It's 12:15 on Monday April 27, our days are full here. So far today, we've had a walk from 7:30-9:15 and a snorkel from 10:30-noon. I'm pooped but happy. Doug's down at lunch and I'm snacking on grapes...the largest grapes I've ever seen. They're the size of golf balls..red with seeds.

Most folks on board are from USA or Australia, with a few Brits and Canadians and South Africans thrown in for good measure. There are a couple of kids on board.one precocious 7 year old girl from Australia with her mum and a lovely12 year old boy with his dad. Loads of age ranges with most folks over 50.hikes are hot and somewhat precarious because of footing,but not too hard...yet. This afternoon, Doug went on another hike and I went snorkeling again. Food is fresh and tasty. Dinners are just okay. Not gourmet but things you have at home. There are lots of veggies and fruit and fresh fish and meat.I find the service levels very good.

One of our hall mates had a birthday today. We were all served champagne at dinner and they were serenaded when they returned to their room, which was decorated with lights, a towel penguin, a card, champagne, balloons and chocolate with strawberries.

While Doug has made breakfast for the past two days, I haven't. But, I have enjoyed the ceviche each lunch time. The first day was tuna, yesterday was octopus and today, crab. Last night, I had a great steak at the grill. Each day, they bring a fresh fruit bowl with pears, apples, bananas and red grapes, which are wonderful. They stock your fridge with whatever you want to drink. There are also great chocolates left each night and plantains and sweet potato chips.

We've seen two types of frigate, giant birds-who puff up their bright red chests to attract females, and three types of boobys. Birds are everywhere and you can observe many species doing many things. We've seen marine and land iguanas in abundance. It's adorable to see the chicks, booby fishing, and mating rituals. The blue footed booby does a very cute little mating dance hopping from foot to foot to show one another that they are blue footed booby.

Saw a couple of sting rays swimming and schools of fish this morning, but nothing else too exciting. Fun, nevertheless. This afternoon, Doug had a volcanic walk...not his favorite, but I chose to go snorkeling. My group had a special treat of penguins as well, but sadly we missed the penguin sex. Evidently, after the two did the deed, another two joined them and they all went into their rock cave together. I guess they were having a ménage a quadruple. The fish were lovely...huge schools of them...with a big blue star fish and silver dollars about 2 feet wide. There are loads of giant fish. The water is not terribly warm. You really need a wet suit, surprising since it's so hot, but it's probably due to the Antarctic currents.

You're always wet..either sweaty or from sea water.. So it's really nice to have a balcony to dry out your things. While the Jimmy Choos aren't required, I'd recommend bringing multiple sandals, thongs, hiking shoes, sneakers. The ship is nice about drying your things as well as fixing broken sandals. My pair was delivered back this morning.

While Quito required layers, it is just hot here. No outerwear required except for lots of sun tan lotion, bug spray, hats, long sleeved shirts for sun protection, swim suits, shorts for day and a sun dress or slacks for evening. You really need to bring two sets of shorts and two tops per day. I shower at least twice per day.

Some side notes...Love watching the water go straight down the drain. There's no swirling here at the equator and you see constellations from both the northern and Southern Hemisphere.

Tuesday will be a bit less busy. We have an 8 am kayak trip for an hour. I hope Doug and I are in synch and we just don't paddle in circles. Then, were going snorkeling at 9:30 til noon. We have a 90 minute zodiac cruise at 3:30. Dinner tomorrow is back in the grill. Yea