Before my trip to the Galapagos in 2009, I’d only visited white sand beaches. Little did I know there is a whole rainbow spectrum of sand out there.
Remember when I encountered a green sand beach in Floreana? Here’s a photo:
Well, today I get to stick my toes in the black and red stuff.
Here is our itinerary for the day:
We enjoy a quick, tasty breakfast.
We disembark in James Bay on the northwest coast of Santiago Island. Later this afternoon we’ll head south to Rabida Island.
My feet sink into the black sand of James Bay.
This are is also called Puerto Egas. We hike along a short path, encountering colorful plants and wildlife.
I spy a Sally Lightfoot Crab among the rocks. The crab’s bold color gives away its hiding place — this guy needs a camouflage lesson from his iguana neighbors.
We carefully maneuver over these eroded rock formations.
Here’s Eric and Abby snapping photos:
And yours truly:
Our group rests for a moment, pondering the open expanse of sea before us. I seize the opportunity for a group photo.
Later that afternoon we explore the red sand beaches of Rabida Island.
My memory is a little foggy but I think this sand “stained” our feet (until we got back to the boat and washed off the color).
Hi baby sea lion!
Believe it or not, my Galapagos sea lion photos are dwindling down with this post.
This shoreline has plenty of sea life — I spot several starfish and this purplish shell.
Don’t tell anyone, but I sneak the shell into my pocket and carry it back to the U.S. At the Galapagos airport they scan all baggage for organic matter, which is not allowed in or out of the islands. I hide this shell in my cargo pants pocket and breathe a sigh of relief when they fail to notice it.
I think my dearly departed Grandpa Henry was encouraging me to take this shell from the great beyond. He’s “borrowed” numerous geological souvenirs from national parks and foreign countries over his lifetime. I think we have a piece of the Great Wall of China somewhere back home. Seriously. This one’s for you, Gramps!
Today is my last full day with the tour group. Tomorrow afternoon I’ll depart for a solo trip on Isabela Island before flying back to mainland Ecuador.
Adios for now!
