We woke up early and caught our speedboad/ferry this morning. We were headed back to Santa Cruz and port Ayora where we would spend our last night in the Galapagos. We arrived at Port Ayora around 9:00 and checked into a hostal and went to breakfast. We spent the day shopping in town and exploring the city. We went back to the Darwin Center to take our time and walk through. I had a lot of fun. I love shopping.
We were walking down the street and saw a fish market where they were cuting up and selling fish. Not that interesting to me. however, there were about 20 pelicans and a seal begging for scraps which were gladdly given to them. it was so much fun to watch. The seal was so patient and never tried to take anything that was not his. The pelicans were so crowded, it was just really fun to watch. It was a nice and relaxing say, plus I love shopping! it will be sad to leave tomorrow.
02/04/08
Showing posts with label Galapagos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Galapagos. Show all posts
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Isabella Island Day 3
Today was so much fun, but it did have its rough parts. we woke up and walked to the hotel to meet our guides to the Sierra Negra volcano. We got in buses and were driven about an 30 minutes to an hour up the mountain. When we got out of the car there were saddled horses waiting to take us another 1.5 hours to the crate of the volcano. It was so beautiful. very green and covered in trees and flowers.
The ranchers paired us up with our horses. I was one of the last ones on a horse. I didn´t even get a horse! I got a MULE! Why does everyone else get a horse and I only get a mule? Not Fair! besides, my mule was slow and pokey and only wanted to eat. it wa consistently in the back of the pack. Once we finally reached the top it was amazing. The crater was huge, second biggest in the world. It had a diameter of 6 miles. i couldn´t get the whole thing in a picture it was so big.
After the horse ride, my mule ride we went on a hike to a neighboring volcano, chico. It was about an hour and a half hike. the rocks were slippery and lose. Thills are all up and down on these rocks. very tricky to keep you balance. i know because I slipped and scratched the back of my camera after I had taken a picture. I was so mad, i´m still mad. When we finally got to the top we sat down and had lunch. It was really hot so we dreaded the climb back. it was a nice workout. Once back, we picked up the people who didn´t go on the hike (stories if you ask) and got back on our horses, MULE to head back down the volcano.
Again, my mule was slow and no matter what happened she really wouldn´t go. When has anyone seen a donkey run? Doesn´t happen. Well apparently it does because our guide came up behind me and spanked my mule, which I named pokey. she started to run, then she stopped. I had a stubborn little ass, but I can´t really complain because my stubborn ass was hauling my ass up a volcano. i gave her credit. that is not an easy thing to do. then I started cracking up becaue i was making crude jokes in my head about my stubborn as and getting spanked to get her going and what not. i let out a lown pitch scream because the guide would sneak up behind me and spank my mule, who would then take off for a little quick jog and would catch me off guard.
I continued laughing because when pokey would speed up it reminded me of this infomercial we saw on the boat about an exercise machine that shakes your fat way. i thought this was doing about the same thing. Later pokey really didn´t care if she was spanked or not, she was done going fast and took her time all the way down the hill.
This one guy had a mamma horse and the baby colt followed uu up the hill. It was so cute. It was hard because the guy rode the mom pretty hard and the baby couldn´t keep up and walked next to us, but then would cry because she couldn´t see her mom. It was sad.
We, me and Pokey, finally made it back to the site where we started. We got back in the bus and went back to the hotel. We had some down time and used it to pack because we had to catch the ferry/speedboat at 6:00 the next morning. Once we were ready and had some down time we went to carnival on the beach. It was a lot of fun. there was a ton of music and drinking and waterfights. We watched the sunset and sat and talked for a while. We met up with barbara and Verna too. Later we decided to call it a night because we had done a lot and had an early morning the next day. This was a really fun day despite my little mishaps and disappointments.
02/03/08
The ranchers paired us up with our horses. I was one of the last ones on a horse. I didn´t even get a horse! I got a MULE! Why does everyone else get a horse and I only get a mule? Not Fair! besides, my mule was slow and pokey and only wanted to eat. it wa consistently in the back of the pack. Once we finally reached the top it was amazing. The crater was huge, second biggest in the world. It had a diameter of 6 miles. i couldn´t get the whole thing in a picture it was so big.
After the horse ride, my mule ride we went on a hike to a neighboring volcano, chico. It was about an hour and a half hike. the rocks were slippery and lose. Thills are all up and down on these rocks. very tricky to keep you balance. i know because I slipped and scratched the back of my camera after I had taken a picture. I was so mad, i´m still mad. When we finally got to the top we sat down and had lunch. It was really hot so we dreaded the climb back. it was a nice workout. Once back, we picked up the people who didn´t go on the hike (stories if you ask) and got back on our horses, MULE to head back down the volcano.
Again, my mule was slow and no matter what happened she really wouldn´t go. When has anyone seen a donkey run? Doesn´t happen. Well apparently it does because our guide came up behind me and spanked my mule, which I named pokey. she started to run, then she stopped. I had a stubborn little ass, but I can´t really complain because my stubborn ass was hauling my ass up a volcano. i gave her credit. that is not an easy thing to do. then I started cracking up becaue i was making crude jokes in my head about my stubborn as and getting spanked to get her going and what not. i let out a lown pitch scream because the guide would sneak up behind me and spank my mule, who would then take off for a little quick jog and would catch me off guard.
I continued laughing because when pokey would speed up it reminded me of this infomercial we saw on the boat about an exercise machine that shakes your fat way. i thought this was doing about the same thing. Later pokey really didn´t care if she was spanked or not, she was done going fast and took her time all the way down the hill.
This one guy had a mamma horse and the baby colt followed uu up the hill. It was so cute. It was hard because the guy rode the mom pretty hard and the baby couldn´t keep up and walked next to us, but then would cry because she couldn´t see her mom. It was sad.
