Up bright and early. First order of business, pack up the luggage (aka carry-ons) and put them outside the door for the crew to gather. Next time we see them would be at the hotel in Guayaquil. One last breakfast and one last zodiac ride this time to San Cristobal. One last bus ride to the airport. Then on to Guayaguil for one last night in the Hilton.
We were about to begin the final leg of the journey, a 24 hour journey back to KY. Armed with our luggage and the travel mantra Clair had us versed in – ‘Wallet. Passport. Wallet. Passport....”
We arrived at the airport in plenty of time. There ended up being a 3 hour delay due to ‘mechanical difficulties’. Guess there is a reason they never explain that term. We did receive vouchers for a free lunch. Of course the 3 hour delay in Quayaguil shortened our layover at JFK to 9 hours. There is absolutely no place to sit comfortably at JFK much less think about sleeping. The terminal we needed didn’t even open until 3:45 a.m. I fell asleep for a few minutes with my head resting on my arms at a sushi bar.
From Guayaguil, to NY, to NC to CVG. 23 ½ hours. It was good to be home. Thanks to Joan for picking us up at the airport. Thanks to Joanna for house and dog sitting. Thanks to all who made this trip possible.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 7 - Dec.10
Ho- Hum. Another day of hiking, snorkeling, zodiac riding, beach walking, eating, resting, enjoying the views, enjoying other peoples company, sharing ideas, and knowing that this is our last full day in the Galapagos Islands. What a trip! Have I said that before?
Things I may not have mentioned –
there was a doctor on board the ship
there was an exercise room , small but sufficient
there was a library
they sold crafts from the locals on board
walking sticks were provided – which was great since you can’t pack them in your carry-on
wet suits were also provided
the food was so plentiful, well presented and down right good – so many choices at all times
there were laundry services
beds were made up every day
fresh water delivered to the room 2x per day when needed
coffee, juices, soft drinks available at any time
the bar was fully stocked and Jimmy the bartender was always close by
the bridge had an open door policy which meant that you could go check out things there anytime
all the crew was super friendly and helpful
we were there in the dry season, the bugs were few, the rainfall none
So, if you ever get a chance to go…..
Things I may not have mentioned –
there was a doctor on board the ship
there was an exercise room , small but sufficient
there was a library
they sold crafts from the locals on board
walking sticks were provided – which was great since you can’t pack them in your carry-on
wet suits were also provided
the food was so plentiful, well presented and down right good – so many choices at all times
there were laundry services
beds were made up every day
fresh water delivered to the room 2x per day when needed
coffee, juices, soft drinks available at any time
the bar was fully stocked and Jimmy the bartender was always close by
the bridge had an open door policy which meant that you could go check out things there anytime
all the crew was super friendly and helpful
we were there in the dry season, the bugs were few, the rainfall none
So, if you ever get a chance to go…..
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day 6 - Dec. 9
Up before breakfast once again. Stretching on the Sky Deck once again.
After breakfast we headed for Santa Cruz Island home to the largest human population in the Galapagos. Also home to the Galapagos National Park Service and The Charles Darwin Research Station.
After a dry landing on the island we walked to the Research Center where we saw the many giant (and also baby giant) tortoises. There is one called ‘Lonesome George’ the only one left of his kind. When he is gone his race will vanish from the face of the earth. No other tortoises found match his DNA.
After seeing the research station we were able to walk through town – reminded me a little of El Salvador. We did a little shopping and also bought some postcards for the grandkids and my aunt. Last I heard, and this is over a month ago, Autumn was the only one who has received the postcard. All mailed same place, same time.
A little later we boarded a bus and traveled to a farm in the highland. On the way we stopped at an open air restaurant for lunch but before that we stopped and walked through a lava tunnel. As the name implies it was an underground tunnel formed from flowing lava. It was interesting and a lot like a rough version of many a cave we’ve been in.
The farm we visited was one located in the middle of the tortoise migratory route. There were giant tortoises everywhere. Just moseying around, sunning themselves, munching on leafy greens or enjoying a very muddy puddle. They did not seem to mind us humans being there although I never heard a tortoise growl before.
We returned to the ship before dinner. In the evening a group of local musicians joined us in the lounge. There were three women who performed some folk dances for us. Each dance had its own homemade, hand painted outfit. Very entertaining!
After breakfast we headed for Santa Cruz Island home to the largest human population in the Galapagos. Also home to the Galapagos National Park Service and The Charles Darwin Research Station.
