Galapagos

They are safe in Miami, the next flight AA3516 will arrive in Norfolk at 11:55PM. Please check the flight status on American Airlines website.

Galapagos

We spent the morning touring the central historic area of Quito.  We saw the five main churches and the differences in their architecture.  After a nice lunch in the main plaza we headed to the the highlands to visit one of Quito's 17 active volcanoes.  We ended the day with a trip to the equator line.  Students practiced walking the line with eyes closed (can't be done), experimented with the Coriolis Effect, and tried to balance an egg on a nail (it works!). Tonight is our last dinner in South America!  We are anxious to get home

Galapagos

From Dr. Duffy, yesterday evening.
Great and very rigorous!  We went to the Central market this afternoon and shopped for an hour or so to find those unique gifts for family and friends.
We are meeting our guide at 7 and walking to dinner.  Tomorrow we tour historic Quito and will stand on the equator!

Flights are all confirmed for tomorrow. 

American Airlines

3516

MIAMI INTERNTNL MON 24JUN 9:35 PM

NORFOLK VA BEACH MON 24JUN 11:55 PM

Galapagos

Today we said good-bye to our guide Wilson who has been with us since our first day in the Galapagos.  Jose will help us get back to the mainlandtomorrow morning where we have two nights in the Capitol city of Quito.  We visited another lava tunnel today and saw tortoises in the wild. Students got a chance to try on a tortoise shell too!  Our afternoon shopping in Santa Cruz gave us a BIG surprise as we ran into the famous Mr. Anderson from Montana with his students.  Mr. Anderson is famous for his bio videos on You Tube that many of the students use to study biology.  Our students met his students and exchanged adventures.  They were coming from the mainland and just starting their tour of the islands so CHC students gave them some previews of the critters they will encounter.  We are all excited to get pizza tonight since we are a bit tired of fish and chicken.

Galapagos

To Santa Cruz after a thrilling 2 hour boat trip.  Visited the Charles Darwin center where Lonesome George lived and died recently.  After a nice lunch of fish, rice, and beans we visited the Reserva Pajaro Brujo to see their flora restoration efforts.  International surf day activities are going on across the street from our B&B and the shopping opportunities are plentiful.  All students are in good spirits despite their tiredness.

Galapagos

Had a fantastic day snorkeling along the rocky shoreline of volcanic lava flows.  We swam with sharks and turtles and lots of fish. We saw giant manta rays along the way.  We had lunch on the boat and walked on the rocks and saw a blue footed boobie's nest. There were two eggs.  In the afternoon we visited the mangroves, a freshwater spring draining into the sea, and the wall of tears; part of a prison camp in 40s and 50s. Students ended our last day on Isabella playing beach volleyball. Dinner is in one hour. On our way to Santa Cruz tomorrow!

Galapagos

A nice day on Isabella.  We canned the hike to top of volcano due to early morning rain.  Instead we went to the tortoise reproduction center where students witnessed tortoise mating in action!  Commentary was quite comical.  Students learned the tortoise gestational cycle from mating to hatching of eggs is nine months just like humans.  We then traveled to a lava tunnel and walked through it with our flashlights seeing mineral crystals of pyrite (fools gold).  We had a fantastic lunch at an Eco-ranch in the highlands.  On the way back we drove by a large lava flow and noted pahoehoe and aa flows as well as ecological succession of plant communities on the recent (10 years) flows.  We now have the afternoon at the beach to relax.

Galapagos

Today was the long boat ride to Isabella. We stopped over on Florenna for lunch and to explore the caves of the first inhabitants of the island. We are now in our quaint hotel in Isabella and we have the choice of octopus or chicken for dinner.  Most have chosen chicken.  Tomorrow is the volcano hike.

Galapagos

Happy Father's Day!
Today was another adventure for the students.  After breakfast with our host families, we met our guide Wilson in town to start the day.  We first visited the Interpretation center where students learned about the geologic and biologic evolution of the islands, human influences, and conservation efforts. We then walked to Darwin's cove where we snorkeled with sea lions and turtles for over an hour.  We saw lots of fish and many types of birds along the rocks.  We walked back to town for a nice lunch of fish, rice, salad and fruit. Passion fruit was served too!  We are now back at the host homes resting and plan to meet in town for ice cream at 4.  Tonight dinner with our host families and in the morning we leave San Cristobal and head to Isabella with a stop over at Florenna for lunch.

Galapagos

Today we were on the boat all day, a beautiful catamaran.  We did lots of snorkeling with the sea lions at the first stop and then snorkeled through an ancient volcanic cone at Kicker rock.  The crew prepared a nice lunch of rice and squid, salad and cheese.  We will be eating dinner at our hosts' houses tonight.  Last night we had dinner in town and the salsa dancing lessons.  Tomorrow we snorkel at Darwin's cove and go to the interpretation center.  We are off to visit the town and drop off laundry now.
More later

Galapagos 2013

I just spoke with Debra Duffy  who was on the summit of a mountain which was the only place she could get reception. She said that today they have been doing their service component planting endemic  species and destroying invasive species. They are staying at Hacienda Esperanza and everyone is absolutely loving it. Last night, they had a huge barbecue on the beach with chicken, pork, sausage, and whole fish. Yesterday, the kids got to snorkel with the sea lions and she's confident they got some great underwater video. They also got great video at the tortoise center. For the next two nights, the kids will be staying in a home of one of the Galapagos rangers. This cultural immersion will give them a first hand experience of the typical family in San Cristobal, Galapagos. She said she will try to send pics and more text when they get to Isabella which has better service. Duffy said this is by far the nicest group she's traveled with. She said they are so kind and compassionate to their fellow students;  its refreshing.

Galapagos

The kids made it to San Cristobal and are currently swimming at the beach with the sea lions after a nice Ecuadorian meal.

All is well.

Galapagos 2013- Safe Arrival

Mrs. Duffy said they have arrived safely with all bags in hand. She will update occasionally with additional pics so please keep watching the blog. The first pic is 'Layover Games' in Miami. The second is their first meal in Quito.