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We flew from Quito (the capital of Ecuador) to
Guayaquil (the largest city in Ecuador) and then 600 miles out into the ocean
right along the Ecuador. Along the way to Guayaquil we could see
Cotopaxi and Tungurahua volcanoes, as well as many
other volcanoes in the Andes. |
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Our first view. |
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At
the airport we were met by Alex Cox, our guide, who collected our baggage tags
and told us everything was under control - his control. When we are got through
the entry procedures (show a passport and pay $100 for entry to the National
Park), we were taken the to nearby port on San Cristobal. |
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Our ship for the week, the Parranda, has 8 cabins
for 16 people. The ship is roomy and comfortable.
The Parranda is the boat on the top right of
center.
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The first thing we learned is that the ship never
touches land for the whole cruise. Access to land is always through the "panga",
a rubber raft with an outboard engine. So the first lesson is to learn how to
get in and out without getting wet (much).
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Joyce and Linda with Martirez, one of the crew members. |
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Then we went through the mandatory life jacket drill. How to
survive in a cold ocean (stay together).
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After a short trip we went ashore for the first time, mostly to
see how "wet landings" work and to tryout our snorkel gear and binoculars and
cameras in real conditions. |
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The weather at the first stop was comfortably warm........ |
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but your fearless adventurer rented a wet suit for the occasion
- so I used it. The water throughout the islands is cool (68 - 72 degree F).
At our first stop we saw sea lions, marine iguanas, and lots of
birds. |
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We met the captain (picture
later) and some of the crew members (shown here) |
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followed by the first of the daily briefing and education
sessions given by the highly knowledgeable Alex. He has been a guide for about
15 years, is a native of the Islands, and speaks excellent English. He made our
trip very informative and rewarding. |
| After dinner that night we traveled to Genovesa Island, far to
the north. The ship travels between the islands at night so that days are
reserved for shore excursions. The ocean at this time of year (October) is rough
but not violent. Although neither Joyce nor I are very susceptible to
seasickness, we chose to take Dramamine for almost the whole trip. This is not a
huge cruise ship with the stability that might come from size. |
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Breakfast on the back deck of the ship was always a delight with
lots of fresh juices and fruits, coffee, breads, meats, eggs, cheese, and more.
The tree tomato makes a delicious juice said to have cholesterol
lowering qualities to cancel out the effects of eating eggs, meat, butter and
cheese every morning!
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A "dry landing" onto volcanic rocks. Here we are the base of St.
Peter's Steps on Genovesa Island. |
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At the top of these steps we found a huge area of nesting
Masked Boobies |
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If you are looking for sheer beauty, you will not find it among
the often barren volcanic surface of most of the islands. But then realize that
all that white seen in this picture indicates where the birds have been nesting
and sitting - waiting for us to come and take pictures.
Truly awesome.
We finished out the day with a
swim at a warm beach (no wetsuit needed). The birds were all around. What an
idyllic setting! |