It was a cloudless night and temperatures were down to single figures and we slept like babes..:)
Packing up and saying goodby to our brilliant hosts Andy & Gabby at Coda Vista, and also neighbours from Spain, David and Nuria and two beautiful children of 6 and 4. We viewed their vehicle with envy. A rugged looking purpose built 4×4 camper by Iveco. Every vehicle has it’s benefits and drawbacks. Like Sarah & Tim, traveling with family, requires space.
Mum supervising the children’s education. Like us, they have been traveling off and on, for several years.
First task after departing was to head down town to another camera shop. This time we had intel from Andy that ABfotovideo were the real deal. So it proved. While they could not fix the Nikon while we waited, they did have a range of lenses that would fit the back-up camera a Cannon 250D. In short order I had purchased a 55 – 250mm telephoto lens. Meanwhile, while we are in the Galapagos, they will attempt to repair the Nikon. If parts are needed, we will pick it up when back In Quito and I’ll have it fixed when back home in the UK or NZ. Any parts needed will not arrive before we leave.
Our destination for today.
Brilliantly, the camera shop was in the same building as a Maxi Supermarket. While Jen kept the parking warden at bay, I shopped and when I returned, she shopped. Parking cost 40c for an hour. Our cost of living in both NZ and the UK is outrageously expensive compared with here. Shopping was done by 11am and we were on our way.
When checking in, one of the birds above, a male was sitting on a bamboo pole but I did not have the camera.
Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
A visit to BellaVista Cloud Forest Lodge high up in the mountains and about 20k off the main road, is where we headed. It’s owned by an Englishman whom we have yet to meet. Again, out of the city we climbed and climbed then a long decent to the turn off and along a narrow gravel road that mostly climbed too.
On arrival, Jen spent at least an hour online, trying to pay for our trip to the Galapagos. The agents were very particular in how it should be done. Once completed and we had set up camp on a sloping site beside the entrance, it’s more a lodge than camp site, we went for a walk along a designated track, into the forest. While we saw many small birds, none were bold enough to be able to be photographed.
Though by reception, there were a number of sugar-water stored bird-feeders specifically for Hummingbirds. At times there are literally dozens flitting and hovering waiting for a space to drink. By the time we got back from our walk, the reservoir was nearly empty.
Three different species.
Since arriving, I have been having a fascinating WhatsApp conversation with Chris, the American lady who helped us yesterday. Her father was sacrificed in the 80’s by the American administration while working for them in Central America. I can’t begin to comprehend the damage that will have done to her as a young child, and her family. It’s no wonder she is living in Quito.
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The bird you failed to capture on camera was a Collared Trogon. I was fortunately able to photograph one in Tobago, where it is fairly rare. The Galápagos Islands will offer you the Blue Footed Booby, the flightless cormorant and the Galapagos Hawk. Keep them peeled x
Hi Bridget, No need for us to have a bird book..:) We’ll keep you busy….:)
Best to you both.
Us x