Bartolome and James Islands
If you are an early raiser, this is a great time of the year to be here in the Galápagos Islands! Usually during the last weeks of December, the predominantly cold winds and currents reduce their strength; instead, warm waters from Central America, like the Panama current, increase in speed and strength, and causes the surrounding waters of the islands to be nice and warm! At the same time, more evaporation occurs all over the islands, translated in additional rain fall. The temperature of the surrounding waters makes a big jump: from low to high seventies. This would be the new average temperature of the water for the rest of the season. As you can imagine, jumping in the water for some swimming is very pleasant and the snorkeling activities become very popular.
Four weeks ago I left the Galápagos on vacation (you are probably wondering where one can we go for vacation when working in the Galápagos, but that is a separate DER!) and there was no single tree that would show even the slightest sign of awakening. As I was in mainland Ecuador, I experienced some showers there, but I could not imagine what was occurring here in the Galápagos. The rainy season has officially started, and with that the islands look more alive than ever!
As I woke this morning, I couldn’t help but feel blessed to be in this place. The light of the sky looked pretty different during the early hours of the morning, giving an interesting touch of spirituality to the whole scenery. It made me feel both relaxed and full of energy; so when I leave on vacation back to mainland Ecuador, usually my mind stays here, in an enchanted place that I call home…the Galápagos!
If you are an early raiser, this is a great time of the year to be here in the Galápagos Islands! Usually during the last weeks of December, the predominantly cold winds and currents reduce their strength; instead, warm waters from Central America, like the Panama current, increase in speed and strength, and causes the surrounding waters of the islands to be nice and warm! At the same time, more evaporation occurs all over the islands, translated in additional rain fall. The temperature of the surrounding waters makes a big jump: from low to high seventies. This would be the new average temperature of the water for the rest of the season. As you can imagine, jumping in the water for some swimming is very pleasant and the snorkeling activities become very popular.
Four weeks ago I left the Galápagos on vacation (you are probably wondering where one can we go for vacation when working in the Galápagos, but that is a separate DER!) and there was no single tree that would show even the slightest sign of awakening. As I was in mainland Ecuador, I experienced some showers there, but I could not imagine what was occurring here in the Galápagos. The rainy season has officially started, and with that the islands look more alive than ever!
As I woke this morning, I couldn’t help but feel blessed to be in this place. The light of the sky looked pretty different during the early hours of the morning, giving an interesting touch of spirituality to the whole scenery. It made me feel both relaxed and full of energy; so when I leave on vacation back to mainland Ecuador, usually my mind stays here, in an enchanted place that I call home…the Galápagos!
