San Cristobal Island
There were beautiful weather conditions today as we approached the green beach at Punta Pitt; the very small particles of olivine, one of the strongest crystals that form earth’s mantle, are found here, and it seems as if a fairy had sparkled glitter in this place.
Punta Pitt is located on the northwestern coast of San Cristobal, which is one of the older islands in this archipelago, about four million years old. The peaks we had a chance to walk around this morning are evidently much younger, since they are located on the newer side of the island. They are made of tuff, or compacted ash of a very particular coloration; as we walked up the canyon, we realized that during the strong Niño years this place must be converted into amazing waterfalls that, together with the diversity of beings found here, make this place incredibly beautiful, a level of perfection that can only be created by the equilibrium of nature undisturbed.
Some red-footed boobies at the end of the trail were extremely interesting; understanding their ecology and comparing behaviors with their closest relatives, the blue-foots and the Nazca’s, we realized that the struggle for survival never stops for anybody; all species on our planet, including humans, will normally depend on the food supply for their life.
Lava lizards competing for females kept us watching a fight for a long time, as two beautiful males displayed their aggressiveness towards each other. What an incredible exchange of energy between them; they not only had their crests erect and pointed but started changing colors as the fight went on uninterrupted. They knew that some inconspicuous females were watching them!
Our time is ending in the enchanted archipelago… It has been a very special week for all of us, not only have we made interesting friends during this week, but once again the living laboratory of evolution has amazed us; we might be going home tomorrow, but we already know that this place will never leave us!!!
