New York, New York

With a change of weather coming to cross my path I was taking no chances and put on several of layers to keep warm. Lucky I took this approach as it was snowing when I arrived. I can only hope they let Lisa's plane land.

I arrive at my hostel which is in a perfect location right near Times Square (Thanks for the recommendation Jacki). I get myself organised and go outside to do a little bit of exploring while waiting for Lisa to arrive.  Lisa arrives and in no time we are eating our first slice of NY Pizza and working our way down 5th Ave.  In no time Lisa has purchased a red winter jacket to keep her warm during her stay, before you knew it we were in Quicksilver buying more things. Are you starting to see a theme take shape!

As the afternoon moved into evening the city lights were coming on and we made our way to the Rockefeller Centre pass the Atlas Statue and right to the ice skating rink. Popped into the Lego store to see what was on offer.  From here we grabbed a spot of food after we passed Radio City Hall.  Once we had a bite to eat we were in full strength again and made our way to Times Square, well of course that was after we dropped into M&M World.  Oh!!! so much chocolate, so much fun!!!.  Right Times Square for the tourist photo and then off to bed. Well that's after visiting out friends at the Disney Store.  Time to recharge the batteries ready for another day of shopping, sightseeing and adventure.

Yawn!! Stretch!!  With light snow fall this morning it exciting to start the day like this. We decided that today we were going to make a trip to visit the Statue of Liberty recommended by the hostel was to get the free Staten Island Ferry to get a good view of the lady. By the time we made it to the Staten Island Ferry port it visibility was so poor we were unsure if we were going to see anything at all.  On the way over to Staten Island we saw a outline of what we think was the Statue. On the way back it started to clear and we got a better view but unfortunately not the best.  (Maybe another chance to see it before we leave.)  Now that I am frozen its time to find a nice place to have a bite to eat and thaw out.  Tonight we are going to Broadway to see Wicked, OK so we don't have tickets yet, but we will. First we are going to try out luck with the theatres lotto tickets. As we line up outside the theatre and put our names into the barrel, we cant help but dream of winning.  OK its time for the draw, Drum Roll.......... after 13 names are pulled out we still did not have any luck with winning. Guess we will just purchase some tickets then.   WICKED here we come.  After the production we stepped out into a snow storm.  NYC looked great but sightseeing maybe at a minimum tomorrow. No need to worry about it now lets just enjoy the snow and have some fun. Tomorrows another day.

As we awake to the sound of the streets being ploughed and sprinkled with salt. We see notice that it is a clear day. (For now!) So with out waisting any time its off to the Empire State Building for a few of the city.  Good news is with the weather stopping planes from taking off or landing, there are less people around which means no queues. Straight to the front and right to the top we go.   Such a great view glad we got clear day for this, (its still freakin' cold!).  Lunch on the run as today we are doing some special shopping for my future sister-in-law. Shoes yep we need wedding shoes. Lucky with a bit of research and shop assistant help we found the right pair.  Big thanks for Lisa for helping me find the right shoes and walking all over Manhattan.  With all this walking around town we had worked up an appetite.  With recommendation we found the best Italian in town. Umm... Yum!!! Just what we needed.

Another day in NY today we make our way to the to the Twin Towers Memorial & new construction site. After spending time reflecting and watching the construction of the new Freedom Tower we decide that it we needed to lift the mood so and afternoon of retail therapy is just what the doctor ordered. 

Today is a sad day as we look to leave another city behind. We only have the morning to before we start making out way to Dublin.  Another visit to Times Square and of course a visit 34th Street to get in that last bit of shopping.  I only hope we can fit it all into our bags.

Next stop Dublin......

Machu Picchu - Yep Again!!!

Beep! Beep! Beep! 5am the alarm sounds, rain is coming down hard, and with Lisa feeling some effects of the altitude it was agreed to stay in bed a little longer.

Yawn!!! Up again at 8am and we slowly make our way to the bus stop. The bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu takes about 20 minutes. The ride itself is spectacular as the narrow track winds its way up the mountainside. It can be a bit scary at times with almost vertical drops plunging down into the Vilcanota Valley below especially when you meet a bus coming in the other direction! The scenery is lush cloud forest with great views of the sacred mountain Putucusi on the opposite side of the valley.

