The Enchanted Isles
Trip Start
Feb 05, 2006
1
4
26
Trip End
Apr 13, 2006
The Galapagos, Ecuador
Monday, February 20, 2006
Just returned from the Galapagos this evening after 5 hours delay and an interesting flight! Burst tyre at Galapagos airport, mis-landing at Guayaquil and hit by lightning just before Quito - Scaaaary!!! And another 11 more flights to go!
It has been a truly amazing week. We knew beforehand we would be close to the animals but that didn´t prepare us for the reality. It really is extraordinary to be close enough to touch them all (although we were not allowed to). The blue-footed boobies are unreal, the colonies of sealions endearing, the penguins cuddly and the iguanas are so numerous that it is difficult not to step on one. We have swum with the sealions, visited ´Lonesome George´, climbed volcanos, crossed the Equator six times and sailed 850km between the islands. Frigate birds, the three kinds of boobie, the many varieties of darwin finches - and we can go on - have become everyday sights. We are now experts on Hot Spots and Tectonic Plates! The weather has been very hot. Everyday was full of activities (we need a holiday!) The Galapagos is truly unique and has to be experienced to be believed.
We´re leaving early tomorrow morning for the Amazon.
PS: Ed - we had mariscos ceviche tonight (ecuadorian version) but the ´cuy´ is so far safe!
