Ecuador Galapagos #7

Every day is an adventure ... No matter where you are.  This tour is full of adventures for sure.  The bonus is we gained an hour flying west to the Galápagos Islands. And the fact we had to get up at 2 a.m. Galapagos time to catch our plane, we had lots of extra time to discover!  Well, that is one way to put it...

We are here! We are snugged into our boat and ready to sail.  It took 2 plane rides, a bus ride, a ferry and a dinghy to get us here. Thanks to OAT and their guides, we are made it! The first order of business after getting on ship was to load up on Dramamine .... Walking around even in your cabin, it like a demonstration of a drunk sailor....  The movement is so noticeable that you cannot leave a door open, it will bang and maybe eventually slam shut. I know several people that this degree of motion would be quite challenging,,,

Now with 3 trips to shore and back, we have this transfer on and off the dinghy down. With the 3-4' swells, it is not easy. The crew is very good helping us. 

Had no idea that there are people living on 4 of these islands. Like 30,000 people. Who knew! Less than 10% of the land is privately owned. The rest is the protected reserve. The airport is on its own island. Ironically through WWII, this area was a US military base. Footings and foundations of the buildings can still be seen. 

Here are some of our discoveries of the day -- visiting a private preserve for the giant tortoises and the Charles Darwin national research and park. 

Giant tortoise 

Cheers to the female tortoise speeding away...

Lava tube tunnels. 

Mooching Pelicans and sea lions. 

Our cabin. Really quite spacious ... ALL the hand rails are in use. 

Tomorrow we begin visiting the islands located on the east and south of Santa Clara. Hiking and snorkeling!!

Be sure to read on. Cheers!