Santa Cruz and Diving 3/26-3/27/2010

3/27/10 Santa Cruz

Waking up to this beautiful view (and to the sound of a barking seal)

and drinking my morning coffee while observing the local pelicans

cleaning themselves. Today I'm going diving. More later.

In the late morning we visited the highlands of Santa Cruz

and learned about the geology of the island thru the craters formed by

volcanic activity. Then we proceeded to a private farm and trekked

thru deep mud looking for giant tortoises in the wild, which we did

see. They were HUGE.

Then @2:30 I was met by Jimmy and my guide Santiago where we suited up

and I went for my (2nd) dive in my life. As we approached the 1st dive spot, we got up front and personal with a blue footed boobie and frigate family that were on the cliff along side us.

What a world lives below us. The first dive (where we tested the equipment and I got somewhat oriented) I saw a shark and some adorable clown fish.

Then we proceeded to the next place and went down almost 40 feet!

There I was surrounded by a wall of fish, including a school of barracuda. Surreal.

I loved the dark quietness of the sea and was most conscious of my breath. (Later, my

guide told me I used much less air than most divers which is from my

yoga). Another highlight was the sea lion that swam past us and then

stopped, looked me right in the eye, and then swam off. The dive

lasted 1/2 hr but felt like 5 minutes. I want to do it again.

And so, we ended our day watching the sunset and feeling grateful to be a

citizen of the world in such a magnificent place.

Hasta luego galápagos.

Isabela Island 3/25 - 3/26/2010

3/25 - 3/26

We board our boat, say adios to Floreana and set sail for

Isabela. On the way we stop along Tortugas to see the frigate birds and blue footed boobies. So much wildlife here.

Isabela reminds me of the Caribbean with clear turquoise water which

is very warm.

Isabela it is a bit more "modern." Electric is on 24 hrs. After

lunch we embark on a small boat and see the tiny penguins and blue footed

boobies. The penguins all look like they are in class and the

boobie is the head mistress. Then we proceed to a place called Las Tintoreras or "shark resting spot" and follow a long trail where we see plenty of wildlife

including sea lions, iguana (the lava rocks look like they are moving)

and much more.

Then we get back into the boat and take a snorkel. Saw

many fish although it wasn't super clear. After a long day, we head back to

the hotel for dinner and sleep.

3/26/2010

In the morning we say goodbye to our trusty guide and the Italians who joined us, and

we meet Omar who takes us to some of Isabela sights such as pink

flamingos, the giant tortoise breeding reserve where we witness

another failed attempt by a male to mate, the Wall of Tears and a

beautiful beach called "Playa de Amor. " Also saw surfers on a break

(surf break, that is). I could have spent more time here but it's time

to go to Santa Cruz island. The boat trip was rough for us, not like the

boat trip over and we were glad to be on land.

These days are quite full and we are glad to check in and rest for

awhile. Our room has a gorgeous view and is quite spacious.

In the late afternoon we walk to the Darwin Research Institute to learn

more about the giant tortoises of Galapagos. Thus place does good

work. We also caught a glimpse of Lonesome George who is the oldest

and last remaining tortoise of his species. We are told he is pushing

100+ years and they are hoping he will mate with the 2 females there

with him so some of his genetic lineage will stay.

Floreana 3/24-3/25/2010

3/25/2010

Woke up before sunrise and started the day with revisiting the sea

lions watching the sun rise over the mountains. We saw a double rainbow

over the sea. The sea lion dad beached himself and began barking

indicating that this is his territory. He is tired from watching the babies and

not eating which makes him vulnerable.

After a lovely breakfast we headed to the highlands to see the giant

tortoises. This is a reserve to bring them back to Floreana. We learned that the giant tortoises on Galapagos need to be reintroduced to many of the islands due to the invasion of non-endemic species (i.e. goats, rats, dogs.) Watched

them take mud baths, eat, and attempt to mate (he struck out 3 times). It

began to rain so I not only saw the tortoises but ended up with

rainwater conditioner and mud foot-mask!!!

Proceeded to see the freshwater source discovered by English pirates in the 1800s as well as their cave that eventually became the home of the Wittners, early

settlers from Germany. Hard to imagine life there coming from western

society.

Galapagos Arrive 3/24

3/24/2010

Galapagos hello !!! Santa Cruz Island. Within one hour we saw iguana (swimming lizard), crab, butterfly, seals, pelicans.After lunch, we take a walk and the highlight was the fishermen, seals, and pelicans.

We meet our guide and proceed on the 2 hours cruise to Floreana aka Santa Maria island.

Floreana has only 100 residents. Sadly we were met w/rain so no snorkeling, but we could see the sea turtles and birds easily from the beach. Regardless, we hiked to see a sea lion community. Discovery channel without tv. The hotel is rustic..that is probably an understatement, but we are on the beach and are drifting to sleep to the sound of the waves. The elec goes off @11 pm. and there is no hot water. I'm about to sleep but it will be hard because there is a 5" spider somewhere in this room. Tomorrow begins @6 am to see the sunrise.

Quito and Lunch at Sommerfeld's 3/23/10

We arrived Quito... at 4:30 AM, but the trip was very easy thanks to our hosts.  After waking up, we were picked up and driven to Ceclia's for lunch.  And what a lunch it was!!!


Rosas uno and dos served us ceviche and potato/ 
avocado soup all lovingly prepared by Cecilia. She is an amazing chef   
and they have a lovely home.  

Spent the rest of the day w/her as she  gave us a driving tour of Quito. A disappontment was the synogogue that  wouldn't let us into see. red tape needed gain entry. We went to   Cecilia's new home, still in Quito but @ 1000 ft lower altitude.  The   garden and trees were lovely.  


Ended the night w/ sushi. Very popular here.