Denise Gushue

I recently had the opportunity to travel to the Galapagos Islands (off the coast of Ecuador) and hoped that I would feel the same sense of discovery and adventure that Charles Darwin did so many years ago. I was not disappointed!

The only way to really see the Galapagos is by boat, with everyday an adventure! As we went from island to island, we saw different landscape and encountered some of the most wonderfully unique animals that can only be found in the Galapagos. The landscapes ranged from black fields of rope lava called pahoehoe and red volcanic splatter cones to beautiful powdery white sand beaches. The landscape at times seemed surreal, like I was on another planet. It was like when you were a kid and you could see formations in the clouds, I could see shapes in the molten red and black lava.

What struck me most about the Galapagos is that the wildlife seems to be totally oblivious to the fact that you are there, which made for an incredible opportunity to view them in their natural habitat. The sea lions bask in the sun and frolic in the surf as you walk along the beach.

Marine Iguanas lounge on the sand and on the black lava rock along the shore soaking up the sun. The bright red Sally Light Foot Crabs elegantly dance across the backdrop of wet black lava. Blue Footed Boobies soaring near the shore with their blue webbed feet tucked in tightly against their bodies as they gracefully and forcefully dive into to the water for a fish.

Frigate Birds soar high above, some with their bright red throat sack fully inflated in hopes to attract a female. Pelicans could often be seen on our boat waiting for their moment to swoop down and get their catch of the day. Although, I didn’t see any green sea turtles on shore, their tracks back to the sea remained as evidence they were there. And of course the majestic Galapagos Tortoises, enormous land based herbivores that will probably outlive most human beings. There is something to be said for being a vegetarian and living life with just the shirt on your back!

The Galapagos is also known as the Enchanted Islands - a well deserved name. Where else can you go that you have to share park benches with sea lions right in town! This is a trip that I would highly recommend to anyone that has a love for the environment, photography, and birding or just wants an educational adventure! Great for all ages - even kids! Take Charles Darwin's word on that!

"It appears to me that nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist than a journey in distant countries." - Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle