We will ring in the New Year in a new country. So far Peru has been hot, dusty, crowded and chaotic. But the water is a fantastic refreshing temperature compared to the hot sun. The Peru - Ecuador border was basically a crowded highway with no control, or nothing stopping you from walking or driving back and forth. Luckily, we had a "Friend" help us through the whole process and get us on our way without costing us too much money. We are currently in Mancora, Peru camping and surfing until after the New Year when we will head further South and look for the longest left-breaking wave in the world. Feliz Navidad y un Prospero Año Nuevo.

This three day backpack through the Cajas National Park ranks as one the most challenging, diverse, and awe-inspiring hikes we have ever been on. This park is said to have over 230 lakes with-in its boundaries. I feel that the mountain, rivers, waterfalls, cloud forests, natural springs and huge spanning grass lands to be more impressive than the lakes (which were everywhere). The trail which we had elected to hike was the "Camino de la Inca" but it was really very hard to find. We had to rely of map and compass navigation. The trail would shift rapidly between rolling hills with massive views to dark, moss covered forest where we literally had to swing from vines to get through. We both are very happy to have taken this trip because it justified us carrying our camping gear for so long.
We are planning on staying in Cuenca, Ecuador for Christmas because there is said to be a great holiday parade and many churches to choose from. From here, we are heading to a surf town in Northern Peru to party for the new years. Happy Holidays.

Here are a few pictures from our trip to the Galapagos. More can be seen by clicking the Honeymoon Photos link on the right side of this page.

Well, it was worth it! Eight days on a boat sailing through the Galapagos with eight other people the same age as us was a real treat. The water was amazingly blue, the wildlife was amazingly tame, we both got amazingly sunburned, and neither of us are afraid of sharks anymore. We were able to snorkle with sea turtles, whitetipped reaf sharks, and all kinds of other tropical fishes. We walked around islands trying not to step on baby sea lions or iguana watching blowholes on the cliffs as the surf rolled in. We have been eating so well on the boat that it is a tough transition back into backpacker traveler mode.

Surfing time is about to be put on hold for a bit. We are going to start snorkling with rays and turtles in the Galapagos for the next 8 days. For the last week we have been hanging out in Mantanita surfing and relaxing after our rigourous intensive Spanish Classes. We definitly had some quality hammock-time in Mantanita. Once we return from the Galapagos, we will try to post a few pictures.