Greetings from Isla Santa Cruz! I have had such an amazing week island hopping. A group of us interns spent five days on the beautiful island is Isabela where we were blessed with perfect weather. We made the most of it and went on tours almost every day! We took two snorkeling trips (my first time snorkeling!) to Los Túneles and Las Tintoreras. I swam with endless amounts of sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, fish, and even got the chance to see a mother Island Whale swimming with her infant. It was an amazing experience to be so close to these animals and to get to observe them in their natural life. I was also amazed by the beautiful volcanic rock arches and formations which our guide explained in great detail. We also went on two hikes, one to the Wall of Tears which is a massive wall made of little stones in the wetlands of Isabela which was created as punishment by the prisoners who use to inhabit the island the other hike we went on was to the top of Sierra Negra which is the worlds 2nd largest volcanic crater! It is still active, having erupted in 2005 and is over 9 miles wide and over 200 meters deep. It's so massive that during the last two eruptions is hasn't overflowed, it simply boils up to the top and burns while still in the crater. The last eruption in 2005 lasted two months! People were still able to complete the hike during the eruption and see the crater in all of it's sulfuric gas glory! We also had the chance to visit the Tortoise Breeding Center which is partenered with the center that we work at on San Cristobal. They are breeding these tortoises and then releasing them into the wild when they are of age so that the natural population can begin to flourish again.
We arrived in Santa Cruz yesterday and have already visited Tortuga Bay which was filled with sea turtles out at sea enjoying the calm waters while they patiently watched over their nests on shore. Today we are planning on doing a horseback riding tour around the island to find out more about the individuality of this island!
I am excited to go back to the station Sunday after this mini "vacation" and get back to chopping mora! After this trip, I feel like I have such a better appreciation and understanding of these amazing islands.
Looking over Sierra Negra after the 5 hour hike!
Hanging out with the locals.
The Wall of Tears
Ciao!
-Olivia
Olivia,
ReplyDeleteYou said it right- your vacation wasn't just a "break" it was a time to really get to know the islands. The sites you describe seem absolutely unbelievable. The eruption lasting two months is amazing. I once witnessed a volcano erupting in Costa Rica. It's breathtaking how powerful it is.
Did you catch on to snorkeling quickly? That's funny because I just went on a trip and my husband snorkeled for the first time and he LOVED it! Sea turtles are magical in the water; they just seem to float along so peacefully. Sharks in the water too?! What kind? Were you scared at all?
GREAT pictures with UM swag!! Keep 'em coming!
Best,
Tammy