WHOA

Hi probably no-one,

so I haven't updated in a month, which most likely means that at this point, no one is reading the blog. So I may be writing this to no one, but I haven't been keeping up with my journal either so this will be good to have.

A recap of the past month:

Right after my last posts, my parents and sisters finally made it. We had a jam-packed week together, beginning with an avioneta plane ride to Isabela that we were late for. We left around 5 and later that morning, went to the wall of tears. It was sad to hear about all of the relentless, pointless difficult work that some bad guys but some okay guys had to go through- weeks and weeks spending every day in the heat lifting ridiculously heavy objects. Some had committed small crimes, some big, and we even heard about one who was acquitted of his charges later. Following that was a longggg walk back to town, where we were able to see a ton of mangroves and one flamingo. There used to be a lot in the town, but ever since they built the airport, almost all of them have left except for the one with the broken wing all by his lonesome. Que triste.

The rest of the trip was a whirlwind of snorkeling, walking, horesback riding, boating, and giant tortoises. It was fantastic to see the second largest crater in the world, Sierra Negra on Isabela. It was incredibly vast and awe-inspiring. Overall, a great and intense trip. I waved good-bye to them as they got on the plane from where I was out for a run. I'll see them again soon.

you can see pictures of the trip here: http://stutzbach.com/stutzbachs_in_galapagos.htm

Soon after, we spent a week on Santa Cruz for the first part of my Marine Conservation Biology class. The town on Santa Cruz is much larger and busier than Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It feels more like a city and the life doesn't seem quite as relaxed. I prefer here, but it was great to get another week off of this island.

After another two weeks here, the group set out for our island tour. We began on Isabela doing the same tour that my family did, but the second go-around was still pretty sweet. Then came our 3 nights/4 days aboard La Yolita.

The boat was a bit tumultuous but still amazing since we were able to see so many remote places. I think my favorite was the red beach on Rabido, just because I had never seen that before, although I finally got to see some blue-footed boobies dance on North Seymour. That island was a bird breeding hotspot as I also was able to see a frigatebird trying to attract a female very up close, plus a land iguana. The island was so incredibly Galapagos.

Overall, a good time. Will post some pictures pronto.

Right now, I'm trying to see if I can get on a research vessel with someone from the Charles Darwin Research Station. If that works out, I will be absolutely ecstatic and will be able to see even more remote places and really do research. More on that if I can get all of the permission that I need.

Its hard to believe that I will be home in less than three weeks.

Hasta luego