Frigatebirds, Sharks, and Boobies, oh my!

Last Friday, our class took a trip to other parts of the island. We started out by taking a boat to Frigatebird Hill, where I finally saw a Frigatebird puff out its red neck to impress a female! I actually saw quite a few of them, which made me super-excited. I would like to see one more up close, which we might get to do on our island tour.
Then, we went to Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock to do some snorkeling. The rock itself was interesting to see, but the snorkeling there was amazing. I saw a few hammerheads, some sea turtles, various fish, interesting algae, Galapagos sharks, and a lot of jellyfish. A lot of people got stung pretty badly.
After that we ate lunch on the boat and headed to Puerto Grande, a pretty nice beach. We walked along the shore for a bit, and a few of us swam out to a small island where a bunch of blue-footed boobies were chilling out. We only observed them from the water, which was actually nice since we could see them without disturbing them. I still want to see a red-footed booby, but they're only on the north side of the island where visitors aren't supposed to go. None of them danced though. I am determined to see that dance before I leave.
Hannah and I swam back to the boat, and then we headed off to Isla de Los Lobos to snorkel with the sea lions. On the way, I saw a big manta ray, but the most fun part of the day was playing with the sea lions. The area is ideal for pups because it is secluded and the water is calm, so many younger sea lions were out and playing with sticks. Sometimes they seem so similar to dogs.
I suppose nothing of great interest happened last week. Last night, we all dressed up like pirates and took a short cruise around the island, which was a lot of fun. In the absence of a parrot, I sported a blue-footed booby on my shoulder, my parents were supposed to come today, and I waited a while for them at the airport, but it ends up they missed their layover in Miami so won't be here until tomorrow.

Well, the sun just came out so I may just have to go lay on the beach.

Camping in paradise

Hola!
This week has been great. I started my Evolution class, which I find to be really interesting. I want to delve deeper into this subject since we only have time to skim the surface, but I think that I will be able to do so with further coursework or research.

For a class trip on Friday, we went back to La Galapaguera and to Puerto Chino, a fantastic beach. La Galapaguera was much more fun this time since it wasn't raining and more tortoises were out. We actually received the rated R tour, seeing a tortoise smackdown over some vegetation and a little botched attempt at mating.

Then the pristine beach! That was absolutely fabulous. We went swimming and just laid out on the beach, which was pretty satisfying. The only downside was that I lost my watch in the ocean when we were trying to body surf.

We went out on Friday, and then returned to Puerto Chino on Saturday afternoon after going through a little red tape from the park to camp out there without a guide. We went out pretty far snorkeling, and had to fight quite a few waves, but it was ultimately worth it when I got within 2 feet of a turtle, saw a huge school of big fish, and about 10 Galapagos sharks. They were pretty small, but really interesting to observe.

That night we stayed and camped on the beach. The bugs were out and the tents uncomfortable, but I really liked waking up to the sound of the ocean in such a naturally beautiful place. I'm working on my tan as well, coming slowly but surely.

We took an exam on Monday which I think went pretty well. Now we're talking more about the genetics of evolution. It is a lot to absorb, and we don't go into much depth, but I'm still enjoying the class.

I am so excited about my family coming next week!! They are flying in next Saturday, and afterwards we are going island hopping, which should be a blast. Also, on Friday, we are making it out to Kicker Rock, Punta Pitt, and Isla de los Lobos (Island of the Sea Lions.) That should be a great time, and hopefully i can see some Hammerheads.

Things also seem to be coming into place for the summer, so right now, I'm feeling pretty good

Adios!
Julie

Finally posted some pictures!!!!!!!!!!View from the windmills I wrote about
Puerto Chino
I don't know if the whole thing showed up. Ithink I can hear Marvin Gaye in the background.
All eating... who could have known about the fight to come?
baby tortoise!