Steve H. Taylor

In the Galapagos Islands with Satch and Becky Krantz from January 23 -30, 2018. On the Beagle (see below), we sailed the Northern route that included the islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina. We kayaked, went snorkeling several times, hiked on lava and viewed much amazing wildlife. Some days it was a little "rolly", as observed by one of our fellow British travelers.

Spent the last two days in Quito, Ecuador (2/21 &2/23) with Becky and Satch Krantz, Eric and Melissa Krantz, and Melissa's parents Maria Eugenia and Marcello. What a fantastic tour of the rainforest and then the City of Quito. Monday is the changing of the guard at the Presential Palace - quite a show. The photo is from a roof top restaurant in central Quito. Tomorrow we fly to the Galapagos Island where we will likely not have wifi or telephone service.

On Thursday, January 19, we took a walk along Cinta Costera, a bike and pedestrian walkway from old town, where we are staying, to the Central City. It is a beautifully landscaped walkway with great views towards the City. Other than these landscaped walkways, Panama City, like most older Latin American cities, is difficult for walkers with small sidewalks in rough condition. Very humid and guidebooks have stated it is a three shower a day city.

A great morning for birding at the the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center Observation Tower and Trails. Stayed in the area (Gamboa) about an hour longer than anticipated as there was maintenance on a bridge that was the only way back. Had a picnic lunch and then a quick visit to the Summit Zoo which really is a beautiful botanical garden with a few native animal exhibits, including ones for the Baird's tapir and another for Harpy Eagle. I believe the Miami Zoo and the Hous

Our first day in Panama City we went to a native Panamanian village of the Embera where we had a tour and a wonderful lunch. Later we toured the Biomuseo, the only Frank Gehry building in Latin America (photo above). It is a wonderful museum educating guests on the very special biodiversity of Panama and the importance of Panama in creating a land bridge between North and South America. After the Museum we did a bike ride along the Amador Causeway. A very full day.

We are headed to Panama, Ecuador and Peru. We are packed, have a house sitter and arranged for a taxi tomorrow. This trip is a mere 23 days, not like last years 83 day Around the World Adventure. Exactly thirty years ago I visited the Galapagos Islands as part of a Sacramento Zoo sponsored ecotourism program (above photo). Looking forward to showing Sarah these fascinating islands and their "close-up" wildlife. We will also be visiting Machu Picchu in Peru.