Jim Welch meets giant tortoise. At the Explorers Club monthly meeting Jim Welch of NatureScene fame gave a fascinating presentation of his latest trip to the Galapagos with National Geographic. Jim was accompanied by his son, James S. Welch Jr., and grandson, James S. Welch III. They hoped to reconnect with Charles Darwin's theory of evolution that was cultivated during his visit to the islands off Ecuador in 1835.

From the plane, Galapagos was stark, inhospitable, and austere; but once the Three Jims boarded

the MS National Geographic

Polaris and got a briefing from the seven naturalists, they realized the natural beauty of the islands.

During their first landing, they saw sea lions, brown noddys, marine iguanas, and blue- footed boobies. Of particular interest was the male frigate bird who blew out his balloon- like red throat to attract females.

They walked on Espanola Island, one of 120 in the Galapagos Archipelago, and got very close to swallow- tailed gulls, albatrosses, and Galapagos hawks. Jim was astounded to see penguins and flamingos living closely together, and pleased to be able to walk right up to a 600- pound giant tortoise.

James S.Welch III, James S.Welch Jr., and James S.Welch in the Galapagagos Islands Several days the Three Jims were able to snorkel and kayak among the ancient sea animals. They swam in the 67- degree water with fish, eels, rays, and turtles among colorful urchins, starfish, and coral. They dodged sea lions and jelly fish.

When they crossed the equator, there was a symbolic sacrifice of the youngest sailor. Jim III, being the youngest, was glad his sacrifice was only symbolic. The fog horns sounded, manta rays flew out of the water, and everyone cheered.

Seven days of sailing, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and photography was a true male bonding experience for the Three Jims. They celebrated back on the mainland of Ecuador with a visit to KFC - fried chicken, beans, rice, and bananas. And many, many memories.