As a passenger on Galapagos Eclipse Genovesa Cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations, I visited six islands, including Fernandina.
In May I wrote about my favorite island, Genovesa, in The Birds of Galapagos. Well, Fernandina Island is my second favorite.
Now, as you look at these photos, you may wonder why this world of marine iguana intrigued me, but their ability to adapt to an island recently covered in molten lava is fascinating.
I knew I would see them, but I never dreamed of the number and the massive mounds of hundreds warming themselves in the sun. Added to this is the dramatic backdrop in which they are presented.
Said to be one of the most pristine ecosystems in the entire world, its volcano last erupted in April 2009. Lava fields stretch towards the ocean in unusual patterns. We waked along carefully, stepping over narrow gaps in the landscape, over iguanas and past a Galapagos snake.
Past a baby seal and pelican, and even a huge cactus managing to grow out of the black crusty earth.
A trip to the islands is truly a trip of a lifetime!
