¡Hola de los Galápagos! Today we had an early morning, as we took the speedboat from Santa Cruz island to Isabela island. It has been a long day, but nonetheless one full of very meaningful and unforgettable experiences. Before we left for our snorkeling adventure today, we had a lesson on food webs and ocean ecosystems, where we realized the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world along with the delicate balance required to support different types of biomes. This theme came into practice when we visited the Los Esteros National Park, where we learned about mangroves, even seeing all four types of the trees and walking under canopies of their expansive root structures. These mangroves roots have adapted to filter salt from ocean water, providing healthy habitats for growing fish and preventing coastal erosion. These mangroves led us to a hidden estuary, the confluence of salty ocean water and fresh water. We passed from the warmer, fresh water out into the open ocean to practice snorkeling, appreciating the delicate ecosystem the mangroves help to provide. We eventually circled up in the center of the estuary to reflect, taking a moment of silence to recognize the sacredness of the moment. Something that surfaced for both of us was the unparalleled nature of this specific adventure and the opportunity to share it with those who care so deeply about conservation ecology. We also encountered a variety of wildlife, including a giant tortoise, flamingos, pelicans, sea lions, and even a blue footed booby. As our group has grown closer over the course of this trip, we have recognized how we ourselves have come to resemble these ecosystems. We work together each day to comprehend new information, supporting each other and bringing unique perspectives, ultimately culminating in a shared mission to establish a more sustainable future. We are looking forward to the engaging experiences to come during the remainder of the trip, and we already feel such a strong connection with both our world and each other.
¡Hasta mañana!
