Floreana Island

Reminiscences of long gone days! That’s what comes to mind when we review our day on Floreana. Since our first visit in the morning to Post Office Barrel, we were transported through history; to the days when Captain James Collnet erected the barrel that now is known as the oldest mail system in South America.

But at some point we had to come back to the present and certainly that happened during our snorkeling session on Champion Islet. Jeez, we saw enough fishes to last for the rest of our lives. Now, that abundance of animal sightings also happened above the sea. Today we have been blessed by seeing as many as 20% of the world's population of Charles mockingbirds.

Still we were getting ready to enjoy some kayaking. This activity allowed us to approach some species of sea birds that otherwise would have been very difficult. For instance, we witnessed from the kayaks the great success of a brown pelican fishing, while some boobies were watching and young sea lions revolved all around the little crafts.

Once on land at Punta Cormorán, our minds were blown again when we were observing the flamingos scooping food from the sediment at the hyper saline lagoon they inhabit. Together with them we saw white cheeked pintail ducks and some peeps.

The light was decreasing gradually and beautifully giving the dry forest a pinkish tint. It was a very touching moment with a frigate soaring above our heads and the silhouette of the Isabela volcanoes far on the horizon. We had to leave, but tomorrow we will continue our communion with the Galápagos.