12 December 23, 2016
December began for us on the 3rd. That is the day
we met Fun For Less tours at the SLC airport to begin our trip to Ecuador. We
met up with the Nebekers whom we have planned this trip for over two years.
From SLC to Atlanta, Georgia then on to Quito, Ecuador, it
was a very pleasant trip. Upon arrival we were transported to the JW Marriott
hotel in Northern Quito. We rested up
and then began our excursions of the city of Quito. How delightful!
Our next move was to fly Avianca airlines to Balltra
Galapagos. The security at the airport was remarkable in preventing any flora
or fauna from accessing the islands. We were then tendered to the island of
Santa Cruz by ferry.
Our bus ride to Port Auorya
on the other side of the island. We stopped at the Darwin Research
Center to see the giant tortoises. The
day ended with a water taxi to Finch Bay resort where we were housed in a
beautiful room with a bay view.
The next three days we spent aboard the Queen Kerry and
transported to Northern Seymore, Bartolome, and Plaza islands where we hiked, snorkeled
and photographed the birds, reptiles and water fish. Three glorious days and wonderful
meals, but most of all we enjoyed seeing firsthand the flora and fauna of the
Galapagos as Darwin described it.
Our flight back to Quito was short and we were well cared
for as we stayed at the JW Marriott two days before flying to Cocoa, Ecuador to
float the Napo River.
Our stay in the Amazon basin was incredible aboard the
Anaconda cruise ship. The guides, Avil and Juanito were exceptional. We
photographed the wildlife of the jungle, hiked the trails in the jungle, swam
in the lake at Dolphin Lodge, climbed the observation tour at Anana. We visited
the native villages, went on night hikes and ate incredible food. I even at a
palm heart grub (2), it tasted creamy.
After two glorious weeks we were back in the states and
waiting for the Mariners to arrive from Arizona. We picked up the Mariner kids
in Farmington and drove home after being gone for over a month.
We met Brian and his kids in Idaho Falls. Upon our arrival
we were pleased with the finished tiling of the kitchen counters. Brian spent a
week putting granite tile on our kitchen counter. It is beautiful.
The Mariners will be here Christmas eve to be with their
children. Brian is taking his family to SLC to fly the kids home for Christmas.
Christmas in Idaho is "The Real Thing" with snow and family close by.
The last day of December we will be hosting the Sieger
family for four days. They are enrolling their son into school at BYU Idaho.
This has been an exciting month!
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| Top of Pinchicha mountain |
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| On the equator |
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| From the Equator Tower |
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| South Quito |
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| On the cathedral roof |
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| beautiful children of Quito |
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| Roses of Ecuador |
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| Portalargo |
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| Market |
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| Hacienda |
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| Basilica |
To the Galapagos
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| Darwin Research Center |
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| Marine iguana |
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| Saddleback tortoise |
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| Frigate riding on the boat Queen Kerry |
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| Victor and Dawn at Bartoleme Island |
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| Pinnacle rock |
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| Queen Kerry |
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| Plaza Island |
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| Friendly Marine Iguana |
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| Ferry to Balta |
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| male frigate |
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| Land Iguana |
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| Blue Footed Boobie |
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Lunch at the Darwin Center
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Off to the Napo River Amazon Basin
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| On the large river boat to the Anaconda |
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| Kichwa woman on the river |
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| Flora of the Amazon |
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| Dolphin Lodge |
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| Monkey and bananas go together |
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| Giant Parana |
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| Native living on the Amazon |
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| Sunset aboard the Anaconda |
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| Dinner on the Anaconda |
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| Parrot clay lick |
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| Red Howler Monkey |
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| Kapok tree in the jungle |
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| Walking tower to the top of the canopy |
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Anaconda Cruise boat
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Back to Idaho
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| Idaho Falls at temperatures below zero! |
