Day 10
This morning we anchored in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.
Our first stop was the Charles Darwin Center – the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
Many scientists work in the center, preserving Galapagos endemic species of plants, tortoises, and iguanas.
Tortoises breed and are raised here before being released back onto the island they are endemic to. Tortoises are not cross-bred. They are only released to their island of origin, and are kept at the reserve if that is unknown.
This was the home of Lonesome George before his passing in 2012. He was the last of his kind. He has been preserved and a structure (tomb) is being built on the property to house his remains and tell his story.
Back in the town, it was time for some shopping and hanging out at the fish market (guess who did what??).
One Frigate even swooped down, nabbed a piece of fish, was swatted away by the fish seller, and then, to his disappointment, he dropped his catch.
In the afternoon, we cruised a short distance to Plaza Sur (a little island close to the eastern coast of Santa Cruz) for a trail walk.
The rocks shine like marble in the sunlight (really a beautiful sight) – but, then we learned that it is actually excrement from a huge sea lion population in the past that has worn into the lava rock (after the last big El Nino the population greatly decreased).
We once again were graced with numerous sea lions – lots of young ones (seriously, you cannot take enough pics of these cuties).
One sea lion was ready to give birth (we waited a bit, but the guide said it could take up to a few hours, so we carried on).
Numerous Swallow-tailed Gulls allowed an up close view of their courtship ritual and young.
The red ring around their eyes is beautiful.
The island has many Great Prickly Pear Cacti.
The cacti are a favourite of Land Iguanas.
Marine Iguanas also call the island home.
It is one of the few islands where Land Iguanas and Marine Iguanas are such close neighbours.
Finches also inhabit this island
We did see a lot of dead animals on the island which was sad, but then this is “raw” nature. Other animals make use of their unfortunate situations, such as the Lava Lizards on this carcass eating the flies that land on it.
Birds in Flight
Our last night included a fabulous dinner (once again) with friends.
Day 11
We can’t believe our time experiencing the Galapagos has come to an end. Of the 68 people on board, 14 remained for a cruise to the Western Galapagos Islands. We ate our final breakfast in the restaurant with its island décor including seashell lights.
We met some great people on this trip who we now share that special bond with because we have experienced the true, raw nature of the Galapagos Islands.
Even as we were being transported from the ship to Baltra Island to await our flight to the mainland, we witnessed sea lions making most of their habitat.
We finalized our vacation with a 3 night stopover in Miami Beach, extending the time until our return to the Canadian cold.
And, now we await our next “Adventure”…..
