This past summer (2017) I had the wonderful privilege of exploring the Galapagos Islands with a group of scientists and naturalists aboard the National Geographic ship The Islander.  Above is a picture of one of the massive Galapagos turtles.  I took this picture on the island of Santa Cruz.   Each day we explored a different island in addition to kyaking, snorkling, and swimming. I climbed many volcanoes, and I even walked in the world's second largest volcano vent.  I am looking forward to sharing with my students what I learned about the flora and fauna as well as the geology of these unique ecosystems.
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This fellow was taking a nap on the side of our ship when we returned in the zodiak from snorkling with penquins, sea turtles, sea lions, and a plethora of breathtakingly beautiful fish.
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The baby sea lions were adorable!
Crossing the equator!
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