March 6 Dragon Hill and Guy Fawkes/ El Eden and Daphne Major

 Today you will hike through giant cactus and incense tree forests to reach Dragon Hill, the
habitat of the colorful Santa Cruz land iguanas that have been brought back from the brink of
extinction. Later you will have the opportunity to snorkel along the steep, invertebrate-coated
walls of the islets of Guy Fawkes. You will learn about the ground-breaking research of
scientists Peter and Rosemary Grant into Natural Selection among the finches of Daphne
Major as the ship circumnavigates the famous islet at sunset.
No
Today is on the dry side of Santa Cruz Island to see the land iguanas.
       We had a dry landing on a rocky shore that was difficult to navigate.
Then we walked past on lagoon with some marine iguanas and birds.
Then up into the hills to see the land iguanas. The males are brave and were sitting in the middle of the walkway. The females are more skittish and hiding.
 We saw lots of yellow butterflies and seven goats. They catch the goats with nets because they aren't allowed to shoot them.
Giant prickly pear cactus.
Then we retraced our steps and then back to the boat to get ready for snorkling. I was completely drippy with sweat and drank a bottle and a half of water during our 2 mile hike.  I washed my clothes but they will take a long time to dry.
This time the snorkeling wasn't as good. But the cool water was refreshing after the hot drippy hike.
Lunch was good, the desserts were great

ceviche it was so so
Next we have a lecture about the human history in the Galapagos Archipelago.
     After lunch they are offering kayaking,zodiac rides, and they have four paddle boards. I was hoping to try paddleboarding but there's not enough to get access. We heard a nap calling. I don't think I've ever slipped an activity on a trip before but a nap felt wonderful.
       5p sunset wine tasting while we circumnavigate Daphne Major island while we learn about natural selection and Darwin's Finches. Paul had the wine tasting.
loved the moktail
all the naturalists
    Then a lecture about how animals arrived on the islands and the diversity of iguanas.
Dinner
Then star gazing. The ship will be turning out the lights for a better view.

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