An Epic Journey

Heading Off

The night before departure, we packed and repacked our suitcases. We could only bring 2 of our 4 cases with us on the boat. Why did we have so many bags? We asked ourselves that question many times during this trip! But we had to prepare for hiking at high altitudes and in tropical forests, snorkelling in cold seas, and trekking across volcanic lava fields. In addition, Gordon’s predilection for bringing “just in case” stuff and his photography gear added to our bulk. Ok. I confess. I brought 4 pairs of shoes. In the end, we left two suitcases in storage at Mama Cuchara as we would be returning to the hotel after the Galapagos trip, en route to the Amazon.

Pick up was at 6am Little did we know then that early morning starts was to be our normal routine for the next two weeks.

In the small lobby of the hotel our fellow travellers gradually emerged groggily dragging their bags. One couple had just arrived a few hours earlier from a gruelling flight from Australia. We all got into a van with boxed breakfasts tense with anticipation.

At the airport, we were met by Tony S who helped us with the checking in. At that hour, the airport was already humming with activity.

After about two hours, we landed at Baltra airport. The air was warm and soft breezes gently wafted through the open air terminal as we gathered our bags and waited for a bus that would take us to the dock where we would get on a boat that would transfer us to the “Samba” the ship that would be our home while in the Galapagos. Three other passengers joined us and our group was complete : Fourteen intrepid adventurers!!!