GALAPAGOS!!!

We sailed into Galapagos without the correct paperwork as we hadn't booked Brahminy in 3 months in advance. It is very difficult to get all the permits for the Galapagos as a yacht. We decided on visiting the most remote of the three islands, Isabella for the 1 port stay. We arrived and were told that unless we had an emergency we could only stay 24 hours. Luckily I did have the gear cable still broken but wired up, but when the Navy rep inspected it, the agent said that this still wasn't good enough! So seeing as Ken had actually been seasick, he took one for the team and visited the medical clinic. It was an interesting situation and there are some very funny stories to tell at a later date! But in the end with much discussion and standing around in the port captains office we were given a permit to stay!!! As soon as you arrive, the wildlife surrounds you, we had seals, dolphins, pelicans and penguins all around Brahminy from day 1. The dingy dock is covered with Sea Lions who have taken over the seats and shady spots and there are marine iguanas everywhere. I really love this place, I don't think I have ever seen a place where animals and humans live together in such harmony. I trekked up to Siera Negra, the second largest crater in the world, went to Los Tunnelas and swam with giant Green sea turtles, manta rays and sharks, dived with Hammerhead sharks and sat with ancient land tortoises and fed them hibiscus flowers in the bush. What an experience and adventure! 

Getting Diesel and water in order to leave was another huge hurdle to cross but eventually we managed it in various ways. Today we sail for the Marquesses, a 3000 NM journey and hope to have good winds and safe sailing. Then I am back to Australia and look forward to catch up with everyone soon!

The pelicans assumed this position on Brahminy and stayed put!

Marine Iguanas everywhere, vegetarian cuties!

The dingy dock, taken over for good by the seals who get frustrated if you get too close into their comfortable space...

This guy is huge and approx 150 years old, he lives in a sanctuary now and is helping to re-populate the islands Tortoises.

Exploring Isabella by bike!

The islands are very dry and dusty on the lowlands but up high they are fertile, lush and cool.

The turtle breeding program is fantastic. Every 3 months they weigh and measure the Tortoises, and I was lucky enough to be there on the day!

Feeding time for the juiveniles

I made a little buddy up at the Siera Negra trail...

Ken diving off into the 10km diameter Siera Negra crater

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Where are you Sara? You would have loved this!!!

The huge Green Sea turtle bigger than me that I was able to swim with for about half an hour, amazing.

ORCA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hammerheads, a dream for me come true.

The main drag of Isabella

Los Tunnelas

The only way I was eventually able to get water was in 15 20 litre filtered water containers...Where there's a will there's a way!

The best Cafe in town run by Jimmy who walks and cleans the rubbish off the beach every day. He also makes an awesome burger and the wifi is the best in town. Thanks for everything Jimmy!!!

Check out the sign at the Booby Trap the day I left! ' 'Ta Ta Danny Boy!'