Location: Santa Cruz, Galapagos
The crew of the Vela greeted the Galapagos, like clockwork, right around 7:00 AM, ready for an action-packed day learning about the islands, their history, and the crazy species that inhabit them. Me? I was siiiiiiick. I got whacked with a double whammy: a nasty cold AND food poisoning. Lets just say, the events of this day are told secondhand.
Some of the crew went to shore to the Darwin Center, a museum that holds a lot of history about the Galapagos and the species that live there. It is where Darwin is said to have done a lot of his research on the evolution of species. A few of the other crew members visited Las Grietas, a beautiful natural gorge that WOULD have had crystal clear water if it hadnt dumped rain the day before.
After lunch on shore, the crew met up around two and headed for El Chanto ranch, which is a tortoise sanctuary. The group saw a bunch of over 100-year-old tortoises, learned about literally everything there was to learn about these magnificent creatures, put on turtle shells to run around acting like turtles, and overall had a grand old time.
I was waiting to get checked out at the hospital around this time, which was a wonderful institution, by the way. Free healthcare in the Galapagos. Who knew?
After the tortoise ranch, the crew went to a half-mile-long cave formed from lava. It was a bit of a squeeze to get in, but apparently it was super cool. There were plants (even though there was no sunlight), the walls smelled like iron, and the voices and singing of the crew could be heard back in echoes for a while.
Once everyone got back to the boat, I was dead asleep, having a shot from the hospital, some ibuprofen, and some antacids in my system. However, the crew enjoyed a wonderful dinner at sunset, wrapping up another day in (arguably) the coolest place on earth.
As of right now, we are a couple of days into passage, and I am feeling way better. The days are flying by, and I cant believe how far through this program we are already. While I wish I could give a more detailed blog, I was dealt the cards I was dealt. Hope everyone has a wonderful day and thank you for tuning in!
Henry Wagy
Robbie – you always give the best advice, bro, thank you. As more plans fall into place Im getting more excited and more relaxed, and I hope you are too. Miss ya bro
Bryn – I hope you had sm fun in New York, I miss you more and I love you
Mom and Dad – thank you for guiding me through my not feeling well and reminding me why Im here. Miss you guys, say hi to Auggie and Ruby for me.