Day 6 - August 4^th

This morning started off with a two-and-a-half hour hike on Fernandina Island. That sounds intense, but we take many breaks to take pictures. We saw a ton of marine iguanas sunbathing. At least I finally got to see them snort out the saltwater -- it makes me laugh. Marine iguanas can't digest the salt in the water, so they snort it out in mists. Too funny. We got so close to some sea lion pups...one even crawled across Denise's feet! Alex was imitating their moans (that's the best way I can describe the sound) so I have a video of him and a sea lion moaning back and forth.

We were admiring the pahoehoe and a'a lava, but hiking across it is difficult. Fernandina is one of the "youngest" islands so it still is very lava-like, not sandy and ashy. As the morning progressed the sun reflecting of the black landscape made it awfully hot. We did take some amazing shots of the shield volcano in the background. 

Normally we do a second excursion at 10:30, but today we had a few hours to relax on the deck. Andrew and I sunbathed and read on the upper deck, by ourselves. Andrew borrowed the book on the Galapagos that he got from the library. He knows so much more now than I do, I need his help when it comes to identifying the birds.

Our al fresco lunch that day was "American" food --- hamburgers and fries -- which we all appreciated more than normal. It's been awhile since we've had such a standard meal, so it seems tastier than it normally would. Perfect timing on behalf of the kitchen staff!

After our power siesta, Andrew and I got to kayak while other people chose to snorkel. We kayaked all around Fernandina cove. We saw at least 15 penguins swimming around our kayak. We got stuck in an inlet (but it was too cool not to explore) but managed to beat the tide out and get back into the cove. We loudly sang oldies as we continued to kayak. I believe the snorkelers were able to hear us. I could tell Boli saw us and was laughing. Throughout the trip Andrew was singing...

A quick stop in the hot tub to warm up, and then it was back in the pangas. This time, we were in search of whales and dolphins, but instead we saw more boobies and penguins. It was okay though, since shortly after we got aboard the Evolution the whales came out! They were bryde whales, which I've never heard of before. We saw at least two in the distance, plus a large ray.

We all watched the sun set together as well -- we were watching for the "green flash," but only two people claimed to see that phenomena. I filmed the horizon, but it didn't show up.

 

Day 7 - August 5^th

We slept in an extra half hour today! The sky was overcast, which is the darkest we've seen. It drizzled a bit while we hiked -- otherwise the weather has been pretty much perfect. Today we saw the male frigate birds and their puffy red chests. We saw red-footed and blue-footed boobies and only a few land iguanas. The land iguanas are harder to spot than the marine iguanas, as they aren't on the shoreline en masse.

Snorkeling in the choppy ocean water was a bit challenging -- we were also snorkeling in the deepest waters yet. Swimming against the tide scared me. I had to bail a bit early because I was getting nervous. But I saw a white-tipped shark and got to chat with Beth on the panga while we waited for the others to finish. 

Andrew and I attempted to pack up our stuff a bit, but the task seems daunting. I feel like our stuff exploded all over our room. Instead, we went to lunch. Sadly, it was our last lunch on board. We are now watching a quick photo/video that Boli created. He's been taking pictures this whole time so we can have ones of ourselves! 

We went on a final panga ride -- led by Alex -- in search of sea turtles and baby sharks. We found both! We were going through secluded mangrove inlets. The sea turtles almost mated right in front of us...I got it on video. I can now tell the difference between females and males, their sizes are so different! The sharks really were tiny -- maybe only two feet long. They are so colorful too!

Once we were back on the boat, we started salsa dancing -- the crew members that knew how to salsa were teaching us. Erika, the doctor, was out there too and Cesar joined in. We knew it was the last night on board so we wanted to celebrate!

For our last dinner, Andrew and I ate at the "kids table" with Tyler, Jackie, David, Mikhail and Zach which made for fun conversations about candy, TV shows, etc. Tyler and Jackie's mom Susan had accidentally deleted most of the photos from their trip, so I started pulling photos into folders for her. It became obvious that I had photos of everyone so I made folders for each group. I'm glad we could help and share our photos.

 

Day 8 - August 6^th

We had one final breakfast on board the Evolution, before we went into the town of San Cristóbal.  Everyone boarded a bus to head to the Interpretation Center, learning about the history of the islands. Since our naturalists and lecturer were so well educated about the islands, we already knew most of information the Center provided.

