We woke up today anchored in the northern side of Bartolomé Island and right after sunrise we walked a wooden boardwalk all the way up to the top of the mountain. This walk is special as it allows one to explain the succession of life in newly formed islands. Galapagos was never part of a landmass and as the islands were created by volcanic eruptions life had to arrive somehow, establish, and reproduce here. For this process we have four endemic settler plants to thank: the lava cactus, Mollugo spp., Tequilia, and Chamaesyce. These plants are like epiphytes in the sense that they derive all their nutrients from the air and the root system is there only to secure the plant. They open the surface of the island to other forms of life that can benefit from the organic material left by them. Without these plants no life would be found on land in Galapagos.
As we walked up the mountain. parasitic cones and lava tubes gave the impression of a lunar landscape and this comes from a good source, Buzz Aldrin from Apollo 11 described it as such.
After breakfast we snorkeled among tropical fish, sea stars, rays and a couple of penguins. Lunch was a treat from the highlands of mainland Ecuador. We continued on with our navigation towards Rabida Island where we kayaked, snorkeled again and walked along a red sandy beach which gets its color from the rust of the iron found in basaltic lava.
Another fun and full day came to an end. We encountered such unique experiences that we’ll never forget.
