Here we are, all 43 of us, in the lobby of the Hilton in Guyalquil getting ready to leave for the airport to take a very small plane to the Galapagos where we board the Islander, the name of our boat.
Driving through the city to the airport it’s clear that this is a poor country, suffering from an economic recession far longer than the US.
AeroGal, the airline, has an iguana on the tail.
Bodega at the airport. The ecuadoran army and air force have bases here but otherwise no people live on the island. They come to work in the bodegas and for when planes come in and then leave.
Simone, Troy and Viva in airport
Zach and Lisa Worden–friends of the Bickfords.
Jewelle and her granddaughter, Nathalie Lansbury
Elizabeth and George Lansbury
Jewelle Bickford and her daughter, Emily Lansbury.
Nat Bickford
See you soon
Amanda
Looks like thus far you all are having a swell time…and you haven’t even reached your destination yet! Can’t wait to see more photos!
Best,
Amanda
Wikipedia
Baltra (South Seymour) Island: Also known as South Seymour, Baltra is a small flat island located near the center of the Galapagos. It was created by Geological uplift. The island is very arid and vegetation consists of salt bushes, prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees.
Until 1986, Baltra Airport was the only airport serving the Galápagos. Now there are two airports which receive flights from the continent, the other located on San Cristóbal Island. Private planes flying to Galapagos must fly to Baltra as it is the only airport with facilities for planes overnight.
Arriving into Baltra all visitors are immediately transported by bus to one of two docks. The first dock is located in a small bay where the boats cruising Galapagos await passengers. The second is a ferry dock which connects Baltra to the island of Santa Cruz.
During the 1940s scientists decided to move 70 of Baltra’s Land Iguanas to the neighboring North Seymour Island as part of an experiment. This move had unexpected results for during the military occupation of Baltra in World War II, the native iguanas became extinct on the island. During the 1980s iguanas from North Seymour were brought to the Charles Darwin Research Station as part of a breeding and repopulation project and in the 1990s land iguanas were reintroduced to Baltra. As of 1997 scientists counted 97 iguanas living on Baltra; 13 of which were born on the islands. (from wikipedia)
Millie
This record of your trip is exciting!..almost like being there! Love it!! Thank you, thank you loads!!! xoxo
Mary Jane Stone
Don’t have to wonder anymore what you’d do after the play closed. So glad it went well and that you are now off to such a wonderful adventure. I know it must be nice to share it all with you fans through the internet.
Love always,
MJ
Kelsey Ozga
I’m so jealous. You all are going to have so much fun!
Karen
Seems the Seymour bit is ironic! Hope you have a great adventure, seems like a lively bunch of people.
Tim C
Oh to be vacationing right now! I’m so glad you are keeping a log of your trip for us to see. I’ve never been to the Galapagos, looks beautiful so far!
Jill Cruse
Hi Jane! Looks like you had an amazing experience! I have been to the Galapagos now 4 times, and will be going back again in November on the Islander. If you have a chance, visit my website for Galapagos photos 🙂
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50839&id=677603154&l=12e11ed3f5