On Day 2 of our Galapagos adventure aboard our floating hotel, the MV Evolution, we lift anchor at 2:30AM for our three hour sail to Española, the oldest and southernmost of all the islands.
Here is home to the blue-footed booby,
the Nazca (formerly known as the masked, white) booby,
Christmas and marine iguanas, mockingbirds, and rafts of playful sea lions, babies in tow.
At 6:30AM I’m coaxed awake by the soothing singing voice of Jack Johnson (or sound alike) over the cabin speakers. Later in the week, his music will give way to ”Hotel California,” Bob Marley, and the perennially popular, “Guantanamera.”
Following a hearty breakfast, we hop into the pangas for our ride to shore. Our naturalist briefing the night before has prepared us for a “dry landing” at Punta Suarez, knowing that “50% of our two and a half hour morning walk will be very rocky, 50% rocky.”
We wind our way among the fabulous flora and fauna along our path, stopping from time to time to enjoy our up close and personal encounters.
Our reward for making it over the rocky island terrain is a stellar view of Española’s Blowhole with water blasts sky vaulting at least 60 feet.
I so want to do this trip!! Beautiful photos of a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Teresa! I hope you do make this trip – it is SO worth it – one you’ll keep with you always ~
I think that if i saw the iguanas, i’d be screaming and running in the other direction. 🙂 although I’ve always wanted to see a blue footed booby.
You know, I might have thought that, too, Jen, before I saw the iguanas for myself. But they’re so incredible-looking that I just wanted to stop and stare. And as far as I know, we’re not part of their food chain so no worries :-).
What fun, Nancy. I’ve never seen a blue footed booby either. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris and Galapagos. I’ve made it to Paris so far . . . Very cool.
Nancy MacMillan @ http://blogofavetswife.blogspot.com/
Paris is a great place to start, Nancy! Can the Galapagos be far behind in your travel plans? I hope you make it there soon ~
This is a trip I long to do. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Love the photos! Thanks for reminding me to put the Galapagos high on my bucket list for travel destinations.
Yes, definitely put the Galapagos Islands on your bucket list, Cara. I know you would love it! Thanks for stopping by ~
What an amazing destination! I love this!
Thanks, Lisa! I hope you make the Galapagos Islands a travel destination for you, too ~
Nice pictures Nancy !! Would love to go there soon.. Its quite a distance away from India !!
Thanks, Praveen! I’d love to make it to India soon as well ~