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Thursday 5th May 2016

Puerto Villamil/ Tintoreras

Breakfast at 6.00 am!

Dry landing and it’s off on a short walk to Las Tintoreras where we view an assortment of marine wildlife including sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, marbled rays and for the first time some reef sharks, the last mentioned at very close quarters.

Four pick up trucks arrive to take us on a 45 minute drive to the lower slopes of the volcano Sierra Negra which last erupted in 2005. We are then faced with a moderately demanding trek to the rim of the crater which is second only to Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania in size, being 9 kilometres across.

It’s a spectacular sight and we are able to take a few group photographs on this the penultimate day of our tour of the Galapagos.

Sylvia is non too pleased when a couple of the pick up drivers arrive back late especially as they are contracted to stay at the initial drop off point to await our return from the trek. A fairly familiar scenario on the Galápagos Islands.

Back on board Tip Top 2 for lunch and  then another dry landing and off to the giant tortoise breeding centre near the town of Punta Villamil. This programme has been a resounding success and the total tortoise population is now in the region of 30,000 in the Galápagos.

On the return to town Tom and Debbie our two American amigos from Montana are dropped off at their hotel where they will be staying for the next 3 nights ( and sadly missing our cocktail get-together on board Tip Top 2)

The rest of the group divide into two parties, one made up of the alcoholics (including the Irelands) and the other healthier, clean- living mariners take to the beach, La Concha de Perla, for some last- minute snorkelling.

The visit of the alcoholics to a local bar makes for an amusing moment when this establishment has a Happy Hour Price List and a Standard  Price List. In a couple of cases the HH price list is more expensive than the standard. The owner of the bar doesn’t seem to see any problem with this inconsistency but we eventually seem to get the more attractive of the two price lists, whichever it is!

The town & beach of Punta Villamil including Sea Lions which are very much a part of life at this small port.

We are back on board Tip Top 2 by 5.30 and at 6.30 we assemble at the upper deck bar for farewell cocktails. In front of the assembled crew and guests the Captain makes a speech for which Sylvia is the interpreter and adding some comments of her own. Sara Clemencia, one of the lovely sisters from Bogota, responds on behalf of the guests and to finish with the Obese Ferret is roped in to say a few words in English.

The Last Supper includes a very tasty chocolate cake and a good time is had by all.

Some of linger to sit round the large dining table to talk over our week on board Tip Top 2 and recalling some of the memorable of which there have been many.

Off to bed as we have yet another early start the next day.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret