Galapagos IslandsJan 27, 2012
|
|
| On Sunday 15th January we set off for the Galapagos trip. I love sitting in the airport and guessing who will be on our boat or flight, keeps me entertained, I did not have room to fit a book in my bag. Hence anything I can turn into a bit of fun I will. The airport in Quito is small and a bit rubbish and the best thing is your flight number never matches your actual flight displayed on the screen so it´s a bit of guess work and pot luck if you get on the right plane or not. Congratulations to us we did, When we arrived on San Cristobal island we were kindly met by our tour guides Pepe and Paul. First impressions of the group, okay, but there is always one and yes it stuck through right to the end. All a mix of Americans, English, Italian and Australian. Feeling too spoilt as our luggage would be taken straight to the boat. My back pack is practically half of which I weigh, it´s quite funny watching me struggle. We jumped on the bus to the jetty where we saw sea lions all ready and everyone got very excited, typical tourists and all whipped our cameras out thinking we may never see another one! We had to get on blow up boats with engines, I am not sure what they are called but the Galapagos people call them Pangas. We had our safety talk and hopped on with life jackets. Probably best knowing me I would be the one knocked off into the sea and lost forever. The boat was called Letty and we had a crew of 11 and 18 passengers. We sat down for a briefing, then all had to do a little introduction of ourselves and then checked out our cabins. It was a great boat. Off we set to sale as there was no time to waste. Unfortunately I have left my diary back at the hotel so cant remember exactly on what day which island we went to but we left San Cristobal and headed to ...... Ok got diary. We went from San Crostobal to further round the island for the beach. Monday travelled to Genovesa, we did Prince Phillips steps and Darwin Bay, I kayaked instead of snorkelling. Tuesday - Isabella, the largest island and the best for snorkelling. We then sailed to Fernandina for a long walk on the island. Many Iguanas. Wednesday - sailed overnight so woke up to Santiago island. Saw Flamingos from a distance today, as well as many other wildlife, sailed to Bartolome. Thursday - Morning walking to the viewpoint of Bartolome and then afternoon sailed to North Seymore. Lots of baby squid in the water when snorkelling. Not pleasant. Friday - Santa Cruz, dry land all day with the tortoises, Darwin station and a walk about the town. Saturday - Espanola island, the most beautiful white sand beach. Travelled back towards San Cristobal. All the islands are amazing and so different in landscape and vegetation. To think that from a few plate slides these volcanic islands were formed, some joining, some disappearing and new ones emerging. The history is fascinating. The best thing about here though and the uniqueness of it, are the animals. You don´t just see one or two you see hundreds. They calmly stay put or wonder around, you have to be so careful where you tread. Obviously there are strict rules and we have to stay at least 6 metres back and not touch them. It is hard to stay far away from them at times as you have to tread over the Iguanas especially and the baby seal lions like to play and are just curious but you have to be careful of the males, they can be quick and bite hard. Even our tour guide could not escape one from the water and it bit him right through the wet suit. It was just amazing, our itinerary for each day was packed as we had experienced in the Amazon, resulting though in a short nap after lunch. As long as one gets a nap I am happy. We got to see on land Sea lions, blue footed boobies and 2 other species of boobies, (for the lads birds only not women, I know how your minds work!), Albatross, Hawks, short eared owl, Lizards, Iguanas of different types, many other species of birds, tortoises,Pelicans. In the water, sharks, many different species of fish, my favourite the Angel fish they are pretty, turtles, penguins, Iguanas, sea lions, fur sea lions, coral and all other sorts of sea life. Now your probably wondering how have I managed to see the sea life, well I was brave and the guides were really good, after about 2 hours trying to get into wet suits, OMG, bit of an exaggeration but these things are hard. I also had the life ring from the boat and practiced off the beach for a bit and breathing into my mask, After a few I cant breath moments and realising that my face, eyes especially are not going to get wet it was OK. Panic over so off we went out in the Panga and with my arms hooked round the life ring I was pulled around by Paul our guide. I can´t believe I have missed out all what is under the ocean, it´s just not the same seeing it from a Aquarium or glass bottom boat. It is a lot scarier but exciting. Such a weird feeling but I was pleased I did it and managed again for a further 2 more times. It was easier off the boat out in the sea than off shore I found due to the waves. I don´t like waves so not sure if I am ready to attempt surfing yet but a massive result to get me into the sea after 31 years. Back to the boat, well I am not the keenest of being on a boat and out to sea, I get a little sea sick and feel a bit weird, but this trip is a must. Everybody was really lovely and the crew were great. The captain even let me drive the boat and we spotted a whale. At this point he took over, The poor peeps on top deck would be sea sick by now if they were not before, it is quite difficult, too many controls and things to look at and to think one lesson I flew a small plane......decided too many controls and it´s not a job for me!. On the Thursday I decided I had had too much water and just sat on the beach enjoying the scenery and talking to Paul our guide. I am not sure if I told you but in the Amazon I got eaten alive by the Mosquitoes, my bites became inflamed and I looked a bit like a baboons bottom. Apparently they like sweet blood, great I knew I should have gone on that pre holiday no chocolate diet. Well back on the boat my body certainly reacted to the Mosquitoes again but this time extremely itchy more than inflamed. We had dinner with the captain this night and I spent the whole time scratching like a dog with fleas. Victor our captain gave me some vinegar to put on, which helped a bit but I then went to bed smelling like a fish and trip shop, mmmm attractive. Saturday night was fun and our last night on the boat so we had a little party with all the crew to. Was lots of fun, I danced with the Captain and Paul to some Ecuadorian music and then stayed out to about 11.30pm which has been the latest night I have had in all the time. It was such a great adventure I would definitely recommend it to anyone, it is so hard to describe it and even the pictures do not do the animals or islands justice. Lets hope it stays like it is for generations. The islands were truly amazing and it was sad to leave this place. |
Advertisement 
|
