What started out as a rather odd and confusing day turned out very nice. We were picked up at our hotel on San Cristóbal by a young man to take us to the airport who we had not met previously. He said, “maybe you speak Spanish?” Since we do not, we were obviously confused when he boarded the 8 seater plane and flew with us to Santa Cruz. Once landed in Santa Cruz, our next guide spoke perfect English and helped us sort out the details. We have never booked our travels through an agency before and didn’t realize this time when we did that meant having someone hold our hands while changing islands. Actually, apart from not being able to communicate much, it was helpful and Chris felt completely spoiled by not having to carry her own bags.
He took a boat back and we were left in the care of Maritsa and a driver who gave us a lovely introduction to Santa Cruz. We stopped along the drive to bird just a bit and then stopped at manzanilla ranch where tortoises hang out. We had a nice lunch there and were then brought to finch bay resort, which is quite a step up from our last digs. We learned a lot about the tortoises and had time to rest in the afternoon after checking in because tomorrow is another full day boat excursion to Bartolome Island. This time it will be on the hotel’s yatch and Maritsa will be our private guide. She is very energetic and helpful so we are looking forward to it.
Back to the tortoises - notice the top photo the dome of the shell is wider and flatter. That is what happens as they age in comparison to the higher, rounder dome of the younger one below it. We spotted the Galapagos flycatcher while at the tortoise stop and also some white cheeked pintail ducks. The pintails here are much smaller than other pintails we are familiar with. They are very cute and several are enjoying the pool at Finch Bay, which is fine because it’s a National Geographic unique lodge so they clean the pool in a way that is safe for the wildlife that enjoys it. Chris thinks this bit of info was code for along with cute ducks you might find iguanas in the pool as well. Time will tell on that.
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