We started this leg of our trip with 2 nights in Quinto, which we had assumed was enroute to the Islands. Just the 4 of us, and with Dianne laid low with a cold ( aided by the tablets we bought at the chemist using google translate which knocked her out for the afternoon), only 3 of us fronted for the city tour. Quinto is another old Incan city taken over by the Spanish. Ancient city built on side of mountain so lots of ups and downs. As we toured the ancient cathedral, the guide offered us a chance to access the top of the building. One look at the staircase, through a 3 foot door and winding 16th century steps had me backing out. Good decision as the photo below shows Nannette and Bob accessing the roof.
Next morning we backtracked to Guayaquil, the capital of Ecuador, and then caught a flight to San Cristobal. After some time in town, we embarked on our boat. The sea lions had claimed ownership of the town and were everywhere : lying across roads, taking over seats beside bus stops and all over beaches and parks mixing with population.
Our boat is the Seaman Journey AKA Seasick Central. The seas have been choppy on and off, and at least half the boat are feeling the effects and spend their time trading diagnosis and medication.
Two land trips off the boat Tuesday , the first involved a steep climb necessitating use of hands to get up the hill, and the second involved tracking over foot size boulders for a couple of kms using sticks to balance. Di and myself skipped these and did rubber dingy rides around the islands instead . Spotted the famous blue footed boobie sitting on a rock posing for us, which is what they were looking for on the walk so happy with our decision.
In the afternoon I went snorkeling, which was really great as the young sea lions came out and played amongst us. Bob, from the roof, can’t swim, so his wife was towing him along on a life ring when a lion tried to grab the rope to pull him away.
The following day was a walk along the beach, more snorkeling ( this time with turtles ) and a two hour hike along a rocky coastline where we saw the iguana and albatross nesting sites. Albatross a pretty cool – the parents mate for life and take turns at sitting on the eggs during the 65 day incubation period. However if dad’s late home from work and mum gets hungry she just abandons the babies and heads off for a feed. And vice versa.
Thursday another island walk to an inland lagoon to see pink flamingos followed by final snorkeling and dingy ride.
Our final morning included a visit to a giant turtle breeding station. These guys live on the edge of volcanos normally.
Eleven passengers on board Most really great but the experience was marred a bit by the presence of two fifty something yapping blonds from Queensland. Absolutely obnoxious women.
Heading home now. Today from the islands to Guayaquil, tomorrow to Santiago in Chile and then to Sydney and Canberra the following day arriving late PM on Monday.
Round about 