Flew from Guayaquil to Baltra, and were transported to Finch Bay, by road and boat, to stay 3 nights at Finch Bay Eco Resort. We thoroughly enjoyed being there, its proximity to Puerto Ayora, 5 minutes by water taxi as you watch out for sea lions, boobies, rays. We ate by the pool, enjoyed the resident giant herons, albatross, finches, and the pintail and other ducks that pooed in the pool and needed constant staff management! On the last day we walked in the other direction and came across strange giant cactuses, intriguing salt flats that were being harvested, and an extraordinary chasm and clear water swimming area bounded by volcanic rocks, clearly a popular spot for the locals. But back to then -

Ted wrote: 'when we flew into Galapagos yesterday in our E320 Tony said he saw an Iguana on the side of the runway and once we got going on the hour or so trip to our hotel we had to slow to pass an Iguana walking across the road. So we saw a bit of bird life yesterday afternoon around our very nice hotel and had a swim in the sea and a nice evening meal. We've booked a trip into the interior of this island for tomorrow to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat and today we crossed over by hotel water taxi into the town and went for a walk to the fish market which was amazing and then to the Darwin Centre. Fish market had all sorts of fish and beautiful big crayfish at $7US a lb. I held a 4pounder which would have been $28. Grouper, yellow finned tuna were fish I recognised among others. But as they were cutting up they were also feeding a sea lion and an iguana that were crawling about over the fish! And tons of frigate birds were divebombing for food. Extraordinary, and entertaining! Next was the Darwin centre which was a breeding centre for the giant tortoise. Everything from weeks old to years old. This island is the only place on Galapagos to have the tortoise in their natural state. So hopefully we see them tomorrow but if not we've seen about 100 today. On the water taxi back to the hotel the driver found us a marine iguana, a blue footed booby, Sally light foot crab, and a sea lion. You have to have your eyes peeled at all time around here!!! Tonight we've booked into a seafood restaurant over in the town at Puerto Ayora. Funnily, as we waited at the town pier for our water taxi to come from the hotel to take us home afterwards, the seats were taken up by basking, lounging sea lions, not about to shift for any human! '

On 21 Oct 2018 Ted wrote:

'Had a great day today with the giant tortoises. Most of the bigger ones our guide thought were 80 to 100 years old but the biggest who looked the oldest she thought was probably 150 years old. As good an animal experience as we've ever had'.

Following Ted's notes, I need to add that my first up front and personal experience with giant tortoises was extraordinary, spiritual and humbling. To sit and watch back as those ancient wrinkly eyes looked me over, as he breathed loudly, otherwise barely moving his body, I was spellbound.