From Darwin To Adventure - The Galapagos Islands
Good Day Fellow Secluded Glenders,
Today we look at the island chain where Charles Darwin realized the existence of evolution and changed the world. Harken back to the days of the HMS Beagle Royal Navy Ship from Britain where Darwin tagged along in the middle of Britain's global war with Napoleon and France.
The HMS Beagle
The HMS Beagle was a British Navy Ship that was commissioned on a survey mission to sail around the world from 1831 to 1836. The Beagle sailed southwest from England towards Brazil and it rounded the Southern Tip of South America before heading to the Galapagos Islands. From there it sailed west on the Pacific visiting Sydney and Cape Town and then back to Bahia Brazil before its return home.
Darwin and The The Origin Of Species
Charles Darwin was a naturalist, biologist, and geologist who helped mankind make enormous leaps in science and specifically the understanding of how species evolve, including ours. He wrote his seminal work The Origin Of Species after he had the opportunity to hitch a ride with the HMS Beagle that took them on a journey around the world.
Darwin observed and realized that the birds he originally thought of as the same species were actually different species that evolved on the different islands after they were cut off from each other.
Master and Commander
The move Master and Commander: The Far Side Of the Word features Russell Crowe as captain Jack Aubrey of the fictitious HMS Surprise and Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin. It is a marvelous film about naval warfare as Crowe's crew battles a French frigate named the Acheron and about life at sea. This is set in the backdrop of Napoleon and his attempted conquest of all Europe.
More importantly the crew arrives in the Galapagos as Bettany's character is accidentally shot by the Captain of the Marines trying to shot an albatross for food. While on the island he examines the species much as Darwin did.
In one memorable scene Captain Aubrey has the cook prepare a special desert of chocolate pudding with mint jelly shaped to look like the Galapagos Islands and how they are going to capture the Acheron. We love food here at Secluded Glen and that sure look mighty tasty!
He then finds his flightless corboren bird but has to abandon his expedition by land and drop all his specimens as he accidentally stumbles upon the Acheron and rushes back to tell Captain Aubrey about it. Dr. Maturin shows Captain Jack one of the few specimens he is able to collect which is a walking stick insect disguised as a twig. This gives Captain Jack an idea to disguise his naval warship as a weak British whaling ship in order to draw the Acheron in and surprise attack her superior weaponry and hull. It works and they capture the Acheron. It is a marvelous tale of human courage, sacrifice, and clever strategies. A must see if you are a fan of the Galapagos and naval warfare.
Choices To Visit
You can zoom with a flight from Quito, Ecuador. There is a special departure fee from Quito to the Galapagos "Park". Since you have to fly to Quito to get to the Galapagos we suggest Secluded Glenders take a few days to see the city. Quito is the capital of Ecuador and has a variety of interesting restaurants and sightseeing attractions in and around the city.
1. Stay On A Cruise Ship
2. Isla Santa Cruz - Most populated island. Main town of the island chain is here, Puerto Ayora.
3. Isla Isabela - Least populated.
4. Isla Cristobal - San Cristobal town is quieter and has fewer options.
5. Speed Boat Tours - There are a few tours that zoom around the three main islands.
Isla Santa Cruz
Fresh Water Secluded Glen Like Lagoon Galapagos
Santa Cruz has more areas on the island to explore than the other islands. Due to the geography of the islands, Santa Cruz is a perfect home base to see several small islands close by and more if you wish. Most importantly, Santa Cruz is right in the center of the entire archipelago.
Santa Cruz also has an inlet that resembles a glen. Some swim in it. See the photo below.
Isla Isabela
The largest of the Galapagos islands but also the least populated. It lies to the western end of the archipelago.
Isla Cristobal
This island is like Maui in Hawaii. It is right in the middle in terms of population and accommodations.
Wildlife and Geology
There are tons of unique wildlife. See the interesting birds, insects, and plants observed by Darwin. Many of the islands have dry volcanic dust and dirt with sharp rocks. It is quite secluded.
Summary
You can not go wrong where ever you stay in regards to the opportunity to see distinguished geology and wildlife. The islands are relatively undisturbed and so you will see a lot of what Darwin saw. In regards to accommodations and comfort level there is definitely a difference between the islands so plan accordingly. Until next time Secluded Glenders.
Today we look at the island chain where Charles Darwin realized the existence of evolution and changed the world. Harken back to the days of the HMS Beagle Royal Navy Ship from Britain where Darwin tagged along in the middle of Britain's global war with Napoleon and France.
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| Galapagos Islands |
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| HMS Beagle at its Home Dock |
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| HMS Beagle 2nd Voyage Route 1831 to 1836 With Darwin |
Darwin and The The Origin Of Species
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| Charles Darwin |
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| The Origin Of Species Cover |
Master and Commander
The move Master and Commander: The Far Side Of the Word features Russell Crowe as captain Jack Aubrey of the fictitious HMS Surprise and Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin. It is a marvelous film about naval warfare as Crowe's crew battles a French frigate named the Acheron and about life at sea. This is set in the backdrop of Napoleon and his attempted conquest of all Europe.
More importantly the crew arrives in the Galapagos as Bettany's character is accidentally shot by the Captain of the Marines trying to shot an albatross for food. While on the island he examines the species much as Darwin did.
In one memorable scene Captain Aubrey has the cook prepare a special desert of chocolate pudding with mint jelly shaped to look like the Galapagos Islands and how they are going to capture the Acheron. We love food here at Secluded Glen and that sure look mighty tasty!
He then finds his flightless corboren bird but has to abandon his expedition by land and drop all his specimens as he accidentally stumbles upon the Acheron and rushes back to tell Captain Aubrey about it. Dr. Maturin shows Captain Jack one of the few specimens he is able to collect which is a walking stick insect disguised as a twig. This gives Captain Jack an idea to disguise his naval warship as a weak British whaling ship in order to draw the Acheron in and surprise attack her superior weaponry and hull. It works and they capture the Acheron. It is a marvelous tale of human courage, sacrifice, and clever strategies. A must see if you are a fan of the Galapagos and naval warfare.
Choices To Visit
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| Galapagos Map |
1. Stay On A Cruise Ship
2. Isla Santa Cruz - Most populated island. Main town of the island chain is here, Puerto Ayora.
3. Isla Isabela - Least populated.
4. Isla Cristobal - San Cristobal town is quieter and has fewer options.
5. Speed Boat Tours - There are a few tours that zoom around the three main islands.
 |
| Space View of Galapagos Islands Facing East |
Fresh Water Secluded Glen Like Lagoon Galapagos
Santa Cruz has more areas on the island to explore than the other islands. Due to the geography of the islands, Santa Cruz is a perfect home base to see several small islands close by and more if you wish. Most importantly, Santa Cruz is right in the center of the entire archipelago.
Santa Cruz also has an inlet that resembles a glen. Some swim in it. See the photo below.
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| Freshwater "Glen" |
The largest of the Galapagos islands but also the least populated. It lies to the western end of the archipelago.
Isla Cristobal
This island is like Maui in Hawaii. It is right in the middle in terms of population and accommodations.
Wildlife and Geology
There are tons of unique wildlife. See the interesting birds, insects, and plants observed by Darwin. Many of the islands have dry volcanic dust and dirt with sharp rocks. It is quite secluded.
Summary
You can not go wrong where ever you stay in regards to the opportunity to see distinguished geology and wildlife. The islands are relatively undisturbed and so you will see a lot of what Darwin saw. In regards to accommodations and comfort level there is definitely a difference between the islands so plan accordingly. Until next time Secluded Glenders.
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