THURMOND LAKE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON

A 2008 TLS&PS TRAVELING BURGEE STORY

EXPLORING PERU AND ECUADOR

by P/C Steve LaPonte, AP

Buenos Dias.  We just returned from visiting the Amazon Rainforest and Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.  Thirteen SLVers enjoyed this adventure; the Allens, Ilse Dill & son, Isaacsons, LaPontes, Nortons, Marlene Raack, Joan Robertson, and the Sautters.  Our group was small and could move quickly while gaining some in-depth knowledge of each country. 

 We began our journey in Lima, Peru and then traveled to Iquitos where we met the river boat to take us to the Amazon Lodges.  While touring the Amazon, we flew the Squadron burgee on the Amazon River boat and on a panga while fishing for piranha.  Fortunately, we got to eat the piranhas and they didn’t get to eat us.

 Since there were no bow staffs on the river boat or panga, Mo had to hold the burgee and try to stay upright at the same time.

 After a few days of hiking in the Amazon, we flew to Cusco, Peru and took the train to Machu Picchu.  As you have probably heard, the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu are truly an awe-inspiring experience. 

Finally, we flew to Quito, Ecuador and then on to the Galapagos Islands where we boarded a yacht to allow us to visit many of the islands.  We hiked and snorkeled to get up-close and personal with iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies, as well as many other native inhabitants of the islands.

Here are TLS&PS members, Joyce and Mo Isaacson and Carol and Steve LaPonte sitting on the yacht’s bow.

After this adventure we can understand why these three wonderful places make all the lists for ‘Places to see before we die.’