We, me and Pokey, finally made it back to the site where we started. We got back in the bus and went back to the hotel. We had some down time and used it to pack because we had to catch the ferry/speedboat at 6:00 the next morning. Once we were ready and had some down time we went to carnival on the beach. It was a lot of fun. there was a ton of music and drinking and waterfights. We watched the sunset and sat and talked for a while. We met up with barbara and Verna too. Later we decided to call it a night because we had done a lot and had an early morning the next day. This was a really fun day despite my little mishaps and disappointments.
02/03/08
Isabela Island Day 2
Since last night we went to bed before 8:00, we got up fairly early. we realized we didn´t like our hotel and wanted to change. We had made a fast decision the night before because we were tired and now were well rested and ready to make a decission. It was time to move because we had a chicken farm right next to our window and the rooster had no concept of morning. he crowed at 3:30 and every half an hour until almost 10:00 it seemed.
We moved to a hotel down the street on a recomendation from a couple of traveling friends from Australia we met the day before. Tom and leela were at the hotel and invited us to go snorkeling with them. we were a little snorkeled out. we said thanks and decided to make plans for the four of us to visit the volcano the next day. we had some breakfast and then headed into town to book the tour.
We couldn´t find a place to book the tour so insted we went on a 12km walk to a turtle reproduction and breeding center. It was a nice walk to the center and we saw the turtles, some birds and iguanas. I even saw a chickin in water. On the way back we walked on the beach. This is such a cool little town, Port Villamil. All of the streets are sand and their are coconut trees all around and cabana and plam leaves. There is also an enormous amount of hammocks. It is such a nice little place.
So, Finally we found a place that had a guided tour of the volcano. However, these people only speak spanish, and we barely speak spanish. When they were giving us directions to pick up our tickets and meet tomorrow, they new that wehad no idea where to go,so the man decided to walk us down there. it was so nice. he felt sorry for us and knew that we would probably get lost on the way. Anyway, we got out tickets and went back to the hotel to rest because we walked a lot and it was hot outside.
later that afternoon we went for a drink with Tom and leela. tom cooked us a snakc (baked potato in the microwave) but when you don´t have anything else, it worked. We later went to dinner and ran into two women they had met in port Ayora, barbara and verna from utah. We called it a night pretty early because we needed to get up early tomorrow to go to the volcano. I am so excited for tomorrow, Sarah is not.
02/02/08
We moved to a hotel down the street on a recomendation from a couple of traveling friends from Australia we met the day before. Tom and leela were at the hotel and invited us to go snorkeling with them. we were a little snorkeled out. we said thanks and decided to make plans for the four of us to visit the volcano the next day. we had some breakfast and then headed into town to book the tour.
We couldn´t find a place to book the tour so insted we went on a 12km walk to a turtle reproduction and breeding center. It was a nice walk to the center and we saw the turtles, some birds and iguanas. I even saw a chickin in water. On the way back we walked on the beach. This is such a cool little town, Port Villamil. All of the streets are sand and their are coconut trees all around and cabana and plam leaves. There is also an enormous amount of hammocks. It is such a nice little place.
So, Finally we found a place that had a guided tour of the volcano. However, these people only speak spanish, and we barely speak spanish. When they were giving us directions to pick up our tickets and meet tomorrow, they new that wehad no idea where to go,so the man decided to walk us down there. it was so nice. he felt sorry for us and knew that we would probably get lost on the way. Anyway, we got out tickets and went back to the hotel to rest because we walked a lot and it was hot outside.
later that afternoon we went for a drink with Tom and leela. tom cooked us a snakc (baked potato in the microwave) but when you don´t have anything else, it worked. We later went to dinner and ran into two women they had met in port Ayora, barbara and verna from utah. We called it a night pretty early because we needed to get up early tomorrow to go to the volcano. I am so excited for tomorrow, Sarah is not.
02/02/08
Isabela Island Day 1
Once the bus had left us at the Darwin Center, we walked into town and booked a ticket on a ferry to Isabella Island. We dropped off our luggage and walked around Port Ayora. we had lunch and went window shopping to pass the time.
It was time to get onto the ferry, also known as a speed boat. it was a 2 a half hour ride squished between two strangers. not the best experience but we lived through it. Once we got to our hotel wehad something to eat and then ended up going to bed really early. We are officially on our own int he Galapagos. No more adult summer camp.
02/01/08
It was time to get onto the ferry, also known as a speed boat. it was a 2 a half hour ride squished between two strangers. not the best experience but we lived through it. Once we got to our hotel wehad something to eat and then ended up going to bed really early. We are officially on our own int he Galapagos. No more adult summer camp.
02/01/08
Cruise Day 8
Today is the last day of our cruise. We woke up and went to the Island of Santa Cruz at port Ayora where we began our adventure. we came on land and went to the Darwin Center. I thought it was really enjoyable. We learned about the turtles and specific turtles, Lonesome George and Super Diego.
Lonesome George is the last turtle of his kind. They thought that this species had been extinct until George was found. He is the last one! They put him in an inclosure with two females of a similar species. George was scared. he had grown up all alone and now has to interact socially, and hopefully sexually with these two females. Then two males were placed in the inclosure to help george learn what to do, this scared Geroge even more. So they were removed, eventually George learned social behavior but has yet to create babies. The next step will be artificial insemination to save this species. George is approx. 75 years old.
Then Super Diego. A different species. There were only twelve of this species left. 2 males and 10 females. The Darwin Center sent out messages throughout the world to locate any other turtles and Diego was found at the San Diego zoo (hense the name). He was put into the inclosure with the rest of his kind. It happened to be breeding season and Diego was SUPER! He helped in the process of saving this species. he apparently had to be taken out of the enclosure because he was a little to super.
