Day Six

On every trip there is one day where you just can't keep up and this was my day to fall back and let my body recuperate from the heat and humidity of 'tortoise' day. Stan however forges ahead!

We have repositioned to the northern side of Santa Cruz overnight and are anchored off of Cerro Dragon or Dragon Hill which is the home of many land iguanas. This population was almost wiped out by feral dogs in the sixties but has been rejuvenated by controlling the dog population (don't ask) and by the breeding programme at the research centre. By the way, these iguanas are only colourful during the breeding season so if you ever decide to come this is an excellent time of year to do it! Disembarkation was again at six! Even from the ship you could see the giant pricly pear cacti and incense trees. The cacti have developed an adaptation which includes a 'skirt' of needles that face downward which keeps the iguana from eating them around the trunk. Apparently it was a difficult climb and got quite muddy near the top as it is the rainy season. Everyone returned to the boat with shoes caked in a bright red mud. Although they are quite rigourous about washing our shoes when we return so that soil is not transferred from island to island they weren't able to get their shoes clean. Stan's runners remind me of his feet after a rainstorm in PEI.

Then they are off to snorkel around the Guy Fawkes Islets where Stan chose to snorkel with Peggy and Al off of the small beach since he didn't have me to partner with in deeper water. They saw differnt fish and invertebrates because they were in a different type of water environment.

Zodiac rides around the islets were on offer after lunch and then we set sail for Daphne Major where the Grants did all of their ground breaking reaseach into finches (read Beak of the Finch if you are interested in all the science but warning, I've found it hard slugging for a right-brained person). The captain has arranged to have us all in the bow for the sail around of this island which is strictly prohibited for tourists. It is a lovely time of day with the sun setting on the horizon and champagne on the house.

Another early night because, you guessed it, an early call tomorrow!