Santa Cruz and North Seymour Islands
Today the wake up call came at 6:00 a.m. We were anchored off the beautiful island of Santa Cruz and the orange glow of the sunrise lit up the highlands of the island as the day dawned. Anchored with us in Academy Bay were a number of other tour boats, cargo ships and even a couple of very swank private yachts. We took the Zodiacs to the main town dock at 6:30 a.m., beginning our day early while the weather was perfect for walking. We boarded buses that took us to the Tortoise Reserve of El Chato at the southwestern side of the island. It was a beautiful drive and en-route we encountered a lush landscape of tall elephant grass, tropical fruits like papaya, guava, banana, oranges, raspberries and grapefruits, and lumber trees such as the Cuban cedar, balsa, and teak. The naturalists pointed out several species of shrubs – in particular the quinine and guava – that are spreading and are considered pests. It was amazing to be in an area of such lush vegetation since thus far we have only visited the arid coastal zone of lava flows and sparse vegetation.
We went down a rocky trail in search of Galápagos giant tortoises. What a surprise it was when we encountered the first tortoise grazing in the damp grass and strolling towards us. Further along the trail we found several more tortoises and then came to a lagoon. Here the huge reptiles were soaking in the cool mud and drinking water; no doubt feeling quite refreshed. We were starting to feel the heat ourselves, so we followed the trail back to the buses and drove up to the farm for breakfast. Afterwards we hiked about 250 feet inside a lava tunnel and then drove down to town for shopping.
In the afternoon, after a well deserved lunch and rest, we continued our adventures with a visit to North Seymour Island. The island was as beautiful as I had ever seen it in my all my years of guiding. The frigate birds were displaying; their red gular pouches fully inflated. They were flying and perched in the bushes. There were so many that it seemed that red paint had been smeared over the lush, green vegetation. Unexpectedly we encountered a colony of blue-footed boobies. They were eagerly displaying and doing their hilarious courtship dance in an attempt to recruit partners. I was reminded of Carnival in Brazil – the many colours and wild dances. To complete this marvellous day, we found several “golden dragons,” the Galápagos land iguanas. They were decked out in their fantastic yellow and orange pigments, colors that seemed to compete with the late afternoon golden light of the sunset.
WOW! Another amazing day in this island paradise!
Today the wake up call came at 6:00 a.m. We were anchored off the beautiful island of Santa Cruz and the orange glow of the sunrise lit up the highlands of the island as the day dawned. Anchored with us in Academy Bay were a number of other tour boats, cargo ships and even a couple of very swank private yachts. We took the Zodiacs to the main town dock at 6:30 a.m., beginning our day early while the weather was perfect for walking. We boarded buses that took us to the Tortoise Reserve of El Chato at the southwestern side of the island. It was a beautiful drive and en-route we encountered a lush landscape of tall elephant grass, tropical fruits like papaya, guava, banana, oranges, raspberries and grapefruits, and lumber trees such as the Cuban cedar, balsa, and teak. The naturalists pointed out several species of shrubs – in particular the quinine and guava – that are spreading and are considered pests. It was amazing to be in an area of such lush vegetation since thus far we have only visited the arid coastal zone of lava flows and sparse vegetation.
We went down a rocky trail in search of Galápagos giant tortoises. What a surprise it was when we encountered the first tortoise grazing in the damp grass and strolling towards us. Further along the trail we found several more tortoises and then came to a lagoon. Here the huge reptiles were soaking in the cool mud and drinking water; no doubt feeling quite refreshed. We were starting to feel the heat ourselves, so we followed the trail back to the buses and drove up to the farm for breakfast. Afterwards we hiked about 250 feet inside a lava tunnel and then drove down to town for shopping.
In the afternoon, after a well deserved lunch and rest, we continued our adventures with a visit to North Seymour Island. The island was as beautiful as I had ever seen it in my all my years of guiding. The frigate birds were displaying; their red gular pouches fully inflated. They were flying and perched in the bushes. There were so many that it seemed that red paint had been smeared over the lush, green vegetation. Unexpectedly we encountered a colony of blue-footed boobies. They were eagerly displaying and doing their hilarious courtship dance in an attempt to recruit partners. I was reminded of Carnival in Brazil – the many colours and wild dances. To complete this marvellous day, we found several “golden dragons,” the Galápagos land iguanas. They were decked out in their fantastic yellow and orange pigments, colors that seemed to compete with the late afternoon golden light of the sunset.
WOW! Another amazing day in this island paradise!
