familybeyond

I was lucky enough to be invited on an amazing adventure, The Galapagos Islands!   My father asked myself if i would accompany him on this trip to one of the most unique archipelagos in the world.  Of course I said Yes!  The Galapagos is a one of a kind island chain as species that live there are no where else in the world.  It consists of 21 islands with only 3 inhabited by humans.  Two out of those three have fresh water.  There are no true natives of the Galapagos as they are volcanic islands in different stages of their respective lives.  From red sand to black sandy beaches, every island is unique as they all have differing characteristics.  Many tried to colonize these islands but because of the remote location and lack of fresh water, many failed.  The pirates used these islands for hiding out and recharging in their quest for pillaging.   The species, plant and animal, have all adapted to life on these unique islands.  Most species were brought through the converging of different ocean currents whether thru the air of on debris floating in the sea.  Many of the residents are Sea birds that have adapted to life on these desolate islands.  A few other species such as marine and land iguanas, giant tortoise and other the lava lizard have found a way to survive on these lonely islands.  They are spectacular to explore as each has a different ecosystem depending on the age of the island.  Throughout Ecuador, which has claim to these islands, there are 37 active volcanoes!  A staggering number that creates a one of a kind archipelago!

Our journey started in Quito, Ecuador.  Quito is the second highest capital city in the world at 9680 feet.  It is nestled in the Andes mountain chain with the Volcano, Cotopaxi, looming over the city. It is a very sprawled out city that covers a lot of miles east to west.  We had a day layover here before continuing our trip to the Galapagos.  We ventured to Le Mitad del Mundo, the supposed center of the Earth.  The equator line runs thru here so you are able to stand on the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at the same time.  Pretty cool place.  After, we journed to the Old Town of Quito.  This is the heart and soul of the city where the daily lives of the people are flowing.  A lot of old architecture and crafts are abundant in this sector of the city.  It is a very walkable city with friendly locals everywhere.  After spending a full day in the city it was time to depart for the Galapagos the next day.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The next part of our journey was on to the Galapagos.  We arrived on San Cristobal around noon.  The weather was a bit rainy as it was the start of the rainy season.  Our trip was booked thru Ecoventura and they were waiting at the airport for us and the 16 others on our boat.  As we made our way to the marina, they had the pangas waiting which were our small boats that shuttled us the the big boat throughout the journey. The name of our ship was the Letty.  It sleeps 20 plus the crew of 10.  A very spacious boat that we were to call our home for the next 7 days.   The two naturalist guides, Yvonne and Pepe, were responsible for educating us on the unique biodiversity of the islands for our trip.  The Galapagos are all national park so the access to these islands is very limited.  Lots of fees and permits are required to be able to explore the islands.  Most of the islands, you do not have the opportunity to explore unless for scientific reasons.  The species are very protected as they exist nowhere else.  The first day consisted of a briefing of the week and a visit to a tortoise breeding program in the highlands of San Cristobal.  We were also able to become aquainted with the ship and our fellow explorers on the Letty.  Everyone on the boat was there to enjoy and treasure the unique Galapagos Experience

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The first few days of trip we visited the Islands of Genovesa ( Bird island), San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabella.   Each island was completely unique from the lava flows, the color of the beaches and the creatures that inhabit them.  They all were spectacular in their own way and inspiring.  A great environmental lesson was learned as we saw that with proper regulations and a whole lot of love, man doesnt have to destroy everything! They have preserved these islands from the devastating effect of the human population by laws of protection.  Inspiring to see that it is possible!  Humans of the Earth, I hope you are listening and watching.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Not only was the land experience quite fabulous, the snorkeling off the islands was incredible.  We saw more sea lions than you could imagine, Galapagos penguins, Sea turtles ( Hawksbill and Green Sea), White tip reef sharks, Starfish, Urchins, Octopus and many  different varieties of tropical fish.   This archipelago is truly amazing!  The last few stops on our journey were to the islands of Baltra, Fernandina, Rabida, Santa Cruz and then back to San Cristobal.  A truly once in a lifetime experience that I would recomend to everyone.  Many thanks to my parents for making this trip possible!   Take care of our Earth and environment so we can all experience the magnificence of it all!!!!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

As everyone has heard, the hurricane called Michael decimated the towns of Panama City and Mexico Beach.  We were fortunate in our area not to be in the path of destruction.  This morning my fellow Earth Ambassadors and I made oatmeal and coffee for some of the victims of this mass destruction. We also brought supplies and such for the people of these areas.  You can see pictures of the devastation but until you are there the photos do not do it justice.  Buildings, trees and utility poles uprooted and shredded.  Houses everywhere destroyed and the people have been displaced.  It is a very sad and unfortunate situation for many.  If you have the means, please donate to local charities..if not money, blankets, clothes and food items are greatly appreciated.  If you have any used items that you can donate, please do!  You can send them to I or find a charity that you feel comfortable with.  The people need your help!!!!

