In Absolute Awe

Oh. You thought I was finished with the Galapagos pics? NOPE!

We're moving above ground now so get ready...

Those who know me well are fully aware of the ornithophobia I suffer from aka an abnormal and irrational fear of birds. I can appreciate them from afar, but if they get too close, no bueno.

Luckily I was able to keep the fear at bay and witness these beauties in action... 🙌

Free for all! Here are a bunch of beauties we saw. All cards on the table, some I know what they are. Others I have no clue, but they're amaaaaazing!

Again, 📷 credit to the amazing Megan Pasquina!
Galápagos

SHARK!!!! 🦈🦈🦈

So I've seen a lot of sharks since I started scuba diving and friends/family who don't dive always ask if I get scared. It's hard to explain, but I'll try anyway... 🤷‍♀️

Scuba diving is one of the most peaceful, meditative things I've ever done. There's no voice in your head reminding you of everything you have to get done, doubting the decisions you've made or being self conscious about that thing you said to that person. You're in another world surrounded by awe inspiring species, who frankly don't care about you. If anything they avoid you, as they're just going about their day and (like you above sea level) have a lot to do without you getting in their way.

And guess what? Sharks are no different! Sharks actually can see the bubbles rising from your air tank and often change directions to avoid them when they see you. Unless you're being a jerk and getting all up in their biz, they're going to go along their merry little way and not give a crap about you.

Fun facts now:
1. The three most common sharks you'll see in the Galapagos are Galapagos sharks (first pic), hammerheads (in most pics), white tips (not shown here) and silkies (not shown here).

2. The white marks you may see on hammerheads are bite marks from the males to the females that happen while they're mating. 😬

3. Hammerheads hunt solo so when you see a bunch of them together, they're just hanging out with their friends and at this time, especially won't be interested in you!

📷 credit to the one and only Megan Pasquina
Galápagos