There has been an overdose of pictures of me in recent blogs so I feel safe enough now to have mostly pictures of wildlife in this one. And this is the Galapagos after all so where better to do this from.
San Cristobal island was where we first made landfall in the Galapagos. The Arc had pre-arranged with the authorities that this is where all the Arc boats would clear customs and be inspected by the National Park agency. At about 7.00am we were boarded by 6 officials, carrying a mountain of paperwork. All cabins were inspected so an early rise for the crew. We were told we had to peel all the oranges we brought with us and hand the peels over. Something to do with fruit flies. We had brought dozens of oranges and tangerines with us so this was no small task. Other than that the rules were very straight forward. We are not allowed to leave the dinghy ashore. It can be used to ferry people in and out but must not be left unattended. So, rather than leave anyone behind, we decided not to use the dinghy at all and use water taxis to get in and out. We are only allowed to visit 4 of the 5 populated islands and we must declare which ones in advance. (There are 13 islands in all). We are not allowed to anchor anywhere else in the Galapagos but can take organised tours.
Finally, after about 2 hours of paperwork, instructions etc we were allowed to go ashore. My first impression was one of shock. I expected to see a barely habited island. In fact the population of San Cristobalis 6,000. There are shops, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, dive centres….. However, it was clear from first sight that the island is owned by the wildlife and humans are just about tolerated. We arrived at the dock in the water taxi only to find the steps up to land from the water were covered with sea lions who made no attempt to get out of our way. On land, there were sea lions resting on park benches, under trees, in the children’s playground. Traffic was stopping regularly to let marine iguanas cross the road. The seals also climb aboard the boats at night and sleep in the cockpit. The first night we arrived back on board, we thought this was cute – until we got the smell and found huge poops on the deck. Seas lions are incredibly smelly.
Rather than take an organised tour on day one, we instead hired a taxi to take us around the island and point out the main features to us. He turned out to have a little English and was in no hurry anywhere. So in fact we had our own private tour. San Cristobal is the only island with its own supply of fresh water. This is because a fresh water lake has formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. This was our first taxi stop. We trudged to the top of the volcano, in the lashings of rain. It is the wet season here and of course we were not equipped for a warmer version of Irish weather. But after 5 days on a boat it is great to stretch the legs – even in the rain.
We also visited a tortoise reserve which while interesting was a bit of a disappointment. I was expecting tortoises big enough to ride on, should you be so cruel. But the largest of these was only about 3 ft wide and 18 inches high. There are 3 different types of tortoise in Galapagos and this island has the smallest type. The reason the reserves are needed is because in the early 1800’s, over a period of just 30 years, 100,000 tortoises were removed from the islands by passing ships. The population is still recovering. The sailors discovered that if you laid a tortoise on its back, it could live for up to 1 year without eating. So, on the way to the South Pacific, Australia etc, they would stop off in Galapagos, collect tortoises and stack them on top of each other below decks. Puts our large collection of oranges in the ha’penny-place!!
Each of theGalapagos islands has quite different vegetation and wildlife. San Cristobal is mainly covered in trees and they grow a lot of fruit here. Food cannot be transported from one island to the other so you tend to eat whatever is grown locally. Sea lions are the predominant animal here and because of the tree coverage, finches and mocking birds the predominant birds.
One trip we took while here was a boat tour out to Kicker Rock. It is a massive volcanic rock about 5 miles offSan Cristobal. It just rises up out of the water and has a wide cleft in it. We were dumped out of the tour boat, in our snorkelling gear, into about 80 meters of water and told to swim through the gap. The idea was that we would swim with the current and the boat would pick us up on the other side. Except the skipper of the boat got his tides wrong and we struggled against the current for about 15 minutes before giving up. By the time we got properly organised to swim in the right direction, with the current, I was too tired to risk getting back in the water. I believe those who did saw plenty of hammer-head sharks along the way, so I’m just as glad I stayed on board. While I was fighting against the current I was accompanied along the way by a massive sea-turtle and this was good enough for me.
Within a couple of days, all the other Arc boats had arrived. It was good to catch up with the crews of other boats and hear tales of their trip thus far. While onSan CristobalI got the sad news that my dog had died. Those of you who are not dog lovers won’t understand how attached we humans are to our dogs. She had a really sweet nature and was great company for me over the years. (She also helped to keep me fit). So it was devastating news which won’t really become a reality until I’m back home. The one consolation is that she was being well looked after and died so suddenly she didn’t suffer.