The next portion of our journey was to Barcelona.  A very international city that sprawls out across a very large area.  A beautiful town in Catalonia that meets the Mediterranean Sea with a beautiful backdrop of mountains.  It was a little trickier navigating thru this city as it seems to go on forever.  The first day we traversed thru Las Ramblas which is a very upscale shopping area which backs up to the Gothic Quarter.  The quarter is the original center of Barcelona with Roman walls and buildings dating back to 1000.  The history of Spain is amazing as we dont have this history in the US.  On Sunday we booked a trip to go to Montserrat which is the mountains that intertwine with the city.  There is a monastery built into the mountainside which is accesible by funicular.  An amazing place that makes you ponder how in the world they built it without the technology we have today.  We had a treat before going to the monastery, Horseback Riding!  We went to Juans ranch in Montserrat and went on a 3 mile ride by horse.  Lindsey’s horse was Dusty and mine was Cherokee.  An incredible experience as the scenery was amazing!

The last couple days we spent in Barcelona we visited some of Gaudi’s masterpieces.  Starting with Parc Guell which is sort of a whimsical park in North Barcelona.  We saw the Casa Mila with its funky twists and turns.  The last was the most impressive of the all, Sagrada Familia, which is the cathedral of all cathedrals we visited in Europe.  An amazing body of work which is still being finished today.  The last day we were able to go to Montjuic which is the fort that overlooks and once protected the Catalonians from invaders.  The Arc de Triomph which is Spains version, did not signify anything but impressive nonetheless.  I went for a visit to Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s massive stadium.  Everything we visited was amazing!  Spain is a beautiful country filled with the most friendly and environmentally conscious people.  Makes me wonder why such a smaller country is so far ahead of us in its environmental stance.  All in all, our trip was amazing and I look forward to traveling with my lovely partner to every corner of the Earth.

Bless Up!!!!

Kevin

It has been quite some time that I have been able to travel.  Many reasons and life experiences have not enabled travel for myself the past many years.  As the children are growing up and creating a life of their own, travel has slowly started opening its door to me.  I took the opportunity to get a week on the road with my new partner, Lindsey.  We decided to jet out to Seattle and Port Townsend for a week.  Our flight left Atlanta on Tuesday morning, we spent the night in the back of the Toyota Tacoma in the airport parking lot as we arrived late in Atlanta early Tuesday morning.  We hopped on the flight to Denver with a 7 hour layover.  We chose to go to Boulder for a romp to kill some of the layover time.  A special place in my heart as I once called this lovely city home.  We had an amazing Indian lunch at Jaipur, who doesn’t love a tasty Indian buffet.  After walking around the city for a minute, it was time to head back to the airport.  Had an all time hilarious moment in the boarding line to Seattle, not gonna tell the story because you had to be there.  The flight to Seattle was without incident and we arrived at 6ish.  Scooted over to her sisters spot in downtown Seattle.  The next day we woke and had a day with Lindsey’s nephew, Otto.  Had an amazing breakfast at a cafe in Ballard.  Generally, we just cruised around, checking out different neighborhoods downtown and the bountiful wares they offered.  A super mellow day, temperature is around 40ish with snowy rain.  Kind of nice to get a taste of winter away from the beach.  Up already on Wednesday morning, getting in to the next day of adventure.

We embarked upon the suburb of Queen Anne, our beloved compadre, Otto, was not with us today as he was on his quest for learning.  We had some nice coffee and went to the 5 Cup, somewhat of a Seattle fixture.  Just cruising around the different neighborhoods of this beautiful town.  Pike Street Market was next on our agenda along with a lunch at Ba Bar and their exquisite noodle bowls.  The sun peaked its head through the clouds which seem to encompass the sprawling mountainous city.  Hoping for a glimpse of the magnificence of Mt. Rainier, today was not the day despite the parting of clouds.  On Friday, we had an unexpected pleasure of attending an Estate Sale in Queen Anne.  A bunch of lovely finds gave us the momentum of true adventure.  It was followed by a lunch in Chinatown, Sichuan Restaurant, which fueled us to a great market called, Uwaijayama, a virtual heaven with ingredients which make your brain and mouth salivate with endless possibilities of culinary delight.  Some more thrifty shopping in Wallingford followed by a cozy get together at Lindsey’s sister, Shelby, house.

On our way to Hama Hama and Port Townsend………..

As I have ktried to raise the kiddos with a healthy lifestyle, we are always talking about nutrition and the state of food in the US.  Many topics from vegetarian to processed foods.  It sparks many lovely conversations at the dinner table.  Based on a lot of the family discussions, Ashler and I have decided to give up sugar for a year.  In the quest to achieve ultimate abdomens and nourish our bodies in the best possible way!  Here are are a picture of our abs or lack thereof as we start………..hopefully they look different when we finish!

A project I have been working on for years now whether it be just thoughts and ideas has finally come to fruition.  I have wanted a working Flower Farm for some time.  The kiddos and I have finally started this project.  We have a 1/4 acre plot right now planted with sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, celosia and bells of ireland.  We are currently selling the bouquets to private clients.  It has been a learning curve as we are trying to figure out the hot summer of Florida.   Here are some of are bouquets…..

In January, I was fortunate enough to live in Venice Beach for the month and attend Matthew Kenney Culinary School. It was an amazing journey that I blogged about my whole experience…….rawandjuicylife.blogspot.com