Richie next to steps with location of Hosteria Mandala. Pretty close to the equator (Ecuador)
On the grounds of Hosteria Mandala
The whale skeleton at Hosteria Mandala 
Apparently my new version of Photoshop does this when I use the straightening tool.
The infamous Blue Footed Boobie - 1 year later. I assume you'd like another look!The Silver Island. Named for the silver that was purportedly biried on the island by pirates in the way back when. A 1/12 hour boat ride delivered us to the island just in time for the high noon sun. It never fails to amuse me that the tour groups seem to get you somewhere at the hottest moment in the whole day. We were told that there was a good possibility that we would not be able to get up close to any birds as the season was wrong. I asked why this was so as we were on the Galapagos EXACTLY a year ago and the mating season was in full force. Amazingly, we were told that the 600 miles that separate the Galapagos from the mainland of Ecuador changed their bird's mating behavior. For whatever reason their season starts in February and Isla de la Plata not until the end of March or early April. Needless to say poor Rich was dissapointed again, as he was among the unfortunate 3 who missed the best day of our entire trip last year. We walked up over a hill (400 steps) and down to the other side of the island where we saw some Blue Footed Boobies from A F A R. We then trapsed back along the same route to return to the spot the boat dropped us off at. Right there (perhaps 100 feet away) were some Blue Footed Boobies. We all walked over right next to them (q0 feet or so) and got some shots. So, RIch got to see some up close this time. However, no frigates, no land iguanas basically a long hot walk for nothing.
We then got back in the boat and were transported back to a snorkeling spot. We were in the water and it was pretty murkey but saw some fish and had a chance to cool off. Then the 1/12 hour trip back to Puerto Lopez. Dave Tivoli, Luis and I then went into town to purchase groceries for tomorrow's lunch at Frailes Beach. A pretty neat experience - we went to a little tienda (sort of like a convenience store back home). We spent about $23 for lots of food, certainly way more than enough for the 15 of us.
Just finished another fine dinner at Hosteria Mandala and it'll be off to sleep pretty soon. I hope it's a little better than last night - it's really pretty hot in these cabanas.
A little about the place we're staying. There is a real green movement here with a specific focus on saving the whales. On the grounds is a full sketeton of a whale that died 40 kilometers from here from stomach cancer. Imagine an autoposy on a whale! There are many informational signs telling you of the importance of species preservation and I've learned quite a bit about whales in general. Once again, no chance to see them while we're here - not the season. Apparently you can see them real close to the shore when the calves are born. Another time.....
Tomorrow it's pack up the bus and go 1/2 hour north to Frailes Beach (part of the Ecuadoran National Park system. We plan to swim and have our picnic until 2:00 and then back in the bus for a 6 hour drive to our next stop. I just assume that 6 hours will get to 8 but who knows,, maybe not. We'll be heading towards Quito and the elevation is much higher than the oceanside. I assume it will be cooler to - I hope so. Going from 20 degrees to 95 degrees in a matter of 24 hours is a bit of a shock to your body. Plenty of sunscreen and we're all in good spirits and ready for the next stop along the trail. Again, I'll try to report more tomorrow but don't know about internet access. I hope the snowstorm wasn't too bad back home - I guess 95 looks pretty good when you're digging out! More later, adios, amigos y amigas!!!!!
We then got back in the boat and were transported back to a snorkeling spot. We were in the water and it was pretty murkey but saw some fish and had a chance to cool off. Then the 1/12 hour trip back to Puerto Lopez. Dave Tivoli, Luis and I then went into town to purchase groceries for tomorrow's lunch at Frailes Beach. A pretty neat experience - we went to a little tienda (sort of like a convenience store back home). We spent about $23 for lots of food, certainly way more than enough for the 15 of us.
Just finished another fine dinner at Hosteria Mandala and it'll be off to sleep pretty soon. I hope it's a little better than last night - it's really pretty hot in these cabanas.
A little about the place we're staying. There is a real green movement here with a specific focus on saving the whales. On the grounds is a full sketeton of a whale that died 40 kilometers from here from stomach cancer. Imagine an autoposy on a whale! There are many informational signs telling you of the importance of species preservation and I've learned quite a bit about whales in general. Once again, no chance to see them while we're here - not the season. Apparently you can see them real close to the shore when the calves are born. Another time.....
Tomorrow it's pack up the bus and go 1/2 hour north to Frailes Beach (part of the Ecuadoran National Park system. We plan to swim and have our picnic until 2:00 and then back in the bus for a 6 hour drive to our next stop. I just assume that 6 hours will get to 8 but who knows,, maybe not. We'll be heading towards Quito and the elevation is much higher than the oceanside. I assume it will be cooler to - I hope so. Going from 20 degrees to 95 degrees in a matter of 24 hours is a bit of a shock to your body. Plenty of sunscreen and we're all in good spirits and ready for the next stop along the trail. Again, I'll try to report more tomorrow but don't know about internet access. I hope the snowstorm wasn't too bad back home - I guess 95 looks pretty good when you're digging out! More later, adios, amigos y amigas!!!!!
Fantastic! You're the 2010 Kramer! And BTW, you've got the #10 pick. Rick is #1, I've got #2. Purely coincidence.
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