Kelcey Chandler-Yates and Jim Yates present...

UnderSeaPhotoVideo.com

April 30th 2002
We have been off the coast of Santa Cruz, a small island that is part of the Galapagos archipelago. Since we have been here, we have enjoyed feeding giant tortoises, sea lions and pelicans.  Observed marine as well as land iguanas and enjoyed watching the beautifully colored crabs called sally light foot dance across the lava rocks by the surf.  It has been amazing to watch the children's eyes as they continue to discover new things about our earth via the actions of different animals.  Long discussions about evolution containing heated discussions between the children about where the tortoises came from and how they got here-why they look the way the do and how and why they have evolved into different subspecies in different areas. Good for the brain for sure.  When Jim and I were here 10 years ago this was a "must bring the boys" kinda place-we were right-they are fascinated.  Not to mention they found a place to boogie board where the surfers hang and they are able to glide along 6-7 foot waves!  Kid heaven once again-I can only wonder how this is going to shape their lives.  Well tomorrow, we leave for the island of Isabella.  Now it is time to enjoy some quiet time watching "Dances with Wolves" with the boys.

May 1, 2002
After a short sail over to the island of Isabella we were greeted as we sailed into the anchorage by three small hammerhead sharks and then once landing with the dinghy by several Galapagos penguins and a few sea lion pups-then it was down the dusty dirt road for ice cream----some things have snorkel with the wildlife!  Tonight we partied with four other boats that have kids.  We had a big BBQ on the beach where Wahoo was cooked.  It was great fun meeting new people and hearing their stories.

May 9th, 2002
Left this am from Isla Isabella Galapagos for the Marquises. Three long weeks! Isabella was a joy however--we enjoyed time together as a family--horseback riding on nags up to the second largest calderas in the world, for this trip I came up with the brilliant idea to take all the kids in the anchorage and give their parents a break!  All was fine until the long hot walk on the lava and them not having enough water!  --Luckily, as I am not always so well prepared, I brought double the amount for the family--still not enough but it worked out ok), snorkeling with penguins (cute little guys who loved to sit on the rocks to sun themselves and sea lions who danced in the water with us.  Feeding pelicans left over sailfish and taking plenty of pictures of giant tortoises were other fun pass times.  The kids had a blast, as there were several other kids in the anchorage from all over the world who were awaiting travel to several different places. They learned how to surf the big waves from a "surfer (60) dude" and improved their soccer skills with tips from a world champion who resided in Isabella.  We also went for what is now known as "Kelsey's type" of hike --3 miles down a beach at dark to look for sea turtles hatching.  We didn't find any babies but we saw many nests and nick chased many ghost crabs-- also got a lesson in how hermit crabs mate as they were going for it all over the beach!  --As were the tortoises, I might add! (They still do it at 90 years old!) We were all pooped when we arrived back at the boat and enjoyed the company of newfound friends from the states who are raising their children on this wonderful island paradise.  -(Three twin boys of 5 and a beautiful little girl of 2--and she wants more--I think the sand and salt have gotten to her! but if anyone should have more it is these folks!) Such a quaint little place--we really loved it but had to leave after a short 15 days as French Polynesia is calling. Now here on my first watch of this crossing there are beautiful skies filled with shooting stars and phospho-luminesence abounds in the sea. The seas are lumpy but the winds are now a consistent 12-14 knots so travel is constant.

Back to the stars -- All is well