Ten past six in the morning and a very slight breeze comes from the west as we navigate to the island of Fernandina, the westernmost Galapagos island. At the horizon a thin line of mist is evident, coming to us as if it was trying to enclose, to engulf the ship. And yet, the majesty of the six active volcanoes of Isabela and the colossal volcano “Las Cumbres” of Fernandina stand like permanent sentinels, watching, controlling the display of nature down below at the shores.
From the crow’s nest aboard the National Geographic Endeavour, scanning through the distant mist that surrounds the ship, a disturbance in the ocean becomes obvious. It was just a glimpse, long enough to show some activity there. At the distance it looked like as if hundreds of ants were moving here and there. But those were not ants, instead we were able to appreciate the agility of a huge pod of common dolphins.
They were not affected at all by our presence and even though they split onto seven different smaller pods, eventually they came to take a look and bow ride the National Geographic Endeavour. No less than 1000 individuals were speeding, breaching, and for sure having fun (they actually seemed to be fishing), and we were all encompassed into a sublime day. Later in the afternoon the memories left by them on our minds would be the main course of everyone’s conversation.
Many were the rewards enjoyed during the day. Swimming with sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, and cormorants were ours, a great experience that also helped everyone to sense the urgency to work hard to protect nature.
Galapagos keeps being by far a magical place where a common mortal could unveil and understand if not all, at least many mysteries about the meaning of life.
