All in a Day Hike

We set off with high hopes for a hike up the arroyo behind El Mezeno on Isla Espiritu Santo.   Our goal was to reach the ridge line that formed the southern lip of the Caleta Partida anchorage.  The anchorage is the remains of the crater of a large, extinct volcano.  The east and west ridges have eroded leaving only the southern and northern walls.

Off we went to El Mezeno -- around the corner from the anchorage -- expecting to be gone about 2-3 hours.  A fine, Sunday morning hike.  We hauled Gun Rock (the dinghy) up the beach and set off up the arroyo.

We assumed there would be a trail, and quickly realized that we would be walking up the arroyo, crossing boulders, whacking around brush, and making our way slowly between the canyon walls.  Back and forth; up and down.  Occasionally we saw a small bird; a few goats; ancient cactus, a fig like tree.  Everywhere the rocks showed signs of volcanic origin.

Eventually we decided the top of the canyon was close enough and not too steep -- it was time to scramble up for the view.  We left rock cairns so we could find our path back to the arroyo.  And as we stood on the ridge -- what a reward!

We ate our snack and wished we had figured it was an all day hike and not a morning stroll.  Oh well.
We made great time going downhill and soon enough we were back to the boat.