Once we left the Darwin Center, we were handed our bags and said our goodbyes to everyone we had met. Everyone was continuing to the airport and we were starying on the island for a few more days. When saying our goodbyes we saw Fabrizio (our old guide) with his new group...awkward. This wa such a great experience and if people have the money I would recomend going on a cruise of the Galapagos. It is worth it to have a guide who is trained (a naturalist 3). It was the most amazing experience.
02/01/08
Lonesome George is the last turtle of his kind. They thought that this species had been extinct until George was found. He is the last one! They put him in an inclosure with two females of a similar species. George was scared. he had grown up all alone and now has to interact socially, and hopefully sexually with these two females. Then two males were placed in the inclosure to help george learn what to do, this scared Geroge even more. So they were removed, eventually George learned social behavior but has yet to create babies. The next step will be artificial insemination to save this species. George is approx. 75 years old.
Then Super Diego. A different species. There were only twelve of this species left. 2 males and 10 females. The Darwin Center sent out messages throughout the world to locate any other turtles and Diego was found at the San Diego zoo (hense the name). He was put into the inclosure with the rest of his kind. It happened to be breeding season and Diego was SUPER! He helped in the process of saving this species. he apparently had to be taken out of the enclosure because he was a little to super.
Once we left the Darwin Center, we were handed our bags and said our goodbyes to everyone we had met. Everyone was continuing to the airport and we were starying on the island for a few more days. When saying our goodbyes we saw Fabrizio (our old guide) with his new group...awkward. This wa such a great experience and if people have the money I would recomend going on a cruise of the Galapagos. It is worth it to have a guide who is trained (a naturalist 3). It was the most amazing experience.
02/01/08
Cruise Day 7
Today we went to Floreana Island. We walked through a lava tube in the morning. It was a very steep climb into the tube and a part that was hard to stand up, but when we got to the bottom there was no problem. It was completely dark and we needed flashlights. Once we were down there someone wanted to turn off the flash lights and enjoy the silence. I was affraid that I would start laughing, but warned the group. But I was not the first one to start laughing. people started making noises, which then made it appropriate for me to laugh.
Once that was over, we climber out of the tube and went to a little place called Post Office bay. This is a little mailebox created a long time ago by whales and explorers. People would put letters in a box and when new people arrived they would search through the mail and if any of it was going to their home, they would take it and hand deliver the letter. it would take up to 5 years sometimes. This is still active for tourists today. I placed a post card in the box and we will see if it ever makes it where it was going. We were allowed to snorkel off the beach, but I was a little tired. Instead I sat and watched. i was also invited to play soccer with all of the cabin boys.
Later we went snorkeling at a place called Devils crown. It was the best snorkeling of the trip. we were snorkeling from the pangas again, wich always makes me nervous but I feel more comfortable when Antonio snorkels with us, despite the fact that he provokes the sharks. When we got into the water it was so clear and deep you could see nothing but blue. it was rather creepy. Once we swam closer to the rocks we began seeing all sorts of sea life. once I looked down I had a minor freak out. I was swimming over 6 or 7 sharks. They were circling right below me! It was so hard to keep my legs still and not freak out. it was by far the scariest thing ever! I moved away slowly after observing the sharks. Then i saw a school of rays. they are so graceful in the water. We saw many schools of fish and even fish we had yet to see snorkeling. it was so clear and blue. it was so quietyou could hear the fish. Snorkeling was amazing. perfect conditions and many different animals. Again, another great day.
In the afternoon we walked to Punta Cormorant and saw iguanas and flamingos. We also saw the usual sea lions and SEA TURTLES! Absolutely amazing. The sea turtles were coming on shore getting ready to lay eggs. An absolutely spectacular event. We were so close, we backed off to give them space. it has to be hard to be a sea turlte. i could have watched them all day long. i got some pictures, but I tried to keep my distance so I wouldn´t put these animals in any more distress. then we went back to the flamingos and Antonio told us about the history of the island and the animals.
We went back to the boat and had a farewell cocktail (very strong, good bartender) then we had some bottles of wine and chatted until the morning. We had to finally go to bed and make sure our belongings were packed. This was such a fun group of people, it was again hard to say goodbye.
01/31/08
Once that was over, we climber out of the tube and went to a little place called Post Office bay. This is a little mailebox created a long time ago by whales and explorers. People would put letters in a box and when new people arrived they would search through the mail and if any of it was going to their home, they would take it and hand deliver the letter. it would take up to 5 years sometimes. This is still active for tourists today. I placed a post card in the box and we will see if it ever makes it where it was going. We were allowed to snorkel off the beach, but I was a little tired. Instead I sat and watched. i was also invited to play soccer with all of the cabin boys.
Later we went snorkeling at a place called Devils crown. It was the best snorkeling of the trip. we were snorkeling from the pangas again, wich always makes me nervous but I feel more comfortable when Antonio snorkels with us, despite the fact that he provokes the sharks. When we got into the water it was so clear and deep you could see nothing but blue. it was rather creepy. Once we swam closer to the rocks we began seeing all sorts of sea life. once I looked down I had a minor freak out. I was swimming over 6 or 7 sharks. They were circling right below me! It was so hard to keep my legs still and not freak out. it was by far the scariest thing ever! I moved away slowly after observing the sharks. Then i saw a school of rays. they are so graceful in the water. We saw many schools of fish and even fish we had yet to see snorkeling. it was so clear and blue. it was so quietyou could hear the fish. Snorkeling was amazing. perfect conditions and many different animals. Again, another great day.
In the afternoon we walked to Punta Cormorant and saw iguanas and flamingos. We also saw the usual sea lions and SEA TURTLES! Absolutely amazing. The sea turtles were coming on shore getting ready to lay eggs. An absolutely spectacular event. We were so close, we backed off to give them space. it has to be hard to be a sea turlte. i could have watched them all day long. i got some pictures, but I tried to keep my distance so I wouldn´t put these animals in any more distress. then we went back to the flamingos and Antonio told us about the history of the island and the animals.
