Do you know..........

Do you know how hard it is to put a camera under water? We bought this small (really crappy) underwater camera to take with us so that I can get photos of turtles, sharks, pirhanas - ok, joking about the pirhanas, I think! I did not realize that the camera was so cruddy. When you press the button you have to wait about 2 seconds before the pic takes! Aaaarrrrrghhhh. Anyway - underwater photos I will have - good or bad.

So I put it in its watertight case and decide to test it out. Now is a good time. If it works, it will go along with us, if not - well, we can do with the space. We have 44 gallon drums outside on the corners of the house to catch the rainwater which we then use to water my guava trees, lime trees and other fruits and veggies... And it was to these drums that I headed with this really crappy camera firmly cocooned in its clear waterproof container.

So I stood there, looked at the water, looked at the camera. And stood there. My hand kinda went towards the water but there seemed to be a short between what my brain was telling my hand to do and what my hand actually wanted to do. After a few minutes I actually started laughing at myself. Fortunately Frank was at the back of the house and did not see me acting stupid. Well, it is not natural to put a camera in water! Not for me, not yet anyway.

Finally I took a photo of my guava plant, saw how badly it came out and thrust that camera DEEP into the water with absolutely no hesitation at all! I found that I was not breathing. I took a few photos that came out really badly but I am putting that down to the fact that the water is not clear at all and ....... well, any excuse will do. This camera might well become a Permanent Resident of Ecuador!

So now I have taken my first underwater photos. I hope I improve. Fast!

23 days left!

Galapagos and Machu Picchu Itinerary...

After the River boat cruise in the Amazon Jungle, we fly back to Quito and have two days to explore, relax and look around. There is a great market on the Saturday and maybe Sunday we will go to Mindo - a part of the Rainforest nearby........ and here's the Galapagos trip itinerary, then Machu Picchu and home again.

Day 11 (Sat, Oct 03, 2009): Quito.

Free day. Overnight at Hotel Quito. (B)

Day 12 (Sun, Oct 04, 2009): Quito.

Free day. Overnight at Hotel Quito. (B)

DAY 13 (Mon, Oct 05, 2009): Quito/Baltra Airport/North Seymour.

Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Galapagos. Passengers are

picked up at the airport by our guides and taken to the pier to board the M/V

Galapagos Legend.

North Seymour (dry landing). Guests will encounter swallow tail gulls and sea

lions. This site is a major nesting colony of blue footed boobies, and has the largest

colony of the magnificent frigate bird. Travelers will also spot both the marine

iguanas and land iguanas and will have snorkeling opportunities. Overnight aboard

the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 (Tue, Oct 06, 2009): Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz)/Cormorant Point

(Floreana).

Dragon Hill (wet landing). Passengers walk to a saltwater lagoon behind the beach,

where on occasion many pink flamingos can be observed. This trail leads up to

Dragon Hill, which offers a lovely view of the bay. This is a nesting site for

reintroduced land iguanas, and there is also a Scalesia tree forest. Passengers may

opt to take a dinghy to Venice islet and observe the vegetation and marine animals

like spotted eagle rays, golden rays, mullets, sharks and sea turtles. Land iguanas

have often been observed as well.

Cormorant Point (wet landing). Visitors will hike from the black mangrove beds to a

large, brackish lagoon, which holds one of the biggest flamingo populations in the

Galapagos. The island is best known for its endemic plants like the Galapagos

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millwork, passion flower and button mangrove. Novice snorkelers can practice on

the main beach with the playful sea lions; experienced snorkelers can roam around

Devils Crown. Please keep in mind this is an open-water activity; there is nothing to

step on. Overnight aboard the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)

DAY 15 (Wed, Oct 07, 2009): Suarez Point (Espanola)/La Galapaguera (San

Cristobal).

Suarez Point (dry landing). Visitors will learn more about the lava terrain and cross

the inactive lava fields. Besides the sea lion colonies, this is a very important site for

bird watching. Many species, such as the hooded mocking bird and red billed tropic

bird can be spotted and observed closely. You will also see a large colony of marine

iguanas, lava lizards, and sally light foot crabs. After a short trek visitors encounter

colonies of masked and blue-footed boobies. The nesting grounds sometimes

overlap the trail. Visitors will also find Galapagos doves, hawks and swallow-tailed

gulls and then reach the world’s largest colony of waved albatross. A major highlight

is their mating season, from May through December. You’ll visit the famous

blowhole, where water shoots into the air about 23 m (75 ft).

