Day 8!
Today we flew to the Galapagos Islands! There was so much to see from the airplane windows. I was so excited and could not to wait to land. The airport was very small but you could definitely see how the whole building is run on 65% wind energy and 35% solar energy. We took a bus to the ferry port which took us from Baltra to Santa Cruz. From there we drive to the other side of the island where our catamaran was waiting for us. We got situated on the boat and then went to the Cahrles Darwin's Research Station to see some tortoises that are part of the breeding program. I was kind of disappointed to be honest. I guess I was expecting it to be something other than what it was. It reminded me of a zoo but I know that the research they do is far more important that the impact those few pens had on me. The tortoises are all rescues form other countries where they were kept as pets. We saw some iguanas here as well and after that we got to roam around a little and go to the beach. This was such a fun experience. I had never swam in the pacific ocean before let alone with lava rocks! I have just been so amazed with this place so far I cannot wait to see what else it has in store for us.
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Day 9!
Sleeping on a boat for the first time went surprisingly well. I slept better than I have in the past few days! Today we went venturing onto Punta Pitt to walk around and see the wildlife. It was a wet landing which means you jump off the boat into the ocean and walk up onto the beach. We were greeted by sea lions playing in the water. They were so cute! We also got to see the Red Rock Crabs on the rock in the shade when we were all putting our shoes on. When we got to the top of the cliff, the view was spectacular. I have never seen anything like it before. From there we walked around the loop to where Red footed boobies breed. There was one super close to us sitting in a tree. It was a sight to see! We went back on the boat to go out to snorkel before lunch. I had never been snorkeling before and will admit I was a little afraid at first. Once I got in the water I could not get enough. There was a family of sea lions swimming around with us almost like they were playing. They are such social creatures it really is amazing. Tomorrow we are supposed to snorkel again and I will definitely be more prepared than I was today. We went back on the boat for lunch which was super delicious. I am sort of surprised at how good the food is on this boat. I was not expecting it to be as delicious as it has been. After lunch we went onto San Cristobol, at Cerro Brujo which means witch in english. There were so many sea lions on this beach! They were not afraid of us at all. This makes me wonder if we as humans have a negative impact on them. They have become so habituated to humans, has it altered their natural behaviors? Through some readings I have found that sea lions naturally are curious creatures. They lunge on beaches in large packs and are not typically afraid of human precense. Since sea lions are so social and curious this can get them into a lot of trouble. Many times their curiosity will lead them to being trapped in fishing net or getting caught on hooks (Life, 2011). We went swimming and watch Blue Footed Boobies fly over us. While we were walking we came across a Marine Iguana with a baby on its back. When we got back on the boat we headed towards these two huge rocks where other boats were. Here we got to see humpback whales. I cannot believe it was only our first real day in the Galapagos. It has far exceeded my expectations.
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Day 10!
I am learning that on this trip I am having to conquer some of my fears. We went for a walk/mini hike up the side of a cliff like mountain on Santa Fe. I did not think I would be able to make it down but the views was well worth every struggle I had making it down the side of the cliff. On this island there are endemic land iguanas that are hard to spot. They are solitary creatures that live on their own. Off the coast of Santa Fe we went snorkeling again in the bay this time. There were so many fish! They were beautiful. There was a sea turtle resting by a rock and I even saw a small sting ray resting on the sandy bottom. On the other end of the bay it was rockier and the water was more shallow. This is where the sea lions were. I don't think I can ever get enough of seeing them so close. We got back on the boat for lunch while we traveled to South Plazas to see birds, land, and marine iguanas. This is the island where bachelor sea lions go until they can go try and find a mate. On this island I found a dried out iguana. It was really cool looking. It looked mummified; completely black and all intact. After a delicious last dinner, Dominic, a fellow tourist gave a presentation on Bass Straight and hydroelectricity in Tasmania. Today was a perfect last day on the boat. Tomorrow is our last day but it will be spent mostly on Santa Cruz.
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Day 11!
Today was a relaxing day. We got up early to go to the turtle breeding area, Black Turtle Cove before arriving back at Baltra. Dominic and his wife were leaving for Mexico so they were going to the airport while we were going back to Santa Cruz. On our way to the hotel we stopped at Reserva El Charto where we got to see giant tortoises. They were huge! We got to see them in their natural state but also had to keep in mind that they were in a reserve. We got to go into a lava tunnel which was pretty cool. It was dark and wet but such a nice experience. The entire place was muddy which is why they make you change into rain boots before entering the trail. After this we went to the hotel to settle in. I decided not to go snorkeling again with the rest of the group because my legs were so swollen and sore from the sun and saltwater. Instead me and a few other decided to go shopping down the street from the hotel. I got a few souvenirs for my family. I cannot believe the trip is more than half way over. Later, after dinner Amanda and Sandy gave their presentation on Retirement and Tourism in Ecuador. Tomorrow morning we leave for Cuenca, our last stop in Ecuador. The Galapagos has been so beautiful I never want to leave!
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Sources:
Life, E. (2011). Galapagos sea lion. Retrieved from http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/152914
Life, E. (2011). Galapagos sea lion. Retrieved from http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/152914