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.

Guernsey pictures are available

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We arrived back in England on Saturday.  Last undocumented days included a cliff walk, lunch at a restaurant on the South coast at La Gouffre called Cafe D’Escalier.  This used be called the Hollows and then served Greek food.  Now it served an adventurous Fest menu.  Some of the items were good, and the others were so so.  Choose well and you will be rewarded.  After lunch we walker back to Vazon Bay arriving just as it was getting dark.

Saturday a walk to Cobo bay, and then a final lunch at La Grande Mare.

Guernsey Holiday 2011

Pictures are available for viewing here.  https://www.blasdale.com/blog/picture-albums/2011-blasdale-picture-album/2011-guernsey-holiday-at-vazon-bay/

 

 

Wednesday dinner

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After arriving back in the flat, and a few G&Ts later, decided to eat in the hotel restaurant. Steve decided maybe that we should book, so over to the hotel and booked for supper. No room available until 8.30. Seems the Tenner Fest at La Grande Mare is pretty popular. I think they are the only restaurant doing the festival for a Tenner. This is a three course meal and in the evening. De Nellos in St Peter Port charge £17.50 for a three course evening meal. De Nellos feel they have to charge this amount, otherwise the food quality will be low. The meal La Grande Mare presented for £10.00 was excellent for quality, taste, presentation and value. There were quite a few options available on the menu I would be happy to eat. Maybe will have to go back again. Quantities were good, we left feeling satiated. Coffee was extra, but worth the cost, they do a good Cappuccino .

For the record

  • R had Chicken Tikka, followed by a vegetarian Wellington stuffed with Feta cheese and peppers. I tried a piece and it was yummy. She ended with ice cream.
  • S started with baked Cammenburt cheese, lamb on a potato champ and sauce, and finished with a apple crumble and ice cream.

Today worried by the rain, and no plan we headed to St. Peter Port and stopped in the ever growing number of Costa coffee shops which seem to have grown up. As usual I presented my Costa card to gain points, and as usual my Costa card was rejected. Why oh why have a loyalty card and find that it is not taken in that particular branch. I am getting hacked off with Costa and their owner Whitbread. Never have this problem of rejected loyalty card at Cafe Nero who, incidentally produce a better and stronger tasting cup of coffee.

We left and walked up through the town heading back to Vazon bay. We must have been lucky, despite the ominous clouds we arrived home dry. The ground at Vazon was soaking wet, luckily no rain fell on the just.

Wednesday New York weather

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The depression which caused havoc in New York and the East coast arrived here today. It though did not bring the snow which so damaged trees in Central Park. Instead grey and damp miserable weather arrived. Ventured out to stock up with T for the G&Ts which we had allowed to get perilously low.

Guernsey North island walk

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Fry up breakfast, including black pudding. Then the bus to Port Soif and walk to Saint Sampsons. Weather was warm and sunny, but a few spots of rain early on. Hopefully have a picture of a rainbow. Not many caffs open at this time of year, but had an ice cream at La Garenne. In total we walked I the region of 7.8 miles

Some pictures of LBJs, Kestral, Oyster Catchers and Curlew.

Back home on the 7A from the bridge in Saint Sampsons,G&Ts and then another M&S dine in for £10.00

Monday Guernsey

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Monday was a gentle day for us. Into St Peter Port, looking around the shops, not a lot more. The old Market Place was as depressing as usual with New Look, HMV and the CO-OP. Now even the obscure shops in Fountain Street seem to have all been closed down for some redevelopment project.

Back to the hotel for luncheon and their Tenner Fest. Three courses for £10.00. It was very good. I am looking forward to horrid weather for the rest of a week. Quick swim, lunch and then afternoon sleep. What more can want, even the beer is not so bad, some local brews and a guest from the main land, Black Sheep.

So what was so good, the mushrooms stuffed with a liver pate, the smoked salmon terrine, or for the mains, Thai flavoured mussels, or the Chicken Jalfrezzi curry. A proper cheese board for deserts. Ample choices, with luck we will be back.

Afternoon walk around Fort Hommet and some hopefully dramatic rock scale photographs taken in the dying sun.

Guernsey

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Well we are in Guernsey. Flew here on Saturday, been shopping and I now proudly sport a new fat face top. Yes there is a small saving on the price from a reduction in the tax. Last night we had a lazy Marks and Spencer dine in for £10.00 meal. It was a vegetarian mozzarella dish and microwaved peas and beans. After supper watched the waves breaking over the sea wall, attempted some photographs. In the morning there were many patches of sea weed and rocks on the coast road. After the night time sea viewing, we took to the golf course to track down a few ducks and geese on the ponds. Rosemary only took to a bunker once on the walk.

Today we bussed over to Fermain bay and took a short walk to the Auberge restaurant for luncheon. On the walk we met another English couple who regularly come to the Island, we are not the only ones. They come this time of year to eat at the Fest restaurants.

Our Auberge meal, excellent as usual. I started with Warm Toulouse sausage salad, while Rosemary ate Smoked Salmon with a caper sauce. Both of us ate fish for the main course, mine was Brill on mashed potato with Scallops and a corral roe sauce. Rosemary opted for Sea Bass on a mixture of noodles, carrot noodles and courgette noodles. I was surprised she ate her fish skin. I think it was a first for her and she now realises the delicacy missed all these years.

The finals were an Autumn Mess a mixture of berries in an Ice cream, much like an Eaton Mess. I was going to have that, but was beaten to the choice by Rosemary. The Panacotta and berry sauce, my second choice was delicious.

The eye candy served during the meal was delightful.

Returned to the flat, shopping at the local CO-OP and then back for G&Ts. The Grande Mare car park was heaving. Not sure if this a result of their 3 course Fest menu for £10.00 Shall be trying that tomorrow lunch time.