Friday, September 17, 2010

Galapagos Expedition | Day 8

Fernandina Island

marine iguanas

For our early morning hike, the panga driver dropped us off on a shore covered in black lava rock. When these rocks are wet with sea water, as they were on this morning, they’re as slippery as a bar of soap, making walking on them very treacherous. You really don’t want to fall here. The rocks are very sharp. Good balance is important as we gingerly creep along, stepping on the rougher, jagged points of the rocks to gain a bit of traction.

Along with good balance, good eyesight is just as important. Marine iguanas, who’s color matches perfectly with the dark rocks, cover the surfaces. These camouflaged creatures can easily go unnoticed. Sometimes what alerts you first is a sneezing sound they make as they blow the saltwater from their nostrils. These guys do not get out of your way. This is their island and they have no intention of accommodating two legged visitors. As is the case with all animals throughout the Galapagos, the marine iguanas have no fear of humans even though they most likely get their tails stepped on occasionally.

marine iguana

A lava lizard...

lava lizard

I have a confession to make...

after seven days of a fast paced schedule, I took the afternoon off, stayed on the Daphne, reading and napping, and I skipped the afternoon hike.

Ahhhhhhhh!

8 comments:

Cathy said...

What an adventure! The amazing lizards blend right into the background colors.I can imagine you were ready for a few hours rest after such a busy schedule. I love following you along on your trip.

Unknown said...

Thank you for this beautiful and creative documentation of your incredible journey. Awesome.

Fannie said...

OK that first picture is giving me the willies! I would not have stepped one foot onto their island!

Cindy said...

Hi Cathy, I'm glad you're following along. The schedule was busy, but oh so amazing that I didn't want to miss a thing.

Cindy said...

Julie, Welcome. Thank you for your kind words.

Cindy said...

Fannie, They're really very harmless... look at their smiling faces.

Susan said...

I had to study that first picture for about two minutes before I determined those were lizards blending into the rocks. The closeup of the lava lizard is priceless...he's so cute!

Glad you took a day of rest...you deserved it after all your hard work and play.

Cindy said...

Susan, they're everywhere! It would be easy to step on a tail anywhere on these islands. We had to watch out for critters cause they didn't usually move out of our way.