There is something very exciting about a one way ticket. You are not going back or you are at least not going back the same way you came or even not going back as the same person. The possibilities are endless and it crackles with the potential of things waiting to be discovered and adventures waiting to happen. I am aware that moment by moment we each go out into world and create our own reality and I can feel magic unfolding.
I arrived in Baltra, Galapagos on a one way ticket much to the consternation of the Ecuadorian officials who, understandably want to make sure that everyone who arrives here does in fact leave. Thankfully I had a letter from the skipper of the boat to say I am joining his boat and we are setting sail on March 5th.
It was a long journey here, I changed flights in Huston and then a few hours overnight in Quito before a hop westwards into the pacific and to Baltra. It feels very far flung and there has been lots of time to think.
So many of the recent events and news on our small planet has been increasingly grim and disheartening. I recognise this as a very privileged position but an escape from all of that and an extended time sailing on an ocean will be the perfect antidote to all of the madness.
Most of you probably know that the Galapagos islands span across the equator. I am now in the Southern hemisphere on Santa Cruz. It was lunch time and siesta time when I arrived and so saw two seals having a siesta as I boarded a ferry and an iguana with a yellow neck munching on some leaves. Shortly after I saw a pelican and several frigate birds and dozens of seals. There is wildlife everywhere!
We have a couple of days before setting sail so in addition to the endless list of last minute boat tasks we plan to visit the Charles Darwin Research station, go and see the giant tortoises and do some snorkelling with sharks!
Its beautiful here right on top of the equator and I feel quite excited to start a sailing voyage that begins with the coordinates 0.6.255° S, 90.33.72° W
I think you came to hear about a sailing trip across the pacific but this is how it all starts.
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