We went back to the boat and had a farewell cocktail (very strong, good bartender) then we had some bottles of wine and chatted until the morning. We had to finally go to bed and make sure our belongings were packed. This was such a fun group of people, it was again hard to say goodbye.
01/31/08
Cruise Day 6
Today was a fun and yet trecherous day. We are on the island of Española. In the morning we went to Gardner bay and walked along a gorgeous beach with hundreds of sea lions. the waster was so clear and blue it was amazing. We also saw birds, crabs and iguanas. We had plenty of time to walk and enjoy the beach with these magnificent creatures.
Then we went snorkeling from the beach. We again saw many fish and rays. Antonio even poked at a shark and it came out for a little bit and then went back into hiding. i was breathing so hard when he was playing with the shark. I know that sharks usually don´t attack unless provoked, I felt that he was being provoked. Apparently I was wrong though.
After lunch we went on a long hike, approximately 2 hours. We saw sea lions, christmas iguanas, blue-footed boobies, hawks, nasca boobies and galapagos gulls. The sun was so hot and just beating down. i believe it was 108 degrees. Luckily we got caught in a down pour of rain which felt so good after getting an intense beating from the sun. But the rocks were slippery and we were soaked. We again learned a lot and had a good day despite getting burned and caught in a down pour and being exhausted. (Plus more fun stories about people on the boat)
01/30/08
Then we went snorkeling from the beach. We again saw many fish and rays. Antonio even poked at a shark and it came out for a little bit and then went back into hiding. i was breathing so hard when he was playing with the shark. I know that sharks usually don´t attack unless provoked, I felt that he was being provoked. Apparently I was wrong though.
After lunch we went on a long hike, approximately 2 hours. We saw sea lions, christmas iguanas, blue-footed boobies, hawks, nasca boobies and galapagos gulls. The sun was so hot and just beating down. i believe it was 108 degrees. Luckily we got caught in a down pour of rain which felt so good after getting an intense beating from the sun. But the rocks were slippery and we were soaked. We again learned a lot and had a good day despite getting burned and caught in a down pour and being exhausted. (Plus more fun stories about people on the boat)
01/30/08
Cruise Day 5
Today we landed on San Cristobal Island. We took the pangas to the shore and rode in a bus to the highlands to a turtle conservation and breeding station. We learned a lot about the history of the turtles and how they became endangered and on the verge of extinction. We were allowed to walk around the park so me and Sarah went on a trail. we came to a point that looked like the trail had ended and went back. on the way back, we passed our group. we thought nothing of it, until they didn´t come back. we were lost. So we went back up the trail and kept going and finally came to the turtle nursery. At the nursery the keep the turtles protected in cages until their shells harded to avoid getting eaten. They were so small. Its funny because at a year old, Galapagos turtles look like our pet turtles.
Then we came back to town and were allowed to shop. it was fun, but I found nothing that I loved, which is hard for me to believe. We were also allowed to stroll on the sea lion beach. it was nice to get off the boat for a while and walk around. However, I almost had land sickness. i could barely stand still, I would fall and sway. It was a very weird feeling.
We got back on the boat and went snorkeling on Sea Lion Island. i have never swollowed so much salt water in my life. We swam with at least 20 sea lions and it was so much funn I kept smiling and laughing, hense the large amount of salt water intake. We also saw about 3 rays as well.
After snorkeling we went back to the boat and changed to go on sore at Sea Lion Island. When getting on shore there were so many nursing mom and baby sea lions we had to walk on rocks not to get in their way. Apparently mommy sea lions and can get fiesty when disturbed. i was on the second boat and by the time the first boat had made it to shore, Antonio had to jump in our boat because the male sea lion was not happy and trying to attack him. once the male sea lion was back in the water we had to hurry on shore in case he came back. Once onshore there were a ton of sea lions. Many babies and even sea lion afterbirth material. So when I say baby sea lions, I mean baby sea lions. we also saw mating and nesting blue-footed boobies. We again learned lots of interesting information.
Once back on board it was Heidi´s 60th birthday and we had cake. She was on land all day because the fiance was not doing well. they actually stayed on San Cristobal for the rest of the trip. I have a lot of funny stories about the people on the boat, so if you want to know, just send me an email.
After dinner monica and Juan Carlos started a dance party. Surprisingly I was very reserved because it was real dancing. Not "Margaret style dancing". I had so much fun sitting and watching. i eventually joined in but I was really having fun watching. it was so funny because Monica and juan Carlos did an interpretation of the Blue-footed Booby mating dance. It was again a good day!
01/29/08
Then we came back to town and were allowed to shop. it was fun, but I found nothing that I loved, which is hard for me to believe. We were also allowed to stroll on the sea lion beach. it was nice to get off the boat for a while and walk around. However, I almost had land sickness. i could barely stand still, I would fall and sway. It was a very weird feeling.
We got back on the boat and went snorkeling on Sea Lion Island. i have never swollowed so much salt water in my life. We swam with at least 20 sea lions and it was so much funn I kept smiling and laughing, hense the large amount of salt water intake. We also saw about 3 rays as well.
After snorkeling we went back to the boat and changed to go on sore at Sea Lion Island. When getting on shore there were so many nursing mom and baby sea lions we had to walk on rocks not to get in their way. Apparently mommy sea lions and can get fiesty when disturbed. i was on the second boat and by the time the first boat had made it to shore, Antonio had to jump in our boat because the male sea lion was not happy and trying to attack him. once the male sea lion was back in the water we had to hurry on shore in case he came back. Once onshore there were a ton of sea lions. Many babies and even sea lion afterbirth material. So when I say baby sea lions, I mean baby sea lions. we also saw mating and nesting blue-footed boobies. We again learned lots of interesting information.
