Month: January 2022

The day started early with us leaving the boat at 08:00 and landing on the dock at Santa Cruz Island. The dock had sea lions parked on the benches at the wharf, sharks swimming in the bay, golden rays skimming the surface of the water, turtles lazily floating near the shore and an iguana swimming by just to provide us with something else to talk about. The dock had all the animals we had delighted in seeing during our various travels among the islands. Soon we boarded a bus to get dropped off at the entrance to the Darwin Station.  There we learned about the efforts of the Ecuadorian National Park Service to protect and save the 14 endangered species of tortoises that inhabit the various islands.  We learned the history of “Lonesome George”, who was the last of his species and died several years ago bringing his species to extinction. From the first moment we landed in Ecuador and each day after we have been impressed with the respect and compassion that the Ecuadorian people have for other people, animals, and their environment. We had an opportunity to learn the extensive steps that the people of Galapagos take to protect the unique inhabitants of the islands.  We were impressed by the people in Quito who walked the streets fully masked to protect others.  Rarely did we see someone who was not wearing it properly. In the islands of Galapagos we learned how extensive efforts are to recycle and the management of farms and pets to avoid the destruction of the beautiful islands. At the dock at Santa Cruz, we saw a display under a pop-up shelter which read:  “I respect your desire to smoke.  Please respect my desire to live.”

After our Darwin Station tour, we had free time and took advantage of that to enjoy the Santa Cruz community. Kathy, Dave, Elena, and Chris strolled back the mile to the dock, occasionally popping into a store to peruse the wares or stop for ice cream for Kathy, or coffee for Chris.  The goal of the morning was to find empanadas for Elena.  Unfortunately, we were thwarted in that endeavor.  Elena did find several items to buy and both couples bought postcards to leave on Post Card Island. Noon came quickly and we boarded the dinghy back to the boat were we enjoyed a typical Ecuadorian meal for lunch.

The day was not yet done. Soon we were back on the dinghies and headed back to Santa Cruz Island to visit the lush green highlands. We visited a giant turtle reserve and learned about the efforts to save and preserve the gentle giant tortoises.  We learned how they work on finding a balance of keeping the turtles safe while coexisting with ranches and farms.  The entire group shared a drink at a local pub and soon we were back on board. Dinner was a magnificent affair where we got the best banana cake ever……G would have been quite impressed. We did figure out the email which we were supposed to have received from G.  It had gone into our spam folders.  We were thankful she had set up a shared drive to share our photos with each other. G, if you read this, we hope you get the postcard from us is hand delivered by the love of your life.  And remember, we want an invitation to the wedding if it comes to fruition!

Today was an early start, breakfast at 06:30 in the morning, really?? Apparently the walk through the giant cacti forest is a popular spot for day trippers so we needed to get to the island early. The smallest island, South Plazas has the largest population of land iguanas in the Galapagos. We were glad we went early as it was a bit cooler than I am sure it was later in the day. We walked through a forest of giant cactus that developed in order to keep the land tortoises from eating them. The iguanas were a golden color.

Soon we were back on boat where we only got to rest for a few minutes before we put on our snorkel gear and were off to swim with the sharks.  Yep, you read that right!! We saw quite a few fish, turtles, eagle rays, sting rays, a trio of black tipped sharks, and quite a few sea lions including several bulls. The bulls were not happy with having visitors and showed their displeasure.  We backed away from them, at least as well as you can back up in water.  The swim was in crystal clear water and we had amazing views of the aquatic inhabitants of the ocean.

The last adventure of the day was a two hour walk along North Plazas Island where we again got to see some cacti, but on this island they did not reach to the same heights. We walked along a cliff edge and enjoyed the high views of the water hitting the walls of the cliffs. At one overlook we peered over the edge at a large manta ray swimming at the top of the ocean. The ray looked as big as a large area carpet. The graceful swimming of the ray mesmerized us all.  We saw a group of bachelor sea lions that are the juveniles and losers and do not have their own harem. We could see cormorants swimming in the ocean from high above as they worked at catching the fist in the rocky shallows. Soon we were back on board where the engines started up and we quickly started going to our next stop, civilization!  This will be the island of Santa Cruz where we hope to shop and visit the Darwin Center.

