I don't know where to start. This was an unbelievable experience for me. We went on a cruise on a 300 foot ship to the mostly uninhabited islands. Every day we visited different islands to snorkel and hike and each day was more wonderful than the day before. We were also treated really well with great food and wonderful service. The local Galapagos teachers joined us for the next several days to learn about the environmental treasures and issues of the islands. We have been working together with the local teachers on our school projects and lessons. This week, we will visit the teachers' schools to present our lessons and then do a community service project at the schools. It is exciting to be learning and working with our colleagues here. Okay, here is what I've been doing the past few days:
Thursday, November 25, 2010
What an amazing day! First thing in the morning we visited the Galapagos recycling center. The center was established and funded by the German government and has become a model for how a city can recycle it’s waste. We got back on the bus and drove back across the island to the fuel depot. Toyota was involved in setting up this depot after the Galapagos oil spill in 2002. The new fuel depot has leak proof couplings and advanced technology to shut down the depot in case of an emergency. Dinghies picked us up to take us to our ship, the Galapagos Legend. This was the beginning of the big Galapagos adventure. Immediately after getting on the ship we were fed a big buffet lunch. Then we had an evacuation drill, just like at school, only we had to wear our life preservers and stand out on the deck. We were shown where the life boats are in case we have to get on one. While going through the drill, I noticed a manta ray jumping out of the water, twice. The guide told me that mantas will usually jump two times and they do it to remove parasites from their skin. We then took the dinghies over to Bartholemew Island to snorkel and hike. The snorkeling was incredible! We saw pufferfish (including a bright yellow one), a large ray (about 4 feet across), a 6 foot white-tipped shark, sea lions, green sea turtles, angel fish, trigger fish, and so many other amazing fish. I floated a few feet above the shark for about 5 minutes and just watched it. I did not feel any fear. After snorkeling, we hiked to the top of the volcano on the island. It was a steep hike up the lava, but it was really beautiful. Along the way, we saw lava cactus. At the top of the mountain, everyone sang happy birthday to me. It was so silly and sweet. We had a beautiful dinner (they even served turkey!) and then, all of a sudden, the whole crew came out singing happy birthday and carrying a cake. We went out on deck to look at the gazillion stars and then came in to learn how to salsa dance. It was a great night.
Friday – Isabella and Fernandino Islands
This morning we got up early for breakfast and then got on the dinghies to head to Isabella Island. There we took a hike around the island. We saw baby land tortoises (about 10 – 15 years old) along the way. After the sun came out we saw land iguanas sunning themselves near their nests. The iguanas dig holes in the ground and come out to get warm and to eat. We saw the Galapagos finches, mockingbirds, and other song birds. We snorkeled in the cove on Isabella island. A few minutes after getting into the water we saw three green sea turtles hanging out by the rocks. I floated around and swam with them for about half and hour. It was so amazing being with them. The turtles were aware of us, but did not seem to mind us there. Oh, did I mention they were huge?!?! The biggest one was about 5 or 6 feet long.
In the afternoon, we met with our groups to plan our school visits and lessons. Then we went to Fernandino Island to hike. Right after getting off the boat we saw green sea turtles mating in the water. Nearby the sea lions showing off. The dominant male sea lion guards the beach and keeps the other males away. The females hang out on the beach to warm up and take care of their babies. We saw baby sea lions nursing. One the babies seemed to be alone. Our guide said that the mother is out fishing and will return, but I was still worried about it. Especially when I saw another baby sea lion dead on the beach. It is hard to walk away and let nature take its course. We saw thousands more marine iguanas on the rocks and swimming in the surf. There was a pair of Galapagos hawks hanging around near us, also. They grab young iguanas and eat them, but they leave the big iguanas alone.
Today we visited two coffee farms and another farm that is getting ready to grow coffee. They all use native trees to shade the coffee bushes and organic methods of farming. The giant tortoises roam freely around the farms. It was really great seeing them. I really wanted to touch one but it is illegal. You may get no closer than 3 meters to each tortoise. We planted some native trees and there was one tortoise right there in the way so we got to be closer to that one. Since none of my students' comments have anything to do with my blog, I have a challenge for you. Look at my blog and find out three of the animals I swam with. Send me a comment at the end of this posting and put your first name on it so I know who is deserving of praise. I look forward to reading your comments, especially the ones that respond to something I posted!
