Española Island
It is morning and the early risers have gone on the first activity of the day; a kayak excursion around Gardner Islet. Most of us wait on board until after breakfast for our first outing – snorkeling from the Zodiac. We gear up with excitement knowing that the previous times in the water have been excellent. The 64F temperature takes our breath away, but we get used to it as we look to the sea wall full of life. There were different species of anemones and sea urchins but the ever playful sea lions win the show by turning and looping as we swim above them. The morning was not yet over. A white sandy beach full of sea lions waits for us to land and we enjoy that there is no need for us to wear anything on our feet for the landing or the stroll on the soft-powdered terrain. The Hood mockingbirds are so curious that they go in people’s bags and peck at any water bottle in sight. The turquoise color water that surrounds the black lava and white sand gets photographed from many angles.
We sail around the island and arrive at Punta Suarez. This landing has proved to be the highlight for many thousands of people who have had the chance to walk it. In a way, this is the essence of the islands. Several endemic species live in perfect harmony in this pristine environment. Marine iguanas allow themselves to be cleaned by the finches, sea lions nurse their pups on the trail, blue-footed boobies protect their nest from the sun and the waved albatross make this island their home, when they are not out in the ocean for months or years at a time.
The trip has come to an end. We feel that every moment has been a learning experience, from the time that we wake up for breakfast to every walk and talk about the islands. There is a confortable sense of friendship amongst everyone who shared this experience. We only hope to be able to keep traveling and learning more as we explore and discover the wonders of the world.
