Victor organizing camera equipment in our "suite" on board the Encantada

Where are you taking us Isabella? 

The Encantada Sailboat

Early Morning on the Encantada

Rabida Island "Galapogos Sea Lions" migrated from North America 1000's of years ago, now have their own DNA.  Red Volcanic Sand

Xela's snorkling equipment is now a nice comfy pillow

Hey, where are you going with my pillow?

Week old pup nursing

After a busy morning of fishing, one must nap.

Frigated Birds fishing in front of the Encantada

This is MY nap space

Alpha male gets no rest.  He swims all day long, watching over the harem and not letting any bachelors come near the beach.  Until the day, he becomes too old and tired, another male will try to take his place.  All the sea lions on the beach are females or male pups only.

Typical volcanic rock look of the islands

Encantada with our friends Juttah (Germany), Steven (France), Xela (reading of course)

Bartolome Island, view of the Galapogos Islands

Boats waiting for their passengers

Volcanic craters

Masked Booby with chick.  The chicks stay with their parents almost a year.

Red Footed Booby

Masked Booby "hey this is my turf"

ahhh, aren't we cute?

he Galapagos Islands are home to Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas, a hybrid mix of the whose father's are marine iguanas and mother's are land iguanas.

5:30 am, on Genovesa Island.  Although a very dry environment, every morning there is a mist-like rain on Genovesa creating these great colors in the vegetation.



Genovesa Island



Genovesa Island

Land Iguana, thought to be the one of the oldest species on the planet (10 million years).  Theory is they arrived via riding on some wood or something, adapted to the ability to purify the salt water internally into non-saline water. Hence, they spit all the time...the salt out.

Geovesa Island 6am

LONESOME GEORGE: around 95 years old still has another 100 or so left. He is the LAST of his species found on Pinta Island.  The two females are from a different island and have a DNA make-up of 75% closeness to George.  The problem is....George doesn't feel like mating. 

Charles Darwin Research Center.  A research and breeding center.  Once the tortuese's reach about 4 years old they are released to the wild within the park islands.  Unfortunately, 100's of years of ships passing through used them for food, for trade and then illegal trade.  The park is incredibly protected and is excellent with tourism controls, sustainability, protection and research.

Reserva Primicias, tortoise's are wild but mellow

Tourist Photo

This was hysterical watching this guy try to get through the trees.  There was a less direct and easier route, but this was point A to Point B thinking.  He made it.

Shells found on the island

Entrance to the LAVA caves on Santa Cruz Island

Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in SA.  Most likely due to the massive amount of protection not only of the islands but of the surrounding seas.  White, white sand, no garbage, no people, just wildlife.

Marine Iguana (can reach 3 feet long)  Tortuga Bay

Lagoon at Tortuga Bay

Lava cave formed millions of years ago, with Marcus, our bud,  from Switzerland

Entrance to our hotel on Santa Cruz Island

Hotel grounds, Santa Cruz Island

Mangroves in Black Turtle Cove

Going under mangroves to get inside the Mangrove gardens

Large sea Turtle

After a long journey on a sailboat, must have a milkshake

Breakfast on the Encantada, USA, Finland, Hong Kong, Switz, France, Germany represented our small group.

The Encantada

The STRENGTH of my children....lava boulders are very light. haha

seriously, my kids are strong....:)

All lava material and lava craters

Sailing at night

Dinner is served on the Encantada

Isabella's favorite, one of the many Darwin Finches.  Thanks to Ms. Barton's science class she knew the whole evolution/adaptation story of the finch.  We have A LOT of pictures of Finches. :)

The two naturalists and the camera equipment

how did you get the bird to get in your hands?

Highlands of Santa Cruz, very moist, rainy, humid.  This is one of the huge lava craters found in the highlands.

Two tired travelers waiting to check in Quito.

Mrs. Dork with the Opera Singer

One of the best meals we ever had.  Gorgeous renovated Colonial building in the "old town" of Quito next to the Presidential Palace, French amazing food and Opera.

Dessert

On the roof of the Grande Plaza Building after dinner

Old Town, Presidential Palace, Quito, Equador