We enter through the main gates (Tourist Entrance) get a stamp in our passports and slowly take our time to get to The House of the Guardians to get that perfect tourist photo. From here we walk around to the Inca Bridge after this we are both feeling a little hungry make our way back to get a bite to eat and join a group for a tour around the rest of Machu Picchu.  I must admit its just as special the second time around as it did the first time.

Unfortunately we can't spend all day here as we need to get back to Aguas Calientes to get our train back to Cusco. Yep a real quick trip to Machu Picchu but hey it was worth it. 

We are now back in Cusco and feel its time to let our hair down we meet up with our Lima airport friends have a few drinks and dance.  Awh!!! again not enough sleep as we make our way to the airport this time its back to Lima for 1 night before flying to New York City.

Quito - Lima - Cusco

We finally land in Quito we only have this afternoon to explore Quito before we are on the plane again tomorrow morning to Cusco (via Lima).

In Ecuador you see a lot of signs saying La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) referring to the fact that Ecuador is best known for the Equator running right through it. Despite the fact that the Equator in fact runs through a LOT of countries we decided to do the ultimate tourist thing and go visit "The Equator".

Besides the similarity in the name, the other reason the landmark is located here is because a French expedition in 1736 led by Charles-Marie de La Comdamine did measurements at the spot marked by the landmark that it is in fact the location of the Equator. These days now with GPS it is now known that in fact they were about 200 - 250 meters off, but hey close enough right. Well near enough was not good enough for us, so we went to the Mueso Solar Inti Nan which is a museum near the Equator monument that has demonstrations of water flowing in opposite directions on either side of the Equator and other exhibits about the life of indigenous Ecuadorians, including my personal favourite, a real shrunken head!

With time now 4:30pm and still wanting to see more we were dropped off in old town to have a quick look around. After being told several times be careful of pick pockets and strange people we started to get a little doubtful about looking around. We decided to have a look around and make sure everything was well guarded. We were dropped off at Plaza de la Independencia and walked to San Francisco Church, walked back down to the plaza and wondered around a little more at this stage it was dark and we decided to get back have dinner and go to sleep as mentioned we had another early start.

Up again early, this time 4am to get to the airport by 5am. We finally get called to board the plane and this is where Lisa was pulled aside taken downstairs and asked to ID her bag. Once the bag was ID she was advised to open it. This is when they took everything out of her bag, once satisfied that she was not carrying anything of danger, they stuffed it all back in her pack tried to close her bag but due to Lisa's strategic packing earlier the bag did not close. Lisa was so angry and advised them to stop so she could pack it. Finally we meet up again on the plane with only moments to spare before the plane started to pull away. Sigh!!! We are on our way to Cusco, first stop Lima.

We arrive in Lima and need to collect our bags and check in AGAIN!!!, this was done all nice and quickly. But... you will never guess, wait I am sure you have, YEP!!! our flight has been delayed, and delayed, and delayed and oh!!! wait CANCELLED. WHAT our flight has been CANCELLED. After standing in a queue for another 1 hour we were booked on the plane for tomorrow and given hotel, food and taxi vouchers. So now we need to rethink our plans in Cusco, change accommodation and our rail tickets to Machu Picchu and hope that all goes well tomorrow.

Off to our hotel in Lima a quick shower and then off with a few others from the plane to check out what Lima has to offer. We find a nice bar overlooking the water sit back reflect and enjoy the atmosphere. Umm... I am sure one day we will laugh about this. Won't we?

Back out to the airport and this time we get our flight to Cusco Phew!!. After talking to several taxi drivers we finally agree on a price and make our way to the hostel. We leave our luggage in storage meet up with a few people from the plane and start exploring Cusco. After checking out the main square and adjusting to the altitude (yes, I am drinking water).

