All four of us took the “easy” tour of exploring the coastline of a small bay via zodiac boat. I was able to use a few pointers from Jorge’s nature photography lecture. Namely, get eye level with the creature. To do so on this pic, I hung over the bow of the zodiac (safely, Mom, I promise!) and got this gem.
Jennifer leans over the side and catches this sea lion playing with a sand dollar. He shows us the silver dollar, then flips it on top of his head. Rinse and repeat!
After the zodiac ride Donna and I go snorkeling in the same area we explored from the boat. Sea lions love to “play” with snorkelers, too–not just sand dollars. I learn you can scream into a snorkel.
Sea lions abound and we marvel at how they do not consider humans predators. And we aren’t. Mamas and babies nursing, babies waiting for mama to return from her breakfast at sea. We couldn’t get enough of them!
And what would nature photography be without a photo of a naturalist? This is Ernesto, who not only brought Scouting to the Galapagos, but mentors them (boys and girls) to learn English and get an advanced education. His son and his son’s best friend are also Naturalists on our ship. I’ll write later on the years and years of study and testing it requires to become a Naturalist in the Galapagos.
And the farewell walk on the beach.
Sunday, Oct. 20 is a day of travel. Buen viaje!