San Cristobal Island
Today is our last day in paradise, an adventure which seems unreal, we all bounded as 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 an expedition a journey of discovery through time.
San Cristobal Island is one of the eldest in the Galápagos. Today we landed on a green olivine beach. Today we had an imposing event as a bull sea lion claimed his beach with an impressive display of power by approaching the trespassers (us) with arrogance and 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.
Some of us opted for a Zodiac ride, and we had a few impressive encounters including the three different species of boobies on one side of the island. Simply put, perfect.
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 as we searched for red-footed boobies. Today we had blue skies with puffy white clouds announcing the changing of the season, the hot rainy season is coming and all land faunae are ready for water and food for their upcoming babies, breeding seasons are ready to start and this place will look extremely different from how it is now.
Later we reposition to Kicker Rock, an impressive tuff formation towering out of the water. 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, and friends.
We are now together at the bow celebrating life as the sun sets. We have celebrated our last full day in the Galápagos.
We made it to the Galápagos and it was not easy. There is a deep appreciation to all few who actually makes it to the islands; statistics say that out the 7 billion humans in this world only a few makes it here; before the uprising there was Egypt 11 million, Hawaii 7 million, Yellowstone Park 3 million, Machu Picchu 1 million visitors and finally, Galapagos islands 162.000 per year, a fraction comparing to other places; 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 can only exist in our hearts and minds forever.
