In June, we had the opportunity to go to the Galapagos Islands, with all of Amy's family. We had been there 27 years before, and this trip was just as amazing. The scenery is gorgeous, and many animals fearlessly allow you to approach quite close, because they have no natural predators. Human interaction is closely supervised and regulated so that it also is not threatening.
Above: one of many giant tortoises we saw. (We also spent an hour kayaking with numerous sea turtles, but they were much harder to photograph.
There were sea lions on landings, on beaches,
and in the water.
The snorkeling was wonderful - we saw all kinds of brilliant fish.
The male and female gulls swapped egg-sitting duties, a couple feet from the trail, giving us a good look at their progeny.
The male frigate birds puffed up their display pouch, and clacked their beak against it to attract potential mates.
Many islands had large land iguana populations
as well as marine iguanas swimming and crawling up out of the sea.
A pair of blue-footed boobies demonstrated their courtship dance. (We also watched them dive-bomb into the water, seeking fish!)
There were beautiful sunsets
and incredible ocean views.
We saw the penguins that live further north than any other (a result of the cool currents that bath the Galapagos Islands).
An incredible venue for Amy's parents' 60th wedding anniversary!
