Friday at Sombrero Chino & Sullivan Bay, Santiago

The week is flying by and today we visited some islands formed by extinct volcanoes.  We did some amazing snorkeling - the tropical fish are very colorful - probably the largest I have seen anywhere.  The parrot fish were 2-1/2 ft long! 

 Later in the afternoon we went on a very challenging 2 mile hike on a lava flow that is about 100 years old.  We walked mostly on the ropy lava called "pahoehoe" and tried to avoid the broken up "aa" lava.  

They had walking sticks for us - which we both needed.  The naturalist guides do a wonderful job of explaining the land and plant and animal life. It was just amazing that some very little yellowish plants survive in this foreboding environment.  We even saw a few cactus plants!  It was quite a contrast against the blue blue water and it reminded us of the Big Island of Hawaii.  Later that evening we had a wonderful BBQ on the upper deck of the boat and a star show. The captain turned off all the lights on the boat and the naturalist had a laser pointer.  He showed us the Southern Cross and the other major planets, stars and constellations.  Just loved it!

Photos

Expedition Report