Whaaaaale watching (read in pirate voice)

Trip Start Jun 15, 2008
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Trip End Aug 15, 2008


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Flag of Ecuador  ,
Saturday, July 12, 2008

It seems the main activity that everyone does at some point during their stay at Puerto Lopez is a tour to La Isla de la Plata, the Island of Silver. This "poor manīs Galapagos" is famous for being Sir Frances Drakeīs look out point from which he could control the surrounding seaīs and also, rumour has it, where he hit much of the fruit of his plunders (cue piraty ARRRRRGH). However, having dumped all his treasure over board, he was never able to find it again, (I sympathise with this happens to me a lot) so Brig and I were also on a secret mission to find the treasure to finance our way into piracy (it is a common missconception that this is cheap- I imagine boats, faithfull cabin boys, 2 peg leds, 2 patches AND 2 parrots do not come cheaply).

The boat left at 9.30 in the morning for the hour long ride to the island. It was sunny which made a change (apartently puerto lopez is VERY rarely sunny, annoyingly) and we all kept our eyes peeled for Hump Back Whales (no Moby Dick, sadly) of which we saw lots, which was really fun, before arriving at Isla de la plata bird
bird
 . You might have thought that the Island was so named because of its connections with treasure and so forth. Nope. Its actually because its so covered in bird poo that as our guide romantically puts it "by the light of the full moon it glows silver". Its less gross than I make it sound, this Island is actually very beautiful so Bim and I decided that maybe we could hang around there for a bit after finding the treasure before hitting the high seas...

The Island has a huge population of birds, including the "blue footed boobie" which you can get really close to and have VERY blue feet (SURPRISE!) and the red footed boobie as well.  I canīt remeber the names of the other types of bird, but they were pretty cool too. After a 3 hour or so walk around the island, we headed back to the boat for snorkelling and lunch before heading back to the mainland. The ride back was a bit rough (nothing that us pirates canīt take) and we got to see some more whales as well as giant jumping Manta Rays which leap out of the water every now and again (to see whats going on).That evening we had some more yummy seafood and juices - I forgot to mention that there are loads of smoothie/juice bars along the sea front- before going back to the hostel to play "triominoes", by candle light (there was a power cut, though this did mean the stars were amazing). 

We have now headed south to Guayaquil, where we are stopping before heading onwards to Banos, famous for natural hot springs and excellent tracking and horseback riding (have I mentioned Iīm basically a professional these days?)

Hope all is good back home. Sounds like everyone is having nice summers!

lots of love + BBBB,

Penny xxx
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Comments

chrisinbrussels
chrisinbrussels on Jul 13, 2008 at 03:44PM

volcanoes, whales and pirates
Hi Pen,
Love the blogs. Sounds like you are enjoying the coast - I did not know you liked all that sea food especially squid - but the volcano trip sounds pretty hairy. Did Imo get any pictures?
Things here OK. Alex and Sam are with us at present and we finally have dining furniture. Charles school ended and he is at a very loose end. He will go to Spooners and then Cornwall in a week or so.
Look forward to next blog. Take care. Lots of love and BBBB. Dad.

enviousmother
enviousmother on Jul 15, 2008 at 12:34PM

Hi to Barbara and Briget
Hello both, I sounds as though you are having a wonderful time though I am glad you resisted the lure of Colombia - even though the coffee there would have been the best I am sure. We are all fine at home, but missing Imo of course. We are wondering about your birthday Imo. Maybe you will just celebrate with more coffee?
Lots of love
M/Claire xxxx

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