Tortoise, Turtle or Terrapin? It all depends on where you find them. The Galapagos Islands are world famous with the large lumbering gentle beasts that dot the landscape on certain islands. A visit to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island shared intimate views of wild Giant Tortoises. Tortoise highways could be seen through the underbrush and if one walks quietly perhaps one can cross paths with one on the trail.
Coming across this lovely female on the trail, she tucked her head in. Perhaps thinking that if she didn’t see us, perhaps we wouldn’t see her.
She sat there patiently waiting for the tourists to leave. As one group finished, our group walked up to take our photos. Bringing up the rear of the group, I waited after everyone had left and quietly spoke to her. She brought her head out as it to say hello and gave me a proper Tortoise greeting.
It indeed showed that good things come to those that wait. The beauty of these land residing reptiles and their untelling age makes them quite intriguing. As the largest living species of Tortoise, the Galapagos Giant Tortoise can live well over 100 years and can weigh up to 800 pounds and five feet long.
These giant beasts with faces of the ages slowly lumber through their day eating vegetation and keeping cool from the beating rays of the equatorial sun.
The Galapagos Giant Tortoises found at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island were not the only ones we were able to see during our week long cruise visit in the Galapagos. There were plenty more to discover. Stay tuned for the next Giant Tortoise stop.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
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I saw a doco last year on the Galapagos Islands by David Attenborough and it was amazing, made me want to go there, I can’t wait to see more photos.
I should try to track down that doco to see it. Is that the older man with white hair? Thank you so much Leanne and wonderful to see you.
Great post Em….words and photos 😊
You are too sweet Mark.
This is just awesome, both the photos and the tortoise herself!
It was a bit hot walking, but totally worth it. Thanks Jerry!
Most of us will never get a chance to visit the Galapagos, so it’s really a pleasure to see them through your eyes and your lenses. I can’t wait for more!
You are so very kind Mike.It is truly a great pleasure for me to share my journey with you. 4,000 pictures..think that’s enough?
The one with him looking directly into the camera is priceless.
Can you believe those eyes Mary? So much depth and soul in them. Wonderful to see you and see you’ve been a busy girl painting glorious flowers. 🙂
Thanks Emily – appreciate it. I’ve moved back to landscapes now and it’s feel like starting all over again as grass, trees and skies take over my canvas. Take care ~
Such an adorable face. I’m sure she’s seen a lot in her life.
I really wonder how old she is. The naturalists say they can only guess their real age, but they can live for at least 100 years.
Incredible creatures!
That is so very true Cynthia. Thank you so much.
Intriguing. I like traveling with you! I like how you showed her some respect and she paid you back with some great, personal images. The one from the side of her eye is my favorite. She tells of so much life it seems but up close holds beauty.
Thank you. I saw the other day on TV that the oldest Tortoise was at least 180 years old. I can’t imagine saying Ah I’m 100, 80 more to go!
😀
What…180 years old? Please don’t give me that sentence. My body hurts enough at 50!
It’s incredible how responsive the wildlife is there. Many visitors – while generally respectful, just don’t have true animal karma. I was thrilled she trusted me enough to relax a little.
That sounds like a real honor. I can imagine how people act. I think some people think that animals are there just to entertain us.
What a beautiful smile to reward you for your patience!
Fatima my dear ! How wonderful to hear from you. Spring has sprung and I can barely keep my head above water. How are you – your new puppy? I Miss you and hope all is well.
We are all well. We’ve just come back from our 3-week Easter holiday and didn’t always have internet access: only in campsites, that’s why I haven’t been round. Puppy is great and walking and running perfectly. He seems totally recovered.
Glad to hear that spring has arrived in your neck of the woods. Happy photographing! 🙂