Now that you're up to date on the project, I'll tell you a little about the Galapagos and what we've been up to over the last week in preparation for our departure for Fernandina...

I only arrived on Friday but Jana, Maria and David arrived a bit before me and were busy cleaning gear, preparing for quarantine and making last minute preparations.  I arrived on a mid-day flight on Friday to Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz (that's right, Santa Cruz - just like home...but not!) and it was straight to take our things to quarantine.  This consists of making sure everything is clean, checking for insects and tag-along plants, and using insecticide to make sure that no stow-aways come with us to Fernandina, as it is one of the most pristine of the islands. 

All of our stuff (minus a few necessities and things like computers) stay in the quarantine facility for three days before our departure.  Additionally, some foods like pasta and flour have to be deep-frozen for 3 days to ensure that there are no small insects in there either.  Its a lot of preparation!

After doing these things and some other odds and ends, well, we were forced to explore the island - a true hardship, I know!  We are staying at the Charles Darwin Station here, and there is lots of swimming to be done nearby.  Our favorite swim spot is this little lagoon just beyond the dock at the Station.  We have had many friends to meet - like my first blue-footed booby (!!) and the Galapagos tortoises, and yes, Lonesome George is among our new friends!

This place truly is paradise.  The view from our patio leaves nothing to be desired, people are friendly and the water really is that blue.  Tomorrow we pack of the last of our things, load the boat and head out in the afternoon.  If there is time, I will post another blog, but if not, we will be back with great stories mid-November!