Back down to Sea Level

June 4, 2016

After a short introduction to the Andean Valley, we made our way back to the airport for our flight to the  Galapagos Islands.  We spent the next 7 nights on the Athala II- a 16 passenger catamaran exploring various islands of the Galapagos archipelago.  This type of boat experience was brand new for the 4 of us... we only thought we knew what was in store!

Hasta pronto Antonio!

First panga ride to board the Athala II

Our home for the next 7 nights

The boys make themselves at home right away- a fantastic view even from their beds

On the sun deck 

Hats & binoculars are essential for the exploration of the Galapagos
We head out promptly after dropping our luggage and going through a safety drill

Our expedition leader and Level II Naturalist- "Ruly"

Ross' most anticipated animal- The Galapagos penguin
This bird and the crab below were the very first animals we spotted on the Sombrero Chino Islet

Sally Lightfoot Crab-
supposedly named after an infamous dancer known by pirates and buccaneers

Alex, the expert panga driver, chauffeured us around the islands

Excited about our first afternoon

The dedicated Athala II crew who took great care of us-
L to R: Alex, Mario, Eduardo, Marcello, Angel-the Captain, Christian, Marteen, Jonathan, Hosea & Antonio

****It turned out that the crew outnumbered the passengers***

We sailed the week with only two other couples who felt more like old friends than strangers from 3 different continents.  This particular group of eight felt divinely appointed and in our opinion raised our experience of the Galapagos to another level. 
Thank you Dennis, Sharon, Barry & Brenda!!