Santa Cruz Island
Today was a full one. A day filled with new sights, sounds and tastes. At the Charles Darwin Research Station at the far end of town, we had time to spend with the enormous giant tortoises from various islands: Lonesome George (from Pinta Island) and Diego (from Espanola Island) as well as others participating in their breeding program (or trying to). We also spent time with the three land iguanas from Cartago Bay, Isabela Island, on display to be used for educational purposes. All these creatures being looked after by the Darwin Station and the Galápagos National Park are in great condition. They aren’t fed too much (which is a definite possibility under these circumstances), given supplements when necessary, and watched carefully all the time that all is well with these most endangered of species.
Today was also a chance for exercise, as the roads into the highlands stretch for long distances (relatively speaking). Since no National Park restrictions apply to these areas outside of the park boundaries, there were takers for jogging, power-walking and even mountain-biking, which I did myself for the first time and had a wonderful time.
After swimming, volleyball and the delicious lunch served up in the highland restaurant, we set off by bus to drive even further up into the green upper reaches of Santa Cruz Island. One of the main attractions and desires of all who visit this lush region, is a chance to see, and photograph, the endemic vermillion flycatcher. Even if it takes stopping the buses in the middle of the road, we do what’s necessary to spend at least a little time with this fabulous land bird of the highlands. It was thanks to Don Miguel, our bus driver, that we spotted the small but brilliant fleck of red almost hidden in the green along the roadside trees of endemic Scalesia. And what was even better, the small male vermillion flycatcher allowed us plenty of time for photographs, and not just us, but the next group to come by as well.
Today was a full one. A day filled with new sights, sounds and tastes. At the Charles Darwin Research Station at the far end of town, we had time to spend with the enormous giant tortoises from various islands: Lonesome George (from Pinta Island) and Diego (from Espanola Island) as well as others participating in their breeding program (or trying to). We also spent time with the three land iguanas from Cartago Bay, Isabela Island, on display to be used for educational purposes. All these creatures being looked after by the Darwin Station and the Galápagos National Park are in great condition. They aren’t fed too much (which is a definite possibility under these circumstances), given supplements when necessary, and watched carefully all the time that all is well with these most endangered of species.
Today was also a chance for exercise, as the roads into the highlands stretch for long distances (relatively speaking). Since no National Park restrictions apply to these areas outside of the park boundaries, there were takers for jogging, power-walking and even mountain-biking, which I did myself for the first time and had a wonderful time.
After swimming, volleyball and the delicious lunch served up in the highland restaurant, we set off by bus to drive even further up into the green upper reaches of Santa Cruz Island. One of the main attractions and desires of all who visit this lush region, is a chance to see, and photograph, the endemic vermillion flycatcher. Even if it takes stopping the buses in the middle of the road, we do what’s necessary to spend at least a little time with this fabulous land bird of the highlands. It was thanks to Don Miguel, our bus driver, that we spotted the small but brilliant fleck of red almost hidden in the green along the roadside trees of endemic Scalesia. And what was even better, the small male vermillion flycatcher allowed us plenty of time for photographs, and not just us, but the next group to come by as well.