We grab a pizza for dinner and start to make our way to Ollantaytambo to catch our 11pm train to Aguas Calientes. First we get a taxi to the bus station for 3 soles each we can get the bus to Urubamba. This was an experience. Not only do they fill the bus so nobody can move they also drive like they are in a race. As for me I was so tired I slept most of the way. Lisa well ... lets just say she lives to tell the story. OK so now we arrive in Urubamba at 9:50pm the last bus was at 9:30pm, dam!!. Lucky Lisa had made a friend on the bus and was able to help us get a taxi. We get a taxi for us and 4 other locals to travel to all the way to Ollantaytambo. This car should only fit 4 passengers and 1 driver but hey we managed to get 6 or was it 7 passengers, luggage and the driver perfect right?. Ummm. so a tight fit, lucky 20min down the road a few of the locals got out of the car giving everyone a little bit of room to move. Yeah!!! finally we make it to Ollantaytambo with time to spare and still smiles on our faces. Machu Picchu here we come.

The train departs and a 1 1/2 hours later we are in Aguas Calientes. Its raining and my thoughts go out to those walking the trail. I can only hope tomorrow with be a better day. Off to bed as we have plans to get up to watch the sun rise in Machu Picchu.

Last day of Galapagos Heaven

This morning was a morning for sleeping in. Today we woke up at about 9:30/10am and slowly made our way down to a local restaurant to have pancakes and a fresh juice for breakfast. These were absolutely delicious. After stuffing our faces we take a relaxing stroll down the main street and see if we can pick up and little souvenirs. After getting a few T-shirts, sarong, fridge magnets, charms and a hat we were felt satisfied we had successfully shopped for friends, family and of course ourselves.

With still some daylight left we take a water taxi across the port to Finch dock and walk around to Estrada Beach. A nice little beach for the people staying at the hotels on this side of the port.

We continued to walk for 20min through areas with enormous cacti and over the lava rock formations to one of the most unique swimming holes on the planet. Las Grietas, which translates literally to mean "the cracks," is a geologic formation unique to volcanic islands. This deep brackish canal forms between the steep lava rock cliffs on either side. Due to the time we did not go for a swim as we need to make sure we could get back and did not want to be walking the rough trail in the dark. (Just have mental images of me falling over).

Back across on the water taxi and to our favourite little restaurant for dinner and off to bed as tomorrow we navigate our way back to the airport to fly into Quito.

Hammerhead Sharks (Yes SHARKS)

After leaving the boat we were dropped off at our accommodation, then it was diving shop to get everything or fitted for tomorrow morning. Argh!!! Another early morning start. Why do I do this to myself.

It all started at 6:30am when we (Lisa and I) made my way to the dive shop. When the whole group had arrived we were on our way first things first breakfast then on to the harbour, we waited around for a little while as they packed the boat then we start to board the boat. Not the luxury boat that I spent the last week and a half on but it floats and has a motor. ( er... this is me trying so hard to be optimistic). As we hit open waters we were greeted by a extremely lost "Bottle nose Whale". We followed it for a while before it did a deep dive and swam a way.

Our first stop, was for a test dive. The dive master, wanted to use a calm area to make sure we were properly weighted and comfortable with the equipment before the real dive. Considering the challenging conditions we might face at Gordon Rocks, I think this test dive was an excellent idea! I jumped in the calm water with my big fat 7mil wet suit, and down I go with ease. With a few checks and test later we surface and pass with flying colours.

After our test dive it was time for the real thing: Gordon Rocks, a set of two or three immense black rocks protruding from the ocean. The water choppy and swell was going a little NUTS. As we gamely do our back roll entry into the water came up and looked for everyone. You know just to make sure everyone else is OK ;). The dive master was not far behind me, we are all paired off and 1,2,3, ready, go, down we went.

Straight away we have large schools of fish swimming around us. Several manta rays. The dive master indicates at a hammerhead shark in the distance but... I could not make it out. Not long after this we spot a Galapagos Shark and some White Tipped Sharks. I must have been excited, scared or very hungry as I was the first to indicate that I was starting to run low on air. I was paired up and made my way back to the surface. Not long after the other joined me and told me all about the Hammerhead sharks they saw. Dam! I missed it. We are back to the boat a little disappointed.

After a surface interval (and snack?) in a calmer area, we returned to the bubbling brew for another shot at the Hammerheads. We all start to descend again but this time Lisa lost one of her fins, lucky they float, the dive master got this and before you knew it Lisa was back in action.

