Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Wherever we are in this magical world, great sightings are a function of both luck and timing. Both worked out for us today, starting this morning just after breakfast, when we encountered maybe the largest pod of common dolphins I have ever come across. The sighting was wild enough to give me goose bumps, as this small but beautifully marked dolphin performed water-world acrobatics. I have always thought that Galapagos was a magical place and I keep confirming those thoughts day after day.
Today we had time for enjoyment as much as for reflection. We were invited, later in the morning, to go to the outer decks to enjoy the spectacular view of Ecuador Volcano. Half of this impressive volcano has slumped into the ocean, allowing us spectacular views right into the caldera as the ship navigated alongside it. The sunlight was seeping round the edges of the mountain, illuminating the dark lava flows that unavoidably encountered the ocean. The sky was a deep, clear blue. I was completely overwhelmed by the unearthly beauty. Galapagos is one of the most beautiful areas I've known. It is a place where you fall asleep and dream about a magical place, and when you wake up the dream has come true.
Wherever we are in this magical world, great sightings are a function of both luck and timing. Both worked out for us today, starting this morning just after breakfast, when we encountered maybe the largest pod of common dolphins I have ever come across. The sighting was wild enough to give me goose bumps, as this small but beautifully marked dolphin performed water-world acrobatics. I have always thought that Galapagos was a magical place and I keep confirming those thoughts day after day.
Today we had time for enjoyment as much as for reflection. We were invited, later in the morning, to go to the outer decks to enjoy the spectacular view of Ecuador Volcano. Half of this impressive volcano has slumped into the ocean, allowing us spectacular views right into the caldera as the ship navigated alongside it. The sunlight was seeping round the edges of the mountain, illuminating the dark lava flows that unavoidably encountered the ocean. The sky was a deep, clear blue. I was completely overwhelmed by the unearthly beauty. Galapagos is one of the most beautiful areas I've known. It is a place where you fall asleep and dream about a magical place, and when you wake up the dream has come true.
