Day 44 – Sea, but not so sick

After a down beat day yesterday I found time to reflect on things as we took the early ferry to Santa Cruz. Staring out at the deep blue ocean I noted the time, 8.00 am, and thought myself lucky to be in such a place as this. I find it easy to forget how privileged I am to be here. Thinking about our journeys so far reminded me of the stories my Grandad used to tell me as a child and I thought that I may well tell my children, if I have any, of these adventure. The inward thinking reset my head as I absorbed the beauty of my surroundings; the blue ocean, albatross skimming the waves and passing of Isla Santa Fe.

Landing in Santa Cruz we stopped by the port for breakfast. No mentioned breakfast before; for our whole time in Ecuador I’ve only had scrambled eggs, roll, cheese, juice and a coffee. Not bad but I’m missing my fruit and fibre. Finishing up we headed to our hotel and were surprised when we overhead the receptionist say she had no booking for our guide’s company. A few minutes later we had rooms but we”re not sure if we’re going to have to move again for tomorrow night.

Just outside the port is the Darwin Center, our first point of call for the day. There we got to see some of the largest tortoise so far, including the famous lonesome George. Unfortunately George wasn’t facing us but he did have a glance round. Other inhabitants of the park included some brightly coloured land Iguanas.

As the weeks progressed our meals have deteriorated and lunch today was no exception – chicken flavoured water followed by a chicken leg with no meat, rice and beans. We didn’t even get the other daily options of shrimp or fish. I went and bought a Snickers bar afterwards.

Heading into the port we eagerly anticipated the boat tour of the bay. Advertised and promoted by our guide as a trip to an island where we would snorkel then trek across to the other side before meeting the boat again it didn’t turn out to be as grand. After half an hour of sitting about our “boat” eventually turned up. I nearly burst out laughing when I saw it; I’ve seen sea worthier bath tubs without the plug.

Leaving the port we headed round the headland to see some blue footed boobies nesting. Continuing along the cliff face we entered a natural channel, ending in a small pier for the boat. Following a path to the other side of the headland led to a rocky outcrop with some huge surf as a backdrop.

Returning to the boat we taken away from the shore to allow us to do some snorkelling. Swimming down a channel I’d hoped to see some sharks resting but it wasn’t to be. I did get to see a few rays and assorted reef fish but still no sign of a sea turtle. Getting back on the boat, that had no steps, was interesting. I fell in as I attempted to clamber up the 3 foot side and avoid a number of protruding rusty nails. Back on board Tom told me he’d seen a turtle a few minutes before.

Didn’t get up to much in the evening as I was shattered. Took a walk into the port before dinner and bought a DVD to which I later fell asleep.

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