The Enchanted West
5:42 AM is the hour on my watch as I make my way to the outer decks and to a new day here in the Enchanted Islands. Our captain brings the National Geographic Endeavour close to Roca Redonda, a small island which is the tip of an active volcano. Our fellow explorers make their way to the outer decks to help in the search for wildlife. A storm petrel passes, then a Galápagos petrel, and eventfully we are surrounded by an avian menagerie. The island seems lifeless as we get closer, however with the birds and the waves, everything comes to life and a school of yellow fin tuna passes…….
We continue navigation to Punta Vicente Roca as our gun metal sky starts to lift. After passing the equatorial line we “Lower the Zodiacs” and start a “panga” ride along the rugged coast of Isabela and Ecuador Volcano. We eventually encounter Galápagos Fur Seals awaking to their new day sharing the coastline with massive marine iguanas.
We continue along the coast observing the explosive geological history of the island shown in volcanic cones, lava flows, and volcanic bombs. Blue footed boobies, Brown noddies, and Galápagos penguins are enjoying our newfound sun along the coast. A return to the ship allows us to prepare ourselves for the snorkeling adventure which does not disappoint. Penguins, Pacific green sea turtles, large schools of fish, and flightless cormorants give us quite a show.
Recharging our energy with an Ecuadorian lunch we find ourselves ready for the afternoon excursion. The NG Endeavour crosses the Bolivar channel to Fernandina Island and allows a view into the recent formation of an island. Fernandina is young, a baby in geological terms, under 500,000 years old. As we land, we notice the Pacific Green Sea turtles all around us, appearing as someone thought about their placement. Flightless Cormorants are taking dives for their food as we pull into the jagged coastline of this strange place.
“Careful… oops watch out… do not step on that Iguana..” are heard by the guests as we carefully try to make our way out to the point on this coastline. It amazes everyone how such a desolate place could have such a high density of life. Cormorants, Iguanas, Galápagos Hawks, Sea lions, snakes, lava lizards……... The lava flows seem like someone has painted them on this wild coastline with the animals added for effect.
We return eventually to our floating home with tranquility and more questions about the beauty of life. I think we have had a successful day in this Enchanted West.
