Sunday, June 22, 2014

Icelandic Horseback Riding Day

Had a great weather day. We have had only two really nice sunny days on this trip and this morning was beautiful, crispy cold. The horses were really well trained and rode much smoother than Texas horses. There were several students who had never rode before and they were excited to accomplish this. After lunch back at the hostel, we all went to town to have exploration and shopping time. I cannot believe how fast these two weeks have flown by. This group has been wonderful. They are helpful, kind, curious, and focused on learning photography. I love watching their photography interest grow.

Whale watching


Thursday, June 19, 2014

Viking Village Hike

After a four hour hike everyone was starving and ready for lunch. We finished the days adventure by going to a movie set that Mel Gibson was supposed to star in.  The movie never got shot. The Viking village set provided lots of exploration excitement. 

TEAM PUFFIN WINS PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

Sporting their first place trophy glasses, Team Puffin unites for the awards photo. 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Lunch at Hofn

Stopped for hotdogs ( a national food treasure ) and other sandwiches by the harbor. It is a beautiful day here. Students are out having a photo  scavenger hunt. 

Sunset on the Amazon

Sunset on the Amazon
We had some of the most spectacular sunsets. Our cabanas over looked Piranha Laguna. From our open air lodge you could see the most beautiful close to the day.

National Geographic Ecuador Group

National Geographic Ecuador Group
We gathered with Massimo (front and center) for a group shot before he had to leave us and return to Italy. We are all back in Houston now and have made many wonderful memories.

White water tubing

White water tubing
In freezing cold river water, our group loaded onto two tube rafts for an adventure ride. Lots of gasping for breath as the cold water hit the body, lots of screams as your tube raft headed into the rapids, and lots of smiles from everyone.

Watching and waiting for Hummingbirds

Watching and waiting for Hummingbirds
Biologist, Nicki, names some of the birds that we are trying to photograph.

TARABITA

TARABITA
Day four started with a ride across the canopy in the tarabita.

Bug Hunting Hikes

Bug Hunting Hikes
In the evenings, when it is not pouring down rain, we hunt along the road for nocturnal critters. It is quite entertaining to see the students excitedly looking under leaves and rocks. I would have to say that Callie and Madeleine Ham won the most critters found award for our time in Mindo.

Making Chocolate

Making Chocolate
As one drops the cocoa beans into the press the other pushes down and out come delicious chocolate. We had bananas, kiwis, apples, and pineapple to dip. We even had left overs....wish I knew where that tub of chocolate was.