Yate Valkiria

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Confused Tortoise

Sunshine, glorious sunshine.

Our week long cruise of the Galapagos started with a flight into the largest island and a get-to-know each other session for our 6 crew and 9 passengers. Expectations were pretty high from the outset, so we were very happy to be blessed with marine iguanas and playful sealions as soon as we arrived.

Our yacht was hmmm, somewhat less fancy than we had expected for a $1500 ticket. We were sharing a bed and a room no bigger than most laundry cupboards, it smelt pretty funky... not sure if you can get carbon monoxide poisoning from diesel fumes but as our bed was right on top of one of the engines (the one that worked) we´ll have to wait to find out if there are any side effects. Hot water was also promised and not delivered - not happy.

Despite our complaints we had a great time. The weather was great and we saw enourmous Land Tortoises, land iguanas, loads of birds including the infamous blue-footed boobies, penguins, dolphins and even whales. Swam with sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, sting-rays, and very playful and often scary sealions.

The terrain of the Islands is pretty amazing. The islands are all volcanic and many have had recent eruptions so fabulous colours and formations all around. We spent one day on horseback scaling a volcano, it made for some very funny moments watching two of our group cantering off into the distance with no control over their animals whatsoever. Thankfully, we got the two duds of the pack who were unwilling even to raise a trot.

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Photos

Haven of the Sea Lions
This snappy bugger almost attacked one of our group. It was funny... cos it wasn´t us.

Chomp
Giant Tortoises in Galapagos

Ouch
Canberra skin rears its ugly head

Volcano Caldera
Walking along the caldera of a volcano

View from Volcano
Volcano reached by horseback - very funny time.

Yate Rum Line
Some Canberra boys parked next to us - a very small world! They bought this yacht in South Carolina and are sailing it home via the Pacific Islands

Mum, Dad & Baby Boobie
The notorious blue-footed boobie (we know how much Aussies like looking at boobies)

More Boobies
Finally some sunshine to bask in

The Tunnels
Volcanic rock has eroded into these amazing tunnels where sea turtles, stingrays & reef sharks hang out

Lonesome George
The last of this particular breed left alive

Capitan & His Crew
Fanastic cook, fabulous deckhand & fatherly capitan looked after us well

Comments

[CazB]

old chompie
Can't appear to watch the confused turtle segment, but that might be my 'puter not allowing Flash. Boo. Old Chompie there looks like a good ol' red neck turtle with those teeth!! "Now yewww geev me that theyre bo-nan-nah lidd'l laaady!" Either that or ET never really went home, but to the Galapagos instead! Gee he's aged. Keep it up girls, loving the Galapagos, wish I was there....we're actually thinking of a trip to Peru and Galapagos next year, so maybe I'll get to see it for myself. Nice one. Travel safe. xxx

[George N]

OMFG
turtle love.... interesting and male on male action?? well looks like the wildlife is frisky in the galapagos! looks like you ladies r having loads of fun though :) you're making me get itchy feet!