genovesa | raccoon*

Day 1! The guests were split up into two groups, and went on two different activities, then switched in the afternoon.

My morning was the exploration of Prince Philip’s Steps. The internet indicated that it the steps would be steep and hiking poles necessary… but not really. I think my mom mostly used her poles for waving.

First up, a red-footed booby hangout in the tree right after we finished climbing up the steps to the island.

And a nazca booby and it’s chick. The chicks look so derpy. After this picture, the chick proceeded to try to attack someones walking stick, then my shoe. I guess mom wasn’t feeding it enough.

A close up of the chick, after it attacked my shoe.

Nazca booby taking off. Bird butts!

This would have been a cool picture if I could aim.

I forgot what this little guy is called. Oops.

The trails are all marked, so you know where you’re allowed to walk.

This nazca booby was still breathing. Asleep I guess?

I guess being a baby frigate bird can be depressing? So sad looking!

Lava cacti! A pioneer plant that prepares soil for future plants. These were pretty cute. (Yes, I think plants are cute)

Some nazca boobys getting it on. It lasted a few seconds.

Why bring a macro if you don’t stare intently at birds?

In case you thought the Galapagos was a lush rainforest… Nope.

And a sea turtle Jonny spotted from our room while I was taking a shower. I totally thought he was trolling me when he started yelling “turtle! turtle!” but when I finished showering, it was still there.

In the afternoon, we went to Darwin Bay.

Here’s a lava gull.

And a sally crab. Our guide, Jairo, said you’re not allowed to eat them anymore, but they didn’t have much meat, so they weren’t great anyway. Darnit.