Isla Isabela 2-27-10; some early morning excitement....

First off...we're fine. We felt the effects of the Chilean earthquake off Santiago, Chile which resulted in a tsunami traveling to many places, including the Galapagos Islands. At about 0715 hours, we watched a torrent of water recede around us. Reefs and small volcanic islets usually not seen were visible as the tide dropped 4-5' in 20 minutes. There was white water and silt stirred up and we were very close to raising anchor and heading for open ocean. I estimated tidal flow at about 10 knots and knew we'd have a hard time if caught up in any of that, so we started the engine and were on high alert. Fortunately, conditions rapidly improved and we didn't have to move. Of interest is that boats in some areas of Panama City as well as vessels here at Isla Santa Cruz and Isla San Cristobal in the Galapagos were told by the respective Port Captains to leave and go to sea, but we received no such warnings here at Isla Isabela. We're still waiting to get our zarpe for Easter Island, but typical of bureaucratic foul-ups, officials can't seem to locate our paperwork in the system, so they'll have to sort that out. So, another day begins...hopefully to end calmer later. Cheers!

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