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Venezuela 2003 - Offshore Islands
Las Aves
Las Aves de Barlovento
These pictures are what Las Aves are known for - birds. The top shot is the shore of Isla Sur (South Island) where the majority of the birds, mostly Boobies, both Brown and Red Footed, nest in great numbers. The Red Footed Boobies nest in the mangroves, shown in the upper pictures, while the Brown Boobies nest on the ground. When we were there, there were nests and chicks of all ages and in tremendous numbers. Some trees had over 100 birds in them. The last shot is to give some idea of how green the island was also - there is fresh water there.
These pictures are other aspects of Barlovento. The first is a little spot setup by past cruisers to meet, have a barbeque, etc. The next is a pretty cove on the eastern end of Isla Sur, then a beautiful beach and the last is an Aves sunset.
Las Aves de Sotavento
These are shots from the first island we anchored near in Sotavento, called Saki-Saki (sometimes called Lighthouse Island since it had a lighthouse). The first shot shows Destiny in 20 feet of water, then a wave breaking over the reef and then a pelican swimming in 2-3 foot water in front of it. This was the reef that we got so close to in the bad wind reversal storm. The island did have a nice beach though that Diane enjoyed.
These are from the other little islands we visited. The first shows the boat anchored near Isla Palmeras, with the local residents - a large flock of pelicans. Fisherman sometimes went there but the birds were the only things living there, other than the small lizards. The next shot is also Isla Palmeras, at a time of zero wind - it was actually a little wierd. The next picture is a signpost erected by past cruisers showing distances to various places, New York, Chicago, Jak's Restaurant (on Isla Margarita), etc. Finally, the heart is formned by empty conch shells, as are the 2 large mounds behind it. There were other similar mounds around this little island, just to the east of Palmeras.
Finally, I have a sunrise taken when we were anchored near the barrier reef and then a sunset taken a day or so later.
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