Today has been very special. Since we woke up this morning, there has been excitement in the air. Today is the last day of this century. This morning's weather was perfect - sunny and breezy - as we walked along the rocky trail at Punta Suarez. Sea lions swam and slept and played on the beaches and in the shallows. We saw one of the very last albatross before they all leave Galapagos for several months at sea. And marine iguanas were everywhere! Basking in the sun (as this large male was), defending their territories with head bobs and shakes of their jowls, and feeding as the tides dropped and exposed algae at the shoreline. We feel a sense of wonder and joy at being in these islands. We feel gratitude to the National Park, to Ecuador and to the international efforts which have done much during the last few decades to conserve and restore these unique islands. With the assistance of conscientious tour-operators in Galapagos, we have proved that tourism IS compatible with conservation. Our special thanks go to all of our guests for having supported the conservation of these islands of indescribable beauty, through their presence and their financial support. Many of our guests, after experiencing their own "Galapagos adventure", have become enthusiastic defenders of this magical environment.
Tonight, as the year 2000 comes to an end, and as we prepare for an Ecuadorian style New Year's celebration, we want to wish everyone the very best in the coming year!"
