Just back from a land of ancient citadels and dragons

Okay, they’re not actually dragons, but the iguanas of the Galapagos Islands are pretty amazing…

My partner and I returned this weekend from two weeks in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands — the trip of a lifetime. This Marine Iguana didn’t budge as 16 members of our tour group hiked passed him on an island trail. He kinda reminds me of a big gecko. But actually this fellow can dive to 30 feet, hold his breath for an hour and feeds on algae.

This week, I plan to post more photos and brief stories about our winter (summer, actually in Peru) trip.

Yes — we visited Lonesome George and the other Galapagos tortoises.

They still roam wild on some of the islands, but we also toured the Darwin Research Center – a haven for these gentle giants. Our trip leader told us the oldest known tortoise is estimated to have reached at least 170 years of age.

And while in Peru, we explored the Incan highlights – Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.  Here’s a shot from the trail up to the Sun Gate:

It was truly an amazing trip, and I hope to have time Tuesday morning during the “8 o’clock Hour” to share some “Musica de los Andes”!