Española Island
The week has been so intense that we want to waste no time today, our last full day in the Galápagos. Early risers went kayaking at seven in the morning and were rewarded by an escort of at least a dozen sea lions, very playful and curious. Time was too short and the kayakers had to come back to the ship; there were so many other activities to fill our day.
At mid morning most people went snorkeling and again the sea lions were in an inquiring mood. They exhilarated us with their play and helped us to forget about the invigoratingly cold temperature of the ocean. It’s funny; before they arrive, many people think that these islands are warm, tropical environments. But let me tell you, they are tropical by geographic location only! Water temperatures were in the mid 60’s most of this week! To warm up, we finished our morning with a pleasant hike along the lovely white sand beach at Gardner Bay – and guess what – we were surrounded by sea lions.
The afternoon was no less exciting. The albatrosses were displaying and they were doing their courtship dance as if today was the last day of their lives. Here, there, and everywhere we saw albatrosses! We were surprised by the technique used by these giant birds to feed their chicks. When the parent bird returns for a fishing trip, the chick is given a very big meal. We watched this process and were amazed at the amount of fish oil and fish that the chick greedily swallowed.
At the most distant part of the trail, the powerful blowhole was sending jets of water as high as 100 feet above us. Sea birds were gliding through the mist while the sun light created a gorgeous rainbow. It was mesmerizing and the memories we have collected today will last forever, imprinted on our souls.
The week has been so intense that we want to waste no time today, our last full day in the Galápagos. Early risers went kayaking at seven in the morning and were rewarded by an escort of at least a dozen sea lions, very playful and curious. Time was too short and the kayakers had to come back to the ship; there were so many other activities to fill our day.
At mid morning most people went snorkeling and again the sea lions were in an inquiring mood. They exhilarated us with their play and helped us to forget about the invigoratingly cold temperature of the ocean. It’s funny; before they arrive, many people think that these islands are warm, tropical environments. But let me tell you, they are tropical by geographic location only! Water temperatures were in the mid 60’s most of this week! To warm up, we finished our morning with a pleasant hike along the lovely white sand beach at Gardner Bay – and guess what – we were surrounded by sea lions.
The afternoon was no less exciting. The albatrosses were displaying and they were doing their courtship dance as if today was the last day of their lives. Here, there, and everywhere we saw albatrosses! We were surprised by the technique used by these giant birds to feed their chicks. When the parent bird returns for a fishing trip, the chick is given a very big meal. We watched this process and were amazed at the amount of fish oil and fish that the chick greedily swallowed.
At the most distant part of the trail, the powerful blowhole was sending jets of water as high as 100 feet above us. Sea birds were gliding through the mist while the sun light created a gorgeous rainbow. It was mesmerizing and the memories we have collected today will last forever, imprinted on our souls.
