Isabela

Leaving Puerto Ayora was really difficult. We loved it there and didn´t know what would be in store for us on Isabela. As we made the long journey back to the airport, (a bus, a ferry, and another bus), we were pretty quiet. Our energy levels increased when we saw the planes we were about to board. They were tiny. Our group needed to split up into two groups of seven and eight. I was in the first group with Becca, Ashley, Bethany, Mike, Mary, and Professor Shriver. The flight was about half an hour long. Once we landed, the same plane went back for the rest. I´ve never been in such a small plane. Bethany got the best views seated right next to the pilot. The stunning scenery kept our mind off of the occassional bumps and dips. Basically, we got to see the islands that we´ve been exploring in a whole new way. Professor Shriver pointed out Black Turtle Cove and Darwin´s Lake for us. It was so weird to think that just a few days earlier we were in the same spot looking at sharks and turtles.

Once we landed, Becca, Ashley, and I made a beeline for the beach. White sand that is as soft as confectioners´sugar greeted us. Our new home is directly on the beach. SOOooo amazing! None of us can believe that this is considered study abroad. We spent an hour napping and swimming before a long lunch and walk to the tortoise mating ground. (Hernan would´ve loved it). This was the first time most of us got to see the giant tortoises on the move. Kind of awkward, but interesting nonetheless. Post walk, we spent some more time on the beach and had dinner. It´s time to finish up our species accounts so I´ve gotta bounce...

Tomorrow, we have a reallllly long hike up the Sierra Negra Volcano. It is the second largest volcano in the world. Hope we don´t fall in!