Once back on board it was Heidi´s 60th birthday and we had cake. She was on land all day because the fiance was not doing well. they actually stayed on San Cristobal for the rest of the trip. I have a lot of funny stories about the people on the boat, so if you want to know, just send me an email.
After dinner monica and Juan Carlos started a dance party. Surprisingly I was very reserved because it was real dancing. Not "Margaret style dancing". I had so much fun sitting and watching. i eventually joined in but I was really having fun watching. it was so funny because Monica and juan Carlos did an interpretation of the Blue-footed Booby mating dance. It was again a good day!
01/29/08
Cruise Day 4
We had an early wake up call today. We had to get up at 6:00 to go to Black turtle Cove so we could see sea turtles, pelicans, rays, frigate birds and sharks. There wa even a blue heron. we went out in the pangas and toured the cove. Saw many turtles mating and rays swimming along. even a bunch of sharks. Jose, one of the panga drivers, knowing my fear told me to look in the water. I eaned over and he pushed me. i didn´t go in but it wasn´t funny. Especially since that morning I had seen a bunch of sharks circling our big boat.
we went back to the boat and had breakfast and said our goodbyes to our new friends, Charlotta, Carlos, jean Carlos (from Guayaquil) their friends Tealy and henny (from Holland) and Oscar and his dad Gert (from Germany). It was sad to see everyone go. We also said goodby to Fabrizio. (Apparently was an unprofessional and unethical guide who got demoted to another boat.) If you want to hear more of the detals and "Chisme" or "gossip" let me know.
We then had lunch and had time to lay around the boat. I fell asleep in the sun and got a little burnt. I got ready to go snorkeling in the afternoon but decided not to. i had sen my fair share of sharks today. So i hung out in the panga with Pablo, the other driver. The water was merky and I was told that i didn´t miss much. it was funny because Pablo pushed Sarah in. That was amuzing at least. Especially because once we got back to the boat and were coming down stairs, her pants fell down and she mooned me. partly because we hadn´t done laundry in forever and everything was hanging off of us, but none the less having Pablo push her in was a sweet revenge.
When we got back to the boat I fell asleep in the sun again. i woke up to meet our new guide Antonia who was absolutely FANTASTIC! I could tell that he truely loves his job and cares anout what he does. I learned so much from the 4 days with him. After Antonio came on board, he walked into Monica and Juan Carlos singing tango and opera to us, the new people came. one group was a family from Switzerland, the father, mother Heidi, Son Silvan, son Stephan, stephan´s fiance, and daughter Martina. Then a couple of friends Marylin who is English but from Canafda and her friend Hiya from Israel(?). We never saw the fiance because she had been sick and was still getting sick all night.
In the afternoon we went to Plazas Island where there were a ton of frigate birds and iguanas. Then there were hundreds of sea lions. The surrounding land was a beautiful red color. I was so close to all of the animals it was really hard not to touch them. But I didn´t. Antonio taught us so much about the land and the animals it was unreal. I am so thankful to have Antonio as our guide.
After dinner the 8 original guests discussed the gossip that is going on with our old guide and all got on the same page. I had a headache before dinner and it continued. I figured it was from too much sun and not enough water. I also think it got worst smelling the smoke from the cigarettes that people were smoking. The boat startred moving and it didn´t help the situation. All of the new guests were sick in their rooms and we decided to go and help Jose drive the boat. we were up there for a while chatting away and then I really had to go to bed because I didn´t feel well.
Well I went and laid down and Sarah was brushing her teeth. All of a sudden i burst into the bathroom and threw up about 4 times. It was a bad combination of thing in the day. but then I fell asleep really easily and felt fine.
01/28/08
we went back to the boat and had breakfast and said our goodbyes to our new friends, Charlotta, Carlos, jean Carlos (from Guayaquil) their friends Tealy and henny (from Holland) and Oscar and his dad Gert (from Germany). It was sad to see everyone go. We also said goodby to Fabrizio. (Apparently was an unprofessional and unethical guide who got demoted to another boat.) If you want to hear more of the detals and "Chisme" or "gossip" let me know.
We then had lunch and had time to lay around the boat. I fell asleep in the sun and got a little burnt. I got ready to go snorkeling in the afternoon but decided not to. i had sen my fair share of sharks today. So i hung out in the panga with Pablo, the other driver. The water was merky and I was told that i didn´t miss much. it was funny because Pablo pushed Sarah in. That was amuzing at least. Especially because once we got back to the boat and were coming down stairs, her pants fell down and she mooned me. partly because we hadn´t done laundry in forever and everything was hanging off of us, but none the less having Pablo push her in was a sweet revenge.
When we got back to the boat I fell asleep in the sun again. i woke up to meet our new guide Antonia who was absolutely FANTASTIC! I could tell that he truely loves his job and cares anout what he does. I learned so much from the 4 days with him. After Antonio came on board, he walked into Monica and Juan Carlos singing tango and opera to us, the new people came. one group was a family from Switzerland, the father, mother Heidi, Son Silvan, son Stephan, stephan´s fiance, and daughter Martina. Then a couple of friends Marylin who is English but from Canafda and her friend Hiya from Israel(?). We never saw the fiance because she had been sick and was still getting sick all night.
In the afternoon we went to Plazas Island where there were a ton of frigate birds and iguanas. Then there were hundreds of sea lions. The surrounding land was a beautiful red color. I was so close to all of the animals it was really hard not to touch them. But I didn´t. Antonio taught us so much about the land and the animals it was unreal. I am so thankful to have Antonio as our guide.