Just after all the fin excitement we were greeted by two turtles swimming close by. They just looked so gentle. We continue to 20m and wait for hammerhead sharks to come past. While waiting for the big attraction more manta rays, eels, octopus and other sharks passed. I was beginning to think that hammerhead sharks did not exist. My air was getting low and I did not want to miss out again. Just as I thought there was no hope and I was going to have to go back up top, the dive master makes the silly "hammerhead" signal, and just observed the magnificent creature swim slowly by. AWESOME!!. And then right away... two more! They swam so slowly it was surreal. Well my air was definitely low now so I made my way to the top as the others stayed down for longer. I would have loved to have stayed down longer but hey I got to see hammerhead sharks. Yippie!!!

The ride home was nice and relaxing as I lay out in the sun on the front of the boat. 90 minutes later we are back at the port and unloading everything. Back to the dive shop and then a group lunch before heading back to the hotel for a afternoon nap. Hey!! diving takes it out of you.

Such a great day diving in the Galapagos.

North Seymour

Last day on the boat and they make me wake up early to see the sunrise. As we make our way across for a dry landing onto North Seymour I hear that this walk flat but uneven.

OK, so waking up early was not only to watch the sunrise it is also the best time to see certain wildlife mainly the frigate birds. There is a large population of magnificent frigate birds on this island, along with Blue Footed Boobies. They say if you keep an eye out you will be able to see the courtship dance/selection process that happens. Guess what we got to see the selection process take place between a pair of frigate birds. It was interesting to see the male frigate birds attract the attention of the ladies by inflating their bright red skin flaps. They sometimes fly in the air to call more attention to themselves, which is, in itself, a funny display, as the puffy flap throws off their sense of balance!

I also got up close and personal with a juvenile Blue Footed Boobie (I think he is about to kiss me). Oh!! but it was so cute looking at me with its big eyes.  (Don't worry mum I am not bringing it home).

As our walk comes to an end so is our journey upon our luxury boat. Good News is that we have a few more days to explore the waters of Galapagos before we leave.

Floreana

Another morning of sunshine with a new view. This morning we are at Champion Island, a small island located just offshore Florena Island.  This morning we are doing some deep water snorkeling. For this swim it comes recommended to wear a wetsuit - I am going to take that recommendation.  After jumping in the water and loosing my breath I finally gather myself and look around only to spot our first Black Tipped Shark, amazing enough I was not scared at all. As we continues to snorkel around I spotted several sea lions, turtles, manta ray, star fish and more sharks, saw Galapagos Shark and White Tipped Sharks. This snorkel had been our best yet with fantastic viability and lots of different marine life.   As I start to go blue from being so cold it was time to jump out of the water warm up and move to our next stop the Post Office.

Yep!! The Post Office or should I say Post Office Bay.

History Lesson: Whaling Captain James Colnett established the wooden post barrel in the early 1793. At the time whaling was a big industry, ships were typically gone for 2 years at a time. The Galapagos Islands were a frequent stop for these ships. Outbound ships would drop off letters after rounding the cape and the ships returning home would mail them. Over the years thousands of ships have stopped to send and receive mail at Post Office Bay. Many have posted a sign of driftwood or other materials memorializing their visit. This is the only area in the Galapagos were graffiti is still acceptable.

Upon arriving at Post Office Bay we are meet by sea lions lying in the sun. We walk to the post barrel and our guide pulls out a hand full of postcards for the group to go through. Continuing the tradition, the postcards are brought home and then mailed to the addressee. I did not want to pass up the opportunity to be apart of such a long tradition that I dropped postcards in the barrel in the hope that someone will find mine and post it home. Mum and Adam keep you eyes open for this postcard. 

Back to the boat for a spot of lunch and another short sail around the island to our next destination.

This visit is to Punta Cormorant. Punta Cormorant offers two contrasting beaches. We first arrive on shore and notice that the sand has a green tinge (the green sand is caused by olivine crystals or magnesium and iron) this has been named "The Green Beach" from here we follow a train leading to a lagoon where pink flamingos can be seen (well that is if you go in the correct season). As we look into the mud of the lagoon there appears to be 'cracks' in the mud. These cracks are created by the footprints of the flamingos, not by from dryness as it first appears. The walk continues to another beach on the other side made of fine white sand particles known as "Flour Beach". In the waters we could see several turtles swimming close to shore.  As we stand and watch we notice a pair of turtles mating, interesting to watch. Just like being 8 again and being at the zoo, "Mum what are those monkey's doing" :) hee hee. As we leave the beach and the turtles to swim and "play".  We have the chance for our final swim and snorkel back at the Green Beach.

