Interim Trip Abroad to Galapagos 2016: North Seymour Island (Day 5

After much complaining from the blue-footed boobies group, we came into the day with low expectations. We expected to die from heat and exhaustion while exploring North Seymour Island. We felt the cool ocean breeze on our previously burned skin, as the boat transported us to the island. The entire group hid from the beaming sun anywhere they could around the boat. Forty-five minutes later we loaded onto the small dinghy, we felt our legs burning from the gleaming sun. It was only a fraction of what we would feel one hour later. Evil bright red crabs awaited our arrival onto the island. As we disembarked from the dinghy, the black steaming lava rocks, that felt like they were still lava, were used as the stairways to hell. Immediately afterwards, we smelt death. Hundreds of frigate birds circled above our heads waiting for our bodies to shrivel up and burn. As we walked away from the coast, the heat engulfed us. Even after slathering on pounds of sunscreen and sporting native African wraps, our efforts were a small vermin in the way of a car. As we began on the path, all we could hear were the squealing and squeaks of the birds as they suffered in agony from the stifling heat. The bright red balloons on the frigates necks, the males’ tool for mating, stood out in the bland dry island. As we passed by a baby frigate bird, we noticed its neck was vibrating. Our tour guide, Sandie, informed us that the baby frigate had to vibrate its neck to thermoregulate. Every once and a while a stray iguana would scurry away from us, which alarmed our tour guide to possible capture of the iguanas because they are usually nonchalant toward people. She later notified the National Park of this odd behavior. As we all tried to find a way to describe the island, we came upon a pile of frigate bones that described the atmosphere of the island better than any of us could have. Some classmates jumped at the opportunity to take a selfie with the bones to always remember the barren vibe of the island. Walking further and further down the path, we could hear the crash of the giant waves on the black lava rocks. The sound at first reminded us of a small earthquake, but as the waves collided with the rocks everyone was itching to dive in despite the eminent death that would follow. On our way back to the dinghy, we passed by a sea lion with its split skin flaps displaying its infected flesh. Sandie explained that the sea lion had exploded due to the brutal heat. We thought of it as a warning to leave the island as soon as we could. After one-hour of the continuous exhaustion, we boarded the dinghy anxious to get in the water. A handful of people chose to snorkel along the rocky coast of the island while others decided to spare their skin from further damage. Those that snorkeled encountered four sharks as well as a vast array of fish. After ingesting enough seawater, everyone decided to return to the Santa Fe II, our boat as well as our oasis from the sun. As we set sail to our next destination, we were served a common Ecuadorian meal. The whole meal smelt exceptionally inviting because of the long and vigorous morning everyone endured. It consisted of brown rice shaped in a quasi cone presentation. On the left side of the plate, there was a vegetable salad resembling the American potato salad. On the right side of the plate, a cucumber and tomato arrangement was left untouched by many. The centerpiece of the meal was the fresh smelling mystery fish doused in a dark tomato balsamic concoction. By the time we were done eating, we had the option to remain under the protection of our glorious vessel or venture out into the scorching outside world. The brave embarked towards the beach, and the wise stayed onboard. Those that went to the beach, went on a quest for flamingoes; however, they were unsuccessful. Despite not seeing any wildlife, they enjoyed the gargantuan waves as they crashed over their heads effectively cooling their sunburned skin even at the loss of a few sunglasses. Those that stayed on the boat enjoyed a peaceful laid back atmosphere with the occasional jump off the side of the boat. Despite the harsh conditions, we all made the best out of our brief visit to purgatory. Its hard to complain when you´re in the Galapagos Islands rather than sitting in a classroom.