Socorro Island - A New Years Adventure!

Socorro Island, Mexico
Total Size: 167 KM(2)
Mexican Naval Base since 1957
Aquatic Preserve since 1994

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socorro_Island

This is a picture of the "official' Socorro Island three dimensional clay map that apparently
updated by the Marines.

Day one:
The journey to Socorro Island

Sunday, December 30th 2007 the journey to Socorro Island began. We all met up at the home of Jade's sister in the town of Buecerias just North of Puerto Vallarta to spend the night and finalize weighing in our gear to the strict 40 lbs limit each before heading off to the airport the next morning for our private charter.

As the caravans of the cast members came trickling in from the long drive from Mexico City we all were meeting up at the local beach bar/restaurant having a round or two of beer and some late night food while watching the NFL football game between the Colts and the Giants on a Toronto Sports channel.

The final group of 12 adventurers was:

1. Geoffrey Shenk
2. Laura

3. Lorenzo
4. Chacon
5. Álvaro
6. Rodrigo
7. Diego
8. Alejandra

9. Turi
10. Jade
11. Christine
12. Alberto

From the cockpit of our private charter we gazed into the horizon to finally see the first glimpse of Socorro Island in the distance. A short 2 plus hour flight from Puerto Vallarta.

We were formally greeted by the Mexican Marines. They drove up to the airport and waited to welcome us and transport our gear down to their base. Here is Geoff Shenk and Alvaro with the leader of the welcome committee.

Riding in the back of the military trucks across the various types of landscapes of Socorro. Hardly any trees. Mainly a variety of shrubs, bushes and cacti. The side of the live volcano and many other parts of the island looked like a lunar landscape with red dirt mixed with scattered black lava rocks.


When we arrived at the Socorro Island Marine Base we were greeted by the Island's commander and were given a overview of the island, some history, went over our agenda and time lines along with the safety measures that we should follow. Alberto was our leader and spokesman.