After a dry landing on the island we walked to the Research Center where we saw the many giant (and also baby giant) tortoises. There is one called ‘Lonesome George’ the only one left of his kind. When he is gone his race will vanish from the face of the earth. No other tortoises found match his DNA.
After seeing the research station we were able to walk through town – reminded me a little of El Salvador. We did a little shopping and also bought some postcards for the grandkids and my aunt. Last I heard, and this is over a month ago, Autumn was the only one who has received the postcard. All mailed same place, same time.
A little later we boarded a bus and traveled to a farm in the highland. On the way we stopped at an open air restaurant for lunch but before that we stopped and walked through a lava tunnel. As the name implies it was an underground tunnel formed from flowing lava. It was interesting and a lot like a rough version of many a cave we’ve been in.
The farm we visited was one located in the middle of the tortoise migratory route. There were giant tortoises everywhere. Just moseying around, sunning themselves, munching on leafy greens or enjoying a very muddy puddle. They did not seem to mind us humans being there although I never heard a tortoise growl before.
We returned to the ship before dinner. In the evening a group of local musicians joined us in the lounge. There were three women who performed some folk dances for us. Each dance had its own homemade, hand painted outfit. Very entertaining!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day 5 - Dec. 8
Santiago Island.
This is where Darwin spent most of his ‘on land’ time. He spent a total of 6 weeks in Galapagos, which included only 19 days on land. Nine of which were spent on Santiago Island.
(The movie Master and Commander is the story which includes a little of Darwin’s adventures. We were able to watch the movie since we’ve been home. Filmed in the Galapagos we highly recommended it if you haven’t seen it.)
Another day spent on the water, in the water, under the water - kayaking, swimming, snorkeling. Along with some hiking. When we traveled by zodiac to an island we either had a wet or dry landing depending on the area we were approaching.
A dry landing meant that the zodiac was able to butt itself up against very well placed steps or rocks where we could step from the zodiac on to the inflated side of the boat and then on to dry land. A wet landing meant that the zodiac stopped as close to shore as it could but that we would have to swing our feet over the side of the zodiac and jump off into – hopefully no more that knee deep water. Sometimes this worked well – sometimes not so much. If we did a wet landing with the intent to hike we would have to take along dry shoes for the walk.
When we boarded the ship from the zodiac we had to step on to the inflated side of the zodiac and then on to a ladder to take us up to the ship’s deck. This was always a two handed accomplishment. Most of the time it worked very well.
This is where Darwin spent most of his ‘on land’ time. He spent a total of 6 weeks in Galapagos, which included only 19 days on land. Nine of which were spent on Santiago Island.
(The movie Master and Commander is the story which includes a little of Darwin’s adventures. We were able to watch the movie since we’ve been home. Filmed in the Galapagos we highly recommended it if you haven’t seen it.)
Another day spent on the water, in the water, under the water - kayaking, swimming, snorkeling. Along with some hiking. When we traveled by zodiac to an island we either had a wet or dry landing depending on the area we were approaching.
A dry landing meant that the zodiac was able to butt itself up against very well placed steps or rocks where we could step from the zodiac on to the inflated side of the boat and then on to dry land. A wet landing meant that the zodiac stopped as close to shore as it could but that we would have to swing our feet over the side of the zodiac and jump off into – hopefully no more that knee deep water. Sometimes this worked well – sometimes not so much. If we did a wet landing with the intent to hike we would have to take along dry shoes for the walk.
When we boarded the ship from the zodiac we had to step on to the inflated side of the zodiac and then on to a ladder to take us up to the ship’s deck. This was always a two handed accomplishment. Most of the time it worked very well.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Day 4 - Dec. 7th
The day once again began with stretching on the upper deck. How wonderful!
Then there was breakfast. How wonderful!
Then hikes on the island of Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos group, formed by the fusion of six enormous shield volcanoes. The island has a distinct seahorse shape to it.
Our schedule for the day had two lines printed in caps. THERE ARE INTRODRODUCED WASPS AT THIS SITE. IT IS BEST NOT TO WEAR YELLOW OR WHITE THIS MORNING. Somehow I missed those words of wisdom and wore a very white shirt. But thankfully there were no close encounters with the wasps. How wonderful!
Before lunch anyone who wanted to was invited to participate in a “Megaswim”. A swim from shore to the ship – a distance of about 2,000 ft. Of course Jerry and Clair participated and now have the certificate to prove it. How wonderful!
Jerry and I spent time in a kayak early afternoon. Clair hit the water in her snorkeling gear. How wonderful!
The rest of the day brought more hikes and zodiac rides. How wonderful!
