09-21-24 Puerto Morro
A great sleep in a gorgeous room led to an easy wake up and go. We had a delicious breakfast and then joined Steven and Jo to meet Fernando in the lobby for our tour.
We are blessed as he is not a tourist guide but rather a marine biologist who studies dolphins and other mammals!
There are two tides, twice a day, two hours apart. Very unusual. In Guayaquil, Jan-April is rainy humid season, May to December weather stays the same everyday. At most 12 degree difference over the year. Cold current from south creates this unusual coastal current. This is considered a coastal town even though it is 90 Km from ocean. This is because the river is influenced by tides.
95% of farmed shrimp that is exported comes from this area. most important industry after petroleum.
These dolphins are an endangered species. He estimates that the ones we see today will disappear within 45 years.
Orcas are same species as Dolphins
Rosette Spoonbills use their beaks to lure shrimp when tide is low
White Ibis and Blue egret
First was Brown Pelican, group are bigger Peruvian ones ( so many pics, so many notes)
Whimbrills brown on branch
Tiny kingfishers
Edwin was the helper. Fernando said he gives him coins and is the only child he lets help
El Morro has most hours of sunshine in Ecuador just like Cranbrook does in Canada.
Once back at the hotel we got ready and met Ricardo in the lobby for our walking tour of Guayaquil which should have happened when we arrived last evening so we would know what to be sure to do this evening. Too late!
9 de Octubre is Guayaquil Independence Day
We did have a nice walk and then the bus picked us up and dropped us in Old town. As Steven, Jo, Tracey and I hadn’t had an actual meal since breakfast, we chose to stay and eat at Camaleon. We had good food and drink and great conversation before strolling back along the water on the Malecon. It took us up through the arts district and then down through the entertainment area and market. A lovely lovely evening and I was able to find a Panama hat for Will.
Back at the hotel we headed for the 18th floor where I bought myself a certified handmade in Ecuador Panama hat and then we sat at the bar for a drink. The two young cuties behind the bar have served us well the last two nights. One even told me a good spot to go for a really good martini if only I had one more night.
A guy saddled up to the bar and we found out he was from San Diego. Russel is 68 and funny, travelling solo. He is on the same tour as us just one day later. Tracey headed up to the room to pack and I stayed for a chat and martini. Two of his travel mates joined. Joseph and Daniel are 40 and fun. Joseph asked me for my IG and is very interested in them coming volunteer at MusicFest next year. Apparently it’s super cheap for them to fly LA to Vancouver.
The time came quickly to head to the room and pack. I had to move some heavier things to my carry on. With no scale it’s all a guessing game.
I had a lovely last evening.
triumphgal 