Galap a gogo: Espanola Island/Gardener Bay

1:30pm Sunday 8th May 2016 = a moment in time.

I had enjoyed a tasty lunch with a glass (or was it 2?) of chilled white wine. I was alone at the stern of the boat, ostensibly waiting for Richard's stuff in the tumble dryer, but that doesn't begin to paint the picture. Leaning over the rail I could see a pristine white-sand beach, empty of course, that I would be visiting later that afternoon. It was warm and tranquil. I felt blessed and at peace in this wonderful world within my world.

By Day 3 of our expedition and the voyagers were now getting along very well. The staff couldn't do enough to make our holiday the best. The guides were especially impressive with their scientific knowledge, physical fitness and patience with the rookie adventurers. One of the passengers was the opera singer, Joyce DiDonato (click here for her website), who was performing at The Royal Opera House, London shortly after the trip. 10 of the 26 voyagers were from the States, and whilst being of a certain age, were game for Galapago-go-going. Someone came up with the bright idea of jumping off the ship's stern. The staff asked the captain, the captain radioed back to base and got the ok. Seemed a bit 'elf 'n safety at the time, but turned out to be a wise precaution. Janet took the plunge and dislocated her shoulder. The ship had to divert to the hospital, but all was well once it was clicked back into place (ouch).