Day 7
This morning, we anchored just off of Rabida Island. Each island of the Galapagos is so different from one and other. This small island has red rock cliffs along the shoreline. We landed on a stretch of a red sand beach where we were greeted by numerous sea lions.
Also waiting for us, was a young Galapagos Hawk. “A gun is here almost superfluous: for with the muzzle I pushed a hawk out of the branch of a tree” (Charles Darwin, 1845)
We walked along the cliffs and encountered many Darwin Finches. The name was attributed to these finches because they played such an important role in Darwin’s thoughts that eventually led to his development of his theory of evolution and survival of the fittest.
We came upon beautiful rugged landscape,
Galapagos Doves, in the second picture, his head is buried in the cactus pad getting a drink of water
Marine Iguanas,
and Sally Lightfoot Crabs – the most common crab in the Galapagos.
We were treated to a rare sighting of a Vermillion Flycatcher.
We finished our walk down on the beach with the Sea Lions
and a Blue Footed Boobie just coming up from a dive looking for food along the shore.
After the walk, we donned our snorkeling gear and swam along the cliffs. Have we mentioned how much we love snorkeling??
Beautiful fish joined us as we explored the area.
Sea Lions swam by our side.
So much fun…..
In the afternoon, we boarded a zodiac for a coastal view of north Santa Cruz and Islote Eden.
Meals on the cruise have been fantastic. Todd enjoys his fish and seafood, I enjoy my meat – everyone is happy.
Day 8
This morning, we anchored in Galapaguera Cerro Colorado in San Cristobal.
We toured around the town (1 of 3 inhabited islands in the Galapagos).
We finished at the Interpretation Center with a detailed history of the Galapagos Islands.
After lunch, we set sail for Punta Pitt in the north of San Cristobal. And out of the 3 options, we chose snorkeling – need to take advantage of this as much as possible…
The sky was cloudy and the water was really rough, so except for a few schools of tiny fish, there wasn’t much to see. (And not much use taking the camera in the water)
The sea lions on the beach made up for the lack of a good snorkeling experience.
They played with each other, “barked” at each other, and flopped on top of each other, keeping us entertained.
One young pup (about 4 weeks old) was left on his own as his mother was likely out fishing for food.
As we headed back to get our gear, the pup followed us, calling after us….
….made you want to bring him home…..
