The Galapagos, day four.

Breakfast was choclo pancakes con queso (freshly ground choclo, no less) and more of that amazing coffee. Have I mentioned I love Ecuadorian food?

Our first stop was El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lagoon in the islands. We walked the circumference observing Galapagos bees and gigantic moths while frigatebirds swooped overhead. As with everything else, stunning scenery.

El Junco Lagoon

better them than vultures

THIS is what I expected from the Galapagos

nerd shot

Next was Galapaguera de Cerio Colorado, a giant tortoise breeding center. During the nature walk we were treated to two lava lizards mating and two tortoises mating (no pictures of the tortoises - they were off the trail and I opted the conservation route so I did not witness). But, behold:

Galapagos porn

Oh, and of course we saw lots of baby tortoises. How something so teeny can get so ginormous is an absolute genetic mystery to me.

itteh bitteh

Final stop before lunch was La Lobena beach for snorkeling.

it's no Los Frailes, but it'll do

Many more schools of fish than the days prior, but a very strong current. I found myself far from shore taking quite a bit of effort to get closer to shore and suddenly I was swimming above two sea turtles! The fish made circles around the turtles (one large adult, the other a young one) and we all just hung out floating together. After ten minutes I left them in peace.

I swam with sea turtles today! Awesome.

After another late afternoon in town we were treated to an amazing sunset, a sure sign of clear skies and great stargazing for setting sail tonight.

San Cristobal port

take my beer... please

Tom Cruise is allegedly here as well. I have no interest in seeing that douche though. Next island, please!

Absurd thing o' the day: sending email in the Galapagos islands.

{later same day} The Galapagos gods were with me tonight. After the birthday party for a passenger celebrating her 30th, some of us went to the front of Cat to enjoy stargazing. Eventually everyone but me went to bed (thank you, Galapagos coffee at 5:30pm in town) so I finally took a turn on one of the rinky wooden seats at the tip of Cat. Sat there for at least 45 minutes stargazing and looking at phosphoric specks in the otherwise black ocean when I noticed movement under my feet... Two dolphins had decided to play with us for a bit. Since we were only going about 5 knots it was easy for them to keep up, and for a while they swam and porpoised right under my feet hanging over the edge of the boat.

I have had a lot of good moments and hours in the last 7 weeks, but between the sea turtles and the dolphins, I think today will go down as the best day of this entire trip.