NATURE

Editors note: As aforementioned, my camara capabilities have been limited. I no longer have a working one but plan on borrowing pics from my travel partner, Julie. As of now, I have a few from Galapagos (posted) though there are still hundred more that will have to wait until mid-May. As a results, Ill probably be changing the format a little bit.

Also, Im a bit behind on my posting (surprise suprise) so I will be attempting to make a new post every five days or so.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

There really is no way to explain them in full. Its nature at its best, Keats perfect moment frozen in time. Every island we went to it felt like I was a guest, and that the animals were allowing me to see what their lives were like. Its amazing how close you could get up too them, though not too close as you didnt want to change their habits. I was actually pretty happy with the way that the tour was conducted in the sense that it was very respectful of the natural envirnments.

Every day we did two different land excursions, each having something unique to offer. There was also snorkeling once a day, which was probably my favorite part, but the pics from Julies underwater camera will have to wait. Just a teaser though: I got to swim with sea turtles, sea lions, penguins, king rays (about fout feet across), and even sharks!

A quick run down on the stops:

BARTOLOME- Our first stop was one of the more popular islands, or at least the most fotographed. It is an extinct volcano and much of the land is composed of old volcanic rock. Off to the side is Pinnacle rock, a popular spot for snorkeling and the main symbol of the galapagos. On the top is a volcanic cone that provides great views of terrific landscapes.

FERNANDINA- Not much to offer in the way of plant life, but the Fauna was pretty great. This is the home to the largest population of Marine Iguanas in the world (so many you had to watch your step), which made for an interesting boat ride to island to see them scurrying across the water. The island is popluated with iguanas, the sally lightfoot crab, and flightless cormorants. Along the waterside sea lions and rays can be found.


Flightless cormorant shakin its tail feather (drying off)


Look close, theres a lizard chillin on top of the iguanas head

ISABELA- The largest island in the Galapagos that really stands out as its shaped like a sea horse. This island has great views of the volcanos and its terrain is composed mainly of lava fields...so much so that it can get quite hot during the day (hot enough to fry an egg!) We had two stops on this island, one where we got to see the lava fields, and another to see some wild life. We were treated to some pink flamengos, various other bird species, land turtles, and land iguanas (much bigger than the marine iguanas, up to 20lbs!)


Blown up puffer fish on the volcanic field


Boobies Everywhere! The blue footed boobie is native to the islands and known for its distinct feet, as well as its mating dance.

FLOREANA- Predominantly known for Post Office Bay. This was an old school post office where people would drop letters and fisherman would come by and see if any of the letters were addressed to where they were going too. If you took a letter, it was your responsibility to hand deliver it to the addressee, thus no stamp needed. The tradition continues today, though unfortunately there was no post card going to Richmond and I didnt have any to address. Theres also an underground cave, which is kind of cool for a few minutes but lacks in the islands main attractions: flora and fauna. As we made our way back to the main island for our return, we were also treated to a small group of sperm whales swimming near the boat...absolutely amazing.


The post office, oddly enough looks better than most Argentine ones!


Julie and I at Post Office Bay. Id love to say thats some sort of weird sea/land creature to the left, but its just a pair of legs. Thank goodness for photoshop!

SANTA CRUZ- One of the main islands with the largest population, thus not much to see in the way of nature. I disliked this island as it meant we were leaving the next day.

ONE WARNING: If you are considering booking an island tour, stay away from both Columbus Travel (a travel agency) and Latin Trails (the tour organizer). This may be hard as your options are limited but defintaley check to see who is offering the tour. I say this because my friend Julie and I booked together, and were promised a room together, but ended up seperate. My roommate ended up being a photographer that Latin Trails stuck in there since there was an empty bed and Julies was a lady who only spoke russian. When told of the error of their ways, they offered nothing more than an apology, which was hard enough to get out of them. It sounds bratty, but when you spend enough money to live in bolivia for several months on one week, you expect things to go right.

A MOMENT OF HILARITY- Julies roommate provided several as she always tried to speak russian like anyone on the boat understood here. At one point we were going through some coves on a boat and identifying fish and she started to ask if there was a certain one but no on knew what she was saying. Finally she stuck two fingers out of her forehead and starting mooing. Everyone was still confused, except me, I knew right away. Manatee, or sea cow...thank you Jim Gaffigan.