a couple more islands in the Galapagos

Our guides, who have been working as naturalists on the Galapagos Islands for decades, say they have never seen so many flamingos in the lagoon on Isla Rabida.  And they have never seen a mother feeding mucus to a chick (above).  It was a great day.  

penguins and tortoises

 

a swim and a hike

 

the Galapagos

The EVOLUTION, our home for the next week in the Galápagos Islands. Great crew and gusts on board.  Excellent food and an open bar.  Snorkeling and an island hike tomorrow. 

 

The cloud forest and Mindo

 

Quito

 

oh, the joy of sailing a small wooden boat....

 

day twenty - into Palatka

Morning comes cool, grey and with a welcome northeast wind.  The light rain that I had expected to end early last evening hung around all night.  The drizzle ends as I tuck away the sleeping gear.  Sail off anchor 7:00.  Making a pleasant 4.3 across calm water out of Puerto Rico Cove.

7:15 small patches of blue in the dark overcast.  4.3 with wind over the port quarter.  7:45 off Watson Island, 4.1.  The little bits of blue are gone, dark grey all around.  8:15 green marker "31" shows a helping tide.  

9:10 jibe off Racy Point, 3.3 wing and wing.  10:45 Bodine Point, 3.9.  Then less wind and a slow drift.  Wind returns, and a bit stronger.  Doing 5.1 on a downhill run.  11:40 jibe at Forrester Point and can see the bridge and buildings of Palatka.  Less wind on the final stretch.  Call the marina to line up a slip at the municipal dock right next to the boat ramp.

12:40 better wind on the stern as we pass beneath the bridge.  Round up, sails down at 12:50.  Motor into the docks.  The trip is done.

I check in with friend Bobby.  Have a light lunch, but save my appetite for an oyster dinner at Velchoff's.

 21.45 NM