Fri Dec 29
-leisurely morning for an 8PM departure to the Gemelos or twin sink holes and the giant tortoise farm.
-boarded buses in the largest town of Galapagos, Puerto Aya?X?. drove up hill and were surprised to find clouds and mist. I guess the crew was correct to recommemd that we bring rain jackets
-walked around the sink holes and chatted Toyotas with Mike from Kansas City
-then off to the tortoise farm which was really cool. definitely my second favorite animal after the penguins. neat to hear them hiss as they deflate their lungs to retract into their shells. apparently they travel 3 miles in 8 days. that's some slow travel
-took fun pictures and really enjoyed the visit. back onboard for lunch
-Finn and Laura took the 2PM tour to the coffee farm. Ty and I went to the tortoise breeding center at 2:30. it was hot on land. fun to see the baby tortoises, but Consuelo our tour guide was in a big hurry and sarcastic. Ty was eager to get back to the ship as well. so an OK visit
-saw Laura and Finn at the fish market along with the begging seagulls and sleeping sea lion on the bench. returned to the ship for a leisurely afternoon of cards and a gym visit.
-final briefing and applause for the crew followed by George's video presentation. Ate at the Grill on the back deck, but it was rocking too much for Laura who returned to the cabin.
-after the meal, we joined her in the cabin to watch the end of the Laird Hamilton movie and then pack up just in time to get our bags in the hallway at 11PM. It has been a decent journey, but we are ready to get off the ship.
Sat Dec 30
-up at 6:30 for a quick gym visit. Out of our rooms by 7:30 for final breakfast onboard. Killing time until 9:30 disembark. Then flight via Guayquil at 12:50. Will finally get to Quito at about 6PM.
-a long, inefficient day of travel, but that's life as we transition from cruise to Amazon
2025-02-12