Today was all about favorites, French toast with fresh fruit and coffee for Kathy and three glasses of juice for Dave. We then took a nice walk on a white sand beach where we got to see sea lions basking in the summer sun rays. Soon we were snorkeling off the beach where we cavorted with sea lions and swam around a great big rock in the middle of the lagoon. We saw a multitude of brightly colored fish and a few stingrays. Soon we were back on the boat for a quick restroom break as the group decided that rather than a longer break, a short break in-between snorkeling events would be better. It was quite nice as we did not have to take off our wet suits and put them back on, which made for a nice change. We then had a guided snorkel trail where we got to see the bright yellow puffer fish lurking under an overhang of a rock. We also saw other brightly colored schools of fish and of course we got to play some more with the sea lions. We were lucky enough to see Omar’s favorite fish which looked like hieroglyphics painted on its scales. All in all it was a lovely morning. A relaxing lunch soon followed and then the obligatory siesta time and we were soon refreshed for our next adventure.
Next stop one of Omar’s favorite walks. We soon figured out why it was one of the best. It started off as a dry landing where we navigated a rocky volcanic landscape. We saw red and blue iguanas sitting in the sun, Galapagos doves, and several types of marine birds. We were lucky enough to see Albatrosses in the area along with some juveniles. Normally this time of year it is rare to see them on Española Island. We walked along a cliff edge where we saw a blow hole. In the distance we saw two hawks perched majestically on top of some rocks. The trip back to the landing point saw a mom sea lion and her baby taking up the bottom step of the landing. Omar, our brave sailor who picked us up at the landing gently shooed the mom and baby into the water. The staff and guide of our boat the Yolita ll are very thoughtful and respectful of the environment and the animals that inhabit the island.
The day ended for us with a science lecture by Omar our guide and a lovely dinner. It was time to nurse a glass of wine on the upper deck watching the sun set for Kathy and a glass of water for Dave.
ay was all about favorites, French toast with fresh fruit and coffee for Kathy and three glasses of juice for Dave. We then took a nice walk on a white sand beach where we got to see sea lions basking in the summer sun rays. Soon we were snorkeling off the beach where we cavorted with sea lions and swam around a great big rock in the middle of the lagoon. We saw a multitude of brightly colored fish and a few stingrays. Soon we were back on the boat for a quick restroom break as the group decided that rather than a longer break, a short break in-between snorkeling events would be better. It was quite nice as we did not have to take off our wet suits and put them back on, which made for a nice change. We then had a guided snorkel trail where we got to see the bright yellow puffer fish lurking under an overhang of a rock. We also saw other brightly colored schools of fish and of course we got to play some more with the sea lions. We were lucky enough to see Omar’s favorite fish which looked like hieroglyphics painted on its scales. All in all it was a lovely morning. A relaxing lunch soon followed and then the obligatory siesta time and we were soon refreshed for our next adventure.
Next stop one of Omar’s favorite walks. We soon figured out why it was one of the best. It started off as a dry landing where we navigated a rocky volcanic landscape. We saw red and blue iguanas sitting in the sun, Galapagos doves, and several types of marine birds. We were lucky enough to see Albatrosses in the area along with some juveniles. Normally this time of year it is rare to see them on Española Island. We walked along a cliff edge where we saw a blow hole. In the distance we saw two hawks perched majestically on top of some rocks. The trip back to the landing point saw a mom sea lion and her baby taking up the bottom step of the landing. Omar, our brave sailor who picked us up at the landing gently shooed the mom and baby into the water. The staff and guide of our boat the Yolita ll are very thoughtful and respectful of the environment and the animals that inhabit the island.
The day ended for us with a science lecture by Omar our guide and a lovely dinner. It was time to nurse a glass of wine on the upper deck watching the sun set for Kathy and a glass of water for Dave.

The ever present Monday “blues” takes on new meaning when you are on a boat in the middle of the Galapagos. We started out the day with an amazing breakfast and then we were soon off! We started off our morning adventure by riding in a dingy along the rocky edge of a small island.  We boated though an opening in the island’s cliffs where the walls created an illusion of being in a large cathedral.  We spent a total of three hours walking a beautiful white sandy beach. We then went snorkeling off the beach and watched sea lions swim under and all around us. Swimming with sea lions was a treat, but definitely we cautiously enjoyed the moment as they seemed quite large. We enjoyed a quick boat ride around Kicking Island (named so because it is shaped like a soccer cleat!) where we saw the island we had seen from the distance. We saw the craggy cliffs and enjoyed watching the nesting birds. Lunch with the girls at one table and the boys at another was a fun change of pace where the girls chatted about a variety of interesting subjects and the boys talked about sports. Single minded lot that they are!! Then it was time for a siesta where Kathy fell promptly asleep listening to a lesson about dinosaurs.

