Santa Cruz Island
We had an interesting and exciting day, visiting the most significant and emblematic conservation center of the Galápagos Islands: the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. We spent the morning learning about the tortoise restoration programs and viewing baby tortoises, adult tortoises, land iguanas, and the famous “Lonesome George,” sole survivor of the Pinta Island species of giant tortoise. George was showing some interest in one of his girlfriends, and actually mounted her and tried to mate while we watched. As usual though, he was not successful. As there are no females of his species, George shares his corral with two female tortoises from Isabela Island.
Following our visit to the Darwin Station, we headed towards town where we had a great time shopping, walking, and exploring Puerto Ayora. We boarded buses that took us into the highlands. Some of our guests, who felt more adventurous, rode bikes to the restaurant, and others had a relaxing walk through the countryside and enjoyed the lush greenery. We savored a delicious grilled chicken lunch and then, with renewed energy the naturalists led many of the group further into the highlands. We saw everything we had hoped to and more: several species of finches, tortoises in the wild, a short-eared owl, and vermillion flycatchers.
This week we have had fantastic weather, wonderful sightings, and a group of delightful guests who have enjoyed themselves to the max! No wonder the Expedition Staff, pictured here at the highland restaurant, “Altair,” are smiling so brightly. They are (clockwise from the bottom left): Gilda Gonzalez, Daniel Sanchez, Paula Tagle, Rafael Pesantes and Lucho Verdesoto with “Mama” Lynn Fowler, Expedition Leader in the center. Just another day in paradise…
We had an interesting and exciting day, visiting the most significant and emblematic conservation center of the Galápagos Islands: the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. We spent the morning learning about the tortoise restoration programs and viewing baby tortoises, adult tortoises, land iguanas, and the famous “Lonesome George,” sole survivor of the Pinta Island species of giant tortoise. George was showing some interest in one of his girlfriends, and actually mounted her and tried to mate while we watched. As usual though, he was not successful. As there are no females of his species, George shares his corral with two female tortoises from Isabela Island.
Following our visit to the Darwin Station, we headed towards town where we had a great time shopping, walking, and exploring Puerto Ayora. We boarded buses that took us into the highlands. Some of our guests, who felt more adventurous, rode bikes to the restaurant, and others had a relaxing walk through the countryside and enjoyed the lush greenery. We savored a delicious grilled chicken lunch and then, with renewed energy the naturalists led many of the group further into the highlands. We saw everything we had hoped to and more: several species of finches, tortoises in the wild, a short-eared owl, and vermillion flycatchers.
This week we have had fantastic weather, wonderful sightings, and a group of delightful guests who have enjoyed themselves to the max! No wonder the Expedition Staff, pictured here at the highland restaurant, “Altair,” are smiling so brightly. They are (clockwise from the bottom left): Gilda Gonzalez, Daniel Sanchez, Paula Tagle, Rafael Pesantes and Lucho Verdesoto with “Mama” Lynn Fowler, Expedition Leader in the center. Just another day in paradise…
