Isabela Island
We all were lucky today! We had an invigorating hike that took us very close to the mouth of a volcano that erupted only four months ago. Sierra Negra is its name, and as we were walking along the rim, it felt like if we were transported to another planet.
Geology is one of the most fascinating subjects during this trip, because almost every setting in the islands reminds you about it. The landscapes might appear barren and deserted to some of us, but as we walked and observed, the amazing fact that nature finds its way struck us. Plants and bushes that were gone because of the volcanic activity in the area are rapidly recovering, and sooner that what we might think, it would all turn green once more.
The terrain on which we were walking had some ups and downs, but that did not matter to our eager guests who wanted to see the newest lava flows of the volcano. It was also very nice to see part of the green flank of the island, which by the way is mostly covered with large trees and bushes. A large variety of land birds exist in this area, and being a birder myself, I couldn’t help the temptation to look for one of the most fascinating birds around here, the wood pecker finch. We found it of course, and as an extra bonus we saw the colorful vermillion flycatcher flying among the endemic giant daisy tress covered with orchids.
Once done with our hike at the volcano, we spent part of our afternoon at the giant tortoises’ breeding center. This program is perhaps, the most successful project developed by the community and scientists on the islands. The scientific community, as well as the regular people in town, are determined to make sure that giant tortoises’ populations recovers from their long ago massacre (mostly by whalers), that most unfortunate, end up affecting them so much. Little by little the numbers are increasing, and it is our hope that one day they would be as many as they use to be in the past.
By the end of the day, we all gathered in a little kiosk in the middle of a gorgeous beach, just to enjoy the beautiful scenery, nice company and of course a very refreshing drink.
We all were lucky today! We had an invigorating hike that took us very close to the mouth of a volcano that erupted only four months ago. Sierra Negra is its name, and as we were walking along the rim, it felt like if we were transported to another planet.
Geology is one of the most fascinating subjects during this trip, because almost every setting in the islands reminds you about it. The landscapes might appear barren and deserted to some of us, but as we walked and observed, the amazing fact that nature finds its way struck us. Plants and bushes that were gone because of the volcanic activity in the area are rapidly recovering, and sooner that what we might think, it would all turn green once more.
The terrain on which we were walking had some ups and downs, but that did not matter to our eager guests who wanted to see the newest lava flows of the volcano. It was also very nice to see part of the green flank of the island, which by the way is mostly covered with large trees and bushes. A large variety of land birds exist in this area, and being a birder myself, I couldn’t help the temptation to look for one of the most fascinating birds around here, the wood pecker finch. We found it of course, and as an extra bonus we saw the colorful vermillion flycatcher flying among the endemic giant daisy tress covered with orchids.
Once done with our hike at the volcano, we spent part of our afternoon at the giant tortoises’ breeding center. This program is perhaps, the most successful project developed by the community and scientists on the islands. The scientific community, as well as the regular people in town, are determined to make sure that giant tortoises’ populations recovers from their long ago massacre (mostly by whalers), that most unfortunate, end up affecting them so much. Little by little the numbers are increasing, and it is our hope that one day they would be as many as they use to be in the past.
By the end of the day, we all gathered in a little kiosk in the middle of a gorgeous beach, just to enjoy the beautiful scenery, nice company and of course a very refreshing drink.
