Diving the Galapagos

Six nights sailing over 400 nautical miles on a 110 foot yacht to see some of the most spectacular oceanic wildlife in the world.  It was incredible.  I was left speechless on numerous occasions.  And while the elusive whale shark remains so, I wouldn't trade seeing one for some of the most incredible dives I think I'll ever have in my life.  Besides the dozens of turtles and moray eels seen on every dive, having a family of eagle rays circle for 15 minutes to see the curious new spieces (the divers) and come to within a couple of feet was an amazing experience.  However, the sharks take the cake - we couldn't even count the number of white tips, but most impressive were the hammerheads - hundreds of them.  It was breathtaking!  While these pictures can't possibly do the experience justice, I hope that you can share in my amazement!

This scene went on for 5 minutes - shark after shark - hundreds of them - simply amazing!



In front of the famous Darwin Arch - home of many a hammerhead shark!



Eagle rays popping by for a visit



Close up of a seastar



Hot, hot, hot!

I'm on Santa Isabela now, I arrived on Thursday via a wee little plane (6 seats including the pilot!). I was mildly concerned about the safety of said plane when the right propeller wouldn't turn while we were on the ground...but it all worked out in the end!
 I spent most of yesterday hiking up the side of a volcano!  It last erupted only 5 years ago, and it was really interesting to see the lava fields, and hear the story about the eruption from my guide who was nearby at the time.  There is some debate about how ling the hike was...my guide said 20km, another told me that it isn't nearly that far...all I know is it took 6 hours, and the view was amazing. 
I was definately glad for the overcast sky, as I'm not sure how many more sunburns I can endure before my skin abandons my body.

The view from the top of the crater.

The lava field from a smaller volcano, behind the big one.

A lava tunnel.

You can almost imagine the rocks forming.

a little piece of paradise

We've arrived on the Galapagos Islands...well only one island so far!  Two more to go...
My first impressions of this place are beyond description.  For a place that has been on my must-see list for a long time, it has far exceeded my expectations. It's warm and beautiful. The scenery is gorgeous, the wildlife magnificent...enough of that!  Enjoy the photos...




A bunch of sea lions just lounging about

 



a boat being built by the full moon

 




Giant Tortoises!

 

Our first taste of South America

We've spent the past few days taking in the sights and sounds of Quito, Ecuador. We are staying in the Old Town, it's historic and charming and everything you would expect from a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We definately stand out among the locals dressed in pants and long sleeves...while we sport shorts and sunburns!  And they call this the wet season...
We've toured around a little bit, and are quickly learning that traffic laws are treated as mere suggestions here. With few traffic lights and hundreds of one way (una via) streets, it feels very much like loosely-organised chaos. Motorcycle riders are an entity unto themselves, sporting an above average level of bravery...or stupidity, depending on your perspective.
We took a trip to Otavalo to check out the market, which was a beautiful array of colors and sounds and smells.  It's a great place to pick up locally made handicrafts, and practise your haggling skills (Steve proved very useful in this regard).

Steve decided to partake in a meal of guinea pig, a local delicacy.  It was very deep-fried and evidently tasted like chicken...I will take his word for it. On the subject of food, I have to admit my fondness for the hot sauce, and popcorn as a side dish!

A local woman catching a nap while selling fruit on the street.

Some spices at the market in Otavalo.

Look at the hat on the third guy on the bench.

City of Quito.