DAY TWO THURSDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2013
At the airport, a representative of Aggressor Fleet met us and directed us through obtaining a travel visa ($10.00 US). At the airport checking in for our Aero Gal flight to Baltra, Galapagos Is. All luggage is x-rayed, looking for fruit and other contraband that might be dangerous to the islands (completely different purpose/outlook than TSA examination). Of course we were plenty early Then we boarded our jet for a 1-1/2 hr flight to Baltra. De Plane! De Plane! On the flight, I sat next to Walter, our Aggressor Fleet guide/MC. He was first helpful by recommending the cheese in our "airline meal" since I offered it to him; he declined, but said I really should eat some fresh Ecuadoran cheese. He was right; it tasted much better than it looked. After an hour-and-a-half jet plane ride we had our first sight of the Islands . . . . . . and our second view . . . Remember that sand spit - you'll see it again from the ocean At Baltra, again through customs and pay a park fee ($100.00 US). Again transfers were covered, so after we collected luggage this time we boarded a bus . . . to the harbor and the yacht. Then another fleet's snorkel/land tour passengers boarded; we were packed in like sardines . . . SRO. One of our divers let an more senior-appearing woman in his seat and I met Henrietta - a Nederlander from Utrecht. She and her friend left Holland on 20 October, went to Cura‡ao, then down the Caribbean side of South America, and over to Galapagos (saving the best for last). At the dock, we and our carryons were transferred to Zodiacs for the trip over to the yacht. There were blue-footed boobies, fur seals & some sort of heron at the landing. Lunch is served, buffet-style The port side of the boat is the dining area. When 16 people all sit down to eat, we take a bit of a list Mirrored wall and companionway to lower berths Had lunch, a briefing, room assignments (Gar & I are in Room #2, lower starboard side), unpacked the dive gear & clothes. Gar contemplating, "Where am I gonna put all this gear?"
My bunk, with presentos to welcome us: Chocolate, water bottle, sticker, vegetable ivory key tag, robe, towels & information about energy/water conservation.

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