GALAPAGOS 3

DECEMBER 13:

This morning we visited South Plaza Island, a very small island located just off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. The landscape was colorful with different colorations of sesuvium plant between the Opuntia cactus.

 There were swallow-tailed gulls, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, and land iguanas. 

SWALLOW-TAILED GULL

SALLY LIGHTFOOT CRAB

LAND IGUANA SEARCHING

CRAB AND GULLS

SWALLOW-TAILED GULL

We observed one of these iguanas feeding on the fruit of the opuntia cactus. It was interesting to see them roll the fruit in the dirt to remove the cactus spines. 

We enjoyed watching the various birds fly by as well. There was also a lava heron carrying off a crab along the shore.

IGUANA IN THE LANDSCAPE

In the late afternoon we visited Santa Fe Island  beach where there were sea lions posing, and lounging. There was also a blonde iguana.

We enjoyed, once again, this stroll on a different island and seeing the different wildlife found on it.

COAST OF SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND

LOUNGING SEA LIONS

There was another snorkeling session, but this was "deep water"

so I did not join in. 

OFF TO EXPLORE

SNORKELERS RETURNING

In the evening we enjoyed another meal out on the deck.

PETER ENJOYING THE DAY

DINNER FOR THE RECOVERING PATIENT

A SPECIAL DESSERT

DECEMBER14:

OFF ON A MORNING ADVENTURE

Today we visited Espanola Island. Once again we were off the ship by 0600 and it truly paid off. We hiked up to the area of nesting   Waved Albatross, and the ledge where they takes off and land. On the way we were introduced to the marine iguana of this island. They are sometimes called Christmas iguanas due their red and green color which is more prominent in December, their mating season.

As we were the first on land today we were rewarded with an unhurried visit to these locations. 

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER

PELICAN, IGUANA, AND SHIPS

The Waved Albatross is a spectacular flyer with a wingspan of 7.2 to 8.2 feet. When they forage, they follow a straight path to a single site off the coast of Peru, about 620 miles to the East. 

Waved albatross are spectacular flyers, perhaps the most famous.

They can fly for hours without stalling. However they do have difficulty in landing due to their high stalling speed and in taking off due to the challenge of beating their massive wings. To make it easier they sometimes take off from cliffs.

The immature bird reminds me of the members of the British parliament when they don their wigs.

ALONG THE PATH

During the mid-day break from visiting the Island, the skipper had the sails set and offered us a chance to circle the ship in a panga for a nice opportunity to photograph the ship from all angles.

Our final visit to this island is a wet landing to Gardner Bay. A visit to Gardner Bay consists of two fantastic spots. The bay is mostly known for the gorgeous white sand beach which is long, secluded, and features a colony of sea lions.

WHALE SKELETON

The Española mockingbirds are quite social as they are looking for a handout of water.














The highlight here was seeing and photographing the Galapagos Hawk that took up watch on the edge of a cliff.

GALAPAGOS HAWK

We enjoyed a quiet walk on the beach and watching the mockingbirds digging in the sand looking for water. They came right up to us as we sat on a log on the beach.

Back on board the Mary Anne we enjoyed the sunset.

DECEMBER 15:

Today we bid farewell to the Islands and our wonderful crew and fellow travelers. Our bags were packed and we were ready to go by 0600. Before we left the islands, we landed in Puerto Ayora 

PUERTO AYORAand boarded a van to go visit the twin craters. As we ascended the mountain we entered a wet area where it was drizzling and cool. This is a common occurrence as one climbs higher as often you are in the clouds.  The craters are covered with lush green vegetation and it was difficult to perceive the depth of the craters.

Afterwards we headed for Baltra airport and the start of the long trip home. 

SATURDAY NIGHT IN GUAYAQUIL

It was a long trip with several flight changes and long periods of waiting for the connecting flights. 

It was all well worth the adventure. The Galapagos Islands are fascinating with the variety of flora and fauna one finds on each island. The National Park is trying very hard to maintain the purity of the islands, by restricting the number of visitors, and monitoring their activity. We highly recommend this trip to all interested in nature.