Being out last night on the boat I convinced the boat crew that it was time for a salsa night. After dinner all the passengers and some of boat crew got together to dance the night away.

 

 Last sleep aboard the boat.

Española

Another day in paradise awh!!! still not tired of it. Could one ever be :)

This morning we are off to explore Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, we have a challenging landing due to the swell, Phew!!! we all make it on to dry land safe and sound. Time now to begin our little hike. The amount of wildlife is overwhelming. Along the beach there are some sea lion pups playing at the waters edge and large, colorful lava lizards and marine iguanas. As we follow the trail to the cliff's edge we spot some masked boobies found nesting among the rock formations. After a short walk down to a beach and back up the other side blue-footed boobies are seen feeding there young just off the trail.

Continuing down the trail we come to the only place where waved albatross nest in the islands. They say some 12,000 pairs nest on Española each year (I did not see this many). The view is has a very dramatic feel and it seems like a desolate wilderness as the waves crash on the jagged cliffs below and the blowhole shoots water 15-30 meters into the air.

This afternoon visit it to Gardner Bay. Snorkeling at Gardner Bay is meant to be fantastic. Not to mention the colonies of sea lions lazing on the beach in the sun. We arrive and I am blown away by the number of sea lions stretch across the beach. Unfortunately the wind has picked up along with a little swell and snorkeling has proven to be difficult. Not to worry it was a great swim and now I get to walk along the beach amongst all these sea lions.  This is AWESOME, photos just do not do it justice.

Such a picturesque day full of gorgeous landscapes and close encounters with wildlife.

San Cristobal

Yawn!!!! 5am wake up!!! OK so I did not put a request in for early mornings.

This morning we visit Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) also known as the Sleeping Lion because of its resemblance (sorry I don't see it). It is located of the coast of San Cristobal, and you can find the remains of a lava cone eroded by the ties, as well as two vertical rocks rising 500 feet from the ocean that form a small channel. We had a number of bird enthusiasts on board so this became a favorite sight for them due to the many Tropicbirds, Frigates and Boobies that filled the surrounding air, as for me I thought the sunrise and rock looked pretty.

Later on we head to the Interpretation Center, which was built with the cooperation of the Spanish Science Centre, this gave a good introduction to the Galapagos islands, its marine and land life, fauna and flora. It is located in the outskirts of the small city of Pto. Baquerizo Moreno, which is the capital of the Galapagos Province.  After reading up on the Galapagos we now have some free time to explore the local town sit back and watch the sea lions take over the benches on the street.

We bid farewell to a few people on our boat and gain a few new faces. Over lunch we meet the new people and trade some stories about what we have already seen.

In the afternoon we visit Loberia, this is located a short 10 minute bus ride and a short walk along the beach. Loberia is home to a large sea lion colony and nursery. So today we got to swim with the sea lions and turtles. Some mothers were giving the pups some swimming lessons in the tide pools..

Before we knew it our time was up. Lisa and I were not ready to get out of the water still so much to see and experience, but unfortunately we had to get out as as the bus would leave with out us. If only we knew the way back we could have walked. :(

Time for an afternoon drink while drying off in the sun. (Lisa good to see you are still apply that sunblock).

Next Española Island.

Santa Cruz

I could used to this life of waking up to blue skies, sun and great food, but... there is no time to waste its time to get ready and make our way to land as we head for the mainland Santa Cruz. We head for the

Highlands in the hope to spot some wild (Giant) Galapagos Tortoises. As we drive on past we see a few resting near the roads edge.  Finally we stop at the Reserve and get out of the bus to take a walk through the park lands and this is where we get up close and personal with the Tortoises. We watched and listened  carefully for the sound of heavy foot steps and the sound of shrubs being slowly crushed as the tortoises make their way through the brush to enjoy a meal. Its amazing to find out that these magnificent creatures could live up to 200 years. No wonder they are never in a hurry.

