The Galapagos

(On the Origin of the Species – Charles Darwin)

I recently, together with my wife, had the opportunity to visit the Galapagos and my goodness what a trip!

The Galapagos were of course the source for Charles Darwin’s work of scientific literature that many believe to be the foundation of evolutionary biology, but let’s not get carried away. While the trip was certainly an expedition, it was not designed to be one of learned work, but of walks and excursions amongst one of the least spoiled parts of the world.

I suppose when one thinks of South America, you can perhaps be forgiven when you read newspaper headlines for believing that much of the continent is in utter chaos with few rules being obeyed. (I guess maybe I can get away with statements like that, given that my wife is from Peru!). But the Ecuadorians are fiercely proud of their unspoilt islands and have every intention of keeping it that way.

We embarked on the Silver Origin – one of three large ships that ply the Galapagos and which takes 100 passengers, the maximum allowed. This is a new vessel built especially for the Galapagos by SilverSea. It is 100% crewed by Ecuadorians, and I have to say the quality of English from the Captain, the amazing lecturers and guides, the restaurant staff, and the boat crew was outstanding.

But back to the event; we took two weeks to explore the islands and I have to say they kept us busy. We were off the ship at least twice a day hiking along beaches, up and over hills, climbing steps …. and going from the ship to shore by Zodiacs because there were no docks anywhere. Remember too that the Galapagos are the result of volcanic activity which meant that in places we were stepping somewhat gingerly over large, movable, and occasionally slippery rocks. Oh, and when on the second week (three of us had stayed on for the second week) one – and on the only occasion we had a duplicated stop, we ended up in the depths of a long lava tunnel. If you suffer from claustrophobia, not necessarily something you would take on lightly.

On the islands, naturally, the animals have the right of way and seem remarkably unfussed by the presence of humans resulting in the ability to take many photographs – oh that I had the ability in that skill as my oldest son – one or two of which anyway I am happy to share.

But the problem with writing a note for the magazine is just how much to put in, and as I could easily ramble on for ages - I won’t! Maybe some of the photos will tell their own story, but if you ever have the opportunity to head to that part of the world you would certainly, in our view at least, not be disappointed.