Tortuga Bay

Today didn't quite go as planned but no problema, we are rolling with it.  We were all up by 5 and greeted by rain clouds.  Since snorkeling was one of our objectives and visibility is an important factor, we decided to stall and wait out the weather.   Will and I headed for the surf spot around the corner in Finch Bay.  I found a perch in an ancient gnarled mangrove and Will headed for waves.  I was alone with a few fat crabs that found their way to the top branches and it was all quiet except for the crash of the waves.  I noticed that although there are many birds, they don't make much noise.  After watching Will surf for a while I jumped down into the water and swam around the bend to the beach we visited yesterday.  We were back home by 7 am. 

Over breakfast we tossed around some other activity ideas... Hike to the highlands to see wild tortoises?  Scope out Tortuga bay?  Organize a day long excursion to Norte Seymour?  No one felt strongly about one particular experience and we will do them all... so this planning session was interrupted by a trip to the fish market, research, and we each napped intermittently.  I started the prep work on a couple different meals and Will came home with a gorgeous piece of blue fin tuna.  By 2 we decided it didn't matter if it rained, we wanted to see Tortuga Bay.

Since it takes about an hour on foot, most people prepare to spend most of the day there.  The walk isn't difficult, and a very well built walkway was cut through the dense brush, but there is nothing there except A LOT of iguanas, big surf, and a walk down the beach to a pristine hidden cove with powdery sand and mangroves that create little cabanas.  No wonder everyone loves this place.  Since Puerto Ayora is a ghost town from 12-3pm (siesta time) our walk was almost solitary.  The surfers on the beach were either watching the tide rise or snoozing, so we joined the ranks. 

John and I became curious about the cove and we took the fifteen minute walk down the beach.  On the way we saw a 4 ft tall Blue Heron hunting.  It was so cool to see him swaying back and forth slowing stalking forward towards his prey.  After a few minutes - he snatched up a 8 inch iguana and then he didn't seem to know what to do with his large catch so we kept walking.  Right before we reached the cut through to the cove  we found hundreds of iguanas!!!   They blend right in with the black lava rocks strewn about so you have to walk carefully.  There were so many that they were literally sitting on top of one another... some were using each other as heads rest which made them much cuter :-)

By the time we returned, the surfers were in full swing and crowds of cove goers were arriving.  I can see why our host recommended coming in the earliest part of the day.  Mom got some great picks of brightly colored birds hopping around the rocks and we all kicked back to watch the surfers.  Around 5, Jack and I started the trek home so I could work on the meals I'd started and prep for dinner.   Wait till you see the seared tuna :-) :-) :-) :-)

Tomorrow we spend the day travelling to the top of Isla Balta to north Seymour - I hope to see those blue footed boobies!!  Maybe sharks too!