Galápagos - part 1

At last, time for a real update to my blog. Have now been on San Cristobál in the Galápagos for five weeks. Things have been quite a bit different to what I was expecting of my time volunteering here. Yes, there has been a lot of hard work during the week (but only Monday to Thursday – Friday is reserved for hiking normally). Am now very proficient with machete, spade, hose, and am far too acquainted with cold water showers!
On the other hand there has been a lot more social life than I was anticipating. Was expecting to be on the reserve almost all the time, but everyone heads into town every weekend to relax. And there is also a bar (with pool tables) only 10 minutes walk from the station, so many evenings are spent along there. The Friday hikes give a chance to explore some of the wonderful scenery and wildlife close to the Jatun Sacha station, and more exploration comes in the form of trips organized through a couple of tour agencies in town. So far, have hiked to different parts of the coast, and have been on trips to Punta Pitt and Kicker Rock (snorkeling), and Puerto Chino (surfing and camping). Am now busy taking a PADI open water scuba diving course (hey, why not? It costs half the UK price over here and diving in the Pacific has to beat diving in an old quarry in England!).

Jatun Sacha:

Friday hikes:

Near bar:

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno:

Surfcamp:

Snorkelling trip to Punta Pitt and Kicker Rock:

Taxi, San Cristobál style:

Wild(?)life:

I love boobies: