Los Túneles

On our second day in Isla Isabela, Julia and I took a snorkeling tour to Los Túneles, The Tunnels.  A series of lava flows created a spectacular landscape of arcs and tunnels underneath and above the shallow water.  Getting to the tunnels was "interesting" and was thoroughly enjoyed by Julia because to get there, the boat driver had to time his ride in between the large waves.  Once in, we saw penguins, blue footed boobys, turtles, and sharks.  Luckily the sharks were napping...

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Video link here

Sierra Negra

Sierra Negra is an active volcano located on the south side of Isla Isabela.  It has the second largest caldera in the world.  The south side of the volcano is lush in vegetation and has over 100 family farms.  The northern side, however, is quite the opposite -- dry with cacti growing out of lava rocks.  

Volcan Chico, from my interpratation of what the guide was telling us, is the name for the northern part of Volcan Sierra Negra.  This is the area where lava flows from recent eruptions reached the sea.  

Our 11 mile hike began at ~8:00 a.m. on the sourthern side of Volcan Sierra Negra.  It was cool, foggy, and with periods of light rain.  We hiked up to the caldera and walked along the eastern ridge heading north.  Upon reaching the northern side of the caldera, the conditions quickly cleared up and the temperature was much warmer.  We headed down towards Volcan Chico and the terrain quickly changed to a drier landscape filled with lava rock and cacti.  As we headed down the caldera we walked on lava rock ranging in age from 5000 years old to that of the most recent eruption in 2005.  We saw several lava tubes, fumaroles that release hot humid air, incredible lava formations, mini volcanoes, and what many describe as a Mars-like landscape with colors ranging from red, orange, yellow, and black.  As we returned to our starting point, the afternoon soon burned off the morning fog allowing us to view the caldera in its entirety.  

This was truly and amazing hike.

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Isla Isabela

With our time in Ecuador quickly coming to a close, we decided to take our long anticipated trip to Las Galapagos.  Because we wanted the peanut to experience the Galapagos and to fully take advantage of the experience, we decided it would be a good idea to bring Marcela, Annika's nanny.  As a bonus, it was Marcela's first time on a plane and first time visiting the Galapagos.  To save time and avoid the ferry, we took an avioneta, with no more then 10 passengers including the pilot, from Baltra to the Island of Isabela.  We are grateful that she could visit this part of her country with us even though she had a peanut that requires A LOT of walking.

Annika and Marcela enjoyed hanging at the beach side hotel while Julia and I took the opportunity to take some not-so-baby-friendly tours.  Posts regarding the tours will come later later.

We felt welcomed by the staff at the Iguana Crossing hotel (where the Iguanas actually cross to go to and from the beach).  The water was perfectly warm and Annika really enjoyed walking into the waves.  Quite a different beach experience from Texas.

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Annika On The Move

Let the craziness begin...

Video below.

Cotopaxi Is Alive

For the last couple of weeks Cotopaxi has been showing signs of activity with increase sulfur emissions and long period earthquakes -- none of which could be felt in Quito.  The increase in long period earthquakes is likely due to internal fluid (magma) movements.  

Will she erupt?  Probably not but you never know.  In the picture below you could see steam clouds coming off the mountain.

Volcan Cayambe.  This one is nice and quiet.

Been trying to capture a picture to show just how close Volcan Cotopaxi is to Quito.  I think this one finally captures it.  

No Longer My Own

Random Saturday

When living in another country, sometimes you have to find things that remind you of home.  Bacon egg and cheese on a cinnamon bagel, almond croissants, and having some fantastic friends are just some of the things we found here in Quito that remind us of home.  

Countdown to our next post begins and we will surely miss this place and our great friends.

Que Linda Manita

That Was Hilarious Dad!

* Note the third bottom tooth coming out 

Visiting the Rio Grande Valley

It was getting pretty close to a year since Abuelo and Abuela have seen Annika.  With Julia's blessing, Annika and I flew to McAllen to visit the folks for a couple of days.  Vivian and Richard were kind enough to rent a place at South Padre Island so Annika could hopefully enjoy the beach.  Unfortunately Annika did not approve of how sand felt on her feet.  Regardless, a good time was had and after a couple of days with the Cubans, she warmed up to them with smiles.

We will be returning to the RGV in September to further expose Annika to screaming Cubans and to give her another try at the beach.  Hoping for better results.

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Annika's Boxing Ring

Annika's First Birthday!

We're happy to say that our peanut survived one year with us as parents...which called for celebration. We had a small party with our closest friends, the GrandMiMi, and our very own Marcela and family. Annika was spoiled with gifts and love, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Apio Verde, Mani! We love you more every day.

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Unsuccessful Photoshoot

Before her 1 year birthday, we wanted a little photoshoot to hopefully capture a great family shot.  To our surprise, the days of having a cooperative child for photoshoots were long gone.

Then her desire to climb up the stairs and crawl began...

What to do but leave her be

After letting her climb up nearly a hundred steps, we thought we would give it another try.  Nope.  She still wanted to crawl.

In the end, she had fun doing what she wanted; crawling, playing with rocks, and more importantly, getting dirty.

Better luck next time

Clear Morning

When mornings are clear here in Quito, which is not often, all of the volcanoes are visible and the views are incredible.  This morning was relatively clear, and since we are up early these days, we headed to the rooftop of the building in front of us for some fantastic dawn pictures of the volcanoes and the valley below.  I never tire of taking these types of pictures.  These views will sorely be missed.

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Learning to Y Bike

She pulls right

Andean Morning

Not Always Full of Smiles

Happy 11 Months!

This happy camper is 11 months old today.

Snowfall in Cotopaxi

On a rainy Sunday morning, I drove to Cotopaxi National Park to drop Vince off for his 5 day bikepacking trip.  Yes, 5 days bike riding at high altitude climbing up and down thousands of feet.  I too brought my new bike, which Vince graciously packed and shipped to me, to ride for an hour or two max.  Bike riding at 12,000 feet on sandy or grassy unpaved roads was difficult but the views definitely helped.

In any event, the drive up to the base camp at Cotopaxi, roughly 15,00 feet high, was cold and snowy - first time i ever experienced snowfall in Ecuador.  Vince rode back down while I drove and took pictures.  We later did a little riding in the park taking a brief break for lunch.  I left Vince where he and 2 others began a 5 day bikepacking adventure.

Antisana Ecological Reserve

What should have been a short drive from Papallacta to the Antisana Ecological Reserve was anything but. Unfortunately there is no direct route to Antisana so we had to drive through some very interesting towns, but in the end, it was well worth it. Once inside the park, the road leading to Antisana had some breathtaking views even with Antisana surrounded by clouds. Although Antisana and Cotopaxi are not very far from each other, the paramos looked different. We shall return to hopefully get a clearer view of her soon enough.

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