Today we started the day at the second largest island in the archipelago where two institutions work together for conservation sake- the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park Service. Today is giant tortoise day and we had a wonderful, sunny, and fun expedition.
We reached the facilities and saw Super Diego who was brought back from the San Diego zoo to help repopulate Hood Island. We also witnessed the candidates who would do the same for the island of Pinta since they share the same chromosomes as the belated Lonesome George. Soon after we had a little time to walk in the town of Puerto Ayora. We were impressed to see the fishermen’s dock where the “catch” is sold to the townspeople while sea lions, pelicans, and many different species of wildlife are ready to take advantage of any left overs.
Then we met at the Rock, a local restaurant that greeted us with fresh local tropical juice and cervezas. Our busses departed for the highlands, driving for 30 minutes, climbing 800 feet to a local farm where our guests were taken back to a time with no electricity. The farm is still able to grind sugar cane and create different products like molasses and the bases of rum, and moonshine (locally known as agua-ardiente). Organic coffee was processed in front of us - from harvesting, drying, separation, and rusting. We enjoyed the crisp and exquisite aroma and then we departed for lunch.
Our next adventure took us where many tortoises roam freely and we became witnesses to the result of conservation, as we felt privileged and happy to be among them. Documentaries, books, and pictures never quite capture the essence of this gentle reptile.
Back down in the town of Puerto Ayora some of us opted to do a final walk along the shore, while others returned to the ship ready to share and celebrate a fun giant tortoise day.
Our expedition was about to end and now we are headed to one of the oldest islands in the archipelago and more adventures are yet to come.