And a restful night’s sleep. How wonderful!
Then there was breakfast. How wonderful!
Then hikes on the island of Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos group, formed by the fusion of six enormous shield volcanoes. The island has a distinct seahorse shape to it.
Our schedule for the day had two lines printed in caps. THERE ARE INTRODRODUCED WASPS AT THIS SITE. IT IS BEST NOT TO WEAR YELLOW OR WHITE THIS MORNING. Somehow I missed those words of wisdom and wore a very white shirt. But thankfully there were no close encounters with the wasps. How wonderful!
Before lunch anyone who wanted to was invited to participate in a “Megaswim”. A swim from shore to the ship – a distance of about 2,000 ft. Of course Jerry and Clair participated and now have the certificate to prove it. How wonderful!
Jerry and I spent time in a kayak early afternoon. Clair hit the water in her snorkeling gear. How wonderful!
The rest of the day brought more hikes and zodiac rides. How wonderful!
And a restful night’s sleep. How wonderful!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 3 12/6
Feast of St. Nicholas
There was an early morning call for those interested in joining the naturalist on the upper deck to view what wildlife might be in the early morning waters. This was one of 2 days where whales were spotted. They were so far from the ship it was difficult to see them. The distance did not permit pursuit so we just used our imaginations. We did however see sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions, and a lonely albatross caused a lot of excitement.
Today was the first time that we crossed the Equator. Everyone was on deck for the countdown. One couple renewed their wedding vows – seems that they do that wherever, whenever they travel. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
Today there was deep water snorkeling. It just means that the water is entered and exited by way of a zodiac as opposed to a beach. Jerry and Clair hit the cold water without a second thought – no surprise there. I decided to stay warm and dry and decided on a zodiac ride instead.
There was a late afternoon walk on an island – again filled with wildlife.
Sleeping on the ship was wonderful. On the advice of many people I took some motion sickness medicine with me. Never once did I feel a need to use it. The rocking motion of the ship was like a giant cradle. There were times when the sea was rough and the rocking motion turned into more like heaving back and forth but it was unique and interesting to experience.
Oh, and St. Nick left chocolates on our pillow again.
There was an early morning call for those interested in joining the naturalist on the upper deck to view what wildlife might be in the early morning waters. This was one of 2 days where whales were spotted. They were so far from the ship it was difficult to see them. The distance did not permit pursuit so we just used our imaginations. We did however see sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions, and a lonely albatross caused a lot of excitement.
Today was the first time that we crossed the Equator. Everyone was on deck for the countdown. One couple renewed their wedding vows – seems that they do that wherever, whenever they travel. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
Today there was deep water snorkeling. It just means that the water is entered and exited by way of a zodiac as opposed to a beach. Jerry and Clair hit the cold water without a second thought – no surprise there. I decided to stay warm and dry and decided on a zodiac ride instead.
There was a late afternoon walk on an island – again filled with wildlife.
Sleeping on the ship was wonderful. On the advice of many people I took some motion sickness medicine with me. Never once did I feel a need to use it. The rocking motion of the ship was like a giant cradle. There were times when the sea was rough and the rocking motion turned into more like heaving back and forth but it was unique and interesting to experience.
Oh, and St. Nick left chocolates on our pillow again.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 2 - Galapagos Islands
Exactly one month ago today – we awoke to our first sunrise aboard ship among the Galapagos Islands. The top deck was partially covered for shade. There were tables and chairs, a bar, lounge chairs and even a couple of hammocks. Not too many people were up for sunrise. Can’t figure that one out because the sun usually found at least the three of us eager and waiting. Some mornings the ship’s masseuse offered stretching exercise on the top deck. No matter if she was there or not, Clair was - doing her yoga stretches and just getting in to all round good shape for the day. But even before the stretches there was fruit, breads, coffee, tea and juices out for the early risers. Ymmm, good!
Today brought the option of a pre-breakfast hike. 399 steps to an altitude of 359 ft. and a 360 view. The steps were built to avoid erosion among the fragile volcanic tuff. Back to the ship by way of the Zodiacs. Back to a full breakfast of so many choices.
After breakfast it was back to the zodiacs, back to the beach. This was to be my first experience in snorkeling. We needed to buddy up with someone. I knew that Clair and Jerry were able to keep up with each other and I didn’t want to hold them back. There was another guy there who asked if I wanted to buddy up with him. God Bless Warren. He was great. Hadn’t snorkeled much. Challenged me but didn’t push me beyond my limits. I guess we were in the water for almost an hour. We saw flounder, octopus, so many different kinds of fish, penguins, reef shark, rays, some coral, turtles, iguanas. What a world opened up to us. Silent and mysterious. Subdued yet overpowering. Occasionally I would forget what I was doing and turn my head to look at something taking in a mouth full of ocean water by way of the snorkeling tube. Even that was okay. After all, that too was a new experience.
