Today is our last day in paradise. This adventure seems unreal; we all bonded as one even though we are from different generations and even centuries. But today we are one, because the Galapagos brings magic to our souls and mind. Traveling and reaching from Fernandina Island to San Cristobal Island, the youngest and one of the oldest in the archipelago, was a journey of discovery through time.
San Cristobal Island is one of the eldest in the Galapagos. Today we land on a green olivine beach. The volcanic scenery that we observe during our intense hike is spectacular, and the peaks of tuff high in the sky make this site very different from what we have already observed.
Punta Pitt also has impressive scenery – here we can see red-footed boobies. Today we were lucky to see many and one in particular that had a 10-day-old baby. All of our senses become aware as we listen to our surroundings. Soon after, we have some beach time and our young explorers had Zodiac driving lessons.
Later we reposition to Kicker Rock, an impressive tuff formation standing massively out of the shoreline. We circumnavigate as the sun is setting, remembering 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 few tropical whales pass by as if to say goodbye. Today is our last full day in the islands.
We made it to the Galapagos and it was not easy. There is a deep appreciation from the few children who actually make it to the islands - statistics say that out the seven billion humans in this world only a few make it to the Galapagos. Hawaii receives 12 million visitors a year, Yellowstone Park three million, Machu Picchu one million, and yet the Galapagos Islands receives only 204,000 per year, a fraction comparing to other places. That is why I say that today we the staff are honored to be a part of the traveler’s unforgettable experience and hope that one day they would have the will and the power to help make positive changes in this wonderful world of ours.
Our expedition is now over, life goes on, but we are now sure this place has changed many lives. We all came from different backgrounds, sharing this magic which can only exist in our hearts and minds forever.
Farewell amigos.