Three o’clock was soon here and the next snorkeling adventure was on Sea Lions cove.  Dave opted to go with Chris, Elena, and Katya while Kathy hung out with Elizabeth and Ed on the upper deck. Dave swam with several playful sea lions who thought Dave’s camera was a food treat for them.  He also got some good footage of a sea turtle swimming and a sting ray at the sea bottom.  Of course, there were also plenty of colorful fish and sea cucumbers.  Afterwards, we all reunited at the boat and got ready for another land expedition.  We went ashore on Sea Lion cove and saw many marine iguanas, and nesting frigate birds and blue boobies.  Dave got some footage of a mother blue-footed booby trying to feed her young’n. While the baby had its head in the mom’s beak feeding, a frigate bird swooped down and tried to take the fish away.  This is why the frigate bird is sometimes called the “pirate bird.”

At dinner, we went back to enjoying meals with our respective spouses.  It was another good meal topped off with a dessert of cheesecake (that was almost like a custard cake.)  After more lively discussion, it was time to repair to our cabins, where Kathy promptly fell asleep, leaving Dave high and dry!

Today started out early with us traveling around an island just looking at the island’s volcanic rocks and the birds hanging around the shore. Breakfast soon followed which seemed more rushed, yet subdued. The six departing passengers soon left the boat bright and early at 08:30 in the morning. During the time that Omar escorted the six to the airport to make sure they got through security and pick up our expected guests, we took the opportunity to do some laundry (scrubbing our clothes in the bathroom sink and then hanging then from a line on the top deck), read our books, and just relax to the swaying of the boat.

Omar did not return to the boat until almost noon.  And he came alone. The young lady tested positive for COVID in Quito and would have to quarantine in her hotel room for the next 10 days. How heartbreaking to be so close yet so far away. We all felt bad that she managed to get to Ecuador but could not enter the Galapagos.

Time though was on our side and we had an opportunity to snorkel off the dingy.  We saw brightly colored fish, eagle rays, and white tipped reef sharks. The water was choppy and took work, but it was well worth it as the water was clear and warm.  The last little bit of our day was a “walk about” on an island where we had the good fortune to see a male blue footed boobie courting a female boobie. We don’t know if they became a couple, but Kathy – being the ever romantic – is sure that they are currently building a nest together and planning the next generation of blue footed boobies. We also saw a land iguana perched atop a cactus chomping on the top of the plant. Without a doubt, it made for one of the best photos we captured of the land iguanas.

The rest of the time was spent relaxing. We had a lovely dinner and then for the majority of us we settled into our rooms to relax for the evening. The boat was soon headed out to get to our next stop in the morning.

The most important thing, the Bills WON!!!!! Next week is the first game of the playoffs where we meet the Patriots in the playoffs!!

The last full day with the entire group began with a bang.  We started the day with a dingy ride around Buccaneer Cove where we got to see swallow-tailed gulls (the only nocturnal gull in the word), brown noddys, blue-footed boobies with babies, frigates, and the “Praying Monk” rock. It was a relaxing way to begin the day. A cruise around an island is always fun and you can’t go wrong with starting your day off that way.

The next part of the day was snorkeling off of the dingy.  We saw tons of fish, some eagle rays and turtles, and swam through schools of fish which were brightly colored. We swam into a cave with the sun hitting the water on the way out which made for picturesque underwater scenes that you usually only see in Technicolor movies.

Soon lunch followed (and the mandatory siesta!)  Then it was off to our next adventure where we climbed to the top of Rabida Island and had an amazing lookout point. The view gave us the opportunity to see a nice view of the ocean and the red sand beach. Coming down from the lookout, we had an option to snorkel or stroll along the red sandy beach. The group was split with about the many that stayed on shore as those that snorkeled. G and Irene had the most amazing opportunity to cavort in the water with a group of sea lions that tried stealing a few kisses from the pretty girls. Kathy and Dave strolled hand and hand on the red sand beach where they got to see an American Oyster catcher and many sea lions just relaxing in the hot sun. Dave tried to capture on film a shy crab that was trying exit his hole in the sand until he saw the shadows of the looming giant humans peering into his hole.

Seemed like the idyllic moment ended too soon and we were soon back on the boat where we relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed each other’s company.  We decided it will not be the same when the three amigo’s, G, Irene, and Prity (Rikky) depart the boat along with Maria, Pam, and Jay. We expect to have a young lady from the Netherlands join us tomorrow.