Whenever we’d come back from a hike or excursion there would be cookies, tarts, brownies, juice and/or hot chocolate waiting for us.
Most off ship activities took place before noon or later in the day in order to avoid the sun. The majority of our time there was overcast. A true blessing. Still you needed to be careful not to expose yourself to too much sun. The temps were hot but not unbearable. The broad rim sun hats were defiantly in order along with a light weight long sleeve shirt.
There was another nature walk before dinner. The evening was spent listening to one of the naturalists talk about taking pictures of nature. Each evening there was a recap of the day and a preview of tomorrow.
Today brought the option of a pre-breakfast hike. 399 steps to an altitude of 359 ft. and a 360 view. The steps were built to avoid erosion among the fragile volcanic tuff. Back to the ship by way of the Zodiacs. Back to a full breakfast of so many choices.
After breakfast it was back to the zodiacs, back to the beach. This was to be my first experience in snorkeling. We needed to buddy up with someone. I knew that Clair and Jerry were able to keep up with each other and I didn’t want to hold them back. There was another guy there who asked if I wanted to buddy up with him. God Bless Warren. He was great. Hadn’t snorkeled much. Challenged me but didn’t push me beyond my limits. I guess we were in the water for almost an hour. We saw flounder, octopus, so many different kinds of fish, penguins, reef shark, rays, some coral, turtles, iguanas. What a world opened up to us. Silent and mysterious. Subdued yet overpowering. Occasionally I would forget what I was doing and turn my head to look at something taking in a mouth full of ocean water by way of the snorkeling tube. Even that was okay. After all, that too was a new experience.
Whenever we’d come back from a hike or excursion there would be cookies, tarts, brownies, juice and/or hot chocolate waiting for us.
Most off ship activities took place before noon or later in the day in order to avoid the sun. The majority of our time there was overcast. A true blessing. Still you needed to be careful not to expose yourself to too much sun. The temps were hot but not unbearable. The broad rim sun hats were defiantly in order along with a light weight long sleeve shirt.
There was another nature walk before dinner. The evening was spent listening to one of the naturalists talk about taking pictures of nature. Each evening there was a recap of the day and a preview of tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Galapagos re-visited
A dear friend suggested that I try to blog about our wonder filled trip to the Galapagos Islands a little more. At the very least that sounds like a good exercise in memory recall. I think I’ll give it a try. You are invited along if you like.
It was the evening of Monday, November 29 when Clair opened her email to discover an entry informing her that, if indeed we were still interested, there was room for the three of us on board the National Geographic Cruise Ship the Islander which would depart from Quayaquil, Ecuador on Sunday, December 4th. Clair apparently even hesitated mentioning this to us being such short notice. But she did, and we slept on it for the night. On Tuesday we checked flights. Of course being last minute there was not much to chose from. We thought for a moment, talked about it and then hit the confirm button. MYGosh, we need to leave on Friday, very early Friday.
Traveling light has it benefits. We each had one carry on. Thanks to Joanna we arrived at CVG on time. Flew from CVG to Miami - to Quito – to Quayaguil. Clair guided us through the airports. Jerry and I are certainly not frequent fliers. She was accustomed to Customs and saw us safely through. Her Spanish was impressive at least to the two of us who knew none – besides parents are easily impressed. In Quayaguil we met Rodney at the airport. From that point on we were safely in the hands of a National Geographic employee. That was a relief. He managed a cab for us that delivered us to the Hilton in the city. Although once again, hearing Clair carry on a conversation with the taxi driver in Spanish was encouraging, reassuring and entertaining.
We arrived a day early and spent two nights at the Hilton. Never stayed at a 5 star Hotel before. We made use of the complimentary drinks and breakfast. Used the workout room and the heated pool. We did not however use the ‘wet bar’ (is that what they are called when the bar is in the pool?) We visited the river front area of the town. Driving, or rather riding, is an experience beyond description. It’s amazing how quickly prayers arise in the mind when put in a scary situation. The river had oil slicks floating on it and water flowers. The area itself was nicely developed and felt somewhat safe. We stopped in at the cathedral where the crib scene had life size statues of the manger animals. The people however were somewhat smaller giving it a different perspective. There was a city park in town where there were hundreds of iguanas. They were everywhere hanging from the trees, under bushes, under foot. It was impressive and it was the first time we were seeing these strange looking creatures.
