Sitting here having a beer at the Hotel Jungla looking out at the sea. Slept really well last night, and got into town early to find breakfast. Had not made plans, but when a shopkeeper offered me a bike, I accepted.
The hotel is on the road/path that goes to the wall of tears. Being isolated islands, it was inevitable that penal colonies would be established here. In the 18th century, they were established on two islands. In 1944, one was established here with 94 prisoners. The wall of tears was built by the prisoners for no other reason except to make them suffer. The prison closed in 1959.
Started riding out through a dry forest with many lagoons. I soon came upon two land tortoises. The male was trying to mount the female but not having much luck as the female moved forward. Not an easy feat even if she is cooperative! There were several lookouts on top of hills accessible by paths/stairs. The wall was a huge pile of lava rocks, which is totally what the island is made of. There was a trail going up past the wall which I climbed as the day got hotter. Running out of water, it was time to go back with a stop at La Playita, little beach.
This afternoon I rode every back street in town I could find before returning the bike. Very interesting to me to see how people here live. Then walked out a local trail that goes to “flamingo lake”. Booked a trip to the largest volcano on the island tomorrow. 9 mile hike… good thing we’re starting at 7:30!
2 Wheeled Wanderer 