San Cristobal Island
There was a species we hadn’t seen yet this week. We have encountered several that we didn’t expect however, like the blue whale, a few days ago, a fin whale, common and bottlenose dolphins, and a gigantic manta ray. Weather has been great, and some lucky people found a vermillion flycatcher, which is becoming more and more difficult to spot. It’s been a lucky expedition! And I knew it was going to be that way. On Monday morning, very early, one of our guests had found a grasshopper on the railings of the National Geographic Islander, a hitchhiker who wanted a free ride around the archipelago. Our guest then told me that grasshoppers meant good luck for the Chinese, and therefore she was sure we were going to have the best week ever. And so it’s been! Not only because of the sightings, but also for the lovely people we have had the opportunity for sharing Galápagos with. Still, there was a species we hadn’t seen, but I was certain that it would show up eventually. And even before dropping the anchor at Punta Pitt, we already had dozens of red-footed boobies flying around. And, in the afternoon, while snorkeling around Kicker Rock, we saw hammerhead sharks and many sea turtles, white tip sharks and playful sea lions.
Was it because of the grasshopper of a few days ago! It could be. I am thankful for it, and for the great adventurers we had on board, for the sweet and professional crew of National Geographic Islander; thankful for Galápagos, one of our planet’s treasures.
