Fernandina Island
Fernandina, located at the westernmost rim of the Galápagos archipelago, is considered one of the youngest and certainly one of the prettiest islands. Today when looking at the horizon, the shield-shape volcano and the black “basaltic” colors of its flanks abruptly changed the pattern of light blue color from the sky.
As soon as we landed on the black lava rocks we were greeted by the natives of the island. As if they were coming to meet us, lots of marine iguanas were heading back to the dock area after a long foraging journey in the ocean. Their only goal: the warm coastal zone and the heat that this represents. These are the designated areas for the marine iguanas, so they can conserve the little heat that is left in their bodies and gain some more for the upcoming cool breeze of the night.
The marine iguanas weren’t the only inhabitants of this inhospitable looking island that came to greet us. From the black lava flows the lava lizards emerged, and rapidly crossed the lava fields looking for some food, knowing that their lives depended on their ability to blend into the background, and why not, a little bit of luck counts too.
Close by the shore line different types of animals were encountered. Sea lions and their pups were doing what they know how to do best – sleep and play! Two young sea lions found amusement with a marine turtle on the beach. With an indescribable expression of curiosity, these two youngsters surrounded the sea turtle and poked it with their noses. Exchanging an unmistakable look of “I don’t know what the heck this is” their exploring opportunity ended with the turtle withdrawing to the ocean and disappearing into the dark blue waters. As the turtle disappeared, we wandered away looking for new adventures and more memories, leaving behind two small young sea lions with a whole world to discover.
Fernandina, located at the westernmost rim of the Galápagos archipelago, is considered one of the youngest and certainly one of the prettiest islands. Today when looking at the horizon, the shield-shape volcano and the black “basaltic” colors of its flanks abruptly changed the pattern of light blue color from the sky.
As soon as we landed on the black lava rocks we were greeted by the natives of the island. As if they were coming to meet us, lots of marine iguanas were heading back to the dock area after a long foraging journey in the ocean. Their only goal: the warm coastal zone and the heat that this represents. These are the designated areas for the marine iguanas, so they can conserve the little heat that is left in their bodies and gain some more for the upcoming cool breeze of the night.
The marine iguanas weren’t the only inhabitants of this inhospitable looking island that came to greet us. From the black lava flows the lava lizards emerged, and rapidly crossed the lava fields looking for some food, knowing that their lives depended on their ability to blend into the background, and why not, a little bit of luck counts too.
Close by the shore line different types of animals were encountered. Sea lions and their pups were doing what they know how to do best – sleep and play! Two young sea lions found amusement with a marine turtle on the beach. With an indescribable expression of curiosity, these two youngsters surrounded the sea turtle and poked it with their noses. Exchanging an unmistakable look of “I don’t know what the heck this is” their exploring opportunity ended with the turtle withdrawing to the ocean and disappearing into the dark blue waters. As the turtle disappeared, we wandered away looking for new adventures and more memories, leaving behind two small young sea lions with a whole world to discover.
