| Day 115 We began the day touring Rabida Islandīs rocky coastline by dinghy. We took lots of long distance pictures of fur seals, sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos hawks. We felt a little foolish when we soon landed on its red sand beach and were almost tripping over these beautiful (and abundant) animals. On land, they have no predators and paid us little attention. Next, we headed to the small, scenic island of Sombrero Chino, named for its Chinese hat- like shape that was formed by its last eruption. Here we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of sea lions. The males, who as adults have bumped foreheads, can weigh over 600 pounds, patrol sections of the coast to protect their family from sharks (and their women from other male sea lions on the prowl). On the beach lay the mamas and babies peacefully sunning themselves. The babies are especially cute and curious. Lady kept begging to take one home with her. Nearby in the surrounding black volcanic rocks were hundreds of scurrying Sally Lighfoot crabs. They start life pitch black to blend in for protection, but as they grow larger (up to 8" wide with big pinchers) they develop vibrant red, yellow, and orange colors. Still, the highlight of the day was the unforgettable sunset we shared with all on the island. Tour -$115 Total -$115 |
| Day 116 If yesterday was about amazing animals, today was dedicated to appreciating the geology of the Galapagos. The islands are located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and straddle the Equator. The 18 islands are the peaks of gigantic volcanoes that rise up from the sea floor (and were never connected to the rest of the continent). All of the plants and animals arrived by sea over hundreds of thousands years. Many subsequently adapted themselves to the conditions here and are now unique to the Galapagos. In fact, there can be variation from island to island, which was recognized by Darwin when he visited in 1835. This led to his theory of evolution. First, we visited the lava fields of Santiago Island. Created by an eruption only 90 years ago, the lava still looks suspended in destructive motion. Next, we crossed the bay to Bartolome where we hiked to the top for a great view of all the northern islands. Bartolmoe has a moon-like landscape of pumice rocks and craters. Ok, back to the animals, we were excited to see penguins swimming and another molting. Later, as we sailed south, a school of dolphins jumped in front of the Angelique. Tour -$115 Total -$115 |
| Day 117 Today was for the birds. We started on Seymour Island where we visited a colony of Frigate birbs. To attract the ladies, the males inflate a red pouch under their chins to the size of a birthday balloon. Next, we saw Blue-Footed Boobies doing their mating dance, nesting, and feeding chicks. In the afternoon, we travelled to Santa Cruz where we watched graceful pink flamingos feeding in a salt marsh. We also took a dinghy ride through Tortuga Cove where we saw sea turtles feeding, manta rays resting, and white-tipped reef sharks sleeping. Tour - $115 Total -$115 |
| Day 118 On North Plaza Island, we had to concentrate to not step on tiny yellow-green lava lizards and fat, black land iguanas with enormous tails. At the cliffs, we saw soaring swallow-tail gulls and tropic birds, which are regal looking with red beaks and long, white tails. On Santa Fe Island, we were followed by a friendly Galapagos mockingbird (who didnīt leave until we took its picture). Here you find lots of Palo Santo (meaning Holy Stick). It is a white barked tree that has a spicy scent, equally effective for church ceremonies or to ward off mosquitos. Tour- $115 Total -.$115 |
| Day 119 We have seen so much already but are still amazed by nature. The highlight of Espaņola Island included the awkward Galapagos albatross, marine iguanas feeding on sea plankton, and as always, the sea lions. We saw males with scars from sharks and territory fighting, bachelor males sulking apart from the colony, a mating couple, soon-to-be mothers with babies visibly moving in their bellies, and a tiny baby nursing for the first time. Tour -$115 Total -$115 |
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