My bucket list has long included an adventure trip to the Galapagos Archipelago. This summer that dream came true. I can see why IWC chose the Charles Darwin Foundation as a recipient for part of the company’s charitable effort. The Archipelago is a worldwide treasure that must and hopefully will be preserved.
The following travelogue hopefully will inspire IWC collectors to buy an IWC Galapagos AT Chronograph and support IWC’s and the CDRS, Charles Darwin Research Station foundations efforts to maintain the Archipelago and continue its research on the flora and fauna on these Islands.
Although I do not own a Galapagos AT, I did take along my IWC B&W AT. It was on my wrist for the entire journey. It was with me night and day and on land and in the sea.
Some selected shots from over 2,000 I shot.
AT in the Miami airport awaiting our flight to Guayaquil.
After spending the night in Guayaquil, we traveled the next morning to San Cristobal.
AT arrived safely too.
Our adventure took us to many of the Eastern Island in the Archipelago.
What’s the first thing coming to mind when thinking about the Galapagos. For me it was the Giant Tortoise.
AT right there with me.
At the CDRS
Before heading under the sea for some snorkeling and more AT time, here are some shots of the indigenous life on the Islands as well as the topography that varies from lush jungle environment to arid desert. All the Islands are volcanic, but have evolved over the centuries.
First the birds. All the animals are completely unafraid of humans. We are not a threat to them and they let you walk right up to them.
The Blue Footed Boobie.
The Red Footed Boobie.
The Red Footed Boobie live in the trees, while their Blue Footed cousins live on the ground.
A Blue Heron.
A swallow-tailed gull.
Flamingos only nest here every two years. We were lucky to see them here.
Egret.
Penguins. The Galapagos is the farthest north penguins exist.
Other wildlife.
Sea lion
Land Iguana
A whale about to be in the Ocean with an IWC AT always present…LOL
The juvenile sea lions love to play with you in the water. This one swam right up to me, put his face on my mask and blew air bubbles.
A couple of topographic shots to finish.
Sally Lightfoot Craps on lava rock shoreline.
Extinct parasite volcanoes:
Flora establishing itself on an arid Island.
Beautiful sunset with the National Geographic Ship Endeavour on the horizon.
A rainbow greeted us one morning.
Once again, I am very proud IWC is one of the top four donors to the Charles Darwin Foundation supporting the CDRS. I hope you enjoyed the journey.
My trip also extended to visit the ancient Inca Ruins at Machu Picchu. More on this later, perhaps.
