Our family was especially blessed this spring to meet in Ecuador for a magical trip to the Galapagos Islands. We left our boat Snowcat at a marina in George Town, Bahamas and met the boys for a long planned trip to one of the most special places on this earth. Check out the full photo album with some amazing underwater videos at the end of this post.
That's the weirdest thing I've ever seen!
We didn’t know what we were witnessing…fins were breaking the surface of the water twenty yards off the port side of the Zodiac. Sharks? Dolphins? At first there were just a few, but eventually we could see twenty or more triangular fins breaking the water in a cluster ahead of us…then someone yelled – Mola Molas!
It’s hard to describe a Mola Mola (sometimes called Sunfish), but consider the idea of a 1000-pound fish that is about the size of a tractor tire. Then imagine it is has been flattened between two sliding glass doors, so that one fin protrudes from the top and the other underneath. Add a big cow eye on each side and a small donut-shaped mouth.
Mola Molas were but one exotic species that we hoped to encounter on our family adventure to the Galapagos Islands. Dean and I visited the Galapagos in 1991, and had vowed to return one day and share this special place with our future children. Now, as Jackson is poised to begin his career and before Ben starts medical school, we knew that this would be one of the last opportunities for the four of us to spend two weeks together in the Galapagos.
The Galapagos Islands are a cluster of fifteen small islands 600 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Whalers, buccaneers and explorers have often used the islands, but they were made famous after Charles Darwin visited in 1835. He used his observations and samples as evidence for his theory of natural selection which was published in his classic book “The Origin of Species.”
We explored the idea of sailing our own boat to the Galapagos, but quickly discovered that the regulations were too onerous to deal with. To protect this fragile ecosystem, the Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 and much later in 1998, the Galapagos Marine Reserve was created. Together these institutions protect the islands from the introduction of invasive species and provide well-trained naturalists to educate all visitors. We booked our tour with the same Galapagos experts that we used on our visit in 1991- Galapagos Travel.
Over our 11-day trip we saw schools of golden rays swimming in formation, witnessed the dance of two waved albotros courting each other, marveled at the shocking blue feet of the blue-footed boobie, observed 100-year-old tortoises in their natural habitat, snorkeled with both playful sea lions and intimidating sharks. It’s difficult to describe this magical place, so I encourage you to explore the photos and videos in the photo gallery at the end of this post.
Mola Mola Monday
Snorkel in place and flippers on, we slipped off the Zodiac and into the water, crowded with Mola Mola. They didn’t seem concerned as we floated amongst these swimming giants. Later, we will learn from our naturalists just how unique our experience had been. The day was labeled Mola Mola Monday by all.
Dr. LC
Your pictures are amazing.! It looks like a magical place. We would definitely love to go there. Thank you for inspiring me.
Karen
You've got to put the Galapagos on your list of travel destinations...it's an amazing place!
Todd H
Karen-
I'm hoping this post means you have some internet service! I'd like to turn your sprinkler system on but we can't figure out how to get into your crawl space. Can you send word on how to do that? And don't let the yard work here worry you...it'll be waiting for you and your return. 🙂
Todd
Karen
It's so wonderful to have friends like you! I'll be in touch. K
Lyndy Lubbers
What a fabulous trip! It's amazing that the Galapagos today is like it was on your first visit years ago, and our visit 7 years ago. There has been such effort to maintain the wildlife and habitat. It's sad to compare that to other natural wonders. Your pictures are just amazing Karen!
Rhonda Follman
Karen and Family, just love reading your blog and hearing about your adventures.
Thanks for sharing so many pictures of the islands and your escapade there.
Nina Preuss
So lovely to see the whole family together, and in such an amazing habitat! I can see you enjoyed every moment and we all know how special those moments were. Cheers and hope to sail into the same port soon! S/V Enjoy
Deb Alpe
Hi Massey Fam! Incredible photos of you all on your magical journey of a lifetime! How awesome that you all made the trip together! Thank you for sharing these fantastic pics...really just beyond words to think about how astounding being there and experiencing this must be! So inspiring! Safe travels to you all!
Deb
Karen
Thanks for sending us a comment! I'm glad that you like the pictures...it's my new passion, but I have a lot to learn.
Laura
Amazing! Thanks for sharing. Looks like retirement agrees with you! We do miss you at CSU :-)!
Karen
Give my best to everyone at CSU. Yep, retirement is wonderful, but exhausting!
Jamey
Hi guys, Thank you so much for sharing the incredible adventure!! The photos and videos are fabulous. So happy you had this time together. Hugs to all and happy travels. Jamey & Chris
Karen
So wonderful to hear from you! Retirement has it's perks for sure. I hope that all is well back in "the boat."