At 75 degrees Fahrenheit, at 6:45 a.m. in the morning, I knew the day would be warm. Sunny skies were welcome, but at a price!

However, the day went really well despite the heat, and giant tortoises were the center of attention. Both at the Galapagos National Park Tortoise Rearing Center in the morning, and in the highlands after lunch, we spent some quality time learning about them, watching, filming, and photographing these quiet, serene animals of such fame.

Local color also comes in many forms: murals on café walls, coffee farm with hidden whale sculpture, and sugar cane products as well…it’s all Galapagos, 100%!