Page 187 - 2003 - Atlantic Islands

Besides we had magical accompaniment on our ride back - Beale’s dolphins raced

across the bay to catch our Zodiac and try to bow ride with us. They were so close we

could have stretched our arms just a little and touched their dorsal fins. What a thrill

and the dolphins enjoyed it too.

Lunch was served about 45 minutes after we got back on board, probably about 2

hours after we had enjoyed the tea and cookies. They do feed you often and well on

the Orion. Meanwhile, the ship was covering the 12 nautical miles to Westpoint

Island. We actually got to the anchorage about 30 minutes early and everything else

moved ahead earlier as well - which turned out to be quite significant and good! Not

only did we make good time but a miracle occurred that seemed to be a real gift for

our last excursion! The sky cleared and became a clear blue with thin strings of white

clouds, the temperature climbed so that we did not need so many layers on for our

hike to the rock hoppers. The Zodiac ride was calm and relatively short and we had a

dry landing on a wooden dock below the farmhouse and grounds. Patricia sang us a

Gardel song about Buenos Aires on our way to the shore. We must get her to teach

us the words if not the tune.

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