There were two highlights today: the splendid view from the hike to the summit and snorkeling with penguins. The hike to the top was interesting the whole way up with variations in lava flow leaving the rocks looking sometimes like stalactites, strips of different colored cake batter poured down the mountain, and rocks scattered like we were visiting another planet. Once at the top, everyone posed for a picture of our Millenium family and Galo snapped a picture with each camera.
On the way to the snorkeling beach, our pangas headed over to see the penguins fishing near the rocky shore. They jumped out of the water and shook their little tails. As we entered the water, birds started diving into the water. Galo told us to head for the birds, and we were rewarded with snorkeling with penguins. They shot through the water just like I saw in an IMAX movie on Antarctica – only I was right there!!! After five minutes they were gone, but the water was clear and the views were wonderful. There were volcanic formations under water, flows, small cones and arches. We saw bigger fish here than we have seen at other places, and ones that looked like they had big lips
Last night Galo wanted us to watch Master and Commander so we could preview what we would see today. One by one we trickled off to bed. So this afternoon we finished up the movie. It is much more beautiful in person.
We had to get fuel for the boat so I spent part of the down time learning about Uri’s travels though South America and seeing the pictures that went with it. I added more places to travel to on our list, along with great recommendations about what to see when we go. Erik is coordinating an email list so we can exchange pictures.
Jon joined some of the other guys for a game of Galápagos poker. I knew it is getting serious when Peter got up and returned with sunglasses, so I headed out to the deck to watch the sunset. We were already underway to our final stop tomorrow, and coming up behind us was a sailing ship. We joked that it may be the Acheron from Master and Commander.
Tonight we were served lobster and the chef decorated a cake, thanking us for joining them. It has gotten me to pondering that on each leg of our journey, every single person from Ecuador who we have encountered on our trip has made it a wonderful experience. I feel almost like I have been spoiled with great service. Every tourist I have met, except one, has been fantastic to meet. I have learned something new from each one that I hope I can take back with me and learn from.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.