San Cristobal Island
As we approached the beach at Punta Pitt this morning, we knew it was going to be an incredible hike. The soft, sandy olivine beach transported us to an enchanted kingdom which was completely surreal; the glittering sparkles of diminutive crystals that make the sand in this particular place are the eroded particles of one of the hardest crystals that comprise a lava flow.
As we walked up throughout the canyon we could not be more amazed at how these islands keep us wondering up to the last walk of the expedition… the species that survive here constantly face the incredibly hard conditions of life; the complete lack of fresh water and the very dry conditions of the terrain make it suitable for just a few of them, mostly reptiles that prove once again that they are the chosen creatures.
At the end of the trail, a small colony of red-footed boobies surprised us. They were nesting, making sure that the only egg they produced was not exposed to the sun at all. We could see the struggle they went through, having to sit there for who knows how long, under the strong equatorial sun during the hottest month of the year. It was extremely interesting to understand how their behavior is in contrast to their closest relatives, the blue-footed boobies.
Our time is ending in the enchanted archipelago… But, as we got into the water around Kicker Rock, a school of Galápagos sharks welcomed us for our very last snorkel of the week. Sea turtles, sea lions and many different species of Galápagos reef fish kept us actively swimming around these spectacular lava formations that are San Cristobal’s signature.
What a perfect last day, what an incredible week we have all had in the living laboratory of evolution; it is one of the last paradises on earth and future generations have the right to see it too. We go home having witnessed why humankind needs to keep this place the way it is – not only for humans to understand the overwhelming power of nature but for the species that have made this place their home.
