Northern Isabela and Fernandina Islands
In the early hours of the morning, while most of us slept, we crossed the equator. The polywogs (those who never crossed the equator by boat) were no more. At 8:45 a.m. we crossed the equator again, but this time we all crowded into the bridge like it was New Year’s Eve and we were waiting for the ball to drop.
After Ernesto gave us our kayak briefing, we headed for the water off Punta Vicente Roca. Two Zodiacs went out to explore the area. One of these contained most of the children on board and all of them had great fun steering the Zodiac. Ernesto led a group of us kayaking along the shore and into a cave. The kayaks were great fun, even for us beginners. Although we have seen many animals, this was the first time we saw penguins. Returning from kayaking, we suited right up and headed out to snorkel the same area we had just kayaked. We saw several sea turtles, a couple of sea lions and one small stingray.
Back on board the ship, we sailed onward to Fernandina while enjoying a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. Although everything was great, I particularly liked the suckling pig, cassava bread and tres leches dessert.
During the afternoon siesta a whale shark measuring 35-40 feet was spotted near the ship. Several Bryde’s whale spouts were also spotted and the ship followed them for a short while. In the early evening we disembarked for our walk at Punta Espinosa. Franklin guided us on over slabs of “ropy lava.” While on the island we saw cormorants, herons, sea turtles, iguanas and the most adorable sea lion pups.
After dinner, Rafael gave an astronomy lesson on the bow. All the ship’s lights were turned down and thousands of stars just popped out of the sky.
The Galápagos are truly spectacular in every way, but we would not know that coming here alone. Our guides Franklin, Ernesto, Rafael and Lynn, through their immense knowledge and passion for these islands, have brought to light all the wonders that exist here. No question goes unanswered and no story goes untold. It is such a privilege to have them as our guides.
For me, this week has been such a provocative adventure. I grew up in a city where the only non-domesticated animals were pigeons and rats. The only “exotic” animals I ever saw were in the zoo. Surrounded by concrete and skyscrapers, it’s hard to feel a part of nature. This trip has made me feel the delicate balance between all of us in nature. I will take home with me the feeling of being connected and the desire to do all I can to be a responsible custodian of this planet.RFV06
In the early hours of the morning, while most of us slept, we crossed the equator. The polywogs (those who never crossed the equator by boat) were no more. At 8:45 a.m. we crossed the equator again, but this time we all crowded into the bridge like it was New Year’s Eve and we were waiting for the ball to drop.
After Ernesto gave us our kayak briefing, we headed for the water off Punta Vicente Roca. Two Zodiacs went out to explore the area. One of these contained most of the children on board and all of them had great fun steering the Zodiac. Ernesto led a group of us kayaking along the shore and into a cave. The kayaks were great fun, even for us beginners. Although we have seen many animals, this was the first time we saw penguins. Returning from kayaking, we suited right up and headed out to snorkel the same area we had just kayaked. We saw several sea turtles, a couple of sea lions and one small stingray.
Back on board the ship, we sailed onward to Fernandina while enjoying a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. Although everything was great, I particularly liked the suckling pig, cassava bread and tres leches dessert.
During the afternoon siesta a whale shark measuring 35-40 feet was spotted near the ship. Several Bryde’s whale spouts were also spotted and the ship followed them for a short while. In the early evening we disembarked for our walk at Punta Espinosa. Franklin guided us on over slabs of “ropy lava.” While on the island we saw cormorants, herons, sea turtles, iguanas and the most adorable sea lion pups.
After dinner, Rafael gave an astronomy lesson on the bow. All the ship’s lights were turned down and thousands of stars just popped out of the sky.
The Galápagos are truly spectacular in every way, but we would not know that coming here alone. Our guides Franklin, Ernesto, Rafael and Lynn, through their immense knowledge and passion for these islands, have brought to light all the wonders that exist here. No question goes unanswered and no story goes untold. It is such a privilege to have them as our guides.
For me, this week has been such a provocative adventure. I grew up in a city where the only non-domesticated animals were pigeons and rats. The only “exotic” animals I ever saw were in the zoo. Surrounded by concrete and skyscrapers, it’s hard to feel a part of nature. This trip has made me feel the delicate balance between all of us in nature. I will take home with me the feeling of being connected and the desire to do all I can to be a responsible custodian of this planet.RFV06