Once outside, Andrew led an impromptu hacky sack circle. It was fun to see people try to do it who have never touched a hacky sack in their life, like Debbie and Robert, trying hard to kick the little bag around. I bet we could've kept that up for an hour.  But the bus driver came back and we had some shopping ahead of us.

We spent the next 45 minutes searching souvenir shops for things to bring back to our friends and family. I was unsuccessful in finding a Panama hat -- they look funny on my head! I bought a few things to bring home as gifts, although I wish I could just take a giant tortoise back with me instead.

The short flight back to Guayaquil was funny because we suddenly knew 25+ people on the plane ride with us. It was another quick but smooth flight on AeroGal. Once we arrived, most of us headed back to the Hotel Oro Verde. The others remained onboard to go to Quito. International Expeditions had everything planned for us, so there was another shuttle waiting to take us back to the hotel, where our check-in was already taken care of. The hotel had cold towels and juices waiting.

I'm sad to go home and yet I'm ready. I want to show people back home the amazing photos I got to take. Andrew is eager to edit his videos; he filmed a lot of us snorkeling so hopefully he got some footage of me swimming with the sea lions. We both can't stop talking about how incredible the Galapagos Islands were!

 Day 3 - August 1^st

Santa Cruz today. This will probably be my favorite day of the whole trip because it is the day we saw giant tortoises! First thing was a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station -- I thought that was supposed to be a museum, but clearly not. It had a few enclosed buildings, but otherwise it looks more like a zoo with different areas used to raise tortoises. This is so they can make sure the tortoises can grow large enough to fight off predators (feral pigs, goats, fire ants, etc) once they are released back onto the islands.

After the Darwin Station we rode buses to the highlands. It is so much greener up north on the slopes of this shield volcano.  We walked around a sink hole and saw so many birds -- once again I can't name them. I know we saw finches though!

We bused over to this private property for lunch -- and saw tons of giant tortoises in their natural habitat! The crew brought us lunch there (again delicious) so we could stay on the island for the whole day. Everyone wandered around taking pictures with tortoises. They are bigger than me. There was one who loved to be fake-tickled under its chin -- you didn't really touch the tortoise, just waved your fingers near its neck. It reminded me of a cat stretching out so you can pet it. Only a cat that is four feet tall!

We drove back to the lowlands to taste some locally-grown coffee (very very strong) and the sugarcane juice (literally sugar water) in Puerto Ayora. We were able to also taste a really disgusting moonshine made from sugarcane.  I guess this is the only hard alcohol made on the island... and it tastes worse than tequila.

We spent a little time exploring the town. The locals I ran into knew very little English, so I got to pathetically say "Cuanto cuesta?" while searching for a Panama hat. I still don't think I'm saying it right.

And we bought Club beer, a favorite Ecuadorian brew. We drank those outside near the dock. Andrew played hacky sack which seemed to surprise the locals. Maybe they've never seen someone do that before. The local men played volleyball nearby, only they use a hard soccer ball. A few women watch, but it is mostly men.

Once we returned to the Evolution, Sheri and Pat (fellow passengers) brought out mini-glowstick bracelets.  We were on the upper deck near the bar, so we made a huge circle of the deck furniture. I spent most of my time chatting with David Jr. from Salt Lake City. Truly, he's like David the 5^th or something but since it was just him and his dad on board, it was easier to just say David Jr. or refer to them as the Davids. I'm surprised he is only 16.

Dinner was eaten outdoors again -- such a nice option. Even if it is dark, seeing the birds flying around the boat is interesting. These birds only hunt at night -- scientists believe they use echo-location to find their food. Kitty explained to us more details about them later. I was asleep before 10PM!

 

Day 4 - August 2^nd

After eating breakfast with Sheri, Pat and Mikhail, we boarded our pangas to head to a black-sand beach. We hiked for two hours, seeing the baby fur seals (although technically, they are sea-lions and are just misnamed. Sea lions have ears.) We saw more crabs, herons, marine iguanas, etc.

Snorkeling came next; this was entered from the shore so that was different. Alex directed us, using hand signals so we can understand what he is pointing out. We saw a sea turtle, a ray, beautiful sea stars and a white-tipped shark.  Afterwards we returned to the Evolution, ate three types of ceviche and enjoyed a power siesta.

