May 4 - Isla Santa Cruz to Baltra to Quito

Many of us arose earlier than our last 6:45am wake-up call. We collected our clean shoes and clothes. The Beagle crew had washed away the mud from the volcano trek! 


We got our gear aboard the panga and went ashore to Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz. Kevin, who would stay another week on the Beagle seeing the eastern half of the archipelago, was met by his personal guide for his "gap day". Hugs all around, of course, as we bid him farewell. We also bid farewell to the Beagle and its fantastic crew.

We had a short diversion on the way across the island to Biti's home where we got the meet her yellow Labrador and one of the puppies born while Biti was away at work. The first time she had seen them was when she went ashore the previous evening.

Kevin at Los Gemelos

Our bus took us on to higher country to see Los Gemelos (the Twins), two volcanic craters, where we met Kevin and his personal guide!


After crossing to Baltra on a ferry, we said goodbye to John and Mariley who were going home via Guayaquil. We flew back to Quito for one last night at the Hilton Colon Quito saying goodbye to Martin, Denise, Eva and Judi at the airport.



It took a while for many of us to get our "land legs" after a week aboard the Beagle and a quick flight to over 9000 feet. The more hearty travelers again shopped the nearby mercado for souvenirs. Then early to bed and a 4:00 am start the following day back to the US for most of us.