Live from the Flora, 10-night Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure, Dec 8-18

[KLM3164]

16 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Baby Frigatebird

The little baby was so cute!

[KLM3164]

On 12/14/2023 at 3:58 AM, Ken the cruiser said:

Day 6 - Dec14 (Thursday) - Santa Cruz Island (wet) and North Seymour Island (dry)

I know this is going to sound like a stupid question but can you please explain what is involved in a wet landing vs. a dry landing? We haven’t taken any exotic small cruises and I’m particularly interested in what you do for a wet landing and how wet do you get? TIA.

 

BTW I am loving your photos and I for one do appreciate when you post your pigeon photos! This trip though has such amazing wildlife and I’m thinking we may need to try a small cruise in the future. 

[Ken the cruiser]

43 minutes ago, KLM3164 said:

I know this is going to sound like a stupid question but can you please explain what is involved in a wet landing vs. a dry landing? We haven’t taken any exotic small cruises and I’m particularly interested in what you do for a wet landing and how wet do you get? TIA.

 

BTW I am loving your photos and I for one do appreciate when you post your pigeon photos! This trip though has such amazing wildlife and I’m thinking we may need to try a small cruise in the future. 

A wet landing is where you have a very good chance of getting your feet wet when you walk off one of the Flora’s zodiacs when you arrive at the beach.

 

A dry landing is where there is some type of platform you can step on to as you disembark the zodiac, which in many cases might be a rocky platform rather than a structured pier.

 

But I will also note the Flora’s zodiacs are much more “passenger friendly” than we experienced on our Xpedition cruise 8 years ago.

 
Boarding the zodiac from the Flora

 

 
The setup when getting back on the Flora

  

 
Notice the ramp to the left of the stairs. They lower that so guests can walk off the zodiac straight onto the “wet landing” beach.
 

 
I will also say these Keen-type closed-toed water shoes worked great on the wet landings. The “stretchy” socks I where kept the tiny rocks on the beach from annoying my feet when a long walk was part of the wet landing excursion. 😁

 

 
Here’s one of the dry landings where we walked off the ship onto lava rocks, which happened more than once. 😁

 

 

Maybe @prmssk or @mahdnc can share some of their wet and dry landing experiences on the current Xpedition zodiacs?

 

Edited December 15, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[prmssk]

Here is a really short video of re-boarding the Xpedition’s zodiac after a wet landing.

To get off upon arrival at the beach, you just reverse the process -swing your legs over and slide into usually ankle deep or less water. 
 

 

 

The Xpedition’s zodiac has stairs similar to the ones on the Flora (just not as fancy) so dry landings are very similar. This is getting back on the Xpedition but the process is the same for a dry landing, you just might be stepping onto lava rock or a dock. 

 

 

 

[mahdnc]

Although it seems clear that Flora’s zodiacs make entry and egress easier, I did not find Xpedition’s zodiacs that difficult to get in and out of.  There was always a crew member (sometimes two) to clasp your forearm to keep you steady. 
 

It seemed like getting back into the zodiac from a wet landing was the trickiest maneuver compared to the rest.  That’s where I saw two people do a controlled fall into the shallow water of the beach during our sailing. So maybe Flora’s zodiacs are materially better. 
 

Now an improvement with getting into the zodiac from the water after snorkeling would be a nice improvement. 

[Ken the cruiser]

Our afternoon excursion was a long, fast-paced fitness walk along with a visit to the Interpretation Center.

 

We got off our tender this afternoon at another pier which included a different greeting committee. 😂

 

 
Then we hopped on a bus for a short ride over the Interpretation Center which also was the starting point for our “fast-paced” fitness walk.

 

 
We went through the center first and glad we did because it was pretty toasty and humid inside. It would have not been too much fun if we would have had to go through it on the way back! 😁

 

Basically, the walk headed up to a couple of vista view points and over to a 3rd where there was a statue of Charles Darwin (without a beard). So off we went, and as you may have noticed, I can get “squirreled” easily if I can find a reason to take a photo! 😂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mind you we are in the back, so the “forced march” presses on when I stop to take a photo.Then I have to do double time to catch up. Definitely got the old heart pumping on this walk! 😂

 

 

 

 

 

Juvenile Frigatebird flying around with Kicker Rock in the background, which we are supposed to circle around at sunset.

 

 

Down there is where we are headed next to see the Charles Darwin statue.

 

 

 

Galapagos Cotton, used by birds to help make their nests comfy. 😁

 

 

It’s been a tough day! 😂

 

 

 

 

Opuntia, or more commonly known as the Prickly Pear, still somewhat in bloom.

