Contrast, aperture, light, and storytelling are descriptions for various aspects of photography, however they also are fundamental metaphors for life. This morning in Galapagos, we started our day in each of our individual ways (as we are animals of habit) at Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz Island. I feel that discovery and exploration have become an integral part of this floating community that has coalesced together, here in the enchanted islands, over the past days. What a contrast of environments, as we head inland with opuntia trees refracting the morning light through their spines, as lush green coastal vegetation lifts us from the coast as we pass a brackish pond. Grey clouds change positions in the sky as we come upon greater flamingos searching for food in the silt of the pond. Transformation of the crustaceans they feed upon into the color we see is an awakening of our senses. As we head inland, we pass the salt resistant green and red vegetation, and we encounter clay like soil that expresses the iron oxide from this volcanically created island. The drastically open aperture states that we are in a rain shadow, and inland is an opera of greys and matted colors. Upon closer inspection, we find the occasional Galapagos bitter bush that tries to burst forward with miniscule dots of color. The occasionally land iguana lumbers about, with an apparent destination but with no schedule. The iguana representing Helios as it moves from east to west on its path, taking the warmth of the sun with it. Palo Santo incense trees with their lichen covered trunks make a connection with the clouds. As we reach the apex of the cerro, we are greeted by a Galapagos flycatcher and its endless search for energy as it continues its lyrical flight. Our altitude gives us a short sense of accomplishment and a wonderful view of the isolated land in the distance. As we continue in our return, we encounter the light of the day trying to illuminate all, although it is muted by the weather of the day. Islands of life are encountered in tidal pools as we return to our landing site. A world in a droplet starts to make sense, as we become empathetic to the incredible struggle for life at every turn. Education and exploration doesn’t cease as we return onboard the National Geographic Endeavour, then head out to the deep blue that surrounds us. Entering the aquatic realm confirms our suspicions, all is connected as a sea lion pup blows bubbles at us and reef fish start to clean us, as if it we should have done this long ago. A story acts as a way to paint a picture, and storytelling is our picture of life. May it continue to express itself.