Galapagos Wonders

The Galapagos Islands, home to all sorts of fascinating animals, all unique and different in their own special way. Where everything seems so perfect, like man has never set foot on Earth and ruined it all with our chemicals and toxins, like everything is the way it’s suppose to be. All the trees and grass, the fresh air, the soft sand, the clear water... Everything.
From Panama Canal (8˚ north, 79˚ west) I sailed to the Galapagos on January 30th, 1970. It was a calm and trouble-free eight day sail from Panama to San Cristobal. I arrived at night, using the depth-sounder, I found my way into the Wrecked Harbor.
The first thing I did the next morning was go ashore and went to check up on the news of Patti and where she might be. A sourness washed over me when I found out there was nothing from her and the next mail wasn’t due for another few days. I was getting worried.
During the next few days, Fili (the blind cat) gave birth to two kittens-Pooh and Piglet. A cable arrived contain information on Patti and that she would be flying to Baltra Island of the Galapagos, the only airport located in the Islands. Two days later, Patti and her parents arrived and I once again held her in my arms.
For the next ten days (the Ratterrees were great company), we explored the islands, discovering new things everyday, living our lives to the fullest. I remembered Darwin used a phrase I particularly liked about the Galapagos: “Here we seem to be brought to that great fact of history-that mystery of mysteries-the first appearance of a new being on this earth.” I really like this phrase and felt particularly close to “mystery of mysteries” during my stay in the Galapagos.
We went from island to island, having fun and just relaxing on the soft, warm sand. The waves washing up on shore, finches soaring high and low, sea lions surfing from wave to wave... This is the life.
The thirteen islands of archipelago (five volcanic) have created the world’s best natural history laboratory. It’s hard to think that people would ever even have the notion to destroy such a beautiful balance...
Galapagos were first plundered a long time ago when the English pirates used the island as a hideout for attacking the treasuere-laden ships of Spain and brought unwanted rodents along with them which is the explanation of wild life gone. Later, the iguanas of this pleasant land were shot by bored servicemen, only a handful of these unique creatures survived. 400 000 land turtles have lost their lives just for salesman to earn money. In the past century, whales have been slaughtered for food and other uses.
Just knowing these facts has me angry. People should be thinking of ways to preserve the wild life, not destroy it even father. Luckily, the Ecuador has declared that the islands are protected reserve and has been given a wildlife legal defense against people who think of nothing but money.
The following weeks were recorded into my log book of how we had the time of our lives. Our meals were of the best of the best all because of the lobsters and wild goat here. Everyday single day, Patti stomach swells more and more. I’m really looking forward to the birth of our child, to feel it’s tiny hands and feet, to know that we made life and that we can teach it to love nature, to embrace what it has given us and what is yet to come.
A few days ago we found a ship called Lina-A and fixed Patti up a ride that will get her to Baltra, there she will take the airplane back to San Francisco. Now I’m in Dove, waving at Patti and saying my good byes. I’m going to miss her through this last leg of my journey.

Event in Chapter 10 : Creatures That Hath Life on page 155-165.