LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1542246
LOCALadk 23 just living life. It just struck me as amazing because of how much has happened and changed in that time frame in our human existence — the inventions we've made, the stories we've written, the wars we've raged — and yet they do the same thing, day after day, roam- ing around and grazing. "Free-range tortoises," if you will. And they are everywhere on the island, enjoying its ideal environment. They could teach us so much. Speaking of tortoises — you would think I would rec- ommend staying outside as often as possible during a trip to the Galapagos, the educational sites available are incredible and well-worth your time. A visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to see and learn about the long history of tortoises in the Galapagos is some- thing I especially consider a "must-do" if you are ever fortunate enough to come to this incredible place. Up next in our trip was a visit to Sierra Negra, an active shield volcano and home to the second-largest volcanic caldera in the world. We hiked part of the rim which gave us stunning views of the six-mile wide crater and the surrounding vistas. This volcano is one of the most active in the Galapagos, the last eruption occurring in June 2018. To reach the rim of the cal- dera, we hiked 3 miles up a gradual incline and then hiked part of the rim trail itself. After Sierra Negra was – you guessed it – another boat ride to another island. Welcome to Santa Cruz. When your day starts off by swimming in an al- most-private, natural, clean, deep fissure of both fresh water and salt water, you know it's good to be you and you give thanks. We arrived at Las Grietas, a series of volcanic crevices on Santa Cruz, after a short walk to find only a few other people enjoying this oasis. We quickly jumped in and swam and snorkeled around, huge smiles plastered on everyone's faces as we soaked up the gorgeous surroundings and early morning swim. Next up was a bus ride (a welcomed change from the boats) to Rancho Manzanillo for lunch. Here, we en- joyed walking around the fields, seeing the giant tor- toises that roam free on the ranch. They were every- where, chomping on grass, slowly moving around (and The crew getting familiar with their snorkels. Iguanas resting between showdowns.