Santa Cruz
The Galápagos Islands are, for many people, a dream come true destination. Much of the expectation comes from the fact that many of us have been taught about evolution and Darwin from an early age in our lives. Today, our plan includes a visit to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. It has a rearing program that is so successful with the young tortoises, that the tortoise population is much healthier today than what it was one hundred or even twenty years ago.
We are able to see several species of theses famous reptiles in captivity. What a sight it is to see them so close to us. We had to move out of their way to let them pass and carry on their walking adventure. The baby tortoises are my favorite. They are so active that they surprise us when we look into their wrinkled and apparently old skin. At two years old they look like they are one hundred. We see the different species including Lonesome George who is the last individual from the island of Pinta.
The walk through town reveals a part of the islands that is seldom mentioned. The bank, the internet café and the fish market add a bit of comfort to the local residents who understand the difficulties and benefits of living in a National Park area.
Most of us decide to go to the highlands. We walk through what is now the rain forest. The sight is so breathtaking, and we feel very fortunate to be able to see this. Our day would not have been completed until we saw at least one tortoise roaming about in its own environment. We take the bus to a nearby area until someone yelled ‘tortoise’. We got off the bus and saw two females minding their own business. Our day was completed and the expectations were exceeded.
Another day in paradise has finished; it will stay with us many years.
