.  His binoculars and video camera were glued to his eyes while I was happy to just make it to the top without a heart attack.  It was most certainly worth the effort - the view was spectacular!

Arriving at the top you are treated to one of the great panoramic views in the Galapagos. To the distance the islands of Santiago, Santa Cruz, Baltra, North Seymour, Rabida as well as a number of rocks and small inlets can be seen. The islands vary in color from a bright orange, to blacks and greens. The turquoise waters and white shores added to the wonderful scene.

One of the most beautiful, unusual things we had ever seen was the underwater volcano crater that we could see from the top.

After this walk, we took the zodiac back to the ship for lunch and rest followed by another amazing snorkeling outing.  We were off a black sand beach and swam around the bay hemmed in with rocks on either side.  The bottom was magnificent, lots of nooks and crannies teeming with abundant marine life.  We saw our first ray, several more species of fish and were run out of the cove by a territorial sea lion who thought we were too close to his landing.  He never lunged for us, but he did come within a few feet of us, swirling and darting to show his displeasure.

We had a lovely dinner, saw a fabulous sunset then turned in early for a good night's sleep.  We can't believe the week is over already - it truly was a "once in a lifetime" adventure!