 

 

Another Darwin Finch

 

Also got a picture of it in flight! 😁

 

 

Then it was back to the pier to catch our zodiac back to the ship. Of course, there was the farewell committee waiting for us! 😂

 

 

 

 
Sally Lightfoot Crabs

 

 

Frigatebirds having a good time flying around.

 

 

Edited December 16, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[Texed]

19 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

 Frigatebirds having a good time flying around. 

 

A cursed bird.

[Ken the cruiser]

Tonight while we dined on the balcony heading towards Kicker Rock, we were getting hopeful of a pretty sunset as the clouds appeared to start breaking up.

 

 
Then a group of Frigatebirds decided to stop by and say hello, probably thinking how they could swoop down and try some of our tasty dinner. 😂

 

 
After dinner since Kicker Rock was going to be on the port side, we headed out to admire the view.

 

 
Thankfully, the clouds held off consuming the sunshine just enough

 

 
to allow for a nice backdrop just at the right moment.. 😁

 

 

Edited December 16, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[Gardenbunny50]

Being a flower/plant  person, loved your “squirrel” diversion - I have been on many fast paced walking tours having to catch up from finding something interesting to capture with the lens 😁. Those cacti were incredible. 🌵

[Buddysmom10]

About how big would you say the Galapagos tortoises were that you saw? It's hard to tell from the photos. 

[mahdnc]

12 hours ago, KLM3164 said:

I know this is going to sound like a stupid question but can you please explain what is involved in a wet landing vs. a dry landing? We haven’t taken any exotic small cruises and I’m particularly interested in what you do for a wet landing and how wet do you get? TIA.

The previous posts do a good job of describing the difference between a wet and dry landing. When we attended the orientation presentation aboard Xpedition on our first day, here was their official explanation:
 

[Ken the cruiser]

9 hours ago, Buddysmom10 said:

About how big would you say the Galapagos tortoises were that you saw? It's hard to tell from the photos. 

I would say the shells of these 4 year old Giant Tortoises were a little over 3 feet long and a little less than 3 feet wide. When they turn 5 years old they are released into the wild. On our  final excursion in Santa Cruz today, we will see Giant Tortoises much older.

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Day 8 - Dec 16 (Saturday) Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

  

 

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Puerto Ayora morning excursion to the Darwin Research and Tortoise Breeding Station. BTW this is what the queuing area looks like before boarding the zodiacs.

  

 

Once it was our turn, off we went and of course we had a greeting committee. This time we were greeted by a Brown Pelican

 

 

and a dancing Darwin Finch! 😂

 

Then it was time to take a short ride to the Darwin Research Station entrance.

 

 

 
Once we got to the entrance, we still had quite the walk to get to the (saddleback) Tortoise Breeding Station. And as is usually the case, there was plenty to see along the way.

 

 

Darwin Finch

 

 

These ripening berries are grown on the Button Mangrove Tree, which the birds then munch on when ripe.

 

 

Galapagos Marine Iguana

 

 

 

 
The Prickly Pear Cactus grows to over 30 feet on Santa Cruz Island, and this one still has a few blossoms for the finch to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

Lava Lizard

 

 

And finally, the first spider and its web I’ve seen this whole cruise!

 

 

Galapagos Saddleback Tortoises, up to 5 years old and younger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Another Lava Lizard

 

 

 
Just in case anyone is interested in how the process works here at the Tortoise “nursery”.

  

 

 

 

 
If you look closely, you can see a Black Finch eating the nectar from the yellow Prickly Pear blossom.

 

 
Black Darwin Finch

 

 

 
Statue of a young Charles Darwin

 

 
Galapagos Mockingbird
 

Edited December 16, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[Ken the cruiser]

Puerto Ayora, part 2 of our All Day excursion. On this part after walking to the fish market after leaving the Darwin Station, we participated in the Scalesia Tree Planting event, then had lunch in the Highlands at the El Manzanillo Ranch, where we saw some much older Dome-shaped Tortoises in the wild!

 
First, we saw this cool statue on our walk to the Fish Market!

 

 

Let the Fish Market Games begin!

 

Lava Gull

 

 
getting all excited about what’s to come! 😂

 

 

 

And as you will soon see, so were a lot of other birds flying around!

 

 

 
Except for a nearby sleeping Sea Lion … yet!

 

 

Some of the fresh fish headed to the Flora’s galley.

 

 
If you look closely, you can see two Lava Gulls amongst the Brown Pelicans. However, they didn’t last long when 4-5 more pelicans showed up.

