One of the Beachmasters (courtesy Mark and Kelly Logan)

The Galapagos archipelago, discovered by the Spanish in 1835, lies on the Equator and boasts 13 large and 8 small islands and 40 islets. The barren volcanic landscape is home to unique flora and fauna that has evolved to adapt to the hostile environment. The Galapagos inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and captured our hearts over 8 ideal days cruising around the islands, exploring, snorkeling and marveling at the abundant wildlife.

Arriving at Quito airport for our flight to San Cristóbal, the capital of the Galapagos, we wondered whether we had booked the wrong boat, as the average age on the plane was at least 75 and counting! Alas our 14 fellow passengers on Estrella del Mar II were a sprightly bunch and proved excellent company.
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This shot was taken across the plaza principal in Cuenca, Ecuador. Cool college town. Very biker-friendly place. The tiny colonial inn I stayed in the night before this photo was taken (a few blocks

away) allowed me to ride my bike over the curb, up the steps, down the hall, and into their atrium for safe-keeping during the night. The problem was the place was so tiny I couldn't find it after my midnight meal--truly the only time on my 50,000-mile trek that I got "lost!"

Everyone at MyTripJournal is currently getting into the Holiday spirit; especially the MTJ mascot/ hardest working employee, Tico. He has been busy bringing joy to the whole MyTripJournal team and now wishes to spread that merriment to all our valued MyTripJournal users. We hope that you will enjoy a marvelous holiday season whether at home or abroad.

Of course we can’t resist an opportunity to plug our Premium service as a fantastic gift idea for your favorite traveler. Whether they have been naughty or nice, buy them one of our gift certificates available in multiple denominations from our store. Entering promo code 3QYMYQ will get you a 20% discount at check-out (cannot be combined with other offers - exp. 12/31/07).

We trust that everyone will have safe and pleasurable trips in the New Year. Here at MTJ, we’re making our New Year's resolution to make MyTripJournal even better than ever. Thank you for choosing MyTripJournal and we look forward to an exhilarating ‘08. 

*No dogs were harmed during this photoshoot. Tico quite enjoys getting dressed up and being fussed over. Tico is Dan Parlow's dog.

Last month we asked our valued MyTripJournal users to fill out a survey regarding our features. Everyone who filled out the survey and included their email address was entered into a draw for 6 months of complimentary premium service.

A random selection resulted in our winner, John Popps. John and his partner Edie are avid RVers and have been journaling their trips around the US and Canada. You can visit their summer journal, featured in our Best Of System, here.

Thank you again to everyone who filled out the survey. We have been reviewing your comments and suggestions to make MyTripJournal even better!