Galapagos (August 2008) – Part 2

In August 2008 we traveled with the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Photos are split across three posts and are roughly in chronological order, subdivided by location. And yes, there are way too many pictures of sea lions and iguanas.

Floreana Island

(August 12) Floreana provided the first of several snorkeling opportunities, and was the first time for trying my underwater case in the murkey ocean waters. You’ll notice that there are a LOT of pictures of sea turtles. Probably too many, but I’m leaving ‘em.

Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island

(August 13) Santa Cruz is the second largest island and one of the most diverse islands in that it has all seven climate zones on the windward side that change with increasing elevation. Starting with the coast line Littoral Zone, plants that can tolerate saltwater or little water thrive such as Mangroves along with various morning glory and iceberg-like ground covers. The Arid Zone follows with the appearance of prickly pear cactus and Palo Santo trees.  Scalesia trees begin to appear defining The Transitional Zone which is the elevation with the most rain and fog. A temperature inversion makes the next zone dryer with few trees and the landscape is dominated by Miconia, and thusly named the Miconia zone. The highest elevation is often above the cloud line and fog provides most of the water so to the plants are low shrubs, ferns and sedges, and yes, it’s called The Fern-Sedge Zone.  The Giant Tortoise is the only animal that lives in all of the climate zones. 

Santa Cruz is located in the center of the archipelago and is home to the largest town, Puerto Ayora, the National Park Headquarters, and the Darwin Research Station.

Bartolome

(August 13) When NASA fakes a Mars landing, they’ll shoot it on Bartolome Island. The reddish volcanic surface made for a bizarre landscape indeed. There was also more snorkeling, but my flash batteries died shortly into it so not many pictures came out of it.

Urbina Bay, Isabela

(August 14) Urbina Bay is barely 50 years old, having been created by volcanic activity in 1954. It is guarded by a very vigilant hawk.

Fernandia

(August 14) Fernandia is the youngest of the islands made up of a single active volcano that erupts every few years, and thus has the most rugged landscape.  Because there has been little human influence on this island the indigenous wildlife are abundant. And what do you know, it also has iguanas and sea lions! This was by far Carol’s favorite island excursion.

Other Pages

Go to Part 1: Baltra, North Seymour, Kicker Rock, San Cristobal, Espanola

Go to Part 3: Santiago, Puerto Ayora, Dragon Hill, Highlands, Quito