Santiago Island
We began our day of exploring by venturing through a canal that separates Sombrero Chino and Santiago Islands aboard our Zodiacs. Under a bright sun, the turquoise waters of the channel contrasted with the black lava on the banks. A candelabra of cacti dotted the side of an old crater of oxidized rocks. Here we saw a heron stretching its neck as if to observe the slow passage of our Zodiac. There, we saw a penguin nestled against a rock and trying to warm up. Two sea lions swam past as if inviting us to join them. And we shall soon, as our second activity of the day is a snorkeling outing. Currents have accumulated a large amount of plankton in small, protected coves, which means there are many colorful fish to be found. Yes, this morning looks like the first morning of the world, and the joy of discovery can be seen on the faces of all.
Our hike in the afternoon is just as magical. The walk requires us to concentrate on our feet. Surprising twists and turns appear in the lava flow that we walk over. You can read the movements in the lava that built the field. Textures and shapes combine and takeover the origins of this land, which does not seem conducive to life. Yet the erosion will eventually break the stone and allow the pioneer plants to establish themselves — the footholds of life.
This landscape is powerful and beautiful and impresses everyone. Galápagos is a magical land that each day reveals one of its many facets — what a great day just to live!
