Monthly Archives: May 2021

I absolutely felt like I was on another planet today while hiking through the lava field on Volcán Sierra Negra. This surreal and barren landscape was something I’ve never experienced. The volcano is one of the more active volcanoes on the island – the most recent eruption being in 2018. It is also the secondContinue reading “Hiking Volcan Sierra Negra”

Sitting here having a beer at the Hotel Jungla looking out at the sea. Slept really well last night, and got into town early to find breakfast. Had not made plans, but when a shopkeeper offered me a bike, I accepted. The hotel is on the road/path that goes to the wall of tears. BeingContinue reading “Bike Ride to the “Wall of Tears” on Isabela”

Today was the day I was dreading… two 2 hour boat rides were required to get to Isabela island, where I am now. The first left at 7 AM and arrived on Santa Cruz Island at 9. After a 6 hour layover walking around Puerto Ayora, the second was supposed to leave at 3. Well,Continue reading “Changing Islands – Travel Day”

Some pictures from our trip around the island today. Seas were rough! Visibility snorkeling not so great. Taking the ferry tomorrow to Isabella island.

The internet here on the islands is challenging, which one might expect. Like stepping back in time to dial up speeds. Facebook seems to be more forgiving, but posting videos is pretty much impossible. Anyways, crossing my fingers, here goes. This morning I wanted to take the 30 minute walk to the other local beachContinue reading “Exploring San Cristobal”

I awoke this morning with some trepidation that my covid test results had not arrived. A negative pcr test within 4 days of entering the islands is required. A quick stop at a Walgreens to take the test in Charlotte before going to the airport was the plan. Almost three days and counting and nothingContinue reading “Arriving in the Galapagos ¬ Sea Lion Saturday”

Guayaquil was founded in 1538 as a native outpost by Spaniard Francisco de Orellano. It was considered the main Spanish shipyard for repairs of the exploring home fleet. 150 years later, the city was attacked and looted by French and English pirates. Many were killed on both sides. Finally, in 1820, citizens with help fromContinue reading “Climbing the stairs of history”

I spent the day in Guayaquil (GWHY-A-KEEL) walking around the downtown taking in the sights, riding a gondola across the river and getting a SIM card for my phone. Most people go with their carrier’s international plan for $5-10/day and don’t realize it’s so easy to go into a cellular store and get a SIMContinue reading “Hitting the streets in Guayaquil – First day in Ecuador”

It is a rainy Saturday here at home in Burnsville and a good time to catch my blog up. I went to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands from May 5-21, and then rode the Katy Trail in Missouri from May 24-June 4. As one might expect the internet connections in Ecuador was not great, soContinue reading “Catching up”