We have again had an eventful time in the "Islas Encantada" aka the Galapagos. I wish that we could spend a month here as there is so much to see but French Polynesia beckons and the season is short so we will depart on March 31st as planned.

We had an intruder the other night. A seal decided to come aboard and make the aft cabin top his new home and the transom into his bathroom. Filthy beast made a terrible mess and woke everybody up at 0200H. Much yelling and screaming and an hour's work with a bucket and brush to clear away the large gift that the seal left behind.

Yesterday we went to Floreana, another Galapagos Island with an interesting history and much wild life endemic to the Galapagos. We saw more giant tortoises and marine iguanas. We also got to snorkelling with sharks (small ones) eagle rays and lots of tropical fish on a reef in Floreana. The wild life is incredbly tame and you can swim with the seals and sea lions inches away from you.

We also saw many marine birds found only on Galapagos, Marine penguins, frigate birds and Nazca and blue footed boobies (gotta love those boobies) The only ones absent were the red footed variety probably because the guy who spray-paints their legs was out sick that day.

We have dozens of excellent photos but the internet is so slow, they won't upload. The Admiral leaves tomorrow for the UK and the photos will be uploaded in due course from there.

All the paperwork has been done and we are getting some more fuel today, doing some provisioning for fresh produce and should be off early in the morning tomorrow. Destination Nuku Hiva, Marquesas islands approx. 3000 NM or 20 days.

Crew is myself, Ron, Van and Marcia Hughes and Larry Hoppe.