Our Ecuadorian Experience Day

Yesterday was a glorious and exhausting day.

We started by waking up around 6 AM so everyone could get ready before our 6:30 light breakfast. Breakfast consisted of a cheese sandwich, fresh orange juice, and coffee. The team pilled into vans at 7 AM to start our “Ecuadorian Experience” Day. We proceeded to drive for about 1 hr and a half along the winding shoreline through various towns to Puerto Lopez.

Once we there, we finally got our helado. I was beginning to think there was an ice cream shortage. And yes we did have ice cream at 8:30 in the morning. We spent some time in the couple of shops outside the boat touring company. We would soon find out that it was more than necessary to use the bano here as the one on the boat was tight for a 9 year old to fit in.

The boat ride to the Isle de la Plata national park was not as bumpy as expected. We prayed for physical well being and it was granted since no one experienced sea sickness. One of the great natural treasures the previous group talked of was the sighting of large whales. About 45 minutes into the ride I spotted 2 whales jumping out of the water in unison forming two perfect half moons. I would soon come to find out that this would be the only time they would leap so high as to see air under their large bodies. The captain stopped the boat and all we all waited in silence for the next viewing. Janai headed of the team on our boat as being the most excited about the whales. She will definitely be starting the first whale fan club completed with pictures and videos when she returns.

The view of the island coming in was magnificent. The earth had been carved in such a way that looked as if fingernails had been dragged across the face of each cliff. As we approached we could see and hear the tide of clear blue-green water breaking on the jagged rocks at the bottom of each cliff. Once we reached solid ground we sorted through all the shoes, since there were none allowed on the boat to minimize slipping, and proceeded to clean our feet. During the bathroom breaks Teresa guided her and Isabel into the men’s restroom as the signs were a bit confusing. We will never know their true motives.

Our guide instructed us that there were two routes to take: one being a little under 3 hours and the other being a bit over 3 hours. The decision in our group was left up to two of Pearl’s sons, Nathan and Elijah. Of course they would choose the longer route. Before starting we were told we could each carry a 2 and a half foot long wood spike up the mountain to help out the park. Some of us obliged as we did not know what we were getting into. Immediately we walked up 300-400 steps that would test any hiker. This was followed by our first break coincidentally. We placed the spikes on the ground and listened to our guide as Pearl translated.

We obtained a great deal of history about the island and of the migration pattern of the whales that visit every year. I will refer to the rest of our adventure as a hike since our entire group was stretched to their limit physically and mentally. Breaks were roughly every 25 minutes to either rest or view the unique Blue Footed Boobies and Red Footed Boobies. Our guide placed us in such close proximity that we could take pictures that rivaled National Geographic. We also witnessed how a mother nestled her egg beneath her protected it from harm.

Another bird whose name I can not recall had a large red pouch beneath its beak that would fill up with air in an effort to attract the female of the species. The hike sent us to the top of the island where breathtaking views of the ocean below were abundant. We would come to find out later that the use of the hats Teresa provided were a must as the other group experienced a great deal of sunburn. After hiking over 5 miles we ended with a dip in the ocean and did some snorkeling to see the wonders below. Joe took this time to leave his life token at the bottom of the ocean to rest for eternity. The group left the island ready for food and sleep. 2 hours later we arrived at 7:15pm back at La Cueva. After we devoured our meal we were quick to sleep.

On behalf of the team,

Shaun

P.S. Happy Birthday Mary!!! Love you sister! Hope all is well! ~Jenn