In the afternoon we snorkeled again. This time we went out with Boli as our guide. We snorkeled around Pinnacle Rock , hoping to spot Galapagos penguins. Sadly, the penguins must have eaten already since they had no desire to join us in the cold ocean. We saw them up close on the rock shoreline. We also swam with a ton of sardines, schools of fish that avoid you just at the last second. I'm the only one to witness the blue-footed booby dive for fish. It dove less than four feet away from me, so that was scary.

I was too tired from the second snorkeling trip to do the following hike, so I opted for the panga ride. I'm glad I went on the panga instead since I was able to see the penguins swimming and hunting. They darted around the panga so close that I know we couldn't have gotten so close to them while snorkeling. Too bad they were too fast for my camera! We saw pelicans diving for food and noddy birds that would attack them shortly after the pelicans got a fish -- they steal the fish instead of getting

their own. There was a blue plastic bin floating on the beach, so we went to go get it. It was labeled from some careless cruise ship. Tyler hopped off the panga to grab it -- only we couldn't get the panga back into the water because of the waves. It was fun and funny more than anything....all of us got wet in the process of getting ourselves back into the ocean.

Back to the Evolution, showering once again, only to head back to the upper deck to drink and snack. There's a lot of drinking and snacking in between our excursions. Right now I am drinking a peach/guava juice courtesy of Antonio the bartender. It is really good. All the food has been quite tasty -- I'm beginning to think I'm going to come back 10 pounds heavier than when I left...

 

Day 5 - August 3^rd

I didn't sleep well at all during the night. I figured I'd sleep in during the 8 AM morning hike, and join everyone again to snorkel later in the day. Since I still felt under the weather I found our doctor Erika. It's nice that there is a doctor onboard. Andrew joined me on the upper deck where I rested in the sun (and got fresh air)

I figured I could handle the one hour hike after that so at least I could see Genovesa Island a bit. Alex led this hike, although technically we didn't go very far. We remained around the shoreline since that is where most of the birds nest. I took a million photos of red-footed and blue-footed boobies.

I slept so well. I'm excited to start a new day!

Mary Brannen, Ad Ops Manager recently spent a week in the Galapagos on a tour run by our sister company, International Expeditions. For the next few days, enjoy segments from her trip journal about this once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with nature.

Day One - July 30^th

It's funny - another M/V Evolution passenger and I were talking about how many people had asked us "Have you been to the Galapagos before?" when we mentioned (bragged about) our upcoming trip. These islands are  so remote and untouched that it strikes me as a rare treat to ever see the Galapagos once, much less make multiple return journeys!

They aren't a location, they are a destination. And thanks to International Expeditions, I got to visit this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Once we landed in the Galapagos -- after the smoothest flight ever thanks to AeroGal -- it was obvious how few people really get to come here. San Cristóbal Island's airport couldn't accommodate a large influx of people.  The airport isn't even enclosed fully. I guess that's a testament to the consistently nice weather.

The airport doesn't have separate arrival and departure gates. It is just a large area with benches and a roof. No, clearly this is not a place that accommodates huge groups of vacationers.

Yes, this is the most remote place I've ever been. I can tell that already.

We took a quick bus trip to a dock where we could board the pangas. Pangas are these small, flat rubber excursion boats that can navigate very shallow water -- perfect for taking us out to where the M/V Evolution is docked in the harbor.

Just getting to the pangas requires passing by sea lions lounging on steps. Amazing how close the animals come without any fear! We board the M/V Evolution and are immediately given blackberry smoothies to drink while Boli (the naturalist) went over the rules. He stressed how conservation and preservation is important -- we don't want to disturb the ecology of the islands by stomping around, littering and taking over the way people tend to do on vacation. This gave the crew time to sort our luggage and take it to our rooms.

We took a short nap before the required safety drill. I believe this is necessary for any ship, but it didn't take long since there are less than 30 passengers aboard the M/V Evolution. After that, at 3:30, we took the pangas to the shore. Alex (the other naturalist) guided us along the beach to see male sea lions resting all over the place. We also saw blue-footed boobies, yellow warblers and so many other birds that I can't begin to name them all! Something like a semi plover balm? That sounds odd. There are so many species of birds here, I can't keep up! Two hours later we boarded the pangas again.

We got drinks and snacks on the upper deck, so we were drinking and eating al fresco. Dining outside; watching the sun set over the ocean -- it complemented my berry smoothie nicely. The Evolution cruised around Kicker Rock, a distinctive rock formation that was created by one volcano. We then enjoy an explanation of what to expect tomorrow. I look forward to seeing the waved albatross and the blue-footed booby mating dance.

