After a whirlwind day yesterday we expected to be able to sleep in but no-no-no – we had to be up, eat breakfast and get to our first and only dry landing while in Galapagos at South Plaza, Santa Fe, by 8 am. The Legend generally doesn’t dock while circling the Islands of Galapagos so we were always put in a Dingy and brought to our destination.
We were greeted by a lovely little sea lion sitting on the pier.
This little guy found a nice place to nap on the rocks. LOL
As we walked along we spotted a land Iguana laying in the sun.It took no notice to us but we were all impressed. He was quite large and something you would not want to have bite or scratch you.
Notice the red rings around the eyes of these birds. When they fly at night they light up like eerie orbs providing them with perfect night vision for hunting for food for themselves and their young. The baby bird can be the same size as the adult but cannot fly on its’ own until its’ night vision have been developed. The mother bird stays with the baby during the day to protect from predators and hunts at night. It is weird to see them flying at night.
Another big Iguana – really big, These guys were everywhere. The views around us were spectacular even though there wasn’t much sun
Harry our Crazy Super Bright Guide who made everything fun and interesting.
We stopped at an overlook that was just spectacular!
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As we walked along we came upon a bull sea lion that was doing some resting. I decided to get a closer look – something I wouldn't usually do.
As I’m getting a little closer to take a look at him the first thing I notice is that he REALLY smells, then all of a sudden he lifts his head and lets out a really loud bark or growl – something really loud anyway. He scared the hell out of me and I took off like shot. Everyone thought it was pretty funny. NOT!! Or maybe it was.
Another beautiful view in the background with a Galapagos ------ sitting on the rocks. The picture doesn’t do justice to the place or the animals.
The fauna on the island were reflective of the fall colors in New England. Pictures don’t really catch the brightness of the colors.
We were completely intrigued by the number of sea lions on the island and how comfy they appeared to be laying on the rocks and napping.
We watched an adorable baby seal playing with a fish. Initially we thought it was eating the fish but baby seals only drink their mother’s milk. As I watching the baby seal and laughing I was not watching where I was walking. Next thing I knew I was heading for the ground. Good thing Kelly was with me because she caught my arm and broke my fall so all I ended up with was a bruised knee and ego. Klutzy Debbie is at it again!!!!
Red footed Boobie.
After spending the morning on ----- Island we went back to the boat for lunch and to get ready for our next tour. We sat on our deck for a few minutes and I have been washing our underwear to keep up. Well I though it would be a good idea to try to get Ron’s shorts to dry while sitting on the deck enjoying the breeze. Of course it was viewed by my family as crazy but it it did get the job done.! LOL
After lunch we stopped at the gift shop and tried on some hats. Ron was dapper in his pink wide brimmed concoction and I in my ladies top hat.
Notice that I am color coordinated!
After our fashion show we went back to our cabins to prepare for our 2:30 PM deep sea snorkeling adventure. Not much time for resting on this trip. The snorkeling was fantastic and much to my surprise I did really well diving from the dingy. Ron took more underwater pictures but we don’t have them as yet. Kelly, Ron and I had a blast.
At 4 pm we were off and running again to check out another island and hopefully see more indigenous animal species. It was back on the dingy and this time a wet landing. So in the water we jumped to get to shore.
The white sand beach was quite glorious and it was overrun with sea lions doing what they do best – lay around and occasionally let out a sea lion bark. You could walk right up to them and they didn’t care. In fact, some of them wanted to play.
The walk along this beach/island was very beautiful and full of surprises.
Check out the enormous land Iguanas:
This guy walked right between our tour guide legs.
Just being here and being able to view some spectacular wildlife is amazing. How fortunate we are!!!!
Back on the dingy for our ride back to the boat – can’t really call it a ship because it’s too small.
Another blue footed Boobie!
Our boat was once used as a hospital during the Vietnam War.
A magnificent sunset to end a magnificent day!
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