San Cristobal Island
Today is our last day in paradise, the adventure seems unreal. Now, we are all bonded together even though we are from different generations and even centuries; today we are one. The Galapagos brings magic to our souls and mind. We have traveled and seen Fernandina to San Cristobal islands, the youngest and one of the oldest in the archipelago, on an expedition, a journey of discovery through time.
San Cristobal Island is one of the eldest in the Galapagos. Today we land on a green olivine beach. We witnessed an imposing event as a bull sea lion claimed his beach with an impressive display of power by approaching the trespassers – us – with arrogance. Empowered by his attitude, he then realized we are just passing by and we are also not interested in his “senoritas.” 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. Soon after, we enjoyed beach time and our younger explorers had a Zodiac driving lesson. We really enjoy teaching and seeing skills developing with tenacity and energy to say the least.
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 drifting with a powerful current with Galápagos sharks, rays, turtles, sea lions, fish, octopus and friends.
We are now together at the bow celebrating life. We have celebrated our last full day in the Galapagos.
We made it to the Galapagos and it was not easy. There is a deep appreciation to all who actually makes it to the islands. Statistics say that out the 7 billion humans in this world, only a few make it here. Per year, Egypt sees 11 million visitors, Hawaii sees 7 million, Yellowstone Park gets 3 million, Machu Picchu has 1 million and finally, the Galapagos Islands get 163,000 visitors per year, a fraction comparing to other places, and even fewer children. This is why I say, today we were honored to be part of their unforgettable experience and hope one day they would have the will and power to make a positive change in this wonderful world of ours.
Our expedition is now over; life goes on, but 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.
