Galápagos Edition

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Wow! In the Galápagos now! Just got back from a four day boat ride to some of the islands. Won´t write too much because the pictures say it all. One thing that I couldn´t capture was the snorkeling because I didn´t have an underwater camara. We saw tons of vibrant colored schools of fish, just like those Planet Earth DVDs! Also, we snorkeled with Sea Lions, Penguins, Sharks (vegetarians), and Sea Turtles! Back to Quito tomorrow and then to Peru to explore some of Machu Picchu.
Will write another blog after Machu Picchu. Take care everyone!

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Photos

Young Lava River
This lava river extended for many miles and was created about 150 years ago (I think that is what I remember the guide saying at least, but what do you all care, it will probably look about the same in another 150 years!).
The formations were really cool to see and were totally different all over the island.

Natural Lava Structure
This lava structure was created by natural erosion.

Tortoise
Hundreds of these tortoises inhabit the Galapagos Islands. Some of them here are up to 150 years old!

Lava Cave
We hiked through a mile long lava cave formed by a lava river some time ago. I wish I had a pen and paper when the guide was speaking so I could remember some of the interesting facts, like dates! Oh well, I have the pics anyway.

My Cabin on the Sulidae
It was kinda hard to get a picture of the room because I couldn´t step away from it enough to capture the entire thing (small boat). Anyway, had two windows and two beds that I had to myself!

The Suludae
The boat that I took my trip to the islands in. This boat was very unique. It was the only boat that was black and had skulls and crossbones on it. The rest of the boats were these huge white luxury looking boats. There were only nine of that went on this trip (not including the six staff people), so it was relatively small, although it can accomodate three additional passengers. This boat is over 100 years old and will actually have it´s last run at the end of this month so I was one of it´s last passengers.

Iguanas Everywhere
I have so many pictures of these guys, but I will spare you and only put a few on my blog. It is amazing because they don´t mind humans just walking around close to them. We didn´t get too close though just to give them some respect and space but my camera has a super great zoom on it.

Me at Isla Isabella
Always trying not to get too sunburned. The sun here is so intense that even with my number 50 sunblock I managed to get a bit too much sun. Some may say my arms and face are a bit tan (but maybe that is just for me!).

Comments

[Madelene English]

Fantastic trip so far
Hi Cassandra, You are having the trip of a life time and I am so glad that you got to have a few days enjoying the beautiful Galapagos Islands. I have a friend the she and her husband were in the Peace Corp. in the 70's and they were in Equador and went to the Islands alot and loved them. I remember her telling me about the turtles and going over to see when the babies are born and they go out to see. I just think it is so wonderful that you are having this wonderful trip and you seem to be loving all of it. Take care dear and be safe and have a wonderful time. Love you, Madelene and Jim

[Madelene English]

TO SAY HI AGAIN!!!!
Hi Cassandra, I just got through showing your note and beautiful pictures to Jim. He is wondering if you took your lap top computer with you in order to send us such great pics and to Blog often. Let us know if you can. Love you, Madelene and Jim

[Aunt Cinder]

FUN!
Cassandra, Glad you got to practice your Salsa and dine on cuy! Great pictures of the chicken feet (yuck!!). I heard they might not allow tourists to the Galapagos soon, so glad you had that opportunity too. Great Blog! Keep the updates coming. Anxious to see Machu Picchu. Love, Aunt Cinder

[Nilka]

Que bien!!
Oye, como estas? Leyendo tu aventuras. Cuidate chica. Comenze el nuevo trabajo, y me gusta. Te espero el proximo ano. Te ves feliz. Take care my friend.

[jean-luc]

te veremos en dos semanas
me parece que apprendes muchisimo sobre la vida natural y la civilizacion humana. Cual te prefieres? La tortuga que vive 150 anos o una estrella que viaja mucho con luz visible aun la estrella sea desaparecida? Hasta pronto. Juan Lucas