Unique – ask a dictionary, and it says being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way. The most unique place I have visited is the Galapagos Islands.
This Ecuadorian archipelago with 19 islands are all unique in their own way – both flora and fauna. They all have endemic species, and the animals let you come close without being startled or afraid. They do not consider humans their enemies. Unique.
Thank you, Charles Darwin!
Charles Darwins resa med HMS Beagle 1831-36, Galápagosdelen
Some of the strange and fascinating landscapes on the islands –
If you look closely, you might see the flamingo…-
We had a very unique opportunity to see the land iguanas eating from the giant cactii.
Not many visitors are that lucky – at least our guide told us so.
Unfortunately we came too late to meet Lonesome George. Every effort to help this last of his species failed, and he died 2012. But we met several other giant tortoises on the island Santa Cruz.
In the header, two marine iguanas – unique to these islands, but unfortunately on the road to getting even more unique. As the waters are warming due to climate change, their sea food is dying and their numbers are already decreasing.
Let us hope these islands will stay unique – in a positive way. Nature is good at mending – if we will just let it.
A special thanks to Amy for this week’s photo inspiration.
Leya 
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I have always wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands! This is so cool!
You will not regret it if you go!
Somewhere I would love to go .. a great post 🙂
Glad you like it, Julie! And you will never regret it if you go!
I love your take on the prompt. It would be rare for me to see land iguanas eating from the giant cacti in Wisconsin unless they were in a cage at a pet store. Seeing them in real life (via your photos) is a treat!
So glad to share them! Thank you for appreciating them – I love iguanas,
The iguanas look fascinating. Thanks for sharing your unique Galapagos travel experience, Anne Christine.
So glad to share – this tiny bit of the journey! Posted more about it in 2016/2017.
That opening shot- such extraordinary looking creatures! One can’t help but wonder how strange they must think us 🙂 🙂
Yes…and ugly I am sure. Long useless limbs and lousy swimmers!
I need one foot on the bottom 🙂 🙂
😀
An inspirational post in more than one way. It’s wonderful to get glimpses of such a special place.
Glad you found it inspirational!
Fascinating. What a treat.
Yes, John – I finally got there, a childhood dream.
Thanks for sharing glimpses of the life there. I’d love to go there some day.
Hopefully you will! You will never regret it, nor forget it.
Great choices for the challenge this week, Leya. It must have been wonderful to explore these places in person. You have a treasure trove of memories in every photograph. Have a great week …
Isadora 😎
https://isadoraartandphotography.com/2019/06/24/lens-artists-photo-challenge-unique-tree-of-life/
Thank you for a lovely comment! But, it is Amy’s challenge this week!
I guessed this might be your Unique, A C! Lovely images of a marvellous experience!
What could be more unique if you love nature and animals? Maybe listening to David Attenborough! He also makes every nature program unique!
Absolutely!
I guess you can say that the location is unique …. what a great experience to explore the islands
It really was – I still long to go back there – we only visited 10 of the islands.
amazing and highly informative and entertaining Thanks for sharing the wonders of creation I woud never have seen
So glad you liked the short visit!
Wonderful post A-C 😀
Thank you, Brian – a bit sad as well.
Indeed
Thanks for reminding me of my trip to Galápagos Islands several years ago. At the time I didn’t have a great camera so I don’t have many photos from there to share with others.
I know the feeling…when I look back on some gems we went to before having a decent camera. But we enjoyed the adventure there and then!
Exactly!
A truly unique place A-C. I’m envious of your visit. Long time on my bucket list but still haven’t made it. Wonderful images of some truly unique creatures!
Thank you, Tina! I hope you can go – when there is still time. The island is slowly sinking down in the sea as well.
It must be a truely amazing and unique place to visit.
It is…I still think sometimes that I have dreamt it all – was I really there?
🙂
What a beautiful set of photos. Sadly indeed each survivor is getting closer to the uniqueness of Lonesome George. What a mess.
A mess it is – but many people are working hard to save what can be saved!
Wonderful post. I also hope that the island creatures will adapt and survive.
♥
19 islands, how very unique! Thank you for introducing these unique creatures to us. Beautifully captured. Enjoy your summer vacation, Ann-Christine! 🙂
Thank you for an inspiring theme!
A beautiful, inspiring, and touching post. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Michael – for a lovely comment.