After dinner the 8 original guests discussed the gossip that is going on with our old guide and all got on the same page. I had a headache before dinner and it continued. I figured it was from too much sun and not enough water. I also think it got worst smelling the smoke from the cigarettes that people were smoking. The boat startred moving and it didn´t help the situation. All of the new guests were sick in their rooms and we decided to go and help Jose drive the boat. we were up there for a while chatting away and then I really had to go to bed because I didn´t feel well.
Well I went and laid down and Sarah was brushing her teeth. All of a sudden i burst into the bathroom and threw up about 4 times. It was a bad combination of thing in the day. but then I fell asleep really easily and felt fine.
01/28/08
Cruise Day 3
In the morning it was the same routine. Our morning hike was to Bartolome Island, which was a huge lava flow. It was really rocky and unsteady which made the hike a little more tricky. it was really interesting, but you had to watch where you stepped because some of the rocks that you thought were solid and steady, were not.
On the morning snorkeling tour I felt pretty good, there was nothing scary seemed to be happening. We were snorkeling from the panga again, which is not my favorite, because if there is something scary, you can´t escape, unlike if you were snorkeling fromt he beach where you can always book it to shore. Well I am doing my thing looking at the pretty fish and creatures when somebody yelled shark! I think to myself screw this (more explicit terms were used) and turned around to get back on the boat. When i turned around, everyone and their grandma were swimming toward me...INCLUDING THE SHARK! Freaked me out! It was about a 6 foot white or silver tipped reef shark. i could tell because I was that close. however i lived with no bites but a near heart attack.
We went back to the boat for lunch and then went and walked up a giant crater. with a great view. This was on Santiago Island. i had to literally step over sleeping sea lions to make it to the trail. that was pretty cool. it was very prety, but a long way up. Many and many stairs to the top. When we came down, the sea lions or lobos as they are called here were still unwilling to move, so once again we had to step over them. The we were off to the beach on Santiago to snorkel.
Snorkeling again, I was not sure if I was ready to get back in after the experience this morning, but i decided to try. I was on the beach and could get away if I needed to. I took my underwater camera with us this time. It was so worth going back into the water. We were snorkeling with penguins and a sea lion and a marine iguana. It was so much fun! Some of the penguins were busy mating, but the others were playing with us in the water. The sea lion was so much fun. He would swim straight at your mask and then right when he would crush into you, he would turn. She did circles and was extremely playful. i hope the pictures come out. I also missed my real camera pictures of the penguins because I didn´t take it out in the panga because I was affraid it would get wet. So I really hope the underwater pictures come out.
When we got back on board we had dinner and chatted some more. Then jean Carlos came running through the cabin screaming dolphins. We followed him outside and a pod of dolphins were lining the boat. it was amazing. they were so close i thought we might run over them but they would speed up and splash in front of the boat everytime. i wanted to go and get my camera, but I was sointo them and didn´t want to miss anything. I am hoping that someone will give me copies of their pictures because it was so amazing. We also had a farewell cocktail that night for the people who were on the 4 day cruise and our guide. Lots of gossip came out of that tomorrow night. This was another spectacular day!
01/27/08
On the morning snorkeling tour I felt pretty good, there was nothing scary seemed to be happening. We were snorkeling from the panga again, which is not my favorite, because if there is something scary, you can´t escape, unlike if you were snorkeling fromt he beach where you can always book it to shore. Well I am doing my thing looking at the pretty fish and creatures when somebody yelled shark! I think to myself screw this (more explicit terms were used) and turned around to get back on the boat. When i turned around, everyone and their grandma were swimming toward me...INCLUDING THE SHARK! Freaked me out! It was about a 6 foot white or silver tipped reef shark. i could tell because I was that close. however i lived with no bites but a near heart attack.
We went back to the boat for lunch and then went and walked up a giant crater. with a great view. This was on Santiago Island. i had to literally step over sleeping sea lions to make it to the trail. that was pretty cool. it was very prety, but a long way up. Many and many stairs to the top. When we came down, the sea lions or lobos as they are called here were still unwilling to move, so once again we had to step over them. The we were off to the beach on Santiago to snorkel.
Snorkeling again, I was not sure if I was ready to get back in after the experience this morning, but i decided to try. I was on the beach and could get away if I needed to. I took my underwater camera with us this time. It was so worth going back into the water. We were snorkeling with penguins and a sea lion and a marine iguana. It was so much fun! Some of the penguins were busy mating, but the others were playing with us in the water. The sea lion was so much fun. He would swim straight at your mask and then right when he would crush into you, he would turn. She did circles and was extremely playful. i hope the pictures come out. I also missed my real camera pictures of the penguins because I didn´t take it out in the panga because I was affraid it would get wet. So I really hope the underwater pictures come out.
When we got back on board we had dinner and chatted some more. Then jean Carlos came running through the cabin screaming dolphins. We followed him outside and a pod of dolphins were lining the boat. it was amazing. they were so close i thought we might run over them but they would speed up and splash in front of the boat everytime. i wanted to go and get my camera, but I was sointo them and didn´t want to miss anything. I am hoping that someone will give me copies of their pictures because it was so amazing. We also had a farewell cocktail that night for the people who were on the 4 day cruise and our guide. Lots of gossip came out of that tomorrow night. This was another spectacular day!
01/27/08
Cruise Day 2
After being awaken many times by fairly intense rocking in the middle of the night, and getting very little sleep we were awaken by our morning breakfast bell. The usual routine on the boat was a wake-up call around 7 (every "call" was the ringing of a bell. Summer camp for grown ups) We missed the wake-up call but heard the breakfast call at 7:30. Around 8:30 or 9:00 we leave in our little pang boats and go on our morning hike. By 10:45 - 11:00 we are back on the boat and getting ready to go on our morning snorkeling adventure. Then by 12:00 or 1:00 we are back from snorkeling and have lunch. Then around 2:45 we go out for an afternoon snorkeling trip (never in the same place) and are back on board by 3:30 - 4:00 for our afternoon hike. By the time we get back from the afternoon hike it is almost 6:00 and dinner is getting ready. We eat and then sit around and chat until we decide its time to go to bed and start all over again. It seemed as if we were always busy.
