As a result of the notations in Balboa's log and his report to the king, the archipelago was soon replete with adventurers, pirates, and plunderers in search of measure. In the centuries that followed it became a well known pirate haven not only because of its great pearls, but also because of the many back bays and hidden coves which were covered pirate hideouts. The pearl industry itself endured until 1938 when a severe red tide devastated the beds.
It is quite common to see whales and other fantastic sea life here, and the area is considered one of the best spots in the hemisphere for fisherman and divers in search of big and rare fish. We caught two 2 foot long Mahi within 30 minutes on the way here and they are both beautiful and delicious. Kim made me stop fishing since the freezer and frig are both filled.
There were birds everywhere feasting on the fish and watching the pelicans dive in great numbers was a favorite pastime.
In 2003, the "Pearl Islands" were chosen for the popular United States reality TV show "Survivor" and "Survivor All-Stars", and the entire world was introduced to its beauty and rich history. We drifted upstream on a small river with the incoming tide and saw small crabs and bird life with no signs of man anywhere.
We are now anchored in a calm bay on the east side of Isla San Jose and are just about ready to leave these secluded islands. We should be heading off tomorrow (March 10th 2010) for the Galapagos. It should take us 7 or 8 days at sea and we will try to send an update or two via the SSB radio as we move along. SSB propagation is always iffy so don't worry if you don't see any updates for the next week.
Keep us in your thoughts as we cross 865 miles of ocean and follow in Darwin's wake to another unique Archipelago.
Tom
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