Next stop isSanta Cruzwhere we will base ourselves for about 8 days and from there will join a couple of tours to seeSanta Feand Isabella. We expect to see land iguanas, saddle-back tortoises, frigate birds, blue footed boobies, penguins, tropical fish, sharks and God knows what else. I’ll take loads of photos.
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Kudos
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the internet. I most certainly will recommend this blog!
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks
I like it when folks come together and share views. Great website, continue the good work!
Хотите получить идеально ровный пол в своей квартире или офисе? Обратитесь к профессионалам на сайте styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по устройству стяжки пола в Москве и области, а также гарантируем качество работ и доступные цены.
поставка строительных материалов
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is very good.
С механизированной штукатуркой стен от mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru ремонт становится не только быстрым, но и качественным. Попробуйте самостоятельно, вы не разочаруетесь!
Terrific article! This is the type of information that are supposed to be shared around the web. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and talk over with my site . Thank you =)
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
Ahaa, its nice conversation concerning this article here at this webpage, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Since the admin of this site is working, no hesitation very soon it will be well-known, due to its quality contents.
Сайт mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru является надежным партнером для тех, кто ищет качественную машинную штукатурку. Доверьтесь профессиональному мастерству.
Post writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with then you can write otherwise it is complex to write.
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It will always be exciting to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their websites.
Nice blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
There is definately a lot to learn about this subject. I like all the points you’ve made.
What’s up, this weekend is good in favor of me, since this point in time i am reading this impressive informative post here at my house.
Heya! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!
Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!
Excellent post. I certainly love this website. Keep writing!
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back someday. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon!
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It is the little changes which will make the largest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
You’re so awesome! I don’t suppose I have read anything like this before. So good to find someone with a few original thoughts on this issue. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed on the web, someone with a little originality!
I know this web site gives quality dependent posts and additional stuff, is there any other website which gives these things in quality?
Hi there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Cheers, I appreciate it!
wonderful submit, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Currently it looks like Drupal is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Лаки Джет на деньги – воплощение азарта и новый способ заработка.Играй в Lucky Jet онлайн на деньги, чтобы испытать настоящий драйв и стать победителем.
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided brilliant transparent concept
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this web site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the info!
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent site!
It’s remarkable to go to see this website and reading the views of all mates concerning this post, while I am also eager of getting experience.
This excellent website definitely has all of the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Thanks designed for sharing such a pleasant opinion, post is nice, thats why i have read it fully
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!
porn siteleri tthighereduhryyy.7Wt5NM4jmG5
I’ve read several just right stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you put to create this sort of wonderful informative site.
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing!
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d truly appreciate it.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Thank you!
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. However just imagine if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche. Terrific blog!
You’ve made some good points there. I looked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Thank you!
Great post.
Great article! This is the type of information that are meant to be shared around the internet. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this post upper! Come on over and talk over with my site . Thank you =)
Hey this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this. In addition, the blog loads very fast for me on Internet explorer. Superb Blog!
Hi there exceptional blog! Does running a blog similar to this take a massive amount work? I have very little knowledge of programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I just had to ask. Thanks a lot!
Hi mates, pleasant piece of writing and good arguments commented here, I am really enjoying by these.
of course like your web-site however you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth then again I will surely come back again.
Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the internet the simplest thing to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst folks consider worries that they plainly do not understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as smartlyand also defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return once again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
Hello there I am so grateful I found your webpage, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a remarkable post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I dont have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the excellent jo.
i5z2nx
I visit each day some web pages and information sites to read articles or reviews, except this webpage provides quality based content.
I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It appears like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This might be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Cheers
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
Hi to every one, since I am really keen of reading this webpage’s post to be updated regularly. It includes good information.
Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the net the simplest thing to bear in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst folks consider worries that they plainly do not recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as welland also defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
These are truly enormous ideas in concerning blogging. You have touched some pleasant points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
I always used to read piece of writing in news papers but now as I am a user of internet so from now I am using net for articles or reviews, thanks to web.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Thanks to my father who shared with me concerning this website, this website is actually remarkable.
It’s awesome to go to see this website and reading the views of all mates about this post, while I am also eager of getting familiarity.
This article gives clear idea in favor of the new people of blogging, that actually how to do blogging.
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS. I don’t know why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Hey There. I found your blog the use of msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Exceptional work!
I like it when folks come together and share views. Great blog, continue the good work!
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
e1m91j
y6ehn1
228yf3
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you really recognize what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We will have a link trade contract among us
I used to be recommended this website by way of my cousin. I am now not sure whether this post is written via him as no one else recognise such special approximately my problem. You are amazing! Thank you!
u4e6om
rw7bnm
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.