San Cristobal Island
Today is our last day in paradise, an adventure which seems unreal. We all bonded as one; even though we are from different generations, today we are one. The Galápagos brings magic to our souls and minds. Traveling and reaching Fernandina to San Cristobal islands, the youngest and one of the oldest in the archipelago, on a journey of discovery through time.
San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest in the Galápagos. Today we land on a green olivine beach. The volcanic scenery that we observe during our intense hike is spectacular; the peaks of tuff high in the sky make this site very different from what we have already observed.
Punta Pitt also has impressive scenery from up above – here we can see the position of the sun and are able to tell the direction of the sea breeze. All our senses become aware as we listen to our surroundings and search for red-footed boobies. Some of us opt for a Zodiac ride along the coast.
Soon after, beach time, and for our younger explorers, a Zodiac driving lesson; now we have new young captains of the seven seas.
Meanwhile, an inspiring meeting takes place onboard, brainstorming about the world’s hammerhead sharks and their importance for our ecology.
Later we reposition to Kicker Rock, an impressive tuff formation standing massive out of the shoreline. We circumnavigate as the sun is setting, remembering this is the place where we just snorkeled with Galápagos sharks, rays, turtles, sea lions, fish, and friends.
We made it to the Galápagos. There is a deep appreciation to all children who actually make it to the islands; statistics say out of the seven billion humans in this world only a few make it here to the Galápagos Islands: 163.000 per year, a fraction compared to other places in this world, and even fewer children. That is why I say, today we were honored to be part of their unforgettable experience; I certainly would never forget little Anna who named her stuffed sea lion “Celso” and hope one day she and everyone else will have the will and power to make a positive change in this wonderful world of ours.
Our expedition is now over; life goes on, only we are now sure this place has changed many lives; a place which can never be fully described. We all came with different backgrounds, different ages and yet we are now one, sharing this magic which will exist in our hearts and minds forever.
