Day 39 – Three cars, two boats and a plane equals paradise

Today we left Quito behind and headed to the Galapagos. The flight departed in the morning, taking in a layover at Guayacil, and arrived in the Galapagos around midday local time. Upon arrive we soon realised how little information the hostel had provided us with about who to meet. Luckily the one guy I made inquiries with recognised the invoice as being from his company.

We were told by our guide, still can’t remember his name, that we’d be transferring to the island of Isabella via various methods of transport. First we had to fight our way onto the bus from the airport. This took us to the docks where we took a small ferry from Baltra to Santa Cruz. Next we boarded a pick-up and drove across the island, via its single main road. The scenery reminded me of Death Valley until we hit vegetation and the port of Punta Estrada.

The final transferee was billed as “2 1/2 fast yacht trip”. I thought “great I can finish this book I half read on the plane”. Instead it turned out to be one of the worst sea journeys I’ve ever taken. Imaging sitting on an office chair in a greenhouse, devoid of airflow, and being drop from varying heights of 3 feet or less. This boat really wasn’t designed for high swell and I’m surprised only one person was sick; although many more look ready to blow!

It soon became clear that the ordeal of getting here would be worth it. After leaving our bags in our modest accommodation were guided round the corner to a lake where a Flamingo could be seen feeding. My learning for the day is that Flamingo’s get their colour from the brine shrimp they eat. Next we were driven up the road and guided back along the beach, being told where we could go and what not to touch (anything and everything organic). At a lookout point we ot our first sight of marine Iguana, black lizards on rocks but quite cute.

Finally we had some free time so I donned the running gear, bar the shoes, and went for a sunset run. It was the most magnificent place to go for a run, 3k of golden beach just meters from the hotel. The sun was setting in one direction as I ran through the surf. In the return I could see the large full moon rising over the island, a staggering sight to behold. At the end of the run I found tom walking on the beach; he kindly held onto my shirt as I wend for a swim. First ocean swim this travel and the water was perfect.

The rest of the evening was spent with the tour group; first for dinner and second for a few drinks at a beach bar. The food was plain, and I welcomed it, consisting of soup and the catch of the day – the Woohoo fish.

Looking forward to seeing more tomorrow as the little I’ve seen so far has been stunning. Have run out of words to describe all these sights so may be reusing some from earlier posts! I also think that my time here just isn’t going to feel long enough. After only a few hours I know I could happily stay here for a month.