Andrew and I had a very nice dinner with the Beesons from Delaware. Such a sweet family -- their son is headed to college so this is one final family trip before he leaves the nest. (Yes; that bird/nest pun was on purpose!)  After that, we savored a quick look at the stars. Living in the city, I forget how many stars there are in the night sky....once you are away from light pollution! Now going to bed.

 

Day 2 - July 31^st

We were woken up at 6:45 by music and announcements ("Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!") which isn't too bad since that is really 7:45 back home. That's later than I sleep in on a typical workday. We ate breakfast al fresco and got ready to depart at 8 AM. We arrived ashore Espanola (Hood) Island. The Islands have multiple names -- both Spanish and British names.

We saw our first Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas. Espanola is the oldest, flattest island of all in the archipelago. There were lava lizards and mocking birds. We sat by a natural blow-hole that shoots water 50 ft into the air! Blue-footed boobies were on our walking path, and we saw waved albatross parents and babies. The waved albatross was my favorite...except when we were watching this adorable baby albatross; it was wandering away from its parent and getting to close to another set of waved albatross parents protecting their young. They started attacking the wandering baby -- and its parent did nothing to stop them. The baby didn't learn to walk away, so they kept attacking. It is likely that they will kill the young albatross. Andrew kept singing the Lion King's "Circle of Life" to make me feel better. He's right -- this is how nature is. We walked away so we don't know for sure.

Kitty (the guest lecturer) made a small presentation on how the animals arrived in the archipelago. Somehow it wasn't quite how I thought, which made the lecture all the more interesting. A lot of species floated over or swam from South America. Those that adapted/mutated once they got here are the ones that survived.

Then we went snorkeling -- my favorite activity so far! We were split up so it was a small group to swim with the sea lions! I nearly touched them! They would swim circles and twists around us -- especially if we mimicked their movements. Sea lions will twirl if you twirl. The ocean is cold but the "shorty" wet suits which International Expeditions provides make all the difference.

We came back to the Evolution to drop off our snorkeling gear only to turn around right away to head to the beach. It was really private -- just us and sea lions. I must have taken 40 pictures on this beach alone!

Boli is now telling us what to expect for tomorrow -- we are in the "library" again, where Kitty gave her presentation earlier. Tomorrow we land in Santa Cruz! But for tonight, we have dinner, and then we rest and relax. Why does swimming make me so tired?

Atlantic City is truly "Always turned on." Not only does this city have something for everyone, but it also has something for every hour of the day. Pegged as the "Vegas of the East," or "Vegas's little sister," this rap may be unfairly earned. With countless activities, restaurants, and things to see, you will leave thinking your trip was cut short. Just make sure you get extra sleep beforehand because that will be in short supply.

 

Gambling

Home to the second largest poker room in the city, the Trump Taj Mahal sets the standard for poker in Atlantic City. Featured in the movie Rounders, this is the perfect place to gamble the day away and build up your poker stack through the many different poker games they offer. If poker is not your niche, enjoy some of the other many games in their Indian themed 167,000 square foot casino.

 

Lodging

The boardwalk is a constant mix of activities, shopping and dinning. Located in the center of it

all, the Trump Taj Mahal has gorgeous ocean view rooms and houses great restaurants such as Safari Steak House and Dynasty. For one of the best rooms in the city, take advantage of the phenomenal recent renovation of the Golden Nugget (formerly the Trump Marina) located on the marina. Their new rooms are modern and luxurious in every aspect. Even the halls drool with the class hotels now so often forget.  As the rest of the Golden Nugget finishes the remaining renovations, get ready to be amazed with all levels of this resort. 

 

Night Life

There is no limit to variety of nightlife available in this energetic party mecca. The nightlife scene covers all aspects of entertainment and anyone can find their perfect spot. Sit back and have a drink while you watch the Almost Angels or any other number of shows constantly put on by the casinos and resorts.  Harrah's however has the party spot of Atlantic City and a trip here is not complete without visiting The Pool. Previously voted "Mega Club of the Year" by Nightclub & Bar Awards, the 172,000 square foot tropical entertainment complex is under a huge glass dome and is packed every weekend. With an 86,000 gallon pool and Jacuzzis throughout, masses of people mingle and dance through the numerous cabanas and around the pool side to famous DJs and frequent guest performers.

by Jonathan Jenkins, Contributing Author