After boarding the Samba, we enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by our chef, Augustine and then set sail for the Isla Española. We awoke the next morning anchored in a cove near the island. As became our daily routine, we enjoyed a large filling breakfast with our group at 7:00 a.m. and disembarked in our panga (dingy) for our guided tour at 8:00 a.m. On the island, we enjoyed the wildlife and a refreshing swim, returning to the Samba in time for our noon lunch. In the afternoon, we went snorkeling and then returned to Isla Española for a beautiful hike along the coastal areas of the islands encountering countless sea lions, iguanas and nesting colonies of beautiful birds. One of the most remarkable thing about the Galápagos Islands and what makes many of the photos below possible is the remarkable tameness of the animals; they seemingly have no instinctual fear of man. It was amazing to be able to approach these creatures so closely without having them scurry or fly off. Indeed, one of our biggest concerns was inadvertently stepping on them!
Kelly is able to go right up to the sea lions and play. A few came up and brushed their face against her. We are not supposed to touch the animals, otherwise, Kelly probably would have hugged one.
The male bull sea lion is not an animal that you would want to hug. The bull is the leader of a group of female sea lions and their young. As the jefe, they are protective and very territorial. If they feel threatened, they will bark and sometimes exhibit signs of aggression.
The marine iguana only exists in the Galápagos Islands. Despite their fierce appearance, they are vegetarians that feed principally on the green algae that collects on sea rocks. They swim and can dive to 90 feet below the sea in search of food.
This male sea iguana is sunning himself on a rock. The iguanas love the heat, and when it gets dark and colder, they will all huddle together to stay warm. This male iguana is getting ready to mate, so he has put on his prettiest colors to attract the females.
Another animal found only on the Galápagos Islands is the blue footed boobie. While they look like they would be earth bound birds, they are graceful flyers and skilled at fishing, often doing 90 degree nose dives into the water in search for dinner.
This boobie is stretching his wings while incubating two eggs. It is the male who incubates the eggs until they are ready to hatch.
The most distinctive feature of these birds and from where they derive their names, are their brilliant blue feet. Extremely vivid, they are a light blue or Tiffany blue, which is Kelly's favorite color.
Here our guide, Hernan talks with a masked boobie, so called because of the lone ranger type mask or black markings that resemble a mask around the eyes of this boobie.
The nesting masked boobie.
We were fortunate to see the albatrosses on the Isla Española before they headed south to Antartica. Blessed with amazing navigational systems, these birds will fly 8,000 miles to Antartica returning each year to mate on the same island with the same partner.
The albatross has an awkward walk. This is due to the stress that is put on their legs and feet when they land. We understand that the unusual, running take off and the awkward, less than graceful landing of these birds is depicted well in the animated Disney movie, The Rescuers.
Often described as the most affectionate birds, here two albatross continue their courtship even after mating through "beaking". "Beaking" is essentially a high speed, though nonviolent sword fight of sorts with their beaks.
Following our exciting visit to the Isla Española, we returned to the Samba and enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Salon. It was a great beginning to a great trip! And now, continue on to Isla Floreana! |
|
2 Go Maps / 2 Go Actual Itinerary / 2 Go Photos / 2 Go Home Page
PLEASE E-MAIL US. . . WE WOULD LOVE 2 HEAR FROM YOU!
©1999-2001 Kelly and Rich Willis. All rights reserved. |