Sunday morning found us with other people leaving the hotel heading on a bus for the airport, saying goodbye to Rodney and flying on to the island of Baltra. After we landed we boarded another bus and headed for the dock and our first glimpse of our home for the week, the Islander. We were in the Galapagos Islands!
First lesson was how to put on a life jacket correctly. We traveled from the dock to the ship by way of a Zodiac. Throughout the week the Zodiac would be our means of getting from here to there and back again.
Our first order of business was lunch – oh, the food! Later in the evening we went on shore for a walk of a little over a mile. We saw our first taste of the wild life – sea lions, frigate birds, crabs, blue footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls. Then there was the sunset! Where were we and what were we doing there?!? What a gift!
There were 44 passengers on board and 32 crew. This was truly to be an experience like no other we had ever had.
Later on ship there was the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Hour, with snacks, followed by appetizers and then supper.
Our room – upper deck with a private glassed in balcony with a lounge chair and bench. Queen size bed, desk and a bathroom where you could sit on the toilet, wash your feet in the shower and brush your teeth at the sink all at the same time without moving – too much information?!?
Then there were the chocolates that we found on out pillows at the end of each day. Really good chocolates!
Thus ended day 1.
It was the evening of Monday, November 29 when Clair opened her email to discover an entry informing her that, if indeed we were still interested, there was room for the three of us on board the National Geographic Cruise Ship the Islander which would depart from Quayaquil, Ecuador on Sunday, December 4th. Clair apparently even hesitated mentioning this to us being such short notice. But she did, and we slept on it for the night. On Tuesday we checked flights. Of course being last minute there was not much to chose from. We thought for a moment, talked about it and then hit the confirm button. MYGosh, we need to leave on Friday, very early Friday.
Traveling light has it benefits. We each had one carry on. Thanks to Joanna we arrived at CVG on time. Flew from CVG to Miami - to Quito – to Quayaguil. Clair guided us through the airports. Jerry and I are certainly not frequent fliers. She was accustomed to Customs and saw us safely through. Her Spanish was impressive at least to the two of us who knew none – besides parents are easily impressed. In Quayaguil we met Rodney at the airport. From that point on we were safely in the hands of a National Geographic employee. That was a relief. He managed a cab for us that delivered us to the Hilton in the city. Although once again, hearing Clair carry on a conversation with the taxi driver in Spanish was encouraging, reassuring and entertaining.
We arrived a day early and spent two nights at the Hilton. Never stayed at a 5 star Hotel before. We made use of the complimentary drinks and breakfast. Used the workout room and the heated pool. We did not however use the ‘wet bar’ (is that what they are called when the bar is in the pool?) We visited the river front area of the town. Driving, or rather riding, is an experience beyond description. It’s amazing how quickly prayers arise in the mind when put in a scary situation. The river had oil slicks floating on it and water flowers. The area itself was nicely developed and felt somewhat safe. We stopped in at the cathedral where the crib scene had life size statues of the manger animals. The people however were somewhat smaller giving it a different perspective. There was a city park in town where there were hundreds of iguanas. They were everywhere hanging from the trees, under bushes, under foot. It was impressive and it was the first time we were seeing these strange looking creatures.
Sunday morning found us with other people leaving the hotel heading on a bus for the airport, saying goodbye to Rodney and flying on to the island of Baltra. After we landed we boarded another bus and headed for the dock and our first glimpse of our home for the week, the Islander. We were in the Galapagos Islands!
First lesson was how to put on a life jacket correctly. We traveled from the dock to the ship by way of a Zodiac. Throughout the week the Zodiac would be our means of getting from here to there and back again.
Our first order of business was lunch – oh, the food! Later in the evening we went on shore for a walk of a little over a mile. We saw our first taste of the wild life – sea lions, frigate birds, crabs, blue footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls. Then there was the sunset! Where were we and what were we doing there?!? What a gift!
There were 44 passengers on board and 32 crew. This was truly to be an experience like no other we had ever had.
Later on ship there was the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Hour, with snacks, followed by appetizers and then supper.
Our room – upper deck with a private glassed in balcony with a lounge chair and bench. Queen size bed, desk and a bathroom where you could sit on the toilet, wash your feet in the shower and brush your teeth at the sink all at the same time without moving – too much information?!?
Then there were the chocolates that we found on out pillows at the end of each day. Really good chocolates!
Thus ended day 1.
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