Today we continued our adventure which seems unreal, we have all bonded as one as the Galapagos brings magic to our souls and mind. This expedition has taken us from Fernandina all the way to San Cristobal islands, from the youngest island to the oldest in the archipelago, on an epic journey of discovery through time.
San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos. Today we landed on a green olivine beach. The volcanic scenery that we observed 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. After being shaped through local forces of erosions for about 4.5 million years, this place sustains a specific flora and fauna which can be found nowhere else in the world, including unique species like the San Cristobal lava lizards and mocking birds, to mention a few.
Our expedition started at Punta Pitt, which has impressive scenery from up above – here we can see the inversion layer which keeps the temperature cool and pleasantly comfortable for this walk, with a soft garua mist. All our senses became attuned to our surroundings, as we searched for red-footed boobies.
After enjoying some beach time, we returned to the ship, observing the forces of the mighty ocean as we embarked. There is never a dull day in the islands.
Later we repositioned to Kicker Rock, an impressive tuff formation stands out massively from the shoreline. We circumnavigated as the sun was setting, remembering that this is the place where we just snorkeled with Galápagos sharks, turtles, fish and friends.
We are now together at the bow, celebrating life as a frigate bird flies very near overhead, saying good-bye. Today is our last full day in the islands.
We’ve made it to the Galapagos for this epic voyage, and it was not easy. Statistics say that out the 7 billion humans in this world, only a few make it to the Galapagos each year. In contrast, Hawaii has approximately 12 million visitors each year, Yellowstone Park has 3 million visitors, Machu Picchu has 1 million, and finally, Galapagos islands gets 204,000 per year—a fraction compared to other places. That is why I say that today we were honored to be part of their unforgettable experience, and we hope that one day this experience will inspire them to make a positive change in this wonderful world of ours. This place is changing many lives; a place which can never be fully described. We all came from different places and backgrounds, sharing this magic which can only exist in our hearts and minds forever.
I wish you could be hear, my dear reader. Good bye.
