QUITO, ECUADOR

     Flying to Tombes, Peru, I caught a taxi to take me across the border to Ecuador to catch a bus to Quito, Ecuador.  From there I plan to fly to Galapagos Islands for the scuba diving and swimming with the giant turtles.  There is a large difference in ticket when you fly domestic or international flights.  It is five to ten times the price after you pay departure tax and all the other amenities.  However, this time I was not being careful and would not do a shake down by one guy who appeared to be related to one of the policeman.  I did not watch the rate and lost about $38.  Still I will save a lot of money.  It always happens at small town borders.

     In less than 3 miles, this bus has been stopped by immigrations, military police, and border patrol.  That is a lot of checkpoints.  So far, I am not impressed with Ecuador.  I hope that changes.

     Arriving at Quito at 3:30 am by bus was trying; however the Steward/bus driver was helpful in getting me a hotel.  I crashed.  Quito, being the capital of Ecuador, is located up on the side of mountains.  As to the country of Ecuador, it is very poor.  There is no or little infra structure.  It appears to be all in the city of Quito.  Around Quito there are sights to see such as the Volcano that erupted four years ago.   Going a little higher, you go through the misty clouds and see the rain forest.  It is good, but nothing like the Amazon.

     I was able to catch a flight to Galapagos on AeroGal having one stop in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  We arrived at the airport in Guayaquil only to learn that we have mechanical problems causing at least a four-hour delay.  I am ready for the water and the Galapagos Islands.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

     While at the airport in Guayaquil, I met several Canadians. One was Shawn Paneta who is teaching in Quito.  He offered a place to stay when I go back to Quito, but gave good advice on taking the bus to the main town on the island.  While on the bus, I saw a man with a Galapagos diving shirt.  I pointed to the emblem.  We talked awhile on the bus.  When we arrived in town, he took me to several hotels to where I got one at a very reasonable rate.  I will be diving with him tomorrow.  The luck of the McRae Irish is still with me.

     This evening I ran into Shawn again at a local hang out near the water.  He was with another guy from Scotland who will be on the cruise around the islands.  We had a couple drinks before they had to go and catch their cruise boat.  This is the first night of relaxing in a long time that was much needed.

     Santa Cruz Island is a neat, relaxing place. I really needed this time to regroup and get into myself.  Today, I get on board a live-on boat to cruise the water and islands to do some scuba diving.  It is supposed to be the greatest in the world.  They have some of the finest beaches.  Tortoua beach is located on the east side of the island.  It has the finest white sand that is smaller than a grain of salt.  Having an Iguana and large pelican walk by did not hurt.  The bad part is you have to walk two miles on this trail to get to the beach, but it did not discourage many people.

     Last night I went to the Point restaurant for a great fish meal.  I met a couple that is sailing around the world in their forty-five foot sailboat. Doug and Jane appear to be a neat couple and doing it up right.   They convinced their employer to let them off for a year and a half.  They are now in their fifth month.  I was invited to sail with them for the next twenty days, which is their next leg. It was tempting, but I declined, however, I have an invitation to join them later.  We are to stay in touch by the Internet.  It was a great evening.  You have to take a water taxi to this restaurant since it is on a little island of its own.

     Today I got a taxi (water boat) and toured the island for about five hours.  It was an interesting cruise.  We did lots of snorkeling and swam with the sea lions.  Iguanas were all over the islands, as well as some Blue booties.  I have never seen any of those before.  Tonight I picked up my gear for the dives on a live-on boat.  This will be a new experience.  I will be wearing a seven-millimeter wet suit that compresses as you go down.  It is the reverse of what you are taught as I have go put air into my BC to go down.  There are strong currents and lots of sharks.  On board there are two Argentines, Chileans, and Ecuadorians, and some others that I have not met. 

     After cruising several islands, scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking the islands, it truly has been a great time.  The diving has been fantastic.  I got to swim with the giant turtles, sea lions, see white tip, black nose and hammer head sharks. Stingrays, coral, and many, many fish.  I really wish I had an under water camera.   I know I will be diving in South Africa, Red Sea, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the Fiji Islands.  I wonder if it can get any better.  The people on board have all been great.  Grant and Wendy Wellsen, Eve, a guy from Paris, as well as, the dive master have been great. 

     Going to one island it was all red lava and sand, however, going to another island it was all black lava and sand.  The iguanas are everywhere.  Cruising tonight out of the island where they made Master and Commander was a very surreal time enjoying the scenery and talking with the new friends about the events of today.

     The dives have been phenomenal. I got swim with the giant turtles; see the sharks, man rays, eels, large black stingrays, fish, and lots of coral. The islands, wildlife, waters, and the people on board have been exceptionally good.   Climbing on top of a volcano and looking over the islands and water is a sight to behold.  Some of the photos taken were in the movie Master and Commander.  Walking over the sea of lava rock from a volcano eruption really showed the power of nature.  It was interesting to learn of the three phases of take lave.  Initially it is black, but because of the minerals in the lava it over time changes to red lava, then because of people, wild life, and nature itself dirt is transplanted and vegetation begins.

     Our last night was the usual good byes, exchange of e-mails, and partying.  A great time was had by all.  Meeting people like Grant, Wendi, Eve, and the others have really made the trip great.   I will miss them.  

     Concluding the South American and Antarctica adventure brings sadness and a great sense of accomplishment. This run away engine is going full blast and there is no one to apply the brakes, because I won’t.  It has been a great ride. What an adventure!!  I look forward to the rest.

     Arriving into Quito, Ecuador, and saying good byes to Lance, Paula, Grant, Wendi, Arequia, and Hanna Marie was difficult for we all had a good time and knowing it would probably be the last time we are together.  A strange turn of events now allows me to go to Mississippi and get my Visa problem resolved in the States.  I thought I could get the visas for about ten countries that I plan to visit in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, or Ecuador, but I was wrong.  There are no consulates or embassies in these countries.  I am told that I can get it done quicker (7 days) in the states.  Also, the flight can either go through the states or direct to South Africa at the same cost.  I choose to take a week off and go to Mississippi. Surprises are in store.   There has been only one glitch.  The photos that were taken while diving and swimming with the giant turtles, sharks, and a black stingray were messed up in the process.  Hopefully I can get them reworked in the states.  All the dives that I have taken on this trip have been the greatest.