Galapagos, Day 8

I don't really want to write this - it was our last day in the Galapagos. No more snorkelling, no more roaming the Galapagos, having fun, no more meeting unique critters, no more great meals prepared by someone else. Sigh.

Another, shorter transit in the night to San Cristobal island, where we were leaving Coral 1 and flying out at 2pm. A reward for the last day was a half hour sleep-in. We were woken by Alex's dulcet tones at 7:30. We had a final panga ride to the administrative capital of the Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, to be greeted on the dock by sea lions lounging - everywhere! Even on the seats on the dock. We were taken to the San Cristobal interpretive centre, which documents the cultural history of the Galapagos. There was also a good walk to nearby bays and a hill with good views over the bay. We watched 5 big, burly blokes pick up and weigh a 140kg land tortoise, too.

Tortuga wrangling

State-of-the-aart airport, San Cristobal

Our depature plane - note iguana and frigate bird decals - cute

 

We then wandered around the town for a while, souvenir shopping and feeling sad. At 12:30pm, it was off to the airport. A final goodbye to Victor Hugo and the 6 lucky people who were staying on for the next 4 days, and it was off to the sirport, 5 minute's drive away. Alex had sorted all our boarding passes and checked-in our baggage, so all that was left was to wait. Alessandro stayed with us until we passed through into the secure area. I almost blubbed when I said goodbye to him. The plane arrived and left on time and that was it - farewell to the Galapagos and a truly wonderful time.

I always hoped it would be the highlight of the holiday, and it  surpassed expectations. I didn't expect to see and have access to so much wildlife. On Day 1, when we saw marine iguanas and sea lions, I thought they would perhaps be the only sightings. No. It just got better and better. Life on the boat was fun and neither of us was seasick. Some of the company was extraordinarily good - thanks particularly to Chuck, Sally, Peter and Giselle. The panga drivers were talented and skilled and I always felt safe snorkelling knowing they were nearby. Victor Hugo and Alessandro were good company and knowledgable guides. Santiago, Vicente and Mosquito made sure we had access to beer and coffee at the right time and the chefs always fed us well.

What a trip. When can I go back?