Almost to Ecuador - May 29

Not much happening during the day except time spent working in the library.  We are getting lots of company from the students in there as they work on projects or research their options in Ecuador – our tour guides for each country make us very popular.

For dinner, I met with a small group of faculty and staff we connected with in Costa Rica before the voyage.  We enjoyed one of the special dinners that are available for an additional fee.  We celebrated the 35^th anniversary of a faculty member and his wife.  They are a great couple and I really enjoy their company.  We had a great time at dinner with much laughter, champagne and excellent food. 

After dinner, I had to attend a meeting for trip leaders.  Turns out I am the only faculty member who is on my particular Galapagos trip so I had no choice but to be a leader.  After some of the experiences I had as a leader on the Fall 07 voyage, I was feeling a bit of trepidation but the good news is only 16 people (including me) are on this particular trip.  Two other factors make me dread this leadership role a little less: 1) the students are wonderful on this voyage – they are hardworking and focused and not inclined to let loose and do inadvisable things; and 2) the tour company is the same one from Peru and after our adventure getting to Machu Picchu, my respect for them is absolute.  I’m hoping this is going to be a stress-free trip for me.  I’m keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed.

We arrive in Manta, Ecuador tomorrow and I have absolutely nothing planned for the first day.  The town has some beaches and restaurants but I think I might stick to the ship and take some down time for myself before the three-day odyssey to the Galapagos.  I learned from the last voyage that recharging the Kathy-batteries is a necessary thing that I didn’t do enough of so I’m going to do a whole lot of nothing and I’m really looking forward to it.  I promise to return on Sunday with lots of wonderful tales of sea lions and blue footed boobies.