So thats the usual schedule. Today however, we woke up late, had brakfast and went on a hike to North Seymour Island. We walked all over the island and saw a bunch of animals. We saw marine and land iguanas, frigate birds, sea lions and blue-footed boobies. It was so much fun! Especially because many of the birds were nesting and we could seem the mating dance of the boobies(HILARIOUS) abd some eggs and even little chicks. I think we have some good pictures. I learned a lot about the animals and the land. (Very exciting stuff for a life science buff!!!) I could not believe how close we could get to some of the animals. It was so incredibly hard not to touch them! I love to touch them! But I managed not to.
Next was our snorkeling adventure. I hate sharks. Super scared of sharks and was really debating not going. However, I was peer-pressured into it and the crew made fun of me saying that Galapagos sharks are all vegetarian. So i gave in and got all my equipment. My mask and snorkel, flippers and wet-suit. I look pretty good in all that equipment. It was great visibility and we saw tons of different colored fish, starfish and little sea creatures. No shark sightings so it was a good day. We snorkeled from the panga (our little boat) I was affraid that if I got out and in the water, I wouldn´t be able to climb my big butt back into the boat, however, I was able to manage, it didn't look pretty.
We went back on board and had lunch, then a had a little down time and went on a hike to Las Bachas. We saw a whopping one flamingo and then went snorkeling from the beach. I was not a big fan of this snorkeling trip because the water was merky and you couldn't see much. I don`t like not seeing what`s in front of me and decided that I would get out. There was also a really strong current and it just didn`t feel right. Once we got back to our hboat and got showered the crew was having fun and jumping off the boat. They tried to get me to jump off the boat. First, I had just gotten all of the salt water off of me and had no desire to take another shower. Second, I am not jumping off a 5 story boat into the middle of the ocean. They got Carlos and Jean Carlos to jump off the 4th story, I watched.
Then at dinner we talked for hours and sat around. it was a lot of fun. I could call it a great day.
01/26/08
So thats the usual schedule. Today however, we woke up late, had brakfast and went on a hike to North Seymour Island. We walked all over the island and saw a bunch of animals. We saw marine and land iguanas, frigate birds, sea lions and blue-footed boobies. It was so much fun! Especially because many of the birds were nesting and we could seem the mating dance of the boobies(HILARIOUS) abd some eggs and even little chicks. I think we have some good pictures. I learned a lot about the animals and the land. (Very exciting stuff for a life science buff!!!) I could not believe how close we could get to some of the animals. It was so incredibly hard not to touch them! I love to touch them! But I managed not to.
Next was our snorkeling adventure. I hate sharks. Super scared of sharks and was really debating not going. However, I was peer-pressured into it and the crew made fun of me saying that Galapagos sharks are all vegetarian. So i gave in and got all my equipment. My mask and snorkel, flippers and wet-suit. I look pretty good in all that equipment. It was great visibility and we saw tons of different colored fish, starfish and little sea creatures. No shark sightings so it was a good day. We snorkeled from the panga (our little boat) I was affraid that if I got out and in the water, I wouldn´t be able to climb my big butt back into the boat, however, I was able to manage, it didn't look pretty.
We went back on board and had lunch, then a had a little down time and went on a hike to Las Bachas. We saw a whopping one flamingo and then went snorkeling from the beach. I was not a big fan of this snorkeling trip because the water was merky and you couldn't see much. I don`t like not seeing what`s in front of me and decided that I would get out. There was also a really strong current and it just didn`t feel right. Once we got back to our hboat and got showered the crew was having fun and jumping off the boat. They tried to get me to jump off the boat. First, I had just gotten all of the salt water off of me and had no desire to take another shower. Second, I am not jumping off a 5 story boat into the middle of the ocean. They got Carlos and Jean Carlos to jump off the 4th story, I watched.
Then at dinner we talked for hours and sat around. it was a lot of fun. I could call it a great day.
01/26/08
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Cruise Day 1
It´s official! We are going to the Galapagos on an 8 day cruise. We packed our bags in Guayaquil andwent to the airport to get on our plane to the land of giant tortises. Once we got on the plane, we were stunned because somehow we ended up in first class. I will not complain about that mistake. We arrive at the galapagos airport and have to be sanitized by the crew to make sure we aren´t bringing any foreign germs into their islands. We are off the plane, grab our luggage and are shuffled into a bus to take us to a ferry. The airport is on Baltra Island and we needed to take a ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Once we get off the ferry another bus, just for our boat, Queen of Galapagos! That´s right a luxury catameran that has 5 stories, 10 crew members (cabin boys), the captain, a natualist 3 guide, and 16 guests. It was a great boat.
Once we get onboard and have our room assignments we get shuttled back to land, Port Ayora and take a bus to the high lands to visit the giant turtles. That was so amazing. They are so big! I knew they were big but I could scrunch up into their shell. We walked around and could go right next to them. We could hear them breath. Sometimes they growled when people would get too close and they didn´t like it. It was such a peaceful area filled with flowers, green grass and tress all around. There were even ponds for them to go swimming if they needed.
(Sidenote to those who understand...if you don´t understand send me an email) The day before I left to the Galapagos, I was terrified about snorkeling with sharks. I sent Micaela a message on myspace asking for encouragement and strength. I told her that I hoped to see her there, since be both had longed to go and visit the animals we both cherrished. As soon as I got out of the bus to walk into the field, butterflies appeared and circled me, then followed me on the walk through the turtles. It was an amazing experience. Later, before every snorkeling trip we had, a butterfly flew by the boat. She was looking out for me, letting me know it would be okay. The rest of my adventures on the island were butterfly free, only whne I first got there and before every snorkeling excursion.
