To the Sea and Playa Ochoa

The sea lions rule their terrain...and ours.  As we walk towards the boat that will take us to the Letty, we pass another sea lion napping comfortably on the sun-warmed tile plaza.

Another resting sea lion

I suppose to natives, the sea lions are as common as the gulls at the beaches at home, or even the rabbits in my yard.  I can tell it’s going to be a while before I look at these guys with the same nonchalance.

Many ships are getting ready for island adventures.  Generally, seeing more than the three populated islands requires Galapagos National Park guides, and there’s no way to see them without a ship.  

Heading out to Sea

I mentioned in an earlier post that I’m not an avid camper.  I confess now that I’m also not an zealous sailor.  Some of my friends love river cruising in Europe, where the cruise ship replaces the coach (aka bus) that takes tourists to their land destinations.  Other cruises provide everything on the ship with less focus on land visits--service, food, views, food, entertainment, food, activities, food, shore excursions, food, swimming pool, and also breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  I'm more interested in seeing new and exciting places, and I am partial to land travel.

But there’s really only one way to see the Galapagos,  and that is by sea. We board the Letty, go to our cabins to unpack and get ready for our first trip to Playa Ochoa on San Cristobal Island.
Playa Ochoa is a long, white sand beach.  Of course, what captivates me?

Sea Lion on Playa Ochoa

The walk along the pristine beach is a lovely introduction to the islands.  When I manage to look away from coast and sea lions to the trees, a small, bright yellow bird stands out against the bright blue sky.  Roberto tells me it’s a yellow warbler.

Yellow Warbler on Playa Ochoa

I realize a few things at once--the drastic change from the busy-ness of the city streets of Quito and the port on San Cristobal, the uncivilized beauty surrounding me, and I really don’t know much about birds.   Yet.