Española Island
The southern part of the archipelago is greatly exposed to the southeastern trade winds under which the whole area gets enriched in such a way that is difficult to imagine more superb biodiversity. The island of Española is in the path of both sea currents and winds, hence its biota is extraordinarily impressive. We witnessed this marvel today.
The morning brought us some nice moments such as the kayaking experience. Since the water was extremely clear we looked down all the way to the bottom where we found a mating couple of spotted eagle rays. The morning continued and by ten we were engaged in a pleasant snorkeling.
Right after lunch we all participated in a very educational forum where conservation was explained and for sure understood by all present. The challenge was posed to everyone to tell everybody about what happens here in the Galápagos and how are we working in protection of the islands.
As we slowly progressed onto the trail at Punta Suarez, we went through the exuberant vegetation that is still present due to the continuous rain of this season. We observed a whitish shadow moving in a rather suspicious way and we stopped several times trying to decipher what this thing was that we were looking at. The realization came all of the sudden as we start laughing in a rather amusing way. The first albatross of the season had landed along the trail and as we walked, it walked with us. After no more than five minutes while we were still in shock by the presence of such a beautiful bird, which was a young male, another one landed next to our hilarious host. Its reaction was instantaneous, the albatross started a frantic race after the newcomer, who happened to be a female. In no time, our spirited host was on top of her. The mating sealed the deal and the two became a couple. Easy, fast and practical, nature had worked.
It would not be necessary to describe everything that happened today on the island, for many pages would be required. But being in the southern part of the archipelago is always understood by our guests as a good omen for tomorrow’s departure.
