Santa Cruz Island
Discussions overheard at dinner aboard the National Geographic Endeavour in the Galápagos:
“What was your favorite day?”
“What was your favorite place?”
“What are you looking forward to seeing?”
“What was the favorite thing you’ve seen?”
Reptile, fish or bird…by the end of today, a consensus of opinion for the giant tortoise had been established.
Lonesome George had his followers as a biologically unique last of his species. The super prolific Super Diego had his advocates for their own motives. Diego has sired over 1500 young tortoises, is responsible for much of the success of repatriating Espanola Island, and was at it again during our visit.
Today was a great day overall. Puerto Ayora was our destination early in the morning, followed by a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Naturalists leading groups through the research station gave us insight on the biology of the tortoise and the efforts of research done there. We were also able to wander through town, to experience the culture, send a postcard, and do a little shopping.
Lunch in the cool breeze of the highlands was a great reprieve from the warm humid environment in town. Early afternoon saw us departing our highland oasis. Many struggled leaving the refreshing comfort of pool and hammocks, but the afternoon activities proved to be worth the effort.
An ambitious group visited pit craters before searching for giant tortoises in the wild. Other eager travelers went directly to seek wild tortoises, as a final group returned early to the comfort of the NG Endeavour to watch the day slowly fade. For the tortoise seekers, the climax of the slow speed chase was finding a large male tortoise slaking its thirst in one of several ponds. Other tortugas were found chin deep in the cool muds, while still others chomped on succulent guava beneath the shade of the forest.
Local dancers and musicians closed out the day aboard the National Geographic Endeavour, performing traditional dances and ballads, providing more insight into the cultural aspects of the Galápagos Islands. Another day in heaven…
Discussions overheard at dinner aboard the National Geographic Endeavour in the Galápagos:
“What was your favorite day?”
“What was your favorite place?”
“What are you looking forward to seeing?”
“What was the favorite thing you’ve seen?”
Reptile, fish or bird…by the end of today, a consensus of opinion for the giant tortoise had been established.
Lonesome George had his followers as a biologically unique last of his species. The super prolific Super Diego had his advocates for their own motives. Diego has sired over 1500 young tortoises, is responsible for much of the success of repatriating Espanola Island, and was at it again during our visit.
Today was a great day overall. Puerto Ayora was our destination early in the morning, followed by a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Naturalists leading groups through the research station gave us insight on the biology of the tortoise and the efforts of research done there. We were also able to wander through town, to experience the culture, send a postcard, and do a little shopping.
Lunch in the cool breeze of the highlands was a great reprieve from the warm humid environment in town. Early afternoon saw us departing our highland oasis. Many struggled leaving the refreshing comfort of pool and hammocks, but the afternoon activities proved to be worth the effort.
An ambitious group visited pit craters before searching for giant tortoises in the wild. Other eager travelers went directly to seek wild tortoises, as a final group returned early to the comfort of the NG Endeavour to watch the day slowly fade. For the tortoise seekers, the climax of the slow speed chase was finding a large male tortoise slaking its thirst in one of several ponds. Other tortugas were found chin deep in the cool muds, while still others chomped on succulent guava beneath the shade of the forest.
Local dancers and musicians closed out the day aboard the National Geographic Endeavour, performing traditional dances and ballads, providing more insight into the cultural aspects of the Galápagos Islands. Another day in heaven…
