Hello all,
We arrived at Isla San Marcos just after breakfast and found a calm area to anchor. The landing spot is next to an arroyo that goes across the island. We sent part of the group ashore there for the day. The rest of the group went ashore next to the huge gypsum mine. It’s the second largest mine in the world. In fact a deep-draft bulk freighter is being loaded with gypsum (pictured right) today.
There is a plant that is only found in the gypsum rock. The botanists found that plant and a few others they hoped to find. This group joined the morning group in the arroyo for the afternoon and several people went for a snorkel to cool off after a long hike on the island.
We offered a skiff ride for birders along the coast to census that area. This evening there are 10 people ashore looking for this island’s reptiles, insects, and small mammals until midnight. The remaining people aboard are very busy placing plant samples in presses.
We are headed to Isla Tortuga to survey snakes, seabirds and plants later tonight.