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (dry landing). Passengers will visit San Cristobal

breeding center and learn about the National Park’s breeding program with the giant

tortoises. Passengers will observe some animals in their natural environment.

Overnight aboard the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)

DAY 16 (Thu, Oct 08, 2009): Punta Carrion/Bartolome.

Punta Carrion. During this visit you can snorkel and see a variety of fish, rays and

perhaps the harmless white tip reef sharks. From Punta Carrion the short navigation

is through the beautiful Itabaca Channel with its turquoise waters.

Bartolome (dry landing). Passengers will see volcanic formations like lava bombs,

spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit you’ll be impressed by the

view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock.

During the hike to the summit, travelers will often see colonies of marine iguanas,

lava lizards, tiquilla, and various cacti. Visitors will be able to snorkel and see the

Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance.

Overnight aboard the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)

DAY 17 (Fri, Oct 09, 2009): Urbina Bay (Isabela)/Espinosa Point (Fernandina).

Urbina Bay (wet landing). Passengers will visit the fossil beach and coral area.

Depending on the season you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas

and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling.

Espinosa Point (dry landing). Visitors will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling

with sally-light foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorants nesting sites, Galapagos

penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic

formations observers will spot brachycereus cactus, and “pa-hoe-hoe” lava and “AA”

lava formations. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea. Overnight aboard

the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)

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DAY 18 (Sat, Oct 10, 2009): Egas Port (Santiago)/Rabida.

Egas Port (wet landing). Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows.

You can observe hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned

night herons and oyster catchers. Passengers will see marine iguanas grazing upon

algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs. There is a colony of fur-seals

swimming in deep pools of cool water. Here you can swim and snorkel and find

octopuses, sea horses, star fish.

Rabida (wet landing). The volcano-formed beach is dark red and frequented by sea

lions. It’s considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most

diverse volcanic rocks on the Islands. You’ll hike to a salt water lagoon, where

flamingos can sometimes be found. July through September is a good time to

observe brown pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. Boobies and 9 species of

Darwin’s finches can also be observed. You can take a dinghy ride by the reefs, as

well as snorkel. Overnight aboard the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)

DAY 19 (Sun, Oct 11, 2009): Charles Darwin Research Station/Highlands

(Santa Cruz).

Charles Darwin Research Station. Travelers will visit the Charles Darwin

Research Station, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research

and conservation projects. Here you can admire the giant tortoises that are part of

the breeding program. Visitors can also admire the prickly-pear cactus forest and

many land birds. Later on, you’ll have some free time to walk around town and shop

for souvenirs.

Highlands of Santa Cruz. You can visit Cerro Chato, where you’ll be able to

observe the famous giant tortoises. Additionally, you can walk inside the dormant

lava tubes. Overnight aboard the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D)

DAY 20 (Mon, Oct 12, 2009): Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)/Baltra Airport/

Guayaquil/Lima.

Bachas Beach (wet landing). This beach is located on the north side of Santa Cruz

Island. Here you will encounter many sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and

have the opportunity to swim on the white sand beach.

Return to the Galapagos Legend, check out and transfer to Baltra airport for the

flight to Guayaquil and then Lima, Peru. After passing through immigration and

customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative

will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred

to your hotel. Overnight at Casa Andina Miraflores. (B)

DAY 21 (Tue, Oct 13, 2009): Lima/City Tour.

In the afternoon, you will have a city tour of Lima. You will visit downtown Lima and

see several examples of the Spanish architecture of the colonial period including the

Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Church of San

Francisco and Catacombs. After that, you will see Huaca Huallamarca, a restored

adobe pyramid dating from the pre-Inca period located in San Isidro. You will tour

the upscale residential and commercial district of Miraflores and see the Parque del

Amor, a seaside park with a huge statue of a kissing couple, before returning to your

hotel. Overnight at Casa Andina Miraflores. (B)

DAY 22 (Wed, Oct 14, 2009): Lima/Cusco/City Tour.

Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be

transferred to your hotel. Because of the high altitude (10,660 feet above sea level),

we recommend that you rest for a short period. In the afternoon, you will have a city

tour that includes a walk through of the Cathedral, the Koricancha (‘site of gold’),

typical streets, and the four ruins that surround the city: the Sacsayhuaman

Fortress, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and Tampumachay. Overnight at Casa Andina

Cusco. (B)

DAY 23 (Thu, Oct 15, 2009): Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Incas/Cusco.

Full-day private excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the Indian

artisan market in Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Overnight at Casa

Andina Cusco. (B,L)

Note: The Indian market opens only Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from

October to March, and daily from April to September.

DAY 24 (Fri, Oct 16, 2009): Sacred Valley of the Incas/Machu Picchu.

Early morning transfer to the train station for the ride to Machu Picchu, ‘the Lost City

of the Incas’ (7,900 ft.). This mountaintop citadel, which served as both a center of

worship and an astronomic observatory, is located in the middle of the cloud forest

overlooking the Urubamba River. There are both agricultural and urban areas

constructed with the precision stonework that the Incas are known for. The

agricultural area consists of terraces and food storehouses, and the urban area

contains temples, squares, and royal tombs. Guided tour followed by lunch at the

Sanctuary Lodge. Mid-afternoon, you will depart from Machu Picchu by train to

Poroy Station in the Sacred Valley, and then be taken to Cusco. Overnight at Casa

Andina Cusco. (B,L)

DAY 25 (Sat, Oct 17, 2009): Cusco/Lima.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima and your final destination.

Depending upon the time of your departure flight from Lima, you can choose to

leave Cusco on a mid-afternoon flight to Lima and stay at the airport until your flight

departs, or leave Cusco on a morning flight to Lima, pay for a day use hotel (from

$30) and transfers to and from the airport ($25 each way) to rest before your flight

and enjoy your last day in Lima. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Rambling before we go.

So we now have our official "GO" papers in hand, the airtickets are final, the rooms booked and we are....... well, not quite ready to pack yet. Frank is itching to get this show on the road and I am trying to sort out all the paperwork to be done, bills to be paid before we go and ....... well, there is always more to do than one can imagine before leaving home for a month at a time.

I had to laugh yesterday - one of our customers seriously advised me to check whether we were going to Ecuador and Peru in "earthquake season". I did not know there was such a season. Some of the other comments have been that we must watch out for the sting rays and not get 'bitten' like Steve Erwin, that we should be careful not to be eaten by an anaconda and also that Sept/Oct was the worst time to go - just because! We really do appreciate all comments - but we are going on this trip - earthquake season or not. Maybe we will get to see a volcano erupting while on the Galapagos Islands - just think of those photos!

Eleven flights in all.... thats for each of us.... And I refuse to worry about it. My absolute main worry is that something happens to my camera early on in the month - I will just have to sit and cry if that happens. We are taking both the Canon Rebel 10 megapixel and the Canon 21 megapixel as well as a little 6mp underwater camera.... Frank gets to be in charge of the 10mp and my hand will be welded to the big one.

I really want to put photos up here and this is the first time that I have started writing this far before a trip - but I know that we will have plenty photos to share afterwards.

Oh, and my middle child, eldest daughter, Lisa is having another baby. This one they will be calling Steven William..... see the countdown on the right :)

Amazon Jungle Itinerary........

Some 60 million years ago, South America was an enormous island, partly submerged in the Atlantic. The Amazon River flowed west, as the Andes rose majestically eons later. Life gathered in isolated patches, like Noah's Ark, bearing the promise of continuity. Salt water retreated to the sea, rains clashed against mountain slopes, and the Panamanian land bridge gave way to genetic transactions with the North. The result? The greatest orchestration of life ever heard on Earth - whose symphonies delight the spirit as its rainbow of colors come alive with what scientists call "biodiversity". What's more, not even the most outlandish imagination, nor the most sophisticated multimedia equipment, could ever emulate this "divinely computerized programming".

