We arrived in the Galapagos on Baltra Island at about 10 in the morning 5 days ago. We went through a series of checkpoints to make sure we weren`t carrying any seeds or plants that could contaminate the islands. We even had to walk through a pad of alcohol to clean the foreign mud off our feet! We met some of our group, a Swiss couple and a French couple, as we got on the bus. Everyone had this look of eagerness in their eyes. After a bus ride, a ferry and another bus, we arrived in Puerto Ayora. As we rode through the Island of Santa Cruz, I was surprised to see some litter on the side of the road. For such a sacred island, one would imagine littering to be a punishable crime. The good thing is only 4 of the many islands are inhabited.
In Puerto Ayora, we got onboard our home for the next 4 days, El Yate Rumba. Our cabin had two small bunkbeds and a bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. Using the bathroom proved to be quite a challenge on a rocking boat. Another Swiss couple was already on the boat, and they were very welcoming and nice. We think everyone was wondering whether or not Allison and I are a couple because everyone was with their significant other. After a couple of hours, I think it was obvious though that we were just friends. All 8 of us ate a hardy lunch on the boat. We give the cook a lot of credit for being able to cook such elaborate meals on a swaying boat.
Ivan, our guide, met us after lunch to explain the rules of the Galapagos and to take us back to Port. In Puerto Ayora, we went to the Darwin Station to learn a little bit about the Island and to see some land tortoises. These animals are the only ones that are controlled by the people. They control the incubation for the eggs and help them become strong to move back onto the islands. There were some of the oldest tortoises, 80 years, in the Darwin Station as well. After that tour, we walked around the Port for a little while before we had dinner on the boat. We retired early because the next day was going to be full of snorkeling and hiking.
Ivan, our guide, met us after lunch to explain the rules of the Galapagos and to take us back to Port. In Puerto Ayora, we went to the Darwin Station to learn a little bit about the Island and to see some land tortoises. These animals are the only ones that are controlled by the people. They control the incubation for the eggs and help them become strong to move back onto the islands. There were some of the oldest tortoises, 80 years, in the Darwin Station as well. After that tour, we walked around the Port for a little while before we had dinner on the boat. We retired early because the next day was going to be full of snorkeling and hiking.
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