The above photo was taken of my last sunset during my visit to the Galapagos Islands last week. Magical! If you have read my book A Leap Year of Firsts, or have followed my blog posts, you know that I enjoy exploring FIRSTS to experience. Well, my trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic’s Endeavour II provided a myriad of special firsts for me. First time I ever saw live the notorious Blue Footed Booby that inhabits the Islands. I witnessed their mating dance and their amazing dive-bombing quest for food as they plunged headfirst into the Pacific Ocean at incredible speeds to spear a sighted fish just under the surface of the water. Remarkable.
Each island in the archipelago, which straddles the equator off the coast of South Ameria, has its unique features and eco-system. The islands are known for their large number of endemic species that were studied by Charles Darwin during his voyage of the HMS Beagle in the 1800’s. His observations and collections contributed to Darwin’s theory of evolution by means of natural selection. I was witness to the many different species created by natural selection on these remote islands. Memorable!
I hiked a volcanic peak in a quest for the Red Footed Booby on San Cristobal Island. I experienced the Giant Galapagos Tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. I walked among the plethora of huge prehistoric looking Iguanas on the coast of Fernandina Island. We watched as two male Iguanas squared off in a territorial fight. I mingled with the brightly colored coastal scavenger Sally Lightfoot crabs, Sea Lions, and Oystercatchers on Santiago Island. Sea Kayaked in the Pacific. Got up close with Flamingos and Frigatebirds on North Seymour Island. On Isabela Island we observed Gigantic Sea Turtles and Penguins. We snorkeled with schools of Angel Fish, large Stingrays, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions and Sharks off the coast of Rabida Island! Special!! Oh, and we saw the many species of the Darwin Finches. ALL exhilarating once in a lifetime FIRSTS!
Where have you always wanted to go and experience for the first time? Life is shorter than we may imagine. It doesn’t have to be as far away or exotic as the Galapagos. Start planning and do it – NOW! Please:)