My last full day of sailing around the Galapagos aboard the Endeavour, again it has been
amazing. It’s truly an unique
& incomparable region of Mother Earth
that needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy. Sailing around these islands is pretty
amazing if you ask me. Today is
the chance to visit the easternmost island of the archipelago, San Cristobal,
once known as Chatham, is the first island that Charles Darwin visited were it
has a vibrant & often dramatic human history that goes back a couple of
centuries. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
is the capital of the Galapagos where sea lions act like dogs at night &
line the streets one must be careful on where to step before getting growled
at. A small coastal town feeling
where once again marine murals line the streets to leave an imprint on
protecting the Galapagos for future generations. Eco-tourism is what thrives
the economy of this pristine place.
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| Red Sesuvium |
Another early morning walk at Punta Pitt, which is an
impressive volcanic terrain at the northeastern end of the island. It’s the only place where the famous
red-footed bobbies can be found. The hike entails a strenuous climb to a
spectacular plateau that is shaped by the volcanic moonscape at the top that
encompasses red Sesuvium, a succulent plant, adds color to the beautiful spot. Once
you reach the top its absolutely beautiful, breath taking views of the ship in
the distance. Heaps of layering systems going on to compose your shot with the
red from the Sesuvium’s, lush green plants, a bird or lava lizard to include as
well. Going down is just as
challenging & don’t forget to protect your gear at all cost with the
incline of the step steps that reminds me of being back in Arizona or Utah
looking at the canyon walls. The beach sparkles with a touch of a mineral in
it. The sea lions come to shore to
bask in the sand & sun.
Beautiful lighting this morning & not to forget a deep crystal blue
sky with beautiful cloud coverage, the ocean is crystal clear warm enough to
take a swim just in your bathers.
It’s always a treat to find the Sally Lightfoot Crabs on the rocks too,
a lovely morning, the perfect beach day.
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| Sea Lion |
Now, one of the most impressive dive sites can be found in
this spectacular brilliant offshore islet, located near the western coast of
San Cristobal called Leon Dormido or “Kicker Rock” in English. I loved this spot. Back in July I saw
heaps of giant sea turtles, but I found it a little challenging to snorkel cos
the guest kept on snorkeling ontop of me not give me an opportunity to enjoy it
with out chaos. Now, I do have some peace in that. It’s amazing to snorkel in
between these two giant cliffs.
It’s an iconic figure in the Galapagos to see these rocks, which just
screams Galapagos. It’s just as
big as Uluru is to Australia. I had a chance to snorkel threw the cliffs two
times & found myself in another caress of the rocks as well where I got to
see sea lions barking & playing, some sharks & not to forget the
blissful sea turtles. An awesome afternoon.
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| Leon Dormido |
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| Happy Hour on Deck |
Overall I had a fantastic week. I’ve been blessed to attend
a “photo exhibition” & take advantage of so many cool things; not
forgetting my new found photo knowledge. I’m grateful for the help that I
received this week. I was able to
start shaping my photographic style into a higher level. I did end up in
several shots of the V/C’s DVD for the voyage. Honestly, I LOVE the Galapagos
in many ways. If you ask me what
is my favorite place that I have visited I couldn’t tell you cos there is
something special in each place that I have left my footprint that I just love.
You can’t always judge a book by its cover, just got to weight is out & to
see it’s full beauty unfolding that’s capturing your calling. Well, this time I get to say next stop
Lima. I was actually crying when I left Guayaquil back in July cos I have a
Passport & it’s mean to be filled up with stamps for all over the
world. I got inspired at an early
age from my Irish grandfather, who was a sea captain on oil tankers, who gave
me his love for seeing the world. I also got inspired by reading
National Geographic, history &
social science were my strong subjects in school which lead me to that
Political Science degree, not to forget looking at maps & learning geology
too that shaped this passion with my love for the arts. Let alone
Lonely Planet is one of my favorite sources to plan for a holiday.
The world is your oyster; you must go out & explore it before it’s too late.
Don’t forget to listen to that
calling deep in your soul & keep on dancing. Dance dance dance!
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| Sunset |
