We carry with us our cameras, not searching for any particular subject, not intending to render a specific aspect of graphic behavior, much less a scientific document. Instead, we attempt to capture those fleeting moments when life is most vibrant, to preserve them on a chip better than our limited memories could ever. Perhaps, others may be inspired to learn, respect and ultimately protect these precious islands and their unique wildlife, the Galapagos Archipelago.

A chance meeting of an Ecuadorian in May of 2006, the curiosity of the Galapagos Islands and Darwin's theory of evolution, finally got to me. I set off with apprehension in my heart, on a 2 1/2 week trip, leaving Gabriola fully packed for the four seasons I would encounter in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Set on the equator didn't mean a balmy paradise with palm trees waving. Far from it. The latitude being 0 .0'.0" and with the elevation in Quito, Ecuador of 9000 feet above sea level, it was cool, windy, very hot, and with extreme warnings of sun burn. So, with layers of sun block, covered up from head to toe in layers of light clothing, and a scarf around the neck to protect from the burning sun, it was an odd way to dress in the tropics.

Ecuador opened every day with an adventure, and I mostly traveling on my own relished its uniqueness. From Quito, to Otavalo the second largest market in South America, to Middle of the World equator monuments, to the unbelievable rose plantations which are one of Ecuador's major exports, to a two-day ride on top of the Chiva Express winding our way from the Andres, zipping back and forth at Devil's Nose, to the Lowlands nearing Quayaquil, their capital city. In this first week Ecuador instilled its magic, colour, music, history, art, food, and I fell in love. My heart and soul have not totally returned home to Gabriola.

The real purpose of this trip came in the second week, flying to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. The airport is set in a desolate area and I can't say I'm thrilled with what I see. Dry, sparse and yet more documents to be presented, and then sniffing me out. I will open my eyes and heart and enjoy, as we are transported to the port and there we are "The SS Mary Anne!" Truly, a magnificent Barquentine sailing ship, the most handsome in the harbour. Length: 216 feet. Beam: 25.9 feet. Speed: 8 knots. Sail Area: 9,902 sq ft. 8 crew, and 14 of us ...

Seven days on board this sailing ship are shared with thirteen travelers hailing from Germany, US, Canada, and the UK. After a few days, we are in-sync, help each other, play and eat and drink together. What a great bunch!

Every day we hiked an island, and snorkeled amongst the crags and bays. Each island was entirely unique from the others. Though there are more than twenty islands in this archipelago, we visited twelve. Volcanic ash and rope lava, red earth, sand, rock, level, hilly, very hilly and eyes and ears opened with every turn and the volumes of knowledge given. This ocean was not the Caribbean, and wet suits were a must due to the chilly ocean currents.

Our Ecuadorian naturalist, Alejandro Valli, became our most respected guide. His knowledge about the creatures, the earth, geography, Spanish history, ocean, snorkeling, and the stars blew me away. Ask Alex a question, and he knew the answer. We crossed the equator while on the ship causing a celebration in the wheelhouse. On the equator, you can see both the northern and the southern hemisphere and the stars are very different in each. In fact, you can at certain times, see both Polaris in the northern hemisphere and the Southern Cross in the southern hemisphere.

A DVD of our trip provided by Alejandro, has been made 'viewable' with the expertise of Clayton of Eternal Flow who spent hours, I'm sure fixing the corrupted spots. Thank you! Stills are great, but the video is one which we will cherish.

At night, it was pitch black outside, but one night we saw flying fish and dolphins off the starboard bow. Beautiful. Such a treat. Another night, we saw 3 sea lions playing around the ship and an 8 foot shark lurking. Wonder what was on his mind?

Sea lions, Darwin finches, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Blue Footed Boobies, Majestic and Great Frigate birds, Pelicans, Penguins, Marine and Land Iguanas, Lava Lizards, Fur Seals, Tortoises, Sea Turtles. It just went on and on. They are not afraid of us. The national park rules state that you may not touch them, but they can approach you.

We happened upon three very young sea lion pups playing in a pool. Mum was no where around and probably out fishing. We stood and watched with joy as they frolicked in the water. Seeing us, and being not afraid, they galloped to our feet, stretched up their necks and presented us with a sea-shell as a gift. "Do you want to play?" I think you can feel the amazement in our eyes. Off they went playing and frolicking in the pool, and returned this time with a pebble. "Are you sure you don't want to play?"

Fact: Pelicans mate for life. Sea Lions are promiscuous. What a riot to watch nature in action and right at our very feet.

I cannot compare such an experience of this adventure to any other vacation. I had the fortune of encountering many people on this 2 1/2 week journey and though it did test my adventuresome metal, I feel I have somehow grown and even gained wisdom of some sort. More reflection on that point once my heart and soul find home here on Gabriola, again. Definitely patience was required from time to time. My traveling companions were astonished that I was traveling alone. The custom's officers are very inquisitive, and time an again, I'm asked the same questions. One must remember that it takes great strength and love of the adventure which opens at every turn, to put oneself in this position. The whole aspect of the 'thing' is empowering, humbling, and in a self-satisfying way, enviable.

Back home here on Gabriola, my deep appreciation goes to Ingrid Versteeg whose experience and planning, fashioned an agenda tailor made for me. I was not exhausted and had a chance to rest in hotels at every stop along the way. Thank you Ingrid; a fantastic experience which I will never forget. In a flash, I would return.