Journey to the Galapagos

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We had to be up early to complete some of the paperwork for our trip, grab a quick breakfast at the buffet and then board busses to the airport. The flight was chartered by the cruise line, which made the drive to the airport unusually relaxing, since we had no fear of missing the plane. This was especially good, because the usual road to the airport was blocked by a footrace that had not been anticipated by the driver. Although we arrived at the airport late, we walked right on to the airplane, and it soon took off. After a two hour flight, we arrived on the island of Baltra in a reasonably heavy rain. We later understood from one of the guides, that this is the second time in thirty years he’s seen it rain in Baltra in June. After being searched (not really very thoroughly) to make sure we weren’t smuggling frogs or invasive plants in, we had a short bus ride to the harbor and then a Zodiac (aka Panga) ride out to the ship (there aren’t any piers big enough). Thankfully the rain had let up. The 100-person Xpedition is the largest boat permitted in the Galapagos, and we were all favorably impressed with the luxury from the moment we got on board. We checked out our comfortable cabins and got acclimated to life on board. The rest of the day was a combination of exploration of the boat and a somewhat tedious series of “briefings.” There was no opportunity to disembark for the rest of the day, but there was a “drive by” of the small island of Daphne major, a small volcanic cone that rises steeply out of the ocean and is a favorite nesting ground for birds. At dinner we shared a table with another family, also parents travelling with their children, although all approximately 10-12 years older. They were friendly and good conversationalists, making for a pretty good dinner with perfect strangers. After dinner, we enjoyed a little video time in the room and then slept soundly with the boat gently rocking back and forth.

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Photos

Almost to the ship
Here we are loaded onto the Zodiac for a short trip from shore to the ship. John is relieved to find his sunglasses as the rain passes and the sun comes out.

Reaction upon boarding
Lauren isn't a big fan of boats, but seemed pleasantly surprised with the lounge where we were created on board.

Daphne Major
Relatively small volcanic cone with modest vegetation, but still quite a hangout for some of the many marine birds.

Daphne Minor
Although it appears bigger in the photo, Daphne minor is an even smaller piece of volcanic rocks, jutting out of the ocean and looking even less inviting...

First wildlife sighting
A frigate bird (wingspans must be 6 feet or more) like to draft in the air currents created by the ship. This one swooped by very near where we were sitting on deck.

Testing Scuba Gear and Underwater Camera
As we explored the ship, it seemed prudent to try the hot tub. Andrew and Sonia used it as an opportunity to test some equipment.

Relaxing Aboard Ship
Although the ship is small and spare relative to the giant cruise-liners, we aren't exactly roughing it.

Goofing in hot tub
Andrew notes that his UV shirt can also be used as a flotation device. Sort of.

Seascape
Some of the many small islands that dot the horizon, viewed from deck as we set sail in the evening.