An Expedition Cruise to the Galapagos

Photos & Words by Paul & Diane

The Galapagos consist of 19 major islands, each with its own distinct landscapes and ecosystems. A well-planned expedition cruise will take you to a variety of these islands, offering a diverse range of experiences. We are visiting these islands:

Santa Cruz: We visited the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about ongoing conservation efforts and see the famous Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise. We spent some time in town before continuing to the highlands where we explored the cultural and natural attractions of the highlands of Santa Cruz, where much of the produce is grown on local farms. We stopped for lunch at a local ranch, dedicated to conservation. This was an amazing opportunity to see tortoises roaming in the wild. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago is home to the iconic Sierra Negra volcano. We hiked to the caldera’s rim for panoramic views of the surreal, moon-like landscape. In the afternoon the ship re-positioned to the historical Tagus Cove, a sheltered bay that has been a popular anchorage for centuries of visitors, including Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle. There we could choose a scenic hike that looked over a volcanic crater with a lake inside, Zodiac rides and kayaking outings to look for penguins, flightless cormorant and shorebirds, and even some deep-water snorkeling. So many options!

Fernandina Island is the youngest and most pristine island in the Galápagos. The stark black lava flows are home to some of the largest marine iguana colonies in the archipelago, and the peculiarlooking flightless cormorant nest along the coast. Brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs scamper among the rocks and sea lions play along the coast against the dramatic backdrop of volcanoes. While snorkeling in the area, we were on the lookout for green sea turtles who graze off the abundant algal beds.

In San Cristóbal we visited Punta Pitt with its fascinating geology, also the only site where all three booby species that occur in the Galápagos nest together. We hiked up to the plateau for wonderful views and took Zodiac cruises along the base of the cliffs to look for red-footed, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and could even have taken a swim off the beach amongst young sea lions.

In Santiago, after an early morning hike behind one of the largest turtle nesting beaches in Galápagos, we explored the spectacular Buccaneer Cove by Zodiac and kayak and enjoyed snorkeling among the dense schools of reef fish that find refuge in the indented shoreline. A visit to Puerto Egas led us through a fascinating geological landscape of mixed ash and lava flows, tidal pools, and grottoes. Inhabiting the area, we found Galápagos sea lions and fur seals, marine iguanas, land and shore birds, and brilliant Sally Lightfoot crabs. An expedition cruise to the Galapagos is an unparalleled adventure that immerses you in the heart of one of the most remarkable and pristine natural environments on Earth. From encounters with unique wildlife to exploring diverse islands and experiencing worldclass snorkeling and diving, the Galapagos Islands offer an expedition like no other. As you journey through this living laboratory of evolution, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation. A cruise to the Galapagos is not just a vacation; it’s a transformative experience that will leave you with a deep sense of awe and appreciation for our planet’s natural beauty.

For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. With every voyage they undertake, their core belief is reinforced: that our planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge, and increased understanding of our role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures.

To offer travelers more than 100 itineraries across all seven continents, we rely on our extraordinary fleet of expedition ships—the most advanced in the industry. These ships facilitate exploration with cutting-edge technologies, have thoughtfully designed itineraries and onboard expedition teams that inspire, and chart courses that take travellers deeper into remote places to get a richer picture of our world. These vessels are built small and nimble so you can venture deeper into remote places and quickly disembark to spend more time exploring. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.

The launch of their 2004 partnership with National Geographic marked a new era in explorations. Together,

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have built upon a shared legacy of discovery to provide guests with wholly unique experiences, including immersive programs for photographers, young explorers, and undersea enthusiasts, as well as incredible opportunities to explore alongside the National Geographic Experts who join select voyages. Thinking about booking a getaway to another destination, or a Bucket List family vacation? Or have you always wanted to do a Girls Getaway? We’d love to help you see your dream become a reality!

Chestermere Lions Club

Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm

Meetings are currently by zoom. Checkout our facebook page for more information,

Older AdulTs CoaliTion of ChesTermere MeeTing

When: Wednesday, November 15 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere

RSVP: • jumpmaster2@shaw.ca • illingw8@telus.net

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am

Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079

1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road

WHERE PLAYING AND LEARNING GO HAND IN HAND! Registriation for the 2023/2024 School Year is Open!

Registration will be available on a continuous basis until all classes are full

Located in: the the Indus Recreation Centre (Bill Herron Arena) in Indus Alberta, this not for profit preschool has been serving the community and surrounding area for 25 years.

Indus Preschool offeres a dynamic, hands-on learning approach that offers: arT • ImaginaTion sTaTions • early liTeracy • & Physical acTiviTy

Our program gives some of Rocky View’s youngest residents a chance to connect in a fun and positive environment while helping them to develop a sense of self and independence.

We help kids prepare for kindergarten and learn important skills that will help them in their daily lives.

PUBLIC NOTICE:

The Rotary Chestermere AMAZING RACE 2023 is CANCELED. It is with heavy heart the the Rotary Club of Chestermere has made the very difficult decision to cancel their annual AMAZING RACE event for 2023. Thank you to all of our sponsors, challenge hosts, volunteers, community partners and of course our racers for their support and participation these past years!

It’s been a blast creating new and exciting challenges that showcase the local businesses and non- profit organizations in our amazing community every year!! We hope to see you in 2024!

~Rotary Chestermere

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild https://induspreschool.com

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild meets every Thursday at 1pm, at the Recreation Centre North side, upstairs in room 2. Come and explore your artistic potential. Welcoming new members beginner to advanced. Like us on Facebook and email chestermereartguild@gmail.com

Lakeside Quilters’ Guild Meeting each month at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on the first Wednesday of each month. Sew days are on the third Wednesday of each month and a sew Saturday each month, including summer. Quilting experience not required, new members welcome. For more information please contact Joyce at 403-383-1940.

St. Gabriel's the Archangel Parish

Catholics in Chestermere: Weekend masses are now open for public celebration without seating restrictions at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School (197 Invermere Dr.). There is no longer advanced registration required to attend mass (Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and 10:30 am), but please stay home if you feel sick that day. For more information please call 403-455-0196

The Rotary Club Of Chestermere

Holds virtual meetings via Zoom on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 5:00pm and hosts in-person “Socials” at local venues on the last Wednesday of the month.

Guests are warmly welcomed to “Zoom in” to our virtual meeting or join us for some social time when they can!

Please email us for more information at: rotarychestermere@gmail.com

Check out our website at: www.rotarychestermere.org