A place where everyone loves Ron.

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As usual the church is the most modern and well kept building in town-

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The priest's accommodation-

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Now to an area where they have grown examples of edible plants and trees-

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The elections were on.Juan Carlos is also our Expedition Leader-

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Now off to the fish market.A lot of interesting spots along the way-

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This is where the fish are brought in.A bird watcher's paradise-

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And now the fish market.Basically the fish are cleaned,put in ice and flown out to Bogota or Medellin-

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Interesting carpentry-

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We now head back to the waterfront for a market and local dancing-

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The market-

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These were the team from Colombia organising our excursions.Seemed pretty good.

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Recycling Colombian style.They even had a special bag for me-

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a few going back early.This ended up being our transportation back to the ship after the dancing-

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The horses had a bit of a roll in the mud just before the dancing began-

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So starts our bumpy ride back to the pier passing others who continue to walk the streets-

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And we hit every one of those potholes-

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The barge is bringing in some much needed gravel-

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Whilst we were having lunch the Explorer repositioned to an anchorage off Utria National Park.Another place not much visited.They are proud that the number of visitors for 2015 is likely to rise to 9000.About 25% are foreigners mainly German.There is some basic accommodation there plus a restaurant.But first we pas the Colombian coastguard-

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This afternoon was a walk on a boardwalk through the mangroves.there was kayaking for 14 but the Swiss family of 11 got in first.

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There is obviously a lot of food for lizards-

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Many orchids but only one species flowering-

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These people are watching monkeys.but you got only fleeting glimpses-

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Amazing numbers and variety of epiphytes-

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Only a few flowers but a mangrove flowering-

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But you should always look down as well as up and these mangroves had another surprise-

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There was also a great variety of birds though most such as the hummingbirds were a little too quick.A pair of yellow toucans made a fleeting experience but were gone before you could point your camera.

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Back at the National Park headquarters we were given a taste of empanadas washed down with sugar cane juice.The chicken and the fish varieties were best.On the way back in the zodiac there was some rustic accommodation on the far shore-

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We remained at anchor that night as a visit to an island,it's beach and another underwater adventure.There was a distant appearance by some humpback whales going south.unfortunately lots of cloud at sunset but as usual I couldn't help taking a lot of pictures-

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We had dinner with an Englishman,his wife and her sister as well as the ship's botanist.A lovely end to a great day.
The next morning it was a short zodiac ride to the island and a very short walk to the beach.Crabs everywhere-

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A quick exploration-

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Then it was time for the Pacific Afro Colombian community to perform dances and songs.We found out later it was a performance for funerals-

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Time for a beer as I enjoyed the show-

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Then the singing-

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Now the leader of the group as she passed me would give me the eye.When the performance ended I was not surprised that she came over and asked me to dance.Modesty is one of my strong points!As I do she says I have a lot to teach you as she wiggled her...........I showed her my form so she says you are a quick learner but there is some more I can teach you.Luckily the photographer was snorkelling and mrsdrron was out of earshot.

 

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Then a short snorkel.by the time I went in the current was really strong.The quality was poor.i was told that going around to the other side of the point was much better but I did attempt it but gave up as the current was pushing me into the rocks.

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Visibility was poor as you can see.So back to the ship.i was one of the last back.This zodiac was going back to get the last of the equipment-

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The locals came to see us off-

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We had lunch in our suite.Not ashamed to admit I had a burger.after lunch it was time for a 2 hour nanny nap.
That night was the Venetian Society coughtails and dinner.I had time though to see the sunset before the festivities-

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We had dinner with the Cruise consultant and 3 Americans,one another physician.Another great night and the Osso Buco was superb.

 

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The next morning it was raining.We arrived off Isla de Gorgona.Fortunately by the time we were to board the zodiacs the rain had stopped.Initially tis was to be a walk through the jungle to spot some wildlife.instead it was a walk through the place where Colombia sent their worst criminals and Opposition members.A high security prison-the Island's name means snake Island.So the zodiacs scouting the landing site and the staff quarters of the prison which now is the National Park headquarters,a hotel which closed 3 weeks before we arrived along with the Colombian Army.

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Old rock carvings found on the island-

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Watch out for the wasps.Then a walk over a little stream to the prison-

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A little bit of beauty in a place of much misery. A little reminiscent of Angkor Wat-

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Though I didn't see any signs like that in Cambodia.Now we were all told we had to wear waterproof boots because it was a Park regulation.But a group of Colombians were walking around in sandals.The Expedition staff were asked whether we would see snakes.Told no.

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Amputations one of the commonest surgeries in the hospital-

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The kitchen and eating areas.Not much choice and rarely meat-

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And the bread oven-

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