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Wednesday February 13/13
Another day on Santa Cruz Island in the GALAPAGOS.
Today’s photos include an early morning walk to the Las Grietas fjords which are part of a volcanic fracture or fissure stretching from Estrada Point to the western end of Academy Bay and continuing several kilometers underground. Here, sea water and rainwater mix, so the ecosystem is brackish sea-water. Fish larvae, such as Parrot Fish, can grow these fissures and then remain trapped here until they grow to adulthood.
You arrive at Las Grietas suddenly, looking down at some steep wooden stairs into this narrow canyon spreading left and right. The right side is narrow and overgrown. The left side however is a treasure of brilliant green water with many fish in evidence. It seems to be a favourite trek for people to swim and even jump from the cliffs.
In the late afternoon I walked with my 2 cameras to the water taxi pier for Finch Bay and took many shots of the action nearby, boats, people, pelicans, frigate birds, crabs, and the fascinating Marine Iguanas.
Today I am going to include an untouched photo of a Marine Iguana to show the difference in a processed artwork. The unprocessed photo has just hints of the colour in the skin of these fascinating creatures, but they are definitely there. Part of my processing generally includes darkening a photo to bring out the colours, then to saturate those colours a little, then add some vibrance, amongst burning and dodging and other requirements. The results on the Iguanas caught me completely by surprise. I knew the colours were there, in their skin, but how easily they “popped” was a shock. I hope you are enjoying the results.
That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al
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| Processed shot brings out the amazing colour |
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| Base shot shows definite hints of the colour in the skin |
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| We are sticking near the top of the lower green section today |
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| We are still on the round island in the middle |
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| Another interesting shore bird |
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| This one gave me a nice reflection |
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| Marine Iguana sharing water with a duck |
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| Las Grietas sign |
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| Steep stairway to the hidden treasure |
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| Cliff walls of this volcanic fissure |
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| The water colour is an amazing green |
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| What a hidden gem |
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| People do cliff jumping and swim here |
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| This is a brackish mixture of rain and seawater |
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| There are some pretty big fish in there |
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| Another shore bird on the way back |
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| Many finches join us on the upper terrace |
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| So does this mockingbird who claims this territory |
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| Unsual capture of two marine iguanas swimming |
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| Lots of crabs on our pier |
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| Their colours are amazing |
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| I can't get enough pelican shots, love them |
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| Frigate Bird dring his feathers on the next pier |
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| Landing of a Frigate Bird |
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| Pelican enjoying the catbird seat |
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| Very stoic pose |
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| Coming out from his swim |
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| Two swimmers returning from Finch Bay |
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| Pelican putting on the brakes |
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| Pelicans have amazing wingspans |
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| Peeking out from the rocks |
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| Watching for a meal to swim nearby |
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| Slow afternoon for this water taxi |
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| The Frigate Bird wins by a nose |
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| Yes Grandma, I am colourful |
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| Path to restaurant next to our pier |
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| A few boats in the Harbour at Academy Bay |
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| Street-level view |
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| They blend in pretty well |
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| They have many different colour pigments |
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| Checking out the pier |
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| Out-of-order shot at Las Grietas |
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| Not sure if the surroundings dictate the colours? |
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| They enjoy sunning themselves on top of the warm rocks |
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| This salad had very little green stuff |
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| Political rally in the skateboard park |
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| More people will come later to party until 5am |
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| The ruling party team |