After the reserve we went to the "Lava Tunnels" which are tunnels which were formed by molten lava where the outside solidified and the inner lava continued running - creating a tunnel. We walked for about a km through the tunnels. Our guide had warned us that when we got towards the end, the tunnels were not as high and we would need to "stoop" through a section. When we finally got there we realised "stoop" actually meant "crawl on your hands and knees" some it was more of a "slide on your stomach".  With several laughing fits later and a few people on the tour needing assistance we all made it through.  Phew!!! close call.

One more stop before we head back to the boat for a spot of lunch. This was an interesting stop right between two giant sink holes. These are places where a magma chamber close under the surface drained away and left a gas bubble. As the pressure holding the land over the bubble decreased, the chamber collapsed. From the outside, it looks like a place where the land suddenly stops, then starts up again several hundred meters further down. The sinkholes are vaguely circular pattern. Lucky everyone in our group was on talking terms or maybe there might have been one less going back to the boat. hee hee

  

After lunch it was back to the mainland but this time we were heading to the Charles Darwin Research Station. One of the great attractions here ist he Breeding and Rearing Center.for young tortoises, in that they're raising to rebuild the original populations. They're very interested in preserving the genetic purity of the of the tortoises on different islands, as all are slightly different. Lonesome George is another must to see he is apparently the last male of his species, and we got a bit of a sex-ed lesson as he tried to increase the population with one of his 2 lady friends. One interesting factoid is that the sex of the tortoise is determined by the incubation temperature of the egg. This allows the Darwin Center to produce more females, to rebuild the populations more quickly. Unfortunately George does not appear to be interested in sex (strange for a male isn't it?). Come on George do it for your species.

We now have some free time to look around the shops and check out the town, get a ice cream :) (hey its hot).  While we have some time Lisa and I are looking around to find out the best place to go diving and see hammer head sharks eek!!!!

Ah!!! another great day in the Galapagos.

Isabela

Another great morning in the Galapagos and today we will be visiting the Island of Isabela. Isabela Island is shaped like a sea horse and is the largest of the the islands in the Galapagos, more than 4 times larger than Santa Cruz the next largest.

Today we are visiting the southern part of Isabela and having a dry landing at Puerto Villamil Harbour. From here we take a short walk to see the flamingos then its on a local bus to visit Sierra Negra's Volcano or to be more correct Caldrea. Sierra Negra's caldera at 10 km x 8 kms is the largest in the Galapagos and the second largest in the world. From where were get dropped of we walk up to the view the crater. Unfortunately when we got to the viewing point there was low clouds and made it extremely hard to see also grasp the size of this crater. As we wait and walk just a bit further the clouds start to part just enough for us to see the crater one side to the other.

With a nice walk down back to the local bus we stop at a local pub for a drink. This is the perfect place to have a drink and put your feet up. A fantastic view a nice mix of sun and shade and of course a awesome view and direct access to the beach. Nice isn't it!

As we journey back to the boat we take a water stop to check out some Sea Llions, Pelicans, Galapagos Penguins and Blue Footed Bobbies (Yes thats the name of the bird).

After lunch its time to go for a snorkel off the side of panga today we have the opportunity to see turtles, rays and sea lions. If we are really lucky we may spot a penguin in the water.  OK I did not see any penguins but I did see a really large ray.   Awh!!! it was so good.  Wish I could have swum all day but as you know we have a schedule to stick to and I did not want to be left behind for fish food.

A short boat trip visit the Las Tintoreras Trail. Here the pathway leads between aa (ah! ah! or ouch! ouch!) lava, past huddles of marine iguanas towards a lagoon and a narrow channel which makes a favoured resting place for white-tipped sharks unfortunately it was the wrong season and we did not view any. Continuing along the shores, past Sally Lightfoot crabs to the sea lions. 

 

Another hard day at work, umm... wonder what tomorrow brings.

Bartolome & James (Santiago)

Next morning up for breakfast and ready for our dry landing on to Bartolome. This small island located just off Sullivan Bay east of Santiago. Bartolome, a desolate island with few plants is the most visited and most photographed island in the Galapagos. The island consists of an extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations. The best known of the island's features is the tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock.

