The giant tortoises of Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, proved to be great subjects to sketch. They are slow moving, ponderous, and often pause for long periods to contemplate the Universe.

These tortoises are also an iconic animal of the Galápagos. A symbol of the Enchanted Isles uniqueness as well as its fragility.

Sometimes coming upon a tortoise and seeing no motion one is inclined to think it is a very lifelike statue, a perfect sketching subject.

Our group visited Rancho Primicias, a ranch that is also a giant tortoise reserve.

While we walked through the ranch on its muddy trails (boots included), I added giant tortoises to my small panoramic sketchbook. Some were wallowing in ponds, contemplating the universe and cooling off.