Finding Moksha: Galapagos Islands: The End of the World

After finishing up in Peru it was time to move on to Ecuador, more specifically, the Galapagos Islands.

Ears: Exsonvaldes

The Galapagos are about 18 islands, smack bang on the Equator about 1000km west of mainland Ecuador. Everyone has pretty much heard of them, the fame coming mainly as a result of Charles Darwin, he based a lot of his ideas in The Evolution of Species from information he gathered whilst in the area (surprisingly he did only spend 5 weeks here).

One of the big reasons why it was such an important place for Darwin is the fact that it is so remote, and quite a harsh and young environment. Darwin's Finches are a species of 15 types of Finch, and probably provided Darwin with his breakthrough moment. He noticed that all the birds were pretty much the same, except for their beaks. After studying them he realised that the beaks are different and allowed the birds to eat the food supply that was available to them on each island or area - some ate seeds, others ate cactus while others ate fruit; and there is the basis of Survival of the Fittest!

Another reason why we all know about the Galapagos is the Giant Tortoises, these guys were actually a highlight for me to see, I don't think I have ever seen an animal quite like them. Such a slow (and I mean really slow!) animal, hell they are so slow that whatever they eat takes 3 weeks to digest. They have a head a head like E.T. and eat like a young child who has just realised they have a mouth.

The Galapagos is mainly a number of volcanoes, as a result, the islands are full of cool little tunnels like this one - its about 900m long and 10-15m diameter.

St. Bartholome Island, the day we went here started off pretty normally. However, on the bus trip to the boat I felt a bit off, over the next 8 hours I ended up vomiting 4 times, including one from this very spot where I took this photo. Nice place though.

Two minutes before this shot, I was on the ground vomiting - I went another 3 times before finally getting to the hospital for a quick jab and some other drugs.

One more reason why the Galapagos are unique, is the Humboldt Current, a cold water current that runs up to the Equator from way down south, this brings a heap of nutrients, which in turn brings a heap of sea life.

The local fish co-op, basically a big tin shed in the middle of Puerto Ayora, just like any other fish market, except the real locals crash it every day.

I was amazed at how disciplined the Sea Lions were, like trained dogs, they know exactly what they are allowed to have (usually the tails and the skin of the fish), however sometimes these guys won't accept some of them!

One tail please!

Anyone who has ever had a dog would probably find this photo somewhat familiar.

The local pelicans get there fair share too.

Sniff

Las Grietas is this crazy collapsed lava tunnel that is connected to the sea by a small opening, the water is probably the clearest water you could ever swim in.

We went to a beach, it was called Tortuga Bay

Las Tintoreras, just off Isabela Island, a heap of these guys call it home.

Bruise Brothers

Typical scene

We climbed the Volcano Sierra Negra, the second biggest Volcanic Crater in the World

There is the crater.

Not sure what this guy thought he was doing.

Not sure what these guys thought they were doing either?

The Blue Footed Boobie.

Hey, my eyes are up here!

I always thought the coolest sea animal is the dolphin, whenever I saw them on the boat when we were sailing I could watch them all day, an amazing animal and it always baffled me how hey could chill out swimming just inches in front of a boat doing 10 knots and having fun with it. No matter what my mood is, seeing them always makes me smile.

However after spending a good amount of time with Sea Lions, it is sad to say it, but I think the Sea Lion is a cooler animal......... just look at them!