San Christobal, Galapagos

June 29, 2015, Kalliope and crew arrive in Barquerizo Moreno, Isla San Cristobal Galapagos, Ecuador.  Our entrance to the harbor is very dramatic with towering breaking waves on both sides and somewhat calmer water in the channel through which we pass.  Due to a wrinkle in time, this post is out of sequence.

On a walk to a nearby swim beach we see dozens of marine iguanas sunning themselves or making tracks into the brush and dunes.

A big marine iguana is more than two feet long overall.

We arrive on the last day of big seas that rolled in from the southern ocean without any wind or rain.  Following are some pics of the boardwalk and waterfront streets after the waves rolled through the harbor and over the seawall.

If you visit Barquerizo Moreno you will learn something about Galapagos sea lions, known locally as "Lobo del Mar" or wolf of the sea.  They are everywhere along the harbor front.  There is an effort to separate the Lobo from the tourists, mostly walls and fences.  These barriers felt the brunt of the waves and were largely ineffective during our visit.  We even encountered lobos making their way into shops.

They also love to rest on yacht tenders.

And pose for the ubiquitous tourist camera.

Seeking new adventures, we sign on for a day trip from

 the harbor to the local landmark known as Leon Dormida.

                                                     We snorkel along the vertical walls

and through the narrow channel

Deb tells me it has the alias of Kicker Rock

One of the denizens of Leon Dormida.

We find several Herons willing to pose.

After several days we set sail for Santa Cruz, one day's sail west.