 

 

  
Two Lava Herons

 

 

 

 

 
When the sea Lion finally woke up and came to visit, all of the others backed off until the fisherman threw the raw fish skin out amongst them. Needless to say, the sea lion pretty much got all of it before the others could react! But no worries, more was to come for the others once the sea lion left the area. 😂

 

 

 
Male marine iguana

 

 
Brown Pelican taking a pose for the camera!

 

 
Juvenile Marine Iguanas taking control of the bridge! 😂

 

 
More Sally Lightfoot Crabs

 

 

Darwin Finch. Check out that beak!

 

 
Then we loaded into the buses and we were off to plant some trees.

  

 

 

 
On our drive to the Highlands for lunch, we passed some cows along the way!

 

 
Lunch was very tasty. Afterwards some locals provided a very entertaining show!

 

 

 
Then it was time to go out in the rain with the boots they provided to check out the Dome-shaped giant tortoises, with at least one of them over 100 years old!

 

Notice the “rings” on the shells of these two female tortoises. 

 

 

 
If the Dome-shaped Giant Tortoise doesn’t have any “rings” left on its shell that usually means it is over 100 years old! Also the females are about 1/3 the size of a male. Notice the rings have disappeared on this male tortoise.
 

 

 
This is another female.

 

  
White-cheeked Pintail Duck

 

 

Edited December 17, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[Ken the cruiser]

For those interested, tomorrow is disembarkation day, and here are the rules of engagement they provided.
 

[dlh015]

Safe travels and thanks for all your efforts! It was wonderful!

[mahdnc]

The one week cruise does go by fast in the end.  However, I remember being exhausted at the end of our second day on Xpedition and thinking "OMG, this cruise is not even half over and it feels a like we have been here forever".

 

Have a safe trip back to Quito tomorrow, Ken.

[Ken the cruiser]

7 hours ago, mahdnc said:

The one week cruise does go by fast in the end.  However, I remember being exhausted at the end of our second day on Xpedition and thinking "OMG, this cruise is not even half over and it feels a like we have been here forever".

 

Have a safe trip back to Quito tomorrow, Ken.

We have to agree with you there, and we didn’t even go snorkeling or kayaking once! 😂

[Ken the cruiser]

Day 9 - Dec 17 (Sunday) Disembarkation  Day

 
We have had the best time these past 7 days cruising around the Galápagos Islands, which will be remembered as one of our most memorable. So much wildlife!! 😁

 

Now we wait to take our last zodiac ride back to Baltra followed by a short bus ride to the airport back to Baltra where we will stay one more night at the JW Marriott hotel.

 

Just some last minute views looking out from our awesome cabin with a balcony, which we highly recommend if you are booking a future cruise on the Flora, and it’s the cheapest! 😁
 
Our morning greeting committee today was a Brown Pelican just floating around below our balcony

 

 

 
and a Frigatebird flying overhead 😁

 

Edited December 17, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[Ken the cruiser]

All went smoothly on our last zodiac ride to the Baltra pier.

 

 
Of course, we had a greeting committee at each stop along the way. First at the pier, 

 

 
Then in the VIP area at the airport while we waited to board the plane.

  

 

 

I had a brownie and this little Finch took care of the smaller pieces left in the bowl. 😁

 

 

A Finch had “tossed” a couple of rolls from a plate left behind on a table onto the floor so everyone could join in the feast! That is until someone came and picked them up! 😂

 

I guess this Galapagos Land Lizard that first greeted us when we arrived at the airport terminal 8-days ago was resting up from the next group arriving later today! Obviously, it’s not easy being the only member of the Galapagos greeting committee! 😂

 

 
We left around Noon and had a peaceful flight to Quito and bus ride back to the JW Marriott Hotel. Now it’s time to chill and plan for our long day tomorrow, which includes a private tour to see some more wildlife in the Andes before flying back home around midnight. 

[ringers0815]

Thank you for all the wonderful photos. Have a great day tomorrow and a safe trip back home.

[mahdnc]

Have fun, Ken

[DaKahuna]

@Ken the cruiser It was wonderful following along on yet another of your adventures.  I thoroughly enjoyed your commentary and especially all those beautiful pictures.   Will be looking forward to joining you virtually on your next adventure.  Maybe with more mooring lines and bollocks.  

 

 

[Gardenbunny50]

Learned even more to prepare for our May trip.

 With only doing the walks, hoping to have some time to enjoy the beautiful ship.  Did you think some walks were repetitious, ie different island same thing?  Or are there walks you would say are not to be missed?  

I probably will do them all since I don’t want to miss a thing, but just curious.

Loved all your photos and descriptive captions and the humorous ones 😁

Safe travels back home