Once we were done visiting the giant turtles we went into town and were allowed to go shopping for an hour or so. I love shopping, but only bought postcards, which I have yet to send, sorry guys. It was nice to look at the city and slowely get used to the surroundings.
After shopping we got back on board an had a welcome coacktail, where the crew were dressed up in their cute little white uniforms. We had our drink (good and strong...the bartender was very genorous) and then had dinner and got to know everyone on board. It was such a mix of people, but we had so much fun!
There was a family from Guayaquil, Carlotta, carlos and their son Jean Carlos. Theyown a giant bakery in Guayaquil. Carlotta and Jean Carlos were able to speak English, which was nice for us. They had two friends, Henny and Tealy from Holland, who were bakers and have since retired and go around and help struggling bakeries. They came out for a visit and went on the cruise with their long time friends. Next was this woman, Perla, who was traveling by herself. she seemed to have traveled all over by herself and has done very well. She was much older and had a lot of spunk. She only spoke spanish but was determined to talk to us! Then a father and son team from Germany. gert is a retired doctor and speaks very little English but had good knowledge about beer. His Son Oscar spoke German, English and Spanish. He was very helpful at times. These people were only on the cruise for 4 days.
The rest of the 8 day members were Monica and John Carlos from Argentina. The are learning English, and are quite good. They tried to teach us some Spanish, but we weren´t that good of students. these two are spitfires and full of energy, as you will hear later. They had been traveling with another couple from Argentina, Anna and Noberto. Anna doesn´t speak English but is desperately trying. Noberto had been holding back and knows more English than what he had lead us to blieve. Then a couple from Australia, John and Lavina. We had many great nights of conversations and laughs with them. This was such a fun group of people! We had a blast.
So how the boat worked, is we would travel at night (most of the time) and in the morning we would wake up, have breakfast, go on a hike to see plants and animals, come back to the boat and go snorkeling, come back to the boat and have lunch. After lunch we would have a longer hike with more plants and animals and then an afternoon snorkeling trip. come back to the boat and have dinner and chit chat for the rest of the night. Get up and do it again the next day.
The first night, we were awaken by the boat rocking. It was pretty bad but we all lived and had to get used to the motion of the boat. We were able to get back to sleep and embrace the rocking. It was a great first day and introduction to these unbelieveable islands.
01/25/08
Once we get onboard and have our room assignments we get shuttled back to land, Port Ayora and take a bus to the high lands to visit the giant turtles. That was so amazing. They are so big! I knew they were big but I could scrunch up into their shell. We walked around and could go right next to them. We could hear them breath. Sometimes they growled when people would get too close and they didn´t like it. It was such a peaceful area filled with flowers, green grass and tress all around. There were even ponds for them to go swimming if they needed.
(Sidenote to those who understand...if you don´t understand send me an email) The day before I left to the Galapagos, I was terrified about snorkeling with sharks. I sent Micaela a message on myspace asking for encouragement and strength. I told her that I hoped to see her there, since be both had longed to go and visit the animals we both cherrished. As soon as I got out of the bus to walk into the field, butterflies appeared and circled me, then followed me on the walk through the turtles. It was an amazing experience. Later, before every snorkeling trip we had, a butterfly flew by the boat. She was looking out for me, letting me know it would be okay. The rest of my adventures on the island were butterfly free, only whne I first got there and before every snorkeling excursion.
Once we were done visiting the giant turtles we went into town and were allowed to go shopping for an hour or so. I love shopping, but only bought postcards, which I have yet to send, sorry guys. It was nice to look at the city and slowely get used to the surroundings.
After shopping we got back on board an had a welcome coacktail, where the crew were dressed up in their cute little white uniforms. We had our drink (good and strong...the bartender was very genorous) and then had dinner and got to know everyone on board. It was such a mix of people, but we had so much fun!
There was a family from Guayaquil, Carlotta, carlos and their son Jean Carlos. Theyown a giant bakery in Guayaquil. Carlotta and Jean Carlos were able to speak English, which was nice for us. They had two friends, Henny and Tealy from Holland, who were bakers and have since retired and go around and help struggling bakeries. They came out for a visit and went on the cruise with their long time friends. Next was this woman, Perla, who was traveling by herself. she seemed to have traveled all over by herself and has done very well. She was much older and had a lot of spunk. She only spoke spanish but was determined to talk to us! Then a father and son team from Germany. gert is a retired doctor and speaks very little English but had good knowledge about beer. His Son Oscar spoke German, English and Spanish. He was very helpful at times. These people were only on the cruise for 4 days.
The rest of the 8 day members were Monica and John Carlos from Argentina. The are learning English, and are quite good. They tried to teach us some Spanish, but we weren´t that good of students. these two are spitfires and full of energy, as you will hear later. They had been traveling with another couple from Argentina, Anna and Noberto. Anna doesn´t speak English but is desperately trying. Noberto had been holding back and knows more English than what he had lead us to blieve. Then a couple from Australia, John and Lavina. We had many great nights of conversations and laughs with them. This was such a fun group of people! We had a blast.
So how the boat worked, is we would travel at night (most of the time) and in the morning we would wake up, have breakfast, go on a hike to see plants and animals, come back to the boat and go snorkeling, come back to the boat and have lunch. After lunch we would have a longer hike with more plants and animals and then an afternoon snorkeling trip. come back to the boat and have dinner and chit chat for the rest of the night. Get up and do it again the next day.
The first night, we were awaken by the boat rocking. It was pretty bad but we all lived and had to get used to the motion of the boat. We were able to get back to sleep and embrace the rocking. It was a great first day and introduction to these unbelieveable islands.
01/25/08
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