Today is our last day in paradise, an adventure that seems unreal. We all bonded as one. Even though we are from different backgrounds, today we are one. The Galapagos brings magic to our souls and minds. Traveling from Fernandina to San Cristobal Islands, the youngest and one of the oldest in the archipelago, we have been on an expedition, a journey of discovery through time.

San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest in the Galapagos. Today we landed on a green olivine beach. The volcanic scenery observed during our intense hike was spectacular, and the peaks of tuff high in the sky make this site very different from what we have already observed. We bonded with one another and experienced profound feelings while enjoying our time together, a moment in our lifetimes that will live in our hearts forever.

Punta Pitt also has impressive scenery from up above. We observed clear and cloudy skies, and the inversion layer kept us cool and pleasantly comfortable during our walk. All our senses were heightened as we listened to our surroundings while searching for red-footed boobies. We were lucky to see them very close.

Soon after, we enjoyed beach time. We interacted with fun sea lions and observed them playing on the beach. Embarking was also fun.

Later, we repositioned to Cerro Brujo for our last walk over a white sand beach as we looked out at sea lions and a turquoise ocean.

What a wonderful way to say goodbye to the Galapagos. Today was particularly special for it was spring tide. The ocean was magical, sending in waves of different lengths and frequencies that we have learned to anticipate on this wonderful white sand beach. We passed Kicker Rock, an impressive and massive tuff formation that stood out from the shoreline as the sun set on the horizon. We are now together in the lounge. We are celebrating life as a frigatebird flies nearby, like it is saying goodbye. Today was our last full day in the islands.

We made it to the Galapagos, and it was not easy. We have a deep appreciation for those who made it to the islands before us. Today we are honored to be part of their unforgettable experience, and we hope one day we all have the will and power to make a positive change in this wonderful world of ours.

Our expedition is over now. Life goes on, but we know this place has changed many lives, this place that can never be fully described. We all came with different backgrounds and shared in the magic that will exist in our minds forever.

“We must rethink our indoctrinated knowledge, the methodical saying ‘don’t humanize the animals,’ and instead ‘animalize the human,’ by perceiving our surroundings with all our senses; embracing nature with our true spirit by coexisting and showing respect for one another, so we can become one with nature as we once were.” -Celso Montalvo

Farewell amigos.