Forks on the Road: Attenbro's Galapagos

There are only so many photos one should take or share from vacation... Fortunately we were joined on our adventure by a local expert to reflect upon the scenery.

Galapagos is known for the odd birds that make the islands their homes. Penguins and frigates abound, but it is the boobies that adorn t-shirts and amass in numbers.

We also encountered a variety of reptiles happy to sun themselves in the warmth of the equator. They are a ways removed from their mainland kin, snorting salt and swimming or climbing trees for flowers.

While the birds may thrive, it comes with a cost.

These islands are often associated with Darwin's expedition. It has been a long time since adventurers braved volcano heat and extended voyages with minimal fresh water.

Our predictions for the rest of the year were a bit off. I think this poor fella's training may have to continue for an event in 2021 (2024)?

The Galapagos is highly rated as a destination for elderly couples. They come to the mangroves from around the world. The majesty and beauty of nature. We sailed on the appropriately named 'Beagle' and took pangas to excursions.

While the equator gives lots of sun, ocean currents from the deep ensure that the water is very cold. We still went in for snorkeling at least once a day and often twice. Thank goodness for the buoyancy of salt water and suits to make it easy to swim alongside various critters.

There were sharks, rainbow fish, eels, and corrals. Occasionally playful sea lions would take a break from nap time to cool off in the water as well. The sea turtles were absolutely gorgeous show stoppers every time.

Our last full day on the islands brought excellent luck - a giant dolphin pod! The bell rang on deck and everyone rushed to get into swim suits and onto pangas. Sunscreen was too slow, there were dolphins to see! We'd been fortunate to see a dolphin pod on an earlier day, but we'd been returning from and island so merely motored alongside. This time, we got to swim near as well. We'd drop out, the dolphins would overtake, then we'd get back in the pangas to motor ahead and jump in the water once more. Mary was incredibly fortunate and ended up going a slightly different direction than most. She was on top of multiple mums and babies and estimated 3-4 dozen pass by while she was in the water.