Weekend Assignment #7: Share the vacation you most want to take, but haven't taken yet.
Okay, since this is one of my Life Goals and I'm already getting extremely long in the tooth, it's nice that you asked. Talking about it may be all I ever get to do. But, there's a dance in the old dame yet and I fully intend to do this before I cash in all my chips.
It's The Galápagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, one of the earth's most amazing places. I want to take one of the ecologically-oriented boats that take you out to the islands. You live on the boat, dive off the boat, have naturalists who guide you on the islands, give lectures and talks on board ship. These islands were, of course, Darwin's inspiration, and they still have much of the amazing life forms that he encountered there. For the birds, the lizards, the volcanic rock formations, for the sea life in the surrounding waters - this place has long been my ultimate dream. I could wax into a frenzy about the birds alone, the blue-footed booby, the masked booby, the frigate bird, birds that don't even sound or look real. About 90% of the islands are National Park land, and here is a great website to visit to learn more about the Park. I'm not going to give you any pictures, because I've never been there! but the site has plenty. To see the birds of the islands, go to Birds of the Galápagos and check the list and photos. I do have a friend who took herself on this trip for her 60th birthday present, and I've seen her mind-blowing pictures. Go take a virtual trip and you'll see why this is my Dream Vacation. You might also look for this book: The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time, by Jonathan Weiner. Just to keep this in the book journal vein.
2 comments:
What a great idea! Darwin would love it!
V
I like that you're revealing a little bit more about the you behind this journal and your other one. It adds a new dimension, very personable. :-) ---Robbie
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