Galapagos

This is something that I have been looking forward to for a long time. I can remember when I was about 8 or 9 looking through my animal books and seeing the crazy prehistoric marine iguanas. I remember how bad I wanted to see one in person. I also remember thinking that I probably never would since their only home was so far and very remote. It really was a dream come true for me to experience this.

It is funny because the iguanas are about as common as Longhorn fans are in Austin. I remember thinking that I would be happy if I got to see just one...then it would be a successful trip. Well the trip was more than successful to say the least. I got face to face with sea lions, marine iguanas, land iguanas, blue footed boobies, stingrays, hammer head sharks (very briefly), and many more animals...I guess I could add in the Galapagos Tortoise as well. The islands really are like no place on earth...at least no where I have ever been. The animals have virtually no fear of humans. I had to be careful not to step on a baby marine iguana. I almost got attacked by a sea lion because I was not paying attention and got too close to her in the middle of her nap. It was neat to see the subtle differences in the animals who have slowly over millions of years adapted to this remote island. There are many different species of tortoise that have each adapted in their own little way to survive. For example the Highland Tortoise has a collar or arch in it`s shell just above the neck. This is because most of its food is on the trees and shrubs, therefore it needs to be able to reach up with it`s neck. The Low Land Tortoise has a flat or straight shell because it eats from the ground. Most all of the animals have adapted in one way or another for these unique islands and their terrain.

It is not just the marine life and wildlife that attract people to the Galapagos. The landscape is unique and beautiful as well. The islands are all of volcanic origin and are still to this day moving closer and closer to Main land Ecuador. I think it is something like 6mm a year. This is why the tortoise is the most famous creature on the Galapagos, because the islands move so slowly like a tortoise.......(not really I must made that up). There are many different islands maybe 13 give or take, and only 4 them have people living on them. Each island is different than the other. They range from cloud forrest to barren dessert. Most have craters and crater lakes which are beautiful to look at. The worlds second largest (measuring across) Crater is here in the Galaps. Galapagos. There are all kinds of lava flows and crazy rock formations in the volcanic regions. It is amazing how fast it can change from tropical to desert. About 15 years ago an Ecuadorian Commando team went out to do a survival test and 9 of the 12 did not make it, and it was just for practice. This place is like no other on earth.

Another thing about my Galapagos trip and this may be the best part of it was the people I met. When I think about the tour I did I definitely could have done it on my own for cheaper and saved a few bucks, but I would not have met the people I did. I have been lucky this entire year with all the tours and group activities that I have done, and this one continued with that luck. I met some great people that will be good friends for ever and that alone was worth the trip for me. When it comes down to it the people I meet along the way on my trip are really what I enjoy the most.

I will try and put pics up soon :o)