I've learned that one doesn't get anywhere fast when leaving from Missoula, Montana but problems with flight connections almost sidetracked my tour before it had a chance to begin. "Plan extra time," I always say (and I'd better start following my own advice!)
Betty picked me up at the airport at 10:30 at night with a huge smile that …

I awoke early and enjoyed a delightful breakfast in the hotel restaurant! Brownie the bunny (their resident pet) kept me company in the small courtyard as birds came and went, and left their song in the air.
Luis arrived right on time and we were off to the airport for my flight to Coca. He was such a delightful guide - knowledgeable about all …

My daily routine is going to look like this:
6:00 - 6:30 AM Wake Up and eat Breakfast
7:00 - 7:30 AM Depart for the Day's 1st Adventure
12:30 PM Lunch!
3:00 - 4:00 PM Afternoon Adventure
7:00 PM Dinner!!
??? After Dinner Adventure
I met Raul Lupuy today, our native guide. Together with Jorge, our small group explored …

Today was especially special as we made our way down the river to Mr. Silverio's home. He is an indigenous man - quiet, humble, and very knowledgeable about his surroundings and their challenges. He introduced us to his garden (hardly resembling our Western notion of what a garden should look like) and demonstrated his planting skills. We …

Since the rain had decided to settle in for the morning, we were unable to visit the Macaw salt lick (the beautiful parrots evidentially don't arrive when it is raining) and so explored La Selva's Butterfly farm instead. The Amazon is home to 1,800 species of butterflies and La Selva has done its best to create a self-sufficient farm for research …

After repeating the entry process of boat rides and a short flight, I returned to Quito. Luis was waiting for me (of course!) and we were off for a quick tour of the city. Historical sites hold my interest, so Luis showed me old churches, an amazing museum of the history of Ecuador, and the city square.
The day had passed very quickly and it …

I don't know if I got any sleep last night, but the wake up call was sounding and I knew it was only a matter of minutes before Luis would be waiting for me in the foyer. He took me to the airport and guided me through the process of getting on the right plane headed to the Baltra Airport on the Galapagos Islands themselves.
After arriving and …

Up at 6:45AM. Compared to my last few days, this is sleeping in!! Today we took the 'Volcano Rock' walk which covered terrain a bit more rugged than I'd planned on. Wearing my favorite pair of Brasilian Havaianas flip flops, I found a 2" thorn had penetrated straight through them! Fortunately, I didn't put full pressure on my foot before I …

Another 6:45AM wakeup call. The voice that comes over the intercom system was so pleasant to almost be annoying! "I am sorry to wake you from your pleasant dreams but it is 6:45 and breakfast will be served in 15 minutes..." Where is my obnoxious alarm clock when I need it?
The black sand beach of Egas Port was amazing! We snorkeled …