A day in Galapagos life

This was our ride.  It transported us between the islands and bays and served its purpose.  (We kept looking for all of the mini fridges stocked with beer, wine, and Pellegrino...but... we weren't on the Monte Carlo, sigh ; )
In the mornings we would hike and snorkel followed by afternoons of whatever we felt like.  Apparently I fancy jumping from heights into water.  This was quite the rush!  You don't want to botch the landing from this height, just ask the jumper after me who should have gotten a trophy for most impressive bruising.

And, welcome to the circle of life.  I always have a hard time with this concept.  Here is a great blue heron snacking on an adorable baby sea turtle, one of our first island experiences.  

Marine iguana, the world's only aquatic reptile. Salt crystalizes on the top of their heads.  I believe they have nasal openings that excrete salt after they have been hunting and dining under water. 

Charles Darwin said, "The black Lava rocks on the beach are frequented by large (2-3 ft), disgusting clumsy Lizards. They are as black as the porous rocks over which they crawl & seek their prey from the Sea. I call them 'imps of darkness'. They assuredly well become the land they inhabit."

A male frigate bird and his woman.  We couldn't decide if this guy was cute for snuggling or a slime ball for distending his red gular sac known to attract females during mating season right in front of his lady.

Galapagos sea lions are quite photogenic.  Being greatly playful and inquisitive they often sought out entertainment from us!

Where's Tracy?

Waved Albatross!  Such large birds.  Like I said in an earlier post, blue footed boobies were everywhere.  It was hard to take photos of other wild life without having little blue feet sneak into the camera frame.

Sally lightfoot crabs were everywhere, and I felt the need to take a million photos of them.  How could you not??

Galapagos penguins swam by our dinghy!  We were so elated to see them because we knew there were only small populations dispersed amongst the islands.  They are the only penguins in the wild which can be found north of the equator.

Lonesome George was quite the sight.  He is the last surviving Pinta Tortoise.  Here is a short article on him and his desire for a proper mate.  Click here for article.

The Galapagos experience is one we will treasure.  When we are 60 years old we will still be telling stories about how mom pulled dad away from swimming around baby sea lions when papa sea lion snuck up to defend his territory and about one of the many beach walks where dad was forced into playing "catch me if you can" with a baby sea lion who really wanted to chase him.   
A great reward for living life to its fullest is banking outstanding memories, and luckily our's are spanning the world.