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Published: July 26th 2012
Well, what a wonderful few days we have just had, cruising and exploring some of the Galapagos Islands. We sailed on the Coral 1 with 21 other people from various countries. Our days were filled a great balance of activities and relaxation. The morning was spent leisurely hiking for a couple of hours discovering the amazing variety of animal and bird life that inhabits these islands, all living in close proximity to each other and seemingly unconcerned with the tourists as you could get up close and personal for many great photos. Our first sightings were the large land tortoises from which the islands get their name and can live up to 200 years so Lonesome George, who just died was just a youngster! Sea lions were seen lounging on the beach, over rocks further inland and even on the lower deck of our boat last night! Birds were profilic in both number and variety - frigates, swallow tailed gulls, various types of finches (e.g. Darwin finch and cactus finch), blue footed boobies and even pink flamingoes all the way from the Carribean! It was mating and nesting time so we saw frigates puffing out their red chest in order to
attract the female and boobies doing mating dances and both seen sitting on eggs and new born chicks in barren open areas. And of course, there were the iguanas, both marine and land, seen clinging to rock faces and basking in the sun having scaled vertical cliffs after hunting in the ocean below. Not the prettiest of animals but well adated amphibians.
Part of our morning activities was a snorking session in deep water along the shore lines of the islands. Wow! Great swimming in crystal clear water through schools of brightly coloured fish. Hoped to swim with a sea lion but that didn't occur but managed to see a turtle and Manta Ray gliding along the sea bottom. Lunch back on board the boat and then it was of course seista time on the moon deck as the frigates circled above. Late afternoon and off to another island for further discoveries of the wonders of the Galapagos! After dinner, socialising with the rest of the group finshed the day off beautifuuly ready for it all to start again the next day.
Back in Quito to catch our breath, literally due to the altitude, before catching a flight
to Lima tomorrow.
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Rachel
non-member comment
OMG!
Mum!!! What is that picture... I haven't laughed that hard in ages!