Hi, Thomas here. You're listening to a preview episode. You can enjoy the entire story

tonight by subscribing to our supporters' feed. There you'll get access to the entire

back catalogue, bonus episodes, and more, and it's all completely ad-free. Click the link

below to learn more. And thank you so so much. Me and the team really appreciate your

support.

Islands in the Galapagos.

Gentile waves lap at the edge of the dock. You watch the Pelicans dive in and out of the

water, searching for their breakfast. On the white sand beach next to the dock, you see

a family of sea lions preparing for a morning swim. A smiling woman in a wide-bremmed

hat, khaki shorts, and a lifefess meets you at the pier. She's a local of the Galapagos

Islands and an expert on the wildlife that lives on Isla Isabella.

Your guide waves to a catamaran that's anchored offshore. A man waves back, grinning and signaling

with his hands that your vessel for today's journey is ready.

The sleek white boat has two parallel hulls and rocks gently in the tide.

On the side of the dock, a crew member prepares a jetty, a small motorboat that will shuttle

you to the catamaran.

You take a moment to soak in your surroundings. The salty sea breeze brushes against your face.

The singing of the birds and iguana sunbathes on the beach nearby.

You and a small group board the jetty, which rumbles to a start and heads off away from

the dock.

On the catamaran, the captain is waiting for you with twinkling eyes. He grips your arm

with the steady hand to help you aboard and hands you a freshly sliced dragon fruit and

...