Exploring Isabela island, Galapagos

Our last land stop before a 3500 mile sail across the Pacific to the Marquesas is the largest island in Galapagos, Isabela. So we decided hiking was the order of the day. First we did a gentle walk to the giant tortoise sanctuary, which was lovely. We arrived at feeding time fortuitously (they are only fed once a week) and it was great to see these large prehistoric-looking animals quite animated as they noisily chomped through leaves. We walked through the wetlands to the ponds and saw one lonesome flamingo.

The next day we hiked to the infamous wall of tears built by the historic penal colony. We nearly renamed it the hike of tears as it turned into a 14km hike across hot volcanic gravel paths in the boiling sun. The boys did brilliantly despite the heat and distance and we made it back to town in time for a late Equadorian lunch which we all happily devoured. We did manage to see giant tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas and a snake too along the walk.

The road up to the volcano is shut unfortunately so that hike is not possible for us (much to the boys relief)! Instead we are just prepping the boat and getting ready for our 3500 mile passage. I’ve hauled Russell up the mast and the mast and rigging check has gone well now it’s my turn to find some fresh fruit and vegetables on the island. Yeeks, slightly nervous, it will be our longest sail yet…and it’s not exactly the best place to try and stock up! This is the high street (the roads are sand on the island).