Grapsus Grapsus | Red Rock Crabs of the Galapagos

On our second day on the Galapagos we spent the day on the Island of Isebela. We got to see many of the islands animals, the red crabs being just a few. 

With a little research online I found out that the scientific name of these red crabs is Grapsus Grapsus, and that they are also referred to as "Red Rock Crabs" or "Sally Lightfoot Crabs." These crabs have the incredible ability to walk on water,  jump from rock to rock and can climb up vertically.

First Excursion on Santa Cruz | Galapagos | Ecuador

Our tour guide called this excursion the "hard walk." A long part of the walk was on an ancient lava flow which had become broken over time. Our cautioned against anyone that would have trouble walking on very rough terrain not to come. The terrain was difficult at times and by the end of the day my legs were sore along with a strained right angle, but it was worth every step and the occasional twist of the ankle.

We started on a water taxi and this was the first to see.

First Blue Booby of the day.

Couldn't you just live here...

...and look out at this view all day.

A stay here is in order...

...with a nice stroll down this path.

Here are the first Black Marine Iguanas we saw and everyone stopped to take photos.

Here is the first and only blue heron we saw, had to take a shot.

Andi was here.

"Paradise" the bar.

"Paradise" seating.

The Black-Necked Stilt bird.

We made it to the top of the jumping off point.

Then we climbed down using the scary staircase in background. 

But all was worth it, just look at this water.

Las Grietas, "the crack", or where the younguns jumped off.

More of the Las Grietas.

Then we moved to the shark resting lagoon, only one shark was resting.

And so was one black marine iguana.

and I thought a close-up was in order...

ohh, nice sleeping iguana.

The trail leading back from the lagoon.

Hot Now!

I finally got to go in a Krispy Kreme donut store when the "Hot Now" sign was lit and have a donut, well two, but you get the point.

As we were coming to a end of our Chapel Hill photo shoot and walking down Franklin Street, with camera still in hand, I happened to see a light, a bright light coming from the right side of the road, could it be, yes is was.... Hot Now was lit and I was off running, I was about to get my first hot off the rollers Krispy Kreme donut!

I stopped outside to take several picture of the Hot Now sign and I guess it drew attention because once inside a guy asked me "if this my first time in a Krispy Kreme."

Anyway, the donuts were delicious hot and I should not be allowed in a Krispy Kreme store again.

Chapel Hill | Triangle Photography Meetup Photo Shoot

Our photography meetup group met in downtown Chapel Hill and walked down Franklin Street and then back up through the campus of UNC. Below are some of my favorite shots I was able to capture.

The Rock | Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

On our first night on the Island of Santa Cruz we walked to "The Rock" which was located close to our hotel. This restaurant had a great atmosphere, the food was gorgeous and tasty. Overall a B+.

I enjoyed looking at the placemat, it was nice to know where we were.

The restaurant's brightly decorated bar.

More decor

A nice appetizer of tomato relish on bread. 

Rick got the ranch chicken quesadilla.

My quesadilla was chicken with roasted red peppers and tomatoes.

The Rock (this was designed in the cement of the sidewalk in front of the restaurant's door).