 Several years ago, our traveling Rotarian, Laurie Edwards, as part of a longer trip to Ecuador, visited Galapagos* for eleven days. Her home was on the Samba, a 78’ motor yacht that can have up to 14 guests. Laurie shared her adventure as well as photos of the extraordinary diversity of life found there. Galapagos consists of 13 main islands that are 600 miles west of Ecuador. The islands range in age from 1 to 3.5 million years old and slide southeast 1-2” per year on a massive plate, which is like a geological conveyer belt. Each island has its own character. The islands were made famous by what Charles Darwin reported about them in his book, The Origin of Species, in 1859. Laurie was able to visit most of the 13 islands because she was traveling with a group on a smaller vessel which could visit more islands and landing areas. Laurie explained how the islands are a meeting point for 4 different ocean currents which contribute to the diversity of life found in the islands. Laurie showed us many beautiful photos of fauna, flora and the islands and life onboard the Samba including the fabulous food prepared by the chef. The land animals included Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas. The marine animals included Orcas, Marine Iguanas, Spotted Eagle Rays, dolphins, and myriad types of fish. The birds she saw included Nezca and Blue-footed Boobies, the Waved Albatross, American Oyster-catchers, Frigate Birds, Mockingbirds, Lava Gulls, the Galapagos Hawk, and the White Barn Owl. It was a very active trip with hiking or snorkeling 2-3 times per day. Wading to shore from the small panga boats and climbing over broken lava required balance and leg strength. The club got a real kick out of Laurie's professional-level photography and her spirited presentation. If you missed you can view it at this link to the video on FaceBook and scroll to about the 11 minute, 15 second point in the video for the start. *Galapagos is both a province of Ecuador and the name of an Island chain, so it can be used with or without "Islands." |
Our program will be the annual presentation of the CP Rotary Foundation led by Chair Dave Sargent. We will also be announcing an opening on the Board (due to Roger Hassler's moving to Idaho) and encouraging members to contact Anne Eckert or Dave if they are interested in serving on the Foundation's Board. We will also hear about Darol Rasmussen, the Rotarian who set up a matching grant for $100,000 for the club to start the foundation. And, once and for all, we will figure out the difference between the RI Foundation and our foundation, the CP Rotary Community Foundation!
