Back to the Mainland--June 15

 This morning was beautiful and sad all at the same time. We had the opportunity to step shore an sunrise for a final walk with sea lions.

 The sunrise was beautiful and I didn't want to regret missing a moment, so I was one of very few who took the dinghy to the beach. It really was magical. The sea lions were also waking up. Some played in the surf, but most were still drowsy. I really wished I could spend a lifetime in just these few moments.

 

Then, we had a short sail back to Baltra where we waited for the plane to take us back to Quito. A sea lion sat on the bench to bid us farewell. As did a local dog. I was relieved as we pulled away in the shuttle to see the dog walking away with a local. I knew he was taken care of.

Upon arrival in Quito, most of the group left us at the airport and took a half-day tour of the city. They are leaving tonight. We have another day for a full-day tour tomorrow. We got back to the Casa de Hacienda La Jimenita and were greeted by Feris and taken to our rooms. This time we were in the "new" section. I love the construction because they have done such an amazing job blending it to look like it has been there for a hundred years. The bed was sooooo comfortable.  And I enjoyed a LOOOONNNGGG HOT shower!!!

We spent the afternoon wandering around the property. I was more adventurous than The Musician. After we found a newly discovered tunnel (which now has electric lighting) and followed it to the bottom, I decided I wanted to take a walk to find the bottom exit from the outside. 

The views were spectacular. Found an old aqueduct system and heard rushing water at the bottom of a gorge, but I couldn't see the water it was so deep.

The flowers were beautiful. 

 

 The structures were fantastic.

We even had an amazing clear view of the Cotapaxie volcano that is always covered in snow.

The group reconvened for one final dinner, and our specially prepared vegan mushroom stroganoff was the best meal of the trip. We stayed up to bid farewell and then to the very soft, very comfortable, very cozy bed to dream of where we've been and what we've seen.