Not all of Isla Santa Cruz is this beautiful but the 50 minute walk to Tortuga Bay was well worth it. There’s a surfing beach and then a quieter beach further on, perfect for swimming (even in the cold season).
Roger & Sally at Tortuga Bay
When we arrived we stayed at the research station for a few nights (a short commute to work). Now we’re housesitting for an Australian couple who are on vacation for two weeks. We plan to view a house this week that comes available in October.
Our accommodation at the station
Evening view
Here’s a glimpse of the wildlife we’ve seen at the station, in town and at Tortuga Bay.
Intellectually curious small ground finch
Tortoise nursery
Pelican biting off more than he swallow
Marine iguana on the path
For more photos from our first 7 days on the Galapagos, see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sataylor/sets/72157624785248326/
What about the library, you say? On my first day, a tourist from Italy came in for a visit, and on the week-end, I helped a visiting scientist from Spain find the recently published thesis by Charles Darwin’s great great granddaughter (thankfully available in an institutional repository). I also seem unable to avoid journal moves! The library’s low use journals were recently moved “off site” (i.e. a 5 minute walk away), so I’m working with another woman to reorganize them. We need more insect traps for the cucarachas!