We met at 7.45am and were already to leave by the appointed time so we could walk to the boat dock and be in good time to acquire the prime left side positions on the boat taking us to the Ballestas islands - but Bobby was running late ( IPad and phone obsessed) consequently we left and arrived late and were the last on the boat and in all different places. We were on the right but it didn't matter as it was often easier to stand up to take photos. First stop was a to see the Paracas candelabra - a pre Inca design that had been etched into the rock face and survived due to the desert conditions. Next stop were the islands which were home to all the birds we saw yesterday - along with some ruddy turnstones and sandpipers - but in far greater numbers. These islands are still farmed for the guano and the wharfs and buildings where this happens are clearly visible - but as this is the breeding season this is not the time. The wall to wall flocks of the Guyani cormorants are enormous and in peak production for both themselves and guano industry. Just watching that mass of birds on the Cliff faces, circling in the air and skimming the water on their fishing forays was amazing - if you looked hard amongst them you could often spot small groups or single penguins standing and contemplating - one group however hopped, with some difficulty down the rock face and off for a swim (today's photo - penguin caught in mid air!)
Back in dock we had a coffee before heading towards Nazca; with a further three stops one at the very interesting Ica Archeological museum where I learnt a little more about Inca and pre inca civilisations, and up market shopping centre where we picked up lunch, a viewing platform where we could see two of the famous Nazca lines - the hand and the tree; finally we dropped 5 at the airport who had paid $110 to fly over and see more of the lines - but as we arrived late only 3 were actually able to fly but on a later flight. The rest of us eventually headed back to the hotel where I quickly got my kit and went for a much needed swim in their nice large pool. At 6.30pm we all met again to go to a specially prepared Peruvian meal - everything was cooked with hot coals buried in the ground, potato, sweet potato, meat, corn, broad beans & cheese. I was able to assemble a nice veggie plate and together with a cold parmesan cheese sauce and onion salad it was lovely - it was topped off with a sweet mandarin and camomile tea.
Another good nights sleep for me - John tossed and turned - his food lay heavily - should have gone veggie!