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Introduction
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For more information about upcoming workshops, visit the Workshops homepage or send an email to grijalva@ohiou.edu |
Isla Isabela
By Lizzy Simpson Isabela is the largest of all the islands that make up the Galapagos. We were fortunate to visit one of its most beautiful locations, Tagus Cove. We were dropped off by the pangas (blow-up rafts) on a rocky shore which was active with Brown Pelicans and Blue-footed Boobies searching for food. This was our first look at the famous Blue-footed Booby and it easily did itself justice. The birds soar above the water before plunging from great heights into the sea to get their meal. The pelicans with their huge wing-span were also quite impressive. Carvings from centuries before were etched into the rocky walls along with paint from a few decades ago displaying who had been there before. Of course this tradition has since been made illegal as part of conservation efforts.
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After
our arrival we climbed 120 stairs to get a better look at the isle. Being
the dry season, we did not see the number of Darwin Finches that normally inhabit
the area. I was somewhat disappointed until I saw what else the Island had
to offer. Darwin Lake, a sea-level, salt-water lake, was an awesome sight. A
white ring of salt encompasses the lake to look like as Deb describes it
“one huge margarita”. We continued to hike (which was much needed after
the delicious cuisine we’ve been enjoying all week) to see one of the most
fantastic sites of the Galapagos, looking over three of Isabela’s volcanoes.
The cool breeze and tranquil setting was a wonderful reward after our
workout. 
We
returned to the pangas after our hike to take a ride around the coast in
search for some more animal activity. Along the black lava rocks we were
able to see the Galapagos Penguins (another first time sighting of the trip)
a heron, and several marine iguanas. An occasional Sea Turtle would pop up
for air and make an appearance also. Before going back to the boat we spent
a few minutes in a grotto, which showed another yet another one of the many
different Galapagos landscapes .