In 1541, the very first Europeans set out from Quito to explore these dense jungles east of this ancient Incan capital in search of gold and cinnamon. Not the jungle or the natives ever revealed where the precious metal of "El Dorado" was to be found, as they floated for 800 miles down the Napo to come upon what they thought to be the Atlantic. But it wasn't the Atlantic - yet. It was the Great Amazon River, fed by over a thousand tributaries that emptied one third of the Planet's fresh water into the sea!

8 days / 7 night itinerary

Day 1 Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Depart from Quito in the morning (8:30 am), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 09:00. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately two hours, during the trip we will provide of a box lunch and important information about the region. Once on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At night our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to a location)

Day 2 Visiting the Yasuní National Park
On the second day of our cruise, we will explore one of the fantastic tributaries of the Napo River that comes from the core of the Yasuní National Park. At this river, we will navigate upstream in search of the evasive Giant River Otter, the mysterious Jaguar and the timid Spider Monkey. After our return from the excursion, the manatee will continue its navigation to arrive near the international boundary with Peru. At night, there will be an excursion into the Yasuní N.P. to look for large rodents like Capybaras and reptiles of the night like Caimans (South American alligators). We may stay camping overnight to enjoy the jungle at night.

Day 3 Peruvian Border & Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
After a morning excursion to observe plants, birds and more wildlife in the Yasuní N.P. The Manatee will navigate into the Aguarico River, the largest tributary of the Napo River to get through the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, one of the highlights of our exploration. On our way to Cuyabeno, we will visit a Peruvian town and meet local people.

Day 4 Cuyabeno W. R. – The Forest Dwellers
A full day visit to the Indian Community will give as an idea of how indigenous people live in the forest. At the community, a local guide accompanied by our expedition leaders will enlighten you with the use of plants for medicinal use and other purposes. After a walk, you will stop at a local house where these true forest dwellers will bring into the light their way of life and traditions. This will be an opportunity to buy handicrafts made by the local people. There will be plenty of traditional food and hospitality.

Day 5 Cuyabeno W. R. - Lagartococha
This remote area is accessible to you only through the Lagarto (Alligator) River, a black water river surrounded by freshwater mangroves (Coussapoa trinervia), Macrolobium trees, and Palm trees adapted to flooding conditions. Lagartococha (Alligator Lake) is not one but a system of lakes situated along the Ecuadorian-Peruvian boundary. This black water system is the home of the legendary Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caimans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee. Moreover, if we look at the vegetation on the shores, we may well see Red Howler Monkeys, Three-toed Sloth, the leaf-eating bird locally known as Stinky Turkey (Hoatzin) and other wildlife. The canoe trip upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic region. An overnight in the forest could be arranged for this day.

Day 6 Navigation and exploration along the Napo River
From this day, we will start our return to the point where we boarded the Manatee Amazon Explorer for the first time. There will be navigation throughout the entire day to relax and observe the Napo River banks, the forest and perhaps some wildlife. Late in the afternoon, after a relaxed morning, we will explore the Napo River banks and tropical river islands in quest of birds like the ornamented Umbrella Bird, the colorful Blue-Gray Tanagers, Kingbirds, Social Flycatchers and many more.

Day 7 Navigation along the Napo River – Pañacocha (Piranha Lake) Protected Forest
We will continue our navigation upstream to arrive at the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River). After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area, contrary to Lagartococha, is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caimans. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and river banks.

Day 8 Yasuní N. P. – CICAME museum and return home
The Manatee Amazon Explore will arrive to the point were we started our adventure. Early morning, we will visit the most accessible Parrot and Parakeet clay licks in Ecuador. There are blinds or hides to watch and enjoy this nature show so close! It is difficult to imagine hundreds, sometimes thousands of parrots and parakeets coming all together at once into the clay licks. This area is also located inside of the Yasuní N.P. Early afternoon visit the CICAME Archeological Museum that preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. After the visit continue to the city of Coca to take the flight back to Quito.

Important Notes:

1. You must wear a life vest during all boat and canoe trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.


3. There is an entrance fee to Yasuni National Park of USD 20 per person (subject to change) and must be paid by passengers directly. 


4. The programs described are subject to change without notice, and can be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of passengers interest and safety. 


5. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay, free of charge.


6. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available at extra cost. 


