The Galapagos

Prior to this trip my knowledge of the islands was that the wildlife was incredible and most of the islands were protected. I was surprised to learn that over 30,000 people lived on the islands mostly on 4 islands and that 97% of the land mass is national park and tightly controlled. We visited seven of the islands and crossed the equator six times.2

We landed on San Cristobal island. I was also surprised to learn that the island chain had two airports. A far cry from a rock out in the Pacific.

The island/town of San Cristobal resembles what you might see in the Caribbean.

A tourist town.

Tam trying to catch the setting sun.

Our ship, the Isabella II

Our first morning of exploring was in Darwin Bay on the island of Genovesa. There was only one other ship in the bay and it remained that way all day.

Our first trip was to Prince Phillip's Steps, a 100 foot climb to the top.

In the afternoon we did a "wet landing" onto a beach to view more birds. Genovesa island is referred to a Bird Island beecase of the number of birds there. The Red-Footed Boobies are found in abundance here.

Janet and Tam waiting for the sunrise on Buccaneer Bay on Santiago Island.

On the boat for a quick tour of the surrounding area.

This rock formation is called the "Praying Monk".

In the water for the first time, Tam caught a picture of Tom.

Tom swimming by.

The only reasonable picture of fish on the entire trip. At least you can tell they were fish.

The formations at James Bay, Santiago Island

A volcanic cone at James Bay.

The beach was basically layers of lava. I've never seen lava that was so beautiful. I can't imagine how it was formed.

Lava formation at James Bay

Janet and Tom at James Bay

A dry landing at Punta Espinoza on the island of Fermandina.

Punta Espinoza on the island of Fermandina.

You have to wonder how these Cacti can liver on the lava rock.

Our boat in Taugus Cove on the island of Isabela. Darwin Lake is in the foreground

At the top of the hill at Tagus Cove.

Yet another wet landing.

The temperature and humidity were so high that when we got back to the ship, Tam jumped into the water clothes and all.

She wasn't alone but she was the only one fully dressed.

Tom and Janet on an excursion to see the birds on the volcanic cliffs.

Veins of lava frozen in time.

A lava tube on the side of the cliff.

Rabida Island - The high amount of iron in the lava gives the island its distinctive red color.

Our three naturalists, Socrates, Dennis and Christopher (L-R). All three were born on the islands.

A lake along the shore at Rabida Island.

Rabida Island - It looks like the side of the mountain fell into the water

Janet and Tom Kayaking at Rabida Island

The shoreline at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. Here the land iguanas were plentiful.