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a ride but I would not recommend it. One thing you will quickly get used to or not is the stench of hundreds of sea lions basking on the warm rocks sea lions have ears seals dont who knew. Turtles and tortoises have inhab- ited these islands for millions of years turtles go in the water whereas tor- toises live on land. In the days of pirates these mammals were nearly hunted to extinction as they possess a unique ability to live six months or more when confined to the hull of a ship. Having them on board would ensure sailors were always guar- anteed fresh meat. Fortunately the species has made a comeback and is starting to thrive once again. The Darwin Centre is located on Santa Cruz Island and is a refuge and sanctuary for creatures that make their home on the Galpagos Islands. Until recently it was also the home of George a 150-year-old turtle who was the last of his species. A 10000 reward was offered by the Centre to any organization country or person who could find a success- ful mate for George but alas none was found and when George passed on last year so did his bloodline. I had the pleasure of visiting Daphne Island. There are only ten trips per year and they have to be groups of 5 or less. After circling the island several times in an effort to find a place to land the captain finally launched a small dingy and we pad- dled our way to the shore. The sight of the shark fins in the water was shock- ing but quickly overcome by the two meter slopes we had to climb to get onto the island. It was an adventure but one well worth the effort. Daphne Island is covered in masked Boobie birds which simply sit on the ground and stare at you with a what on earth are you doing here expression. The island is also the nesting ground for the red throated frigate bird. The climb was steep and the crushed lava made walking treacherous but it was all worthwhile with memories to cherish forever. The longest trip I took was three and a half hours to San Cristbal Island. The waves were a good 5 to 6 meters high but the visit was amaz- ing. Unique rock formations and hun- dreds of marine mammals made this a paradise a meaningful visit. I seldom promote personal ac- complishments in this column but for those who are interested I have published a 60 page colour book with the story of the Galpagos as well as dozens of my photographs. I mention this because a portion of the profit goes to the Darwin Centre. For more information please email me at jonphotosntravel.com. FOCUS - JUNE 2015 39 Upcoming Cruise Group Departures to... X Also .... If a quick sanity break is needed join our group to RIU Paradise Island Nassau Bahamas Oct 25-29 2015 Check These Off Your B cket List South Pacific Fiji - Oct 21 2015 on Celebrity Solstice New Zealand - Nov 2 2015 on Celebrity Solstice Panama Canal - Apr 11 2016 on Celebrity Infinity Canada-New England - Sept 4 2016 on Celebrity Summit MC TICO 4577532 158 Casimir Street Port Perry 905-985-2268 virginia.frewmarlintravel.ca The blue footed Boobie bird lives in the Galpagos. George the 150-year-old turtle who could not find a mate.