7. Electricity is 110 volts

Activities

Hike on terra firmae forest

This hike will lead us under the gigantic trees, for a close view of the rain forest floor to see how the lower plants complete for sunlight, among vines and epiphytes, observing the flowers and fruits that are the nourishment of the animals and birds.

Swimming

There are plenty of opportunities to swim in the Amazon basin’s rivers and lakes; or just go into the water to freshen up and relax.

Night excursions

Whether by paddle canoe or short walk, the feel of the tropical rain forest at night is an entirely different experience.

Short or medium Length walks

Are included daily in the Amazon rain forest. One of the walks will be accompanied by a native guide, who will introduce you to the secrets of the medicinal plants and their applications.

Canoe trips

This wide, white water river, which itself flows into the Amazon. The dense, green walls of gallery forest are broken occasionally by the small holding of the Quichua settlements as you navigate downstream. The canoe trips along the rivers are excellent opportunities for viewing parrots, macaws, and herons and rivers turtles.

Paddle native canoes

There are many opportunities if you wish to paddle native canoes on the small black water rivers and lakes, alone or in small groups.

Explore small rivers

By motor canoe the small river’s still waters observing the vegetation of its banks: huge kapok and palm trees. The surprising pink dolphins may appear at any bend of the river. This is a great place to spot toucans, parrots, eagles and many other birds.

Bird watching

Birdwatchers are offered the opportunity of early morning outings – the best time, when the birds are very active. This is an optional activity, with no extra cost.

Conferences by naturalist guides

Each evening, the naturalist guides will discuss different topics related to the Amazon rain forest. Its flora, fauna, bird life, native communities and many other subjects.

The beginning

It's 6 weeks till we leave but this trip really began the second I saw that we could combine the Galapagos Islands, Amazon Jungle and Machu Picchu all in one trip.  It really hit home when the money left the bank and winged it's way to the travel agent and I heard Blondie, our self-serving, obnoxious GPS, sulking in the cupboard - she will not be going with us this time!

So now we have the empty suitcases waiting patiently on the floor in the spare room, my camera is almost humming in anticipation and I have changed the hard drive in a tiny light weight laptop to a much bigger one.  I just know tha

t we are going to take a gazillion photos and plan on downloading them onto the little laptop to free up my camera cards - I could not bear to run out of space to take photos!

What a trip this is going to be - the short version is: (photos are not mine)

QUITO, EIGHT DAY MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER, EIGHT DAY 

GALAPAGOS LEGEND CRUISE, AND MACHU PICCHU 

 

This tour combines colonial Quito with an eight day river cruise through Ecuador’s Amazon Basin on the Manatee Amazon Explorer, an eight day Galapagos Islands cruise on the Galapagos Legend, and Machu Picchu.  You will cruise the Napo River and its tributaries and visit Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.  You will also experience one of Ecuador’s best parrot clay licks, and have a chance to see giant river otters, caimans, and pink river dolphins.  The Galapagos Islands offers unique ecosystems and plant and animal species that evolved in isolation and are found nowhere else onEarth.The final part of this tour will be a visit to Peru and Machu Picchu, the spectacular mountain top citadel known as the 'Lost city of the Incas'. 

 

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is a river motor yacht that accommodates 30 passengers in 14 double cabins.  Each cabin has a private bathroom, air conditioning, and hot water.  The social areas include a dining room, bar, laundry, boutique, and sun deck/balcony. 

 

The Galapagos Legend is a 100 passenger deluxe expedition ship that offers the comforts and amenities of a larger cruise liner.  It is air conditioned throughout, and features 57 cabins with lower beds, private bathroom, safe, and mini bar.  The ship's spacious social areas include a pool, Jacuzzi, Fisherman's Bar, observation decks, al fresco dining areas, a spacious passenger lounge, dining room, boutique, library, and conference room.  Snorkeling equipment and wets suits can be rented on board. 

This all sounds beyond amazing to me - it also includes a total of 11 flights, and I don't particularly enjoy flying at all.  But hey - I know I am going to be just fine, although Franks arms and hand might be black and blue by the time we get home from my hanging on to him especially through the landings and taking off.

Ok - thats enough for a start - especially since its still a long time to go before we get started..

More as things unfold...

love and light

Annie