Yearly Archives: 2012

First day at the Galapagos islands

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Up early for a flight to the Galapagos, first we flew to the city of Guayaquil, looking down through the gaps in the clouds, we could see vast areas of low lying farm land and houses under water. The airport had some rather large colonies of Egrets nesting between the runways. A short stop, and then we were off to the island of Baltra, a very small island separated from Santa Cruz by a channel of 200 meters. The airport was fairly efficient, quickly relieving us of 100 dollars each for entry.

Leaving the airport on a bus, then onto the foot ferry to Santa Cruz. Our private coach on the other side took us for our tour. The weather was fascinating, the main land was cloudy, the trip to the islands was clear blue. The islands of course were covered with cloud. Our coach trip took us up to a place where we were due to have a walk and see our first finches, not to be, a deluge of rain. That was cancelled to we went to a private reserve where we saw a barn owl and some romping tortoises feeding. A few birds were spotted, and then back onto the bus to the town of Puerto Ayora for lunch, and a walk to the Tortoise breeding centre.

Now the weather was much improved, sunny and hot, but where we had come from, the cloud still persisted, and rain was surely still falling. A practical lesson in geography. In the town we met begging Sea Lions surrounding the man gutting and filleting Yellow Fin Tuna. At the breeding centre we saw some juvenile tortoises which had not yet been released, and also the old man of them all, Lonesome George.

Back to the town, and we boarded the cruise liner for the week. The boat is a twin masted boat called the Cachalote. Supper was soon ready, and we went to bed pretty early.

Quito by way of Miami

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Monday up bright and early for the Virgin flight to Miami. M25 a breeze, terminal 3 was a doddle. No waiting at check in, no problems at security, just a 3 hour wait for the flight. Why do they ask you to check in 3 hours before the gate closes? Note to self, leave to the last minute.

Flight arrived at Miami, we had a 1 hour wait to get through security, they were also quite a friendly bunch as well. Now to get to the AA flight to Quito. Had to check in again, despite bags making their way between the planes without our aid, then the long queue to get through security. 3 hours was ample time. If we had only 2 hours to make the flight we would have been panicking.

Met a few other Naturetrek punters at the AA flight to Quito, they had not been so lucky, they had flown on an earlier flight to us by AA. Different set of immigration officials in a different immigration hall. Two hours to get through, and some very unfriendly immigration officials.

Note to self, never fly AA, and never pass through Miami.

Arrived at Quito 11 ish local time, and into hotel at midnight. That would be 5am UK time. Quite a long day all in all.

Today had a tour of Quito, cloudy and warm, though rain in the evening. Saw a few churches, and a statue of the Virgin overlooking Quito. Now it’s time for supper.

More from Quito

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The first church we visited was the La Basilica. The church instead of having the usual Gargoyles, had Gargoyles based on the creatures of the Galapagos islands. The next church was a Jesuit church, inside every feature was covered in gold foil. The newly gilded surfaces (after a fire) were extremely shiny and reflected the lighting is a spectacular fashion. No photography was allowed in the Jesuit church.

On then to the presidents palace, where he should live, by being a leftist politician he has decided only to work there, and open his palace to the people. The square had a demonstration in progress, with tents and speeches. Was this occupy Quito? This was the build up to a large demonstration occurring on Thursday, something to do with land rights for the indigenous people.

Next on to an area which used to be the redlight district, but had now been cleaned up somewhat. Apparently if your car radio was stolen, you could guarantee getting it back here. There were a few working girls still available in the area. I do wonder where this clean up has displaced the majority of the women. Then back on to the bus to get a view of the whole city from El Panecillo where the aluminium statue of the Virgin was sited. This was built in the 70’s and shipped in from Spain.

Back to the bus and on for lunch, sandwiches and a beer in a cafe, not that good, and not very good value. Taxi back to the hotel for a hat and sun tan cream, I was beginning to burn under the clouds. Quick walk to the Botanical gardens to photograph some humming birds. The sun tan cream, and photo opportunity brought an immediate down pour.

Soaked we made are way back to the hotel for an evening meal, not tempted out for Guinea Pig, because of the rather inclement weather.

The day had been cloudy, with the sun breaking through on occasion, almost warm. The afternoon deteriorated into rain.