Back on the mainland of Ecuador this evening. Spent the last 5 days in The Galapagos Islands. Visited Isla Baltra, Seymour, Isla Bartolome´, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz and Isla San Cristobal. The ship I was on, Galapagos Explorer II, was fabulous and met some great people. Saw so many amazing things and learned so much. I´ve posted a few pictures below, but you can only imagine how many I have. The wild life was so vast and since these animals have never had humans as predators, they have no fear of us and you are able to get so close. The sea lions come right up to you. One day snorkeling a sea lion literally was swimming with me and wanting to play. The highlights for me were definitely when we could get in the water. Swam with sea turtles, sea lions and white tip reef sharks. No hammerhead sharks in site, but was hoping to see one.

Flying back to Chicago tomorrow morning for a couple of days and then off to Australia.

Will update again from ´down under.´