August 5th - Galapagos!  Santa Cruz Island

Today we went around the island that we are staying on!  The day was really damp and drizzly until about 5:00 p.m.  We started out the morning at the Charles Darwin Research Center.  Although the scientists are devoted to maintaining the authenticity to the islands with regards to all flora and fauna...they devote extra care to the preservation of the giant tortoises!  We saw all different species from babies to adults!  They have been able to double the population in the last 20 years!  During the late 1800-s and early 1900's, the population was devastated by pirates and whalers.  In fact, three species became extinct.  Today, they are rebuilding the population slowly but surely!  

In the afternoon we visited one of the volcanic sink holes on the island.  Just incredible how the land just gave way!  A bit unsettling as we were standing there since these sinkholes develop in a split second!  After that we visited giant tortoises in the wild...zillions of them!!!  And...we walked through a lava tunnel!  It was really unbelievable!

Me with my buddy! He is incredibly large!  There not sure of his exact age...but over 100 years old!  You can tell by the way the markings have faded on the shell!

Having a bite to eat!

The man town, Playa Arroyo, in Santa Cruz!  Fresh fish market!  They actually have injured or disabled sea lions and pelicans that they feed and take care of so that they don't starve!  It was so much fun to watch the animals wait patiently for their treats! :)

Tomorrow we are headed to Bartolome Island and Santiago Island.  We will see all kinds of species...even penguins!  This day is supposed to be the highlight of the week!  I am so excited!  We start our day at 6:00 a.m....so off to bed!  I'll try to post a couple of pics...but they are really slow to add!  I'll catch up in Santiago on Saturday!