3 The Enchanted Islands

Chapter 3 THE ENCHANTED ISLANDS Jack tucked Morgan's note into his back pocket. Then he followed Annie down the rope ladder to the beach. "Head toward the boat dock," said Jack. "We can ask for information there." As Jack and Annie started walking, their hiking boots made tracks in the white sand. The breeze smelled of salt water and fish. They walked between pink lizards sunbathing on the beach and seagulls picking at seaweed. "This place has a ton of wildlife," said Annie. "Yep. I bet you don't know that the Galápagos have over nine thousand different types of creatures," said Jack. "I know that," said Annie. "Right, you're a World Turtle Expert, too," he said. "Sorry."

They skirted around sandpipers running toward the water and birds with big blue feet waddling at the ocean's edge. They passed a couple of sea lions resting on their backs. The sea lions lifted their heads to look at Jack and Annie. They seemed to smile. "Livin' the dream!" Annie called out to them. Jack laughed. "They seem so relaxed and unafraid," said Annie. "There's a reason for that," said Jack. "For millions of years, the Galápagos Islands were cut off from the rest of the world. So the wildlife here never developed a fear of people." "Yes, I know," said Annie. "That's why explorers used to call the islands the Enchanted Islands," Jack went on. "They thought all the creatures were under a spell." "Yes," said Annie. "I know. In fact—" Jack interrupted her. "And did you know the islands were created by volcanoes under the ocean? Over millions of years, layers of lava turned into islands." "Well, yes, Jack, I know," said Annie. "In fact—"

"And," interrupted Jack, "there are still thirteen active volcanoes on these islands. Did you know that?" "Jack!" said Annie. "We're both World Turtle Experts. Everything you know, I know, too!" "Oh, right," said Jack. "In fact, today there are six active volcanoes here on Isabela Island alone," Annie added. "Hmm," said Jack. "Maybe we should ask someone about those volcanoes." "Oh, wow, brown pelicans!" said Annie. "I love pelicans." Jack and Annie had arrived at the wooden pier that stretched out into the water. A number of brown

pelicans hovered near tied-up vessels. An older man with a beard was hauling in a fishing net from his boat. "Look!" said Annie, pointing. "Tourists." At the end of the pier, passengers were stepping off the boat Jack and Annie had seen. The writing on the boat said GALáPAGOS CRUISES. The tourists wore baggy shorts, flowered shirts, and sun hats. They carried beach bags and cameras. "Mister! Where are the taxis?" a man bellowed at the fisherman. The fisherman didn't look at the tourists. He just pointed to the two white pickup trucks waiting near the beach. As Jack and Annie stood at the entrance of the pier, Jack held his breath. Would the tourists see him and Annie as World Turtle Experts?

But as the group bustled by, everyone was talking and laughing loudly. They passed Jack and Annie without a glance. A moment later, they were all piling into the white trucks by the shore. "Okay. Let's go talk to that fisherman," said Jack. "We'll find out if he sees us as experts." "Good idea," said Annie. "We'll ask him about the turtles." "Yeah, and we can ask about the six active volcanoes here on Isabela Island," said Jack. As Jack and Annie started down the pier, their hiking boots thumped over the worn wooden planks. "Hi, guys!" Annie called out to a couple of pelicans perched on the railing. Suddenly one swooped up into the air and stole a small fish from a seagull. "Whoa! Not fair!" Annie shouted at the funny- looking bird. The pelican landed on the railing, threw back its head, and swallowed the fish whole. Jack and Annie both laughed. "Listen to me," Annie said to the pelican. "Don't take what doesn't belong to you." The pelican lowered its head.

"Good. You should be embarrassed," Annie said. Jack laughed again. "Annie, don't forget, when we meet people, you can't treat wildlife like they're human," he said. "Experts don't do that." "Oh, right," said Annie. "I guess I just slipped back into my real self." She and Jack kept walking toward the fisherman. "Hello!" Jack called out. The man didn't turn around. "Don't worry. More tourist taxis coming soon," he said in a grumpy voice. "Actually, we're not tourists," said Annie. The fisherman looked over his shoulder. Jack and Annie pointed to their badges. The fisherman seemed startled. "Oh, I see!" he said. "You're World Turtle Experts. My mistake." The magic works! thought Jack. "Are you from the National Park Service?" the fisherman asked. "No, we've just come from America to study Galápagos turtles," said Annie. "Can you tell us the best spot to do that?" asked Jack.