Charles Darwin's legacy extends through his theory that humankind shares a primordial ancestor with all living beings on Earth. He recognized a kinship with every creature and plant, and was among the first to consider great apes as our distant cousins. Interestingly, TV presenters Anthea and Wendy Turner discovered last year that they are Darwin's eighth cousins four times removed, thanks to research on ancestry.com revealing their link to the author of "On the Origin of Species."
"It's surreal to think we're related," Wendy, 56, remarked. "We joked about going to the Galapagos but never thought it would happen."
During this period, the Turners' family dynamics were evolving, particularly for their 91-year-old father Brian, Darwin's eighth cousin three times removed. After losing his wife Jean, Brian relocated to London to be near his daughters. The couple had been together since their teenage years and married for 67 years. Brian, a likeable gent with a gentle Staffordshire accent, was adjusting to his new life, taking daily walks to Marks & Spencer and getting used to the Tube. His daughters insisted he mark this new chapter with a significant journey.
"When Dad moved down, we decided we needed a holiday," Anthea, 64, said. "The furthest we'd been together was Inverness in the early '70s. We're lucky to be together and that Dad is up for it."
They considered cruises, initially eyeing the Norwegian fjords before turning their attention to the Galapagos Islands due to the family connection.
"I was nervous about the long journey because of my age," Brian admitted. "I didn't want to hold everyone up, but my daughters reassured me."
Similarly, Charles Darwin faced trepidation when, at 22, he boarded the HMS Beagle for what was supposed to be a two-year expedition (it lasted five). He had sought his uncle's approval in Staffordshire before setting sail. The Beagle's journey took Darwin to places like Rio, Patagonia, and the Andes, eventually reaching the Galapagos. For the Turners, it was a day's flight, and they too explored the islands by water.
Unlike Darwin, who endured seasickness and cramped conditions on the Beagle, the Turners enjoyed luxury on their 43m Ecoventura yacht. Their accommodations included memory-foam mattresses and gourmet meals, a stark contrast to the Beagle's conditions. They still shared the same breathtaking views Darwin had once seen.
"The Galapagos can't be much different from when Darwin saw it," Anthea observed. "It's a place of wonder."
Wendy added, "There was a purity about it, like glimpsing paradise."
They spent a week cruising the islands, landing with Ribs. Despite initial worries, Brian managed well, even when wading ashore. They observed species that had sparked Darwin's questions, including the famous finches and giant tortoises. Anthea snorkeled with sea lions and turtles, while Wendy enjoyed a dance with the ship's captain.
"It was the best trip I've ever taken," Brian declared. "So many new experiences — it was the holiday of a lifetime."
The volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos, emerging from the sea millions of years ago, also captivated them. On San Cristobal, Darwin had once compared the craters to Staffordshire's iron foundries. This resonated with Brian, whose first love was geology. He had worked as a mining engineer and spent family holidays exploring mines and fossil-hunting. For the Galapagos trip, he brought a camcorder to document everything.
"My main goal was to record the Galapagos and make a film," he explained. "I wanted to see lava flowing into the sea."
Anthea noted, "Dad thrived outside his comfort zone. It was wonderful to see him so confident."
Often, they followed in Darwin's footsteps, like when they visited Leon Dormido and Isabela Island. Brian had a revelation watching marine iguanas peacefully share a small rock.
"They didn't fight for space," Brian reflected. "It made me think, wouldn't it be nice if humans could live together as harmoniously?"
Reflecting on their journey, the Turners found deeper meaning. Brian, still mourning his wife, cherished the experience.
"There’s no doubt Mum would’ve wanted us to take this trip," Wendy said. "We should embrace life and do things together."
"The elixir of youth is trying new things," Anthea agreed. "It's about having a go and never stopping."
