When we landed and the dogs had sniffed our suitcases, we were met by Veronica, our beautiful tour guide. She took us on a bus ride to a ferry boat that took us to Santa Cruz Island. Where we got on another bus to start our tour. A little complicated, but fortunately Friendly Planet had it all planned out.

She explained how this year is different from normal in that the lower elevations are normally dry and quite brown whereas the high area gets cloud mists so it is normally green. This year the rains started December instead of February so the low area is also quite green. You don't see the contrast as much. She was quite knowledgeable and pointed out native versus imported plants.

We were shown the lava fields and tunnels. Los Gemelos lava chambers means twins because two similar chambers next to each other are together joined.

We ate a very good lunch at a private area farm. The seafood pasta was good. Then we walked around a 600-acre private giant tortoise reservation and saw lots of giant turtles. Apparently the island area's name is derived from the look of the Saddleback turtle where Galapagos implies the galloping horse.

Later we visited the Charles Darwin Research Center where they have a turtle hatchery. They are in a long range process to repopulate other islands with the turtles that have been reduced or eliminated due to harvesting, or introduction of predators to the turtles such as rats and cats.

That evening John and I went to the pier to view the sharks. Also found some sea lions, sting rays, and other wild life about. Meanwhile back at the hotel, the sea lion and Iguana had settled in for the night.

Saturday, January 26^th :

We ate breakfast at the Hotel Solymar before heading out to Santa Cruz Island and Tortuga Bay. The sea lion and iguanas appeared to have a restful night. The breakfast at the Solymar Hotel was very good. You had a selection of various foods to choose from. There was a yogurt/oatmeal/berry concoction that was unusual but good.

Eventually we arrived at Tortuga Bay. It probably should be named Iguana Bay since they appear to own it. However, we did find some tracks of a sea turtle that appeared to lay some eggs the night before. We continued to a sandy beach where some of the group chose to swim. I did some additional trail hiking looking for some close ups of the blue-footed booby. Saw some diving for fish, but they are too quick with their dives for my photographic skills.

We were returned to port for lunch. I got to check out the church I was going to attend the next day. We ate at the top floor of the grocery store near the church.

Veronica met us after lunch and our afternoon excursion was about to start. We did a Kayak adventure in Punta Estrada where we were expected to visit the home of the blue-footed boobies. We weren't disappointed with the views. I had a little problem getting my camera extracted from the wet suit, but eventually got it free and was able to backtrack to the cliff where the blue-footed boobies were pooping on the rocks. I got a few good shots.

Sunday, January 27^th :

So I went to the 7 am Mass at Santa Marianita, Galápagos. It was all in Spanish so I had a little difficulty following along. After Mass I visited the pier to see the sea gulls etc. waiting for their chance at some fish. Then I scouted some of the souvenir stores and noted one that appeared to have the sweater that Geneviv said she wanted, one made from llama wool. I didn't think I'd find that here where it is so warm. Probably should have bought it then, but risked waiting until we returned here, since we were supposed to take minimal stuff with us to the next island.

That afternoon we took a speedboat to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Veronica walked us along the beach road and pointed out various places to shop and eat, etc.as we were on our own for the afternoon and scheduled to eat dinner together that evening.

I had seen a trail head marker near the hotel and am always up for a hike, so John and I walked that trail until it started getting dark, so we turned around before the end. Veronica had mentioned some Flamingos would be flying back to the swamp area near dusk and to look out for them on the beach. We found some along the trail. Little did we know this trail was on agenda for tomorrow.

Monday, January 28^th :

We walked same trail as yesterday, but went all the way to turtle breeding center. So there was a little more stuff to see than we were able to take in before dark. They are attempting to repopulate several of the islands that previously had various breeds of the giant turtles.

That afternoon we explored a small group of islands called Las Tintoreras. Then we went to a beach and snorkeled along the outskirts of the swimming area. A penguin kept teasing those trying to get a picture. Not sure anyone was successful but I think I got one on film. We were hoping to see some white tipped sharks, but no such luck. My first attempt at underwater pictures was ok I guess.

Tuesday, January 29^th :

We took the Morning Concha del Perla Boat ride to various islands looking for boobies and penguins. We were successful in getting some pretty good views of both.

Eventually we came to a spot where we were outfitted with snorkeling gear and fins. The guide took us on a tour of the bay where we finally saw the white tipped shark we had been searching for. We also saw a big sea turtle, rays and lots of fish.

Later that afternoon we boarded a speed boat back to Puerto Ayora. We had a final dinner with Veronica there before departing to the airport the next morning. I was able to buy Geneva the Llama sweater she wanted and take some final photos of the wildlife at Hotel Solymar. We flew direct to the Quito airport and had a pretty long wait at the Layover Lounge before our flight back to Miami.

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