Our journey on Bartolome is to walk to the Summit Trail this begins with a rock and concrete pathway. The walk continues on a wooden walk way over the volcanic sand. Once over the sand a steep ascent continues up a wooden stairway.

The volcanic landscape on the journey up seems barren except for the lava lizards scurrying about. Further up volcanic spatter cones with deep red, gleaming blacks and intense greens can be seen on both sides of the trail. The spatter cones and lava tubes give the feeling that you are hiking on the moon rather than an island in the Pacific.

Arriving at the top we are treated to one of the great panoramic views in the Galapagos. To the distance the islands of Santiago, Santa Cruz, Baltra, North Seymour, Rabida as well as a number of rocks and small inlets can be seen. The islands vary in color from a bright orange, to blacks and greens. The turquoise waters and white shores add to the incredible seen. The eroded pinnacle rock stands at the end of the island poising for pictures.

It's easy to see why this is one of the most popular photographic spots on all the islands.


Back to the boat so we can get ready for our wet landing to swim and snorkel from the northern beach. This is a popular snorkeling site where we had the opportunity to swim with fish and sea lions.

Back on the boat for lunch, the boat picks up anchor and makes it way towards Sullivan Bay where we will go exploring the lava fields.

The Sullivan Bay lava field has a variety of interesting patterns. The shapes and textures of trees, which once existed there and caused pockets of gas or water trapped under the lava and exploded. The lava here is known a "Panoehoe" (Hawaiian for rope). This thin-skinned lava's molten material cools down after an eruption causing the surface materials to buckle creating a rope like appearance, "Panoehoe" lava is rare to the rest of the world, but is common to the volcanoes of Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands. The walk took approximately an hour to an hour and a half. Ahh!!! just in time to make it back for sunset and a spot of dinner.

Galapagos Here I come!!!!

As I sit and wait for my friend Lisa to arrive, I can't stop thinking about what the next 2 weeks in the Galapagos will bring. Oh!! It is going to be so good, Sun, Blue Skies and good company. Finally Lisa arrives, OK to it was at 1 in the morning but yay!!! it really feels like the next Adventure is about to begin.

With zero time to sleep in it was an early wake up a quick breakfast and off to the airport. As usual there was plenty of waiting around at the airport but as soon as we arrived we were transferred to the docks to await our zodiac ride to our boat. Upon waiting for our zodiac who would have thought that we would already be seeing some amazing wildlife (sea lions, crabs and iguanas).

We arrive on the boat and instantly I find myself in another world. This boat is true luxury!! Perfect just what I was looking for after 4 months living off a truck. :) Time to get to know the other passengers over some lunch. After lunch the boat starts to move, with no time waisting we have a afternoon walk and swim/snorkel scheduled.

The boat takes anchor and we prepare for our first wet landing on the Island of Santa Cruz to Bachas Beach. The sand on this beach is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, a favourite nesting site for sea turtles (Unfortunately did not spot any). Behind one of the beaches there is a small water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to see flamingos (nope none of these either). There is another beach close by which is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel. During this walk we saw a number of crabs and Lava Iguana's. After the walk we have a chance to sit on the beach to relax or take a dip, as for me I did not pass on the opportunity on taking a swim.

After our walk and swim it was time to go back to the boat and get ready for dinner and start the engines again to make our move to our next destination.

Awesome Adventure #4 - Galapagos

So after spending the last 4 months traveling on a truck, camping and having cold showers, its now time for a little bit of luxury aboard a boat through the Galapagos Islands.

Below is a itinerary of what I will be doing.


Maybe it will be time to work on that tan of mine.

Catia La Mar, Caracas

Its time for this section of my journey to come to an end, its our final drive in the truck before we arrive late afternoon in Catia La Mar a town on the outskirts of Caracas.

We unload the truck for the last time and organise our backpacks as it time to for a test and see if we can carry all that we have purchased along the way. Lucky I used the rule if it does not fit in my pack don't purchase it. So I had a few extra things on my back but I am proud to say that I could carry it all. (Just and not very far)

Now that I am packed and organised it was time to head out for our last group dinner. As exciting as it is thinking about my next destination the Galapagos, I could not help but be a little sad this was the last time I was going to be on the truck (Cindy), say good bye to some great people/friends.

