darwin's galapagos

laurel says:

“it is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives.  it is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” –charles darwin

charles darwin visited the galapagos in 1835 and his observations here are what informed his theory of evolution as dictated in ‘the origin of species.’ and in our short time here, it is easy to see why the galapagos inspired such a theory.  home to penguins that can survive in the tropics, iguanas that have learned to swim and filter salt water, cormorant birds whose wings were useless and therefore morphed into flippers, deeming them flightless…the galapagos is full of wonders.  this archipelago has been the absolute highlight of our trip this far and is a place not to be missed.  it is hard to articulate how beautiful these islands are…and each of the 13 islands is completely unique.  one day you will be trekking thru a field of pitch-black lava when you stumble upon a mirage-like lagoon with tropical flamingoes, and the next day you will be in a lush tropical forest with giant tortoises that fades into desolate desert.  it is a trip for the senses.  the only thing that can trump the incredible vistas is the animal life that is both abundant and fearless.  at times you have to look where to step so that you can avoid trampling a marine iguana or sea lion.  the experience is amplified by the daily snorkeling opportunities…by far the best i have ever experienced.  snorkeling in crystal clear waters with a dozen sea turtles, curious sea lions diving below your feet, penguins racing by you, rays gently swimming along, schools of thousands of tropical fish, even the occasional shark.  life abounds.  the only predatory forces that keep the population in check are the changing of the sea currents and sadly, man’s influence.  it is a delicate balance between keeping the islands pristine and preserved while at the same time wishing everyone can one day experience how truly awe-inspiring this place is.  we are finding it hard to leave this island paradise, as our travel agent can attest to with our ever-extending return flight date.

on our fave island, espanola

blue footed boobies performing their mating dance (beats emil's)

these feet could inspire a color palette

we promised to send the crew a flabongo

the south american towel penguin...nearly extinct (carnies eat your heart out!)

a baby albatross

albatross' kissing

the flightless cormorand

the male frigate bird inflates his throat pouch to attract the ladies

pelican's anxiously await a handout at the local fish market

sally light foot crabs with our boat in the background

can you guess how many iguanas are on this island?  (granny jacq would be shaking)

emil's new friend

marine iguana in action

just another land iguana that we almost stepped on

175 years old and still going strong

laurel tried to take him home but he wouldn't fit in the overhead bin

my new home now that stanyan st is sold

baby sea lion saying hello

the three amigos

sea lion in love

sealed with a kiss

hawaii is soooo 2000 and late

emil says:

laurel said it perfectly.  what boggles the mind here is how explosive life can be without a natural predator, mammals are for the most part meat eaters and there aren’t many of those here.  most animals honestly look like they are smiling: sea lions will mock you as they swim circles around you. blue-footed boobie birds nest without making a physical nest, why do they need to hide? from whom?  most of the anxiety is about reproduction/finding a mate as competition is fierce, rather than ‘survival’, as there is plenty of food. this is a unique place. what i am most happy about is how light humanity has trampled upon the islands. trails on the islands are strictly adhered to. boats/cruises are highly regulated in both their number and their itineraries. local fishing boats don’t use nets and are limited to specific locations. a trip to galapagos can happen on an 8-10 day vacation from the states. take the kids here.  show them first hand why they are recycling, composting, and not driving hummers.  this is magical stuff.