Valentine's Day in Puerto Ayora

I didn't finish my entry for yesterday. On the tour Rafael stopped at two collapsed volcanic craters that were pretty impressive. This amazing tree called scalesia grows on the sides and down in. It collects rainwater for birds and plants underneath the canopy and provides homes for the many finches here. Then we went into the subterranean lava tunnel. It went down a few hundred yards with a few lights along the way. It was dripping and slippery. Apparently the lava shoots through the tunnel and then leaves the hollow tunnel.
Back at our hotel we changed and walked around town, having shrimp with garlic for me and another fish for Betty.
The next morning Rafael walked us down to the boat tour he had arranged for us to Floreana, about a 90 minute ride. About 20 of us ferried out in a rocky launch to the larger boat. Milton  was our English speaking guide and Betty alerted him early on that she was a very nervous snorkeler. When it came time, he never left her side. Of course, that could have been because of the death grip she had on his arm.  This island has a rather notorious history from the pirates who hid here and raided passing ships (didn't find any buried treasure!) to the German woman who came here in the 1930s with a couple of lovers and apparently murdered them and they disappeared.Then the Wittmer family from Cologne arrived about the same time and colonized here until the last family member died just recently. There was a plaque in the little port to one of the Wittmer's giving him credit for starting the tourist industry in Floreana (also called Charles, or Santa Maria). We rode open bus shuttles up to see more Land tortoises.

We wandered along a trail and they were all over. There were square slabs of cement where workers would hose them down to cool and clean them off. They then brought out a huge bag of greens and spread them around and the tortoises lumbered over to get to them. On poor guy got stuck and I tried to put some greens in front of him as he just couldn't climb up in the spot he picked. He finally gave up and wandered away.

Then we hiked up to the only natural fresh water spring that supplies fresh water for the couple of hundred people who live (and for the pirates way. Back when as they had caves nearby). At the very top, with a great lookout for the pirates was a huge rock carved sort of like the Easter Island pictures, with plants growing out of the top making him look like he had a Mohawk. The tortoises were carried aboard ships where they could last for weeks without water or grass and provide fresh meat. They were completely wiped out on this island and at the park service is now bringing them back. Most of the G. I. are controlled by the park slice.  Everyone who comes here pays immediately. At the airport a $100 entrance fee.
We had lunch back down by the pier - lovely fresh fish, potatoes and coleslaw. We chatted with Catherine, a doctor from Montreal and with Ben an emergency room doctor. Catherine is finishing up her studies in public health. She has done stints in Mali and other places. Really delightful couple!
Another family Betty talked to on the boat ride were from Cuenca. Dad runs a glass and aluminum business. Mom was there with maybe a 9year old son. Also along was a 19 year old son and a very shy 18 year old daughter. He was complaining about the upcoming election for Ecuador's President. He is a socialist and takes money from business people to pay the poor. Sounds familiar! when we had traveled dinner tonight we were informed that no alcohol can resold in restaurants for the next three days up to the election!  As if that would ever go over in America!
Rafael booked our trip tomorrow to Santa Cristobel leaving at 6a.m. and took us to the office to get our snorkeling gear.

Buenas Noches!