So who needs to sleep, off to bed late and with only a few hours sleep it was time to get my bags organised, check out and catch the shuttle to the airport.

Galapagos Islands here is come.

Puerto Columbia

The mission to get to the beach will not be an easy one we need to make a long drive along a narrow and winding road through the Henri Pittier National Park we passed several colorful buses loaded with beach goers, we are lead to the top of the mountain, through the cloud forest, home to several animals, insects and plants, to then bring us down to sea-level, driving us smack bang into the middle of the colonial town of Choroní.

We eventually arrived, dropped off our bags and headed straight into town for a bite to eat, out for a few drinks and then off to bed as we have a big day at the beach planned.

I awoke with excitement had breakfast and headed straight for the beach. Just a short 10 minute walk and before I knew it was was there on the white sandy beaches of Playa Grande in Horseshoe Bay. This fringed with coconut palms with a spectacular backdrop of lush green mountains. Perfect don't you think for a day of relaxation and swimming.


Not long now and this tour will come to an end.
Last and final stop on this section is Caracas.

Merida and New Years

We are still on the road to Merida but what better way to break up the drive then to stop at a small town called Mucuchies (Mérida, Venezuela). In late December of every year, this small Andean town hosts a two-day festival to celebrate San Benito de Palermo, their patron saint.

Every December, on the 29th, the townsmen dress up as their Patron Saint, paint their faces in black and form a colorful army of men women and children. They go from very early in the morning to late at night carrying an image of the Black Saint, marching and detonating black powder with their toy guns all over town. At midday, the army gathers around at the plaza in front of the church to receive mass. The children, specially, love this festival, you can see many of them dressed up in costumes, dancing and celebrating all day long.

Time to get back on the truck and make our way to Merida town centre. We arrive late and only have time for dinner and a shower, as we need to get to bed so we can wake up early for our 2 day tour in the hope to experience the Catatumbo Lightning.

Day 1
The journey begins in Merida, after breakfast. We leave early because it's a very big day with lots to see and lots of kms. By road we travel about 150km and 60km by boat. Our first stop is about an hour from Merida in a mountain area with a large number of condors fly. We drive a little further to and visit a very old sugar factory, its been told that the process is almost the same as 300 years ago. We drive a little further and stop for lunch. After lunch we leave the Andes and enter the Depression of Maracaibo, a very flat land very much like the Llanos. Its around 2pm when we arrive at Puerto Concha, a fishing village which collects the produce of the Maracaibo Lake. Its at this point we leave the car behind and travel by boat through tropical flooded forest. During our boat journey we see a large number of birds, howler monkeys and some iguanas. Suddenly the small river open up into the Maracaibo Lake. The feeling of fresh air and open space is wonderful. With the wind in our hair and great expectations we begin the crossing. The lake is the biggest in South America (13,000 sq km). The distance to our camp is about 50km which we will take about 1hr 30min. During our crossing we were lucky enough to see some fresh water dolphins. At last our final destination, the Ologa Lagoon. This place is one of the most photogenic places I have visited. At last the boat stops at the house where we will be sleeping in hammocks. We arrive in time for sunset and ready to see what the night brings!

Day 2 - New Years Eve
Unfortunately the night sky did not light up for us. We wake up with the sun for an amazing sunrise. We explore the Ologa village and visit a local family before visiting the next water village of Congo. A staggering 500 people live here on the water. As we slowly make our way around the village we stop at the local church/Plaza Bolivar. This is were Zoe and I realise that Australia is celebrating New Years it only seems right that we do the same (OK so it was 15 1/2 hrs before we officially celebrate in Venezuela - but yay!!! I am happy to celebrate twice). We travel back across the lake. Tired but happy! We get back into Merida at about 4pm just in time to get some beer and soft drink for tonight and get ready for a night of New Years celebrations.

Time to get ready and head off to a local family to celebrate New Years just like the locals do. As we danced the night way, watched fire works and familys run around the block with bags/luggage in the hope that the new year will give them some happy and safe travels in the new year.

After a big night we get a sleep in, the truck will not leave Merida until lunch time. Excellent a sleep in.

Next stop the beach. Can't wait.