When our daughters were young, one of the books we would read to them was titled “Is Your Mama A Llama?” Hence the use of that phrase in a Peru posting. Well, it also works for describing South Plaza Island, our second expedition of the, er, expedition.
Iguanas were definitely the highlight of the island. South Plaza used to be joined to North Plaza Island, but they split from each other and the ocean floor because of a geological uplift that happened over a million years ago.
It was a 6:30 am departure from the ship, with a dry landing on a concrete jetty that would no longer be allowed to be built.
It’s a short trail, but a dramatic one nonetheless. And there was lots to see, including many sea lions, numerous seabirds, huge prickly pear cactus trees, but the star are the land iguanas. On some islands, the land iguanas have nearly been wiped out by feral dogs, but on South Plaza they are thriving.
Walking up the trail, our guide Walter pointed out many iguanas and talked a lot about their behaviors. At the top of the island, we stopped to watch the seabirds freewheeling through the sky, nesting on the cliffs, and taking off over the island.
Also at the top, there was a small hand painted sign that simply said, “Stop.” Wise ass that I can be, I wondered aloud about what bad occurrence prompted the placement of the sign. Walter noted quietly that a naturalist had gotten to close to the edge of the cliff, fallen, and died. I decided then and there not to make that joke the next time we saw that sign. I had already noted not to risk getting to close to the edge, a decision ratified by the story of the dead naturalist.
(Editor’s Note: Stay classy. Blogger: Well, I’ve got no retort on this one).
We walked along the cliffside, spotting birds, iguanas, and, looking down to the lower side of the island, picking out sea lions amongst the rocks.
We saw our first Blue Footed Boobies, which are the birds everyone wants to see.
Then we headed back down to the lower shore, where the sea lions are, and they watched us disinterestedly as we ooh’d and ahh’d over them.
The hike was easy, a great big circle, and stunning. Towards the end, I had a nice chat with Andre and his mother Claudia. The group returned on the zodiac boat, having earned our breakfast.
After the snorkeling gear briefing/sorting out, we were able to jump off the ship into the sea. The platform for jumping off was a bit awkward for me, as I quickly deduced I was more likely to hit my head on the deck above, knock myself out, and fall senseless into the sea. That would put a damper on the rest of my day, so instead I went down by the ladder and jumped in there. I saw at least one brave fellow jump from the second deck, and there were many well-done cannonballs, can openers, dives, and even flips.
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