Written by Tee Sindler, WWF’s Director of Estate Administration
As I sat aboard the Tip Top IV, listening to one passenger after another express their excitement about exploring the Galapagos—an adventure they could now proudly check off their bucket list—I smiled and nodded. But something about that phrase, “check off the list,” didn’t quite capture what I was feeling.
High Altitude, Higher Anticipation
Before touching down in the Galapagos, my journey began in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital tucked high in the Andes. The altitude hit me first, a subtle reminder that this city sits nearly 9,000 feet above sea level. On my first day, I explored Quito solo, taking in the city’s rich tapestry of sights and sounds. Friendly women lined the streets selling handmade wares, while four-legged animals weaved effortlessly through the bustling crowds, as if they, too, had important destinations to reach.
There was rhythm, life, and a kind of poetry in motion that is sometimes missed amid the monotony of one’s daily life. The following day, I met up with the people who would be my future shipmates, and we took a guided tour of Quito.
We explored the city and its surrounding volcanic peaks and visited the 16th-century Church and Convent of San Francisco. By the end of the day, I felt both grounded in the city’s vibrant history and eager for the adventure that was awaiting me.
Every landing brought a new marvel, each island with its own ecosystem, humming with life and many stories. Oh, how much bigger it made my world feel.
Where Stillness Speaks
But it wasn’t just the wildlife or the dazzling ocean creatures. It was also the stillness and the moments in between, especially during my stay at Nat Hab’s private Tortoise Camp in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
Nestled among misty, emerald hills, Tortoise Camp felt like a hidden sanctuary, untouched by the passage of time. In the morning, I stepped out of my tent into a cool, profound silence. The kind of stillness you only find in wild, undisturbed places. As we wandered through the camp, a tortoise sauntered just a few feet away from where I stood. It didn’t even glance our way, as if our presence was nothing more than a gentle breeze.
The quietness spoke volumes. I was captivated by the way it shuffled along the trail, moving slowly and deliberately, completely unhurried. In that moment, time seemed to slow down alongside the tortoise, inviting me to pause, breathe, and simply be present.
After days of island hopping and nonstop adventure, Tortoise Camp was the pause I didn’t know I needed. It gave me space to reflect, to absorb, and to let the experience settle into my bones.
Before my trip to the Galapagos, I never gave much thought to having a bucket list. Sure, I’d jot down places now and then and think, “Yeah, I should add that to my bucket,” but it was more of a casual idea, half full at best. A bucket filled with destinations and experiences I believed were in reach—attainable, but never too far-fetched.
Now, I see that half-empty bucket for what it truly was—missing the unimaginable, the breathtaking, the awe-inspiring places like the Galapagos. Places I never truly believed I’d get to see in this lifetime.
Discovery to Belonging
I’m beyond grateful to WWF, Nat Hab, and the amazing people who shared this unforgettable ten-day adventure with me. We boarded as strangers, each carrying our own stories, expectations, and quiet hopes for what this journey might hold. But by the end, something had shifted. Shared wonder has a way of softening the edges between people.
Somewhere between snorkeling sessions, wildlife sightings, and laughter over meals, we became more than fellow travelers. We became a kind of family. I walked away with a full heart and a bucket that’s officially overflowing.
As I sat in the airport waiting for my flight back to DC, I found myself reflecting on what I hadn’t been able to put into words on that first day. This journey wasn’t something I could simply file away or check off a list. It was a true adventure filled with wonder—encountering animals I’d never seen before, taking in landscapes so surreal they felt almost otherworldly, and experiencing moments that caught me completely off guard.
Like the time a short-eared owl confidently approached someone in our group and, without a hint of hesitation, began inspecting her hiking boots—utterly unfazed by our presence. It was moments like that that made the whole trip feel special and unforgettable. There’s so much more of this incredible planet to discover, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
The world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.3 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally.
