Española

Another day in paradise awh!!! still not tired of it. Could one ever be :)

This morning we are off to explore Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, we have a challenging landing due to the swell, Phew!!! we all make it on to dry land safe and sound. Time now to begin our little hike. The amount of wildlife is overwhelming. Along the beach there are some sea lion pups playing at the waters edge and large, colorful lava lizards and marine iguanas. As we follow the trail to the cliff's edge we spot some masked boobies found nesting among the rock formations. After a short walk down to a beach and back up the other side blue-footed boobies are seen feeding there young just off the trail.

Continuing down the trail we come to the only place where waved albatross nest in the islands. They say some 12,000 pairs nest on Española each year (I did not see this many). The view is has a very dramatic feel and it seems like a desolate wilderness as the waves crash on the jagged cliffs below and the blowhole shoots water 15-30 meters into the air.

This afternoon visit it to Gardner Bay. Snorkeling at Gardner Bay is meant to be fantastic. Not to mention the colonies of sea lions lazing on the beach in the sun. We arrive and I am blown away by the number of sea lions stretch across the beach. Unfortunately the wind has picked up along with a little swell and snorkeling has proven to be difficult. Not to worry it was a great swim and now I get to walk along the beach amongst all these sea lions.  This is AWESOME, photos just do not do it justice.

Such a picturesque day full of gorgeous landscapes and close encounters with wildlife.