Espanola Island
This is my second visit to the Galápagos, and I have been amazed the whole week at how varied and different this journey was from the last. It seems as though one could visit this archipelago fifty different times and experience something new each time. I do not say this lightly, as I am from Alaska, where the land is vast and the wildlife is uniquely spectacular; I am a “tough customer” when it comes to nature. The Galápagos is the only place I have visited that has filled me with the same awe and wonder as my home state.
This morning, we had our fifth snorkeling outing of the voyage, and yet we encountered sea life at Tortuga Islet that we had not seen previously during the week. Highlights were glimpses of the very shy and elusive zebra eel, large parrot fish, and hieroglyphic hogfish.
Later on, we enjoyed beautiful Gardner Beach, where we went swimming in the azure water, mingled with many playful sea lion pups, watched sea lions of all ages snuggle together in restful poses, and walked the length of the fine sandy beach.
Needless to say, we were all very hungry after the morning’s outings! After lunch and a short siesta, we landed at Punta Suarez via panga, and took a walk through the rocky lava trail. This outing proved equally as interesting and stunning as the morning activities. Upon arrival, we immediately took notice of the “Christmas colored” (green and red) marine iguanas, and spotted three Galápagos hawks. Along the trail, we came within inches of nesting Nazca boobies and their new chicks. We also had the pleasure of seeing many tropic birds soaring through the air as we sat and watched the “blow hole” formed in the shore of the lava.
On our way back to the panga, we were treated to two rainbows. This was already a perfect day. Then, we caught sight of a lone albatross in flight, a rare treat at this time of year, as most of them have already left the islands. It was absolutely breathtaking, and we left feeling blessed by this unexpected gift.
This is my second visit to the Galápagos, and I have been amazed the whole week at how varied and different this journey was from the last. It seems as though one could visit this archipelago fifty different times and experience something new each time. I do not say this lightly, as I am from Alaska, where the land is vast and the wildlife is uniquely spectacular; I am a “tough customer” when it comes to nature. The Galápagos is the only place I have visited that has filled me with the same awe and wonder as my home state.
This morning, we had our fifth snorkeling outing of the voyage, and yet we encountered sea life at Tortuga Islet that we had not seen previously during the week. Highlights were glimpses of the very shy and elusive zebra eel, large parrot fish, and hieroglyphic hogfish.
Later on, we enjoyed beautiful Gardner Beach, where we went swimming in the azure water, mingled with many playful sea lion pups, watched sea lions of all ages snuggle together in restful poses, and walked the length of the fine sandy beach.
Needless to say, we were all very hungry after the morning’s outings! After lunch and a short siesta, we landed at Punta Suarez via panga, and took a walk through the rocky lava trail. This outing proved equally as interesting and stunning as the morning activities. Upon arrival, we immediately took notice of the “Christmas colored” (green and red) marine iguanas, and spotted three Galápagos hawks. Along the trail, we came within inches of nesting Nazca boobies and their new chicks. We also had the pleasure of seeing many tropic birds soaring through the air as we sat and watched the “blow hole” formed in the shore of the lava.
On our way back to the panga, we were treated to two rainbows. This was already a perfect day. Then, we caught sight of a lone albatross in flight, a rare treat at this time of year, as most of them have already left the islands. It was absolutely breathtaking, and we left feeling blessed by this unexpected gift.
