Visiting the Galapagos islands had been a childhood dream for both myself and my girlfriend Claire French. Now in our 50′s and with both the time and the means, we planned an excursion with Dr. John Pasto from the Biology Department at Middle Georgia College. From June 20 to July 1, 2011, we spent an amazing 8 full days on a small boat with 11 other kindred souls, exploring the various islands, and following Darwin’s footprints.
Stepping onto the alternately smooth and craggy volcano-made land for the first time is a rush, but so was every other step that followed. We wandered on coral beaches, watching seals feed their babies, who then playfully cavorted in the waves, while the bulls aggressively staked out their turf. One large island was uninhabited by any humans, but served as the home base for millions of birds. There, a scruffy adolescent frigate bird tried to run us off by blocking the path, spreading his wings, and cawing with an authority that told us were on “his spot”. One of the truly amazing characteristics of the wildlife is their fearlessness. Humans are not predators or a danger to them, and they do not flinch when you walk by their nests or through their habitats.
Not all the sights are on land, as the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are crystal clear and full of life. Snorkeling in the temperate Pacific Ocean is an enlightening experience. Seals, iguanas, sea turtles, thousands of various types of fish, including sharks(!), all live cooperatively and tolerate the presence of the humans. One of the highlights for Claire was the opportunity to snorkel with a group of penguins, who dove, played, stole food from each other, and cavorted with the small group of snorkelers who made it around the point to their nesting area.
Iguanas. Lots of iguanas. Looking like prehistoric refugees, the massive colonies of iguanas covered acres of volcanic land. Climbing all over each other, spitting occasionally in your general direction, it was clear that these incredible animals were content and prosperous.
The Galapagos Islands were the catalyst for Darwin’s theory of Evolution, and one sees that the animal’s day to day struggle affirms life and continuity of the species is certainly about the “survival of the fittest.” Food thieves abound, babies are left to die if mother does not return from a food seeking mission, and the adaptations of the animals to fit the terrain and features of the land are obvious. It makes our own civilization seem, well, civilized.
This was truly one of the greatest trips of our lives, and if anything was brought back, it is the understanding and acceptance that my place on this planet is a small, infinitesimal, and virtually meaningless occurrence. But then again, that’s what I like about it. Now, it’s time to explore some other frontiers.
James “Slim Chance” Kelly
– Click the thumb nails for more pictures of Slim’s adventure in the Galapagos –
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