Floreana
This was a day for tradition. A century old mail swapping system at Post Office Bay early in the morning, and a Halloween celebration late at night; a full day of fun, and human folklore. At Post Office Bay we had a welcoming committee: a green pacific turtle erratically crawling along the beach, as if she was waiting for us to arrive so we could admire her. We continued to the barrel which holds postcards written by people from all over the world. We sorted through them, reading the addresses and some guests were lucky to keep this tradition alive and they will hand deliver the cards once back at home. Before returning on board we visited our turtle again, and she was already in the water, leaving wide tracks behind as a reminder of how close, and yet so far, we are from the visitors of the ocean. It makes us wonder what their life in the ocean depths is like, and what they must think and feel after a short terrestrial visit.
Back onboard we reposition to Champion Islet to start our snorkeling activity. 68°F makes the sea lions and the tropical and subtropical fish very happy, and so we joined them for wonderful close encounters and an unforgettable experience. We continued with a successful Zodiac cruise around the islet, spotting several Floreana mockingbirds among other interesting species.
In the afternoon, after our succulent buffet lunch, we took the kayaks out and later we disembarked on Cormorant Point. Here there is a large brackish water lagoon which is the home for a crucial population of greater flamingos. From the mineral green landing beach we crossed to a white organic beach, and we observed everything from pioneer vegetation to mating turtles, from cinder cones to a variety of species of rays. We enjoyed the warm oceanic breeze, a pastel sunset, and clouds moving over the deep blue, calm seas. All these sights and our inner feelings were just simply indescribable, my dear reader. We have become one with this spectacular place; a place we feel profoundly that we belong to. Our voyage is coming to an end, and it is plainly written on our guests’ faces that it is difficult for them to imagine letting go and heading back home. Moments like those experienced today will be fused permanently in our hearts.
Tomorrow we have a